“‘In his public discourse, he is self-possessed and ready; distinct in his utterance, and frequently quaint in his expressions. He succeeds in chaining the attention of his auditory from an hour and a half to two hours; and in the management of his subject discovers much tact, holding frequent colloquies with the objector and inquirer, supplying the questions and answers himself in a very natural manner, and, although grave himself, sometimes producing a smile from a portion of his auditors.
“‘Mr. Miller is a great stickler for literal interpretations; never admitting the figurative, unless absolutely required to make correct sense, or meet the event which is intended to be pointed out. He doubtless believes, most unwaveringly, all he teaches to others. His lectures are interspersed with powerful admonitions to the wicked, and he handles Universalism with gloves of steel.’
“In connection with the foregoing was appended a statement of Mr. M’s opinions, which elicited from him the following comment:—
“‘In all the cities which I have visited, the editors of religious newspapers have almost invariably misstated and ridiculed my views, doctrines, and motives; but in Portland I found, as I honestly believe, an honest editor. He gave a candid, honest, and impartial account.’
“Mr. Miller was strongly urged by ‘the wardens of the First Baptist Society, worshiping in Pleasant street,’ where he lectured a portion of the time, to give them ‘another course of lectures,’ but he was obliged to decline the invitation; and, on the last Tuesday in March, left Portland, and by stage and railroad reached his home in Low Hampton on Friday night following, ‘being absent from home nearly six months, and having delivered three hundred and twenty-seven lectures.’
“On his way home, a young man, dressed in black, who, Mr. M. afterward learned, was a clergyman in a neighboring town, became his companion for a short distance in the stage. The young man was very talkative respecting the ministers of his acquaintance,—remarking what a smooth preacher A was, how learned B was, and how popular C was, &c. When the stage stopped for the passengers to dine, the young man proved to be an acquaintance of the landlord, and they commenced conversation respecting ‘the prophet Miller.’ The landlord inquired of the gentleman in black if he had read Mr. Miller’s lectures, which the former had loaned him a few days previous. ‘No,’ the clergyman said; he read the introduction, and found that Mr. M. was not a learned man, and therefore he had no confidence in the work. This reply struck Mr. M. with much force, as evidence of the manner in which many let those reputed to be learned do their thinking for them.
“From the 5th to the 29th of April, he lectured in Hampton, N. Y., to full houses, and a good work followed. On the 2d of May he commenced a course of lectures in the Baptist church in Benson, Vt., and lectured there and in the church of the Rev. Mr. Francis (orthodox) nine days. On leaving this place, Mr. Miller wrote to his son: ‘The several clergymen in the town met with us. The Lord came down in his power and by his Spirit; a gracious influence was felt, and many a stout heart yielded to the gospel of Christ. About thirty had obtained a hope, and about one hundred more were anxious, when I left.’
“Mr. Miller next visited New York city, and commenced his first course of lectures there, from the 16th to the 29th of May, at the corner of Norfolk and Broome streets, to good assemblies. On the 19th, he wrote: ‘Last night we had a solemn time. An anxious and deep attention was given by the whole congregation.’ Considerable interest was excited by this course, and the ground was prepared for subsequent labors. At the close of these lectures, Mr. Miller returned home, where he remained a few days, and then made another visit to Canada East. He lectured at Hatly on the 21st of June, and at Bolton on the 24th. On the 28th he commenced a course of lectures in Georgeville, which closed on the 5th of July. Writing from this place, on the 29th of June, he speaks of ‘large congregations,’ ‘serious attention,’ and of the prospect ‘that much good would be done there.’ He then returned to Low Hampton, where he lectured on the 12th of July.
“He remained at home about four weeks, when he visited Dresden, N. Y., and lectured from the 9th to the 12th of August. Of that place he writes, under date of August 13: ‘We had a good time; the Lord was there.’ He then adds: ‘I do not know what to say about coming to Massachusetts again. Day after to-morrow I begin a course of lectures at Fort Ann. The next week I go north, where I have three places, which will take three weeks at least. I have more business on hand than any two men like me should perform. I must lecture twice every day. I must converse with many—answer a host of questions—write answers to letters from all parts of the compass, from Canada to Florida, from Maine to Missouri. I must read all the candid arguments (which I confess are not many) which are urged against me. I must read all the slang of the drunken and sober.... The polar star must be kept in view; the chart consulted, the compass watched; the reckoning kept; the sails set; the rudder managed; the ship cleared; the sailors fed; the voyage prosecuted; the port of rest, to which we are destined, understood; and to the watchman call, “Watchman, what of the night?”
“On the 15th of August, 1840, he commenced his anticipated lectures at South Bay, in the town of Fort Ann, N. Y., and continued to the 20th.