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Chapter 18—New Light in the New World
An upright, honest farmer, who sincerely desired to know the
truth, was the man chosen of God to lead out in the proclamation of
Christ’s second coming. Like many other reformers, William Miller
had battled with poverty and learned the lessons of self-denial.
Even in childhood he gave evidence of more than ordinary in-
tellectual strength. As he grew older, his mind was active and well
developed, and he had a keen thirst for knowledge. His love of study
and a habit of careful thought and close criticism rendered him a
man of sound judgment and comprehensive views. He possessed an
irreproachable moral character and an enviable reputation. He filled
civil and military offices with credit. Wealth and honor seemed wide
open to him.
In childhood he had been subject to religious impressions. In
early manhood, however, he was thrown into the society of deists
whose influence was strong from the fact that they were mostly good
citizens, humane and benevolent. Living in the midst of Christian
institutions, their characters had been to some extent molded by their
surroundings. For the excellencies which won them respect they
were indebted to the Bible, and yet these good gifts were perverted
to exert an influence against the Word of God. Miller was led to
adopt their sentiments.
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Current interpretations of Scripture presented difficulties which
seemed to him insurmountable; yet his new belief, while setting
aside the Bible, offered nothing better, and he remained far from
satisfied. But when Miller was thirty-four, the Holy Spirit impressed
his heart with his condition as a sinner. He found no assurance
of happiness beyond the grave. The future was dark and gloomy.
Referring to his feelings at this time, he said:
*
Deism: the belief that God exists and created the world, but thereafter assumed no
control over it nor concern for the lives of people; the belief that reason is sufficient for
the knowledge of truth, thus rejecting revelation.—Webster’s New World Dictionary.
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