Early Writings
by Ellen G. White
William Miller1
God sent His angel to move upon the heart of a farmer who
had not believed the Bible, to lead him to search the prophecies. Angels of God
repeatedly visited that chosen one, to guide his mind and open to his
understanding prophecies which had ever been dark to God's people. The
commencement of the chain of truth was given to him, and he was led on to
search for link after link, until he looked with wonder and admiration upon the
Word of God. He saw there a perfect chain of truth. That Word which he had
regarded as uninspired now opened before his vision in its beauty and glory. He
saw that one portion of Scripture explains another, and when one passage was
closed to his understanding, he found in another part of the Word that which
explained it. He regarded the sacred Word of God with joy and with the deepest
respect and awe. {EW
229.1}
As he followed down the prophecies, he saw that the
inhabitants of the earth were living in the closing scenes of this world's
history, yet they knew it not. He looked at the churches and saw that they were
corrupt; they had taken their affections from Jesus and placed them on the
world; they were seeking for worldly honor, instead of that honor which cometh
from above; grasping for worldly riches, instead of laying up their treasure in
heaven. He could see hypocrisy, darkness, and death everywhere. His spirit was
stirred within him. God called him to leave his farm, as He called Elisha to
leave his oxen and the field of his labor to follow Elijah. With trembling,
William Miller began to unfold to the people the mysteries of the kingdom of
God, carrying his hearers down through the prophecies to the second advent of [230]
Christ. With every effort he gained strength. As John the Baptist heralded the
first advent of Jesus and prepared the way for His coming, so William Miller
and those who joined with him proclaimed the second advent of the Son of God. {EW 229.2}
I was carried back to the days of the disciples and was
shown that God had a special work for the beloved John to accomplish. Satan was
determined to hinder this work, and he led on his servants to destroy John. But
God sent His angel and wonderfully preserved him. All who witnessed the great
power of God manifested in the deliverance of John were astonished, and many
were convinced that God was with him, and that the testimony which he bore
concerning Jesus was correct. Those who sought to destroy him were afraid to
attempt again to take his life, and he was permitted to suffer on for Jesus. He
was falsely accused by his enemies and was shortly banished to a lonely island,
where the Lord sent His angel to reveal to him events which were to take place
upon the earth and the state of the church down to the end —her
backslidings and the position which she should occupy if she would please God
and finally overcome. {EW
230.1}
The angel from heaven came to John in majesty, his
countenance beaming with the excellent glory of God. He revealed to John scenes
of deep and thrilling interest in the history of the church of God and brought
before him the perilous conflicts which Christ's followers were to endure. John
saw them passing through fiery trials, made white and tried, and, finally,
victorious overcomers, gloriously saved in the kingdom of God. The countenance
of the angel grew radiant with joy and was exceeding glorious, as he showed
John the final triumph of the church of God. As the apostle beheld the final
deliverance of the church, he was carried away with the glory of the scene and [231]
with deep reverence and awe fell at the feet of the angel to worship him. The
heavenly messenger instantly raised him up and gently reproved him, saying,
"See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that
have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the
spirit of prophecy." The angel then showed John the heavenly city with all
its splendor and dazzling glory, and he, enraptured and overwhelmed, and
forgetful of the former reproof of the angel, again fell to worship at his
feet. Again the gentle reproof was given, "See thou do it not for I am thy
fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the
sayings of this book: worship God." {EW 230.2}
Preachers and people have looked upon the book of Revelation
as mysterious and of less importance than other portions of the Sacred
Scriptures. But I saw that this book is indeed a revelation given for the
especial benefit of those who should live in the last days, to guide them in
ascertaining their true position and their duty. God directed the mind of
William Miller to the prophecies and gave him great light upon the book of
Revelation. {EW 231.1}
If Daniel's visions had been understood, the people could
better have understood the visions of John. But at the right time, God moved
upon His chosen servant, who, with clearness and in the power of the Holy
Spirit, opened the prophecies and showed the harmony of the visions of Daniel
and John and other portions of the Bible, and pressed home upon the hearts of
the people the sacred, fearful warnings of the Word to prepare for the coming
of the Son of man. Deep and solemn conviction rested upon the minds of those
who heard him, and ministers and people, sinners and infidels, turned to the
Lord and sought a preparation to stand in the judgment. [232] {EW 231.2}
Angels of God accompanied William Miller in his mission. He
was firm and undaunted, fearlessly proclaiming the message committed to his
trust. A world lying in wickedness and a cold, worldly church were enough to
call into action all his energies and lead him willingly to endure toil,
privation, and suffering. Although opposed by professed Christians and the
world, and buffeted by Satan and his angels, he ceased not to preach the
everlasting gospel to crowds wherever he was invited, sounding far and near the
cry, "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is
come." {EW 232.1}
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