THE PASSING OF THE TIME—HIS POSITION—LINES ON HIS DISAPPOINTMENT—CONFESSION—VISIT OF ELD. LITCH—MR. MILLER AND THE METHODIST MINISTERS—TOUR TO OHIO—RETURN, ETC.
“The vernal equinox of 1844 was the furthest point of time to which Mr. Miller’s calculation of the prophetic periods extended. When this time passed, he wrote to Mr. Himes as follows:—
“‘Low Hampton, March 25, 1844.
“‘My Dear Brother Himes:—I am now seated at my old desk in my east room. Having obtained help of God until the present time, I am still looking for the dear Saviour, the Son of God from Heaven, and for the fulfillment of the promise made to my fathers, and confirmed unto us by them that heard him, that he would come again and would receive us to himself, or gather in one body all the family of the first-born in Heaven and earth, even in him. This, Paul has told us, would be in the fullness of times. Eph. 1:9, 10.
“‘The time, as I have calculated it, is now filled up; and I expect every moment to see the Saviour descend from heaven. I have now nothing to look for but this glorious hope. I am full in the faith that all prophetic chronology except the 1000 years in the 20th of Rev. is now about full. Whether God designs for me to warn the people of this earth any more, or not, I am at a loss to know; yet I mean to be governed, if time should continue any longer than I have expected, by the word and providence of Him who will never err, and in whom I think I have trusted, and been supported during my twelve years arduous labors, in trying to awaken the churches of God, and the Christian community, and to warn my fellow-men of the necessity of an immediate preparation to meet our Judge in the day of his appearing.
“‘I hope I have cleansed my garments from the blood of souls. I feel that, as far as it was in my power, I have freed myself from all guilt in their condemnation. It is true, but not wonderful, when we become acquainted with the state and corruption of the present age of the Laodicean church, that I have met with great opposition from the pulpit and professed religious press; and I have been instrumental, through the preaching of the Advent doctrine, of making it quite manifest, that not a few of our theological teachers are infidels in disguise. I cannot for a moment believe that denying the resurrection of the body, or the return of Christ to this earth, or of a judgment day yet future, is any the less infidelity now than it was in the days of infidel France; and yet, who does not know that these things are as common as pulpits and presses are? And which of these questions are not publicly denied in our pulpits and by the writers and editors of the public papers?
“‘Surely, we have fallen on strange times. I expected of course the doctrine of Christ’s speedy coming would be opposed by infidels, blasphemers, drunkards, gamblers and the like; but I did not expect the ministers of the gospel and professors of religion would unite with characters of the above description, at stores and public places, in ridiculing the solemn doctrine of the Second Advent. Many who were not professors of religion have affirmed to me these facts, and say they have seen them, and have felt their blood chilled at the sight.
“‘These are some of the effects which are produced by preaching this solemn and soul-stirring doctrine among our Pharisees of the present day. Is it possible that such ministers and members are obeying God, and watching and praying for his glorious appearing, while they join these scoffers in their unholy and ungodly remarks? If Christ does come, where must they appear? and what a dreadful account they will meet in that tremendous hour? But I feel almost confident that my labors are about done, and I am, with a deep interest of soul, looking for my blessed and glorious Redeemer, who will then be King over all the earth, and God with us forevermore.
“‘This I can truly say is my chief desire. It is my meditation all the day long. It is my song in the night, and my faith and hope amidst the scenes of this sin-cursed earth. It consoles me in sickness, comforts me in tribulation, and gives me patience to endure the scoffs and tauntings of an ungodly, selfish, and unfeeling world. My faith and confidence in God’s word is as strong as ever; although he has not come in the time I expected. I still believe the time is not far off, and that God will soon, yes, too soon for the proud scoffers, justify himself, his word, and the cry of alarm which has been given through your indefatigable labors, with others whom God has raised up to assist in giving the midnight cry.