The Great Controversy -- Study Guide
Chapter 18 — An American Reformer
1. What traits of character and what circumstances in life qualified William Miller to become a great spiritual leader? 317:1, 2 [363:1, 2]
GC-SG 37.1
2. Note: Deism, with its belief in God as the great Cause of the universe, in the duty of men to honor Him by lives of virtue, and in the doctrine of rewards or punishment, denied the Bible as a divine revelation. It held that human reason alone was sufficient to establish religion and to enforce morality. As its inconsistencies became apparent, the movement was short-lived, and its adherents either returned to historic Christianity, or became avowed atheists. GC-SG 37.2
3. Through what steps was Miller led by logical reasoning, to accept Christ as his Saviour and to an ardent love for the Scriptures? What challenge led him to an intensive study of the Bible? 318:2-319:3 [364:2-365:2]
GC-SG 37.3
4. What methods of Bible study contributed to the enlightenment of his mind? What neglected books did he study, and with what conclusions? 320:1, 2 [366:1, 2]
GC-SG 37.4
5. When did the doctrine of the temporal millennium find entrance into Christian teaching, and with what evil results? What truths regarding the events connected with the second coming of Christ did Miller rediscover? 321:1-323:1 [367:1-369:1]
GC-SG 37.5
6. Note: Daniel Whitby (1638-1726), a noted theologian of England, and who wrote many works of a controversial nature, was the first to set forth the view that the Millennium was “not a reign of persons raised from the dead, but of the church flourishing gloriously for a thousand years after the conversion of the Jews,”- “Paraphrase and Commentary of the New Testament,” 1703, Vol. II, 7th ed., p. 687. GC-SG 37.6
7. How was Miller led to look for prophecies that might indicate the times relating to the last days? What prophecy especially seemed to him to reveal the time for the Second Advent? 323:2-324:3 [369:2-370:2]
GC-SG 37.7
8. Note: As an aid to fixing in mind the exposition of the 2300 days, it will be helpful for the reader to construct, for his own use, a chronological chart, based upon 326:1-329:2 [371:3-375:2] GC-SG 38.1
9. How many years elapsed between the beginning of Miller’s Bible study, and his first public declaration of faith? Into what divisions is this period divided? 329:2-330:2 [376:2-379:2]
GC-SG 38.2
10. With what handicaps did he begin his public work, as to age, experience, and self-confidence? How did he secure his appointments? How did the churches at this time relate themselves to his work and teaching? How was he supported financially? 331:2-332:2 [380:2-381:3]
GC-SG 38.3
11. The fulfillment of what two prophecies during the time of Miller’s preaching gave a remarkable impetus to the Advent movement? 333:1-335:1 [382:1-384:4]
GC-SG 38.4
12. How was the work opposed by popular ministers, by the ungodly, and later by the church leaders? What reasonable appeal did Miller make to the churches? 335:3-337:2; 340:2 [385:2-387:2; 390:2]
GC-SG 38.5
13. What points of comparison are made between the days of Noah and the last days? 337:3-339:1 [387:3-388:3]
GC-SG 38.6
14. What is indicated in the experience of a professed Christian when he does not long for Christ’s appearance? 339:2-340:1 [338:4-389:2]
GC-SG 38.7
15. Why does Satan endeavor to keep men from studying the book of Revelation, and how successful has he been? 341:2-342:1 [391:1-4]
GC-SG 38.8