The Great Second Advent Movement: Its Rise and Progress

Wrath of the Wicked Displayed

As the day drew near on which the Lord was expected, the believers became more earnest in their labors, and the wicked raged and scoffed the more fiercely, as will be seen by the following statement made by the editor of the Midnight Cry of Oct. 31, 1844:— GSAM 180.2

“The effect that this movement produced upon the wicked, also greatly served to confirm us in our belief that God was in it. When God’s children were met together to prostrate and humble themselves before him, and to prepare for his appearing, as it became a company of sinners to do, who would only be saved by grace, the wicked manifested the greatest malice. When we had given no notice of our meetings save in our own paper, nor had invited the public there, the sons of Belial crowded into them, and caused much disturbance. On the evening of Saturday, the 12th instant [Oct. 12, 1844], we held no meeting at the tabernacle, that the sexton [janitor], might have an opportunity to cleanse the house for the Sabbath [Sunday]. But the mob broke into the house, and refused even that privilege. The mayor, however, unsolicited, promptly interfered, and expelled them. GSAM 180.3

“At our meetings on the Sabbath following, after the tabernacle was filled, a dense crowd occupied the street in front of the building, many of them being enraged that any should believe in the advent of the Lord. In the evening, on account of the excitement of the populace, no meeting was held; yet the street was filled with the mob at an early hour; but the prompt interference of the mayor and his efficient police cleared the street, after sending a few to the watch-house. We could only liken the conduct of the mob to that which surrounded the door of Lot, on the evening pending the destruction of Sodom.... This movement on their part was so sudden, simultaneous, and extensive, that its manifestation on the first day of the Jewish seventh month strengthened us in our opinion that this must be the month.” GSAM 181.1