The Great Second Advent Movement: Its Rise and Progress

Like Sheep without a Shepherd

Here was the great advent body, in one sense, as sheep without a shepherd, thousands of whom only a few weeks previously had separated themselves from all churches and creeds, no human organizations being responsible for their spiritual welfare. They had no earthly counselors in whom they could confide; in God alone was their trust. GSAM 195.2

They were confident, however, of one thing, and this to them was like an anchor,—the time proclamation was right. ²³ But as a people they were in a position where, unless God should guide and keep them, they were liable to accept false explanations, or lose “patience” and give up faith in their past experience. This some did; while others, with an eye of faith fixed on him whom their souls loved, earnestly inquired, “Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come.” ²⁴ GSAM 195.3