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The Great Controversy
pected to meet Him was at hand. They approached this hour with
a calm solemnity. They rested in sweet communion with God, and
earnest of the peace that was to be theirs in the bright hereafter. None
who experienced this hope and trust can forget those precious hours
of waiting. For some weeks preceding the time, worldly business was
for the most part laid aside. The sincere believers carefully examined
every thought and emotion of their hearts as if upon their deathbeds
and in a few hours to close their eyes upon earthly scenes. There was
no making of “ascension robes” (see Appendix); but all felt the need
of internal evidence that they were prepared to meet the Saviour; their
white robes were purity of soul—characters cleansed from sin by the
atoning blood of Christ. Would that there were still with the professed
people of God the same spirit of heart searching, the same earnest, de-
termined faith. Had they continued thus to humble themselves before
the Lord and press their petitions at the mercy seat they would be in
possession of a far richer experience than they now have. There is too
little prayer, too little real conviction of sin, and the lack of living faith
leaves many destitute of the grace so richly provided by our Redeemer.
God designed to prove His people. His hand covered a mistake in
the reckoning of the prophetic periods. Adventists did not discover
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the error, nor was it discovered by the most learned of their opponents.
The latter said: “Your reckoning of the prophetic periods is correct.
Some great event is about to take place; but it is not what Mr. Miller
predicts; it is the conversion of the world, and not the second advent
of Christ.” (See Appendix.)
The time of expectation passed, and Christ did not appear for the
deliverance of His people. Those who with sincere faith and love had
looked for their Saviour, experienced a bitter disappointment. Yet the
purposes of God were being accomplished; He was testing the hearts
of those who professed to be waiting for His appearing. There were
among them many who had been actuated by no higher motive than
fear. Their profession of faith had not affected their hearts or their
lives. When the expected event failed to take place, these persons
declared that they were not disappointed; they had never believed that
Christ would come. They were among the first to ridicule the sorrow
of the true believers.
But Jesus and all the heavenly host looked with love and sympathy
upon the tried and faithful yet disappointed ones. Could the veil