Chapter 2—My Conversion
In March, 1840, William Miller visited Portland, Maine, and gave
his first course of lectures on the second coming of Christ. These
lectures produced a great sensation, and the Christian church on Casco
Street, occupied by Mr. Miller, was crowded day and night. No wild
excitement attended these meetings, but a deep solemnity pervaded
the minds of those who heard his discourses. Not only was there
manifested a great interest in the city, but the country people flocked
in day after day, bringing their lunch baskets, and remaining from
morning until the close of the evening meeting.
In company with my friends I attended these meetings and listened
to the startling announcement that Christ was coming in 1843, only a
few short years in the future. Mr. Miller traced down the prophecies
with an exactness that struck conviction to the hearts of his hearers.
He dwelt upon the prophetic periods, and brought many proofs to
strengthen his position. Then his solemn and powerful appeals and
admonitions to those who were unprepared, held the crowds as if
spellbound.
Special meetings were appointed where sinners might have an
opportunity to seek their Saviour and prepare for the fearful events
soon to take place. Terror and conviction spread through the entire city.
Prayer meetings were established, and there was a general awakening
among the various denominations, for they all felt more or less the
influence that proceeded from the teaching of the near coming of
Christ.
When sinners were invited forward to the anxious seat, hundreds
responded to the call, and I, among the rest, pressed through the crowd
and took my place with the seekers. But there was in my heart a feeling
that I could never become worthy to be called a child of God. A lack
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of confidence in myself, and a conviction that it would be impossible
to make anyone understand my feelings, prevented me from seeking
advice and aid from my Christian friends. Thus I wandered needlessly
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