Basic HTML Version
208
From Here to Forever
through children at the time of Christ’s first advent, so He wrought
through them in giving the message of His second advent.
The Message Spreads
America became the center of the great advent movement. The
writings of Miller and his associates were carried to distant lands,
wherever missionaries had penetrated in all the world. Far and wide
[229]
spread the message of the everlasting gospel: “Fear God, and give
glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come.”
The prophecies which seemed to point to the coming of Christ
in the spring of 1844 took deep hold of the minds of the people.
Many were convinced that the arguments from the prophetic periods
were correct, and sacrificing pride of opinion, they joyfully received
the truth. Some ministers left their salaries and churches and united
in proclaiming the coming of Jesus. Comparatively few ministers,
however, would accept this message; therefore it was largely com-
mitted to humble laymen. Farmers left their fields; mechanics, their
tools; traders, their merchandise; professional men, their positions.
They willingly endured toil, privation, and suffering, that they might
call men to repentance unto salvation. The advent truth was accepted
by thousands.
Simple Scripture Brings Conviction
Like John the Baptist the preachers laid the axe at the root of
the tree and urged all to bring forth “fruits meet for repentance.”
In marked contrast to assurances of peace and safety heard from
popular pulpits, the simple testimony of Scripture brought conviction
which few were able wholly to resist. Many sought the Lord with
repentance. The affections that had so long clung to earthly things
they now fixed on heaven. With hearts softened and subdued they
joined to sound the cry: “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the
hour of his judgment is come.”
Sinners inquired with weeping: “What must I do to be saved?”
Those who had been dishonest were anxious to make restitution. All
who found peace in Christ longed to see others share the blessing.
The hearts of parents were turned to their children, and the hearts