The Great Second Advent Movement: Its Rise and Progress

Rapid Work of the Midnight Cry

As to the rapidity, power, and effect of the message of the “midnight cry,” we gain a correct idea from the words of N. Southard, editor of the paper from which we have previously quoted—the Midnight Cry. In the copy dated Oct. 31, 1844, he says:— GSAM 165.1

“At first the definite time was generally opposed; but there seemed to be an irresistible power attending its proclamation, which prostrated all before it. It swept over the land with the velocity of a tornado, and it reached hearts in different and distant places almost simultaneously, and in a manner which can be accounted for only on the supposition that God was in it. It produced everywhere the most deep searching of heart and humiliation of soul before High Heaven. It caused a weaning of affections from the things of this world, a healing of controversies and animosities, a confession of wrongs, a breaking down before God, and penitent, broken-hearted supplications to him for pardon and acceptance. It caused self-abasement and prostration of soul, such as we never before witnessed. As God, by Joel, commanded, when the great day of God should be at hand, it produced a rending of hearts and not of garments, and a turning unto the Lord with fasting and weeping and mourning. As God said by Zechariah, a spirit of grace and supplication was poured out upon his children; they looked to him whom they had pierced, and there was a great mourning in the land, every family apart, and their wives apart; and those who were looking for the Lord afflicted their souls before him.” GSAM 165.2