William Miller’s Apology and Defence, August 1

PUBLICATION OF THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES - NOW ADVENT HERALD

For a long time previous to this, the papers had been filled with abusive stories respecting my labors, and they had refused to publish any thing from me in reply. I had greatly felt the need of some medium of communication to the public. Efforts had been frequently made to commence the publication of a paper which should be devoted to the advocacy of the doctrine, and the communication of information on the fulfilment of prophecy. We had, however, never been able to find a man who was willing to run the risk of his reputation and the pecuniary expense, in such a publication. WMAD 21.4

On my visit to Boston in the winter of 1840, I mentioned to Brother Himes my wishes respecting a paper and the difficulties I had experienced in the establishment of one. He promptly offered to commence a paper which should be devoted to this question, - if I thought the cause of truth would be thereby advanced. The next week, without a subscriber or any promise of assistance, he issued the first No. of the Signs of the Times on the 20th of March, 1840, - a publication which has been continued to the present time. WMAD 21.5

With this commenced an entire new era in the spread of information on the peculiar points of my belief. Mr. Mussey gave up to him the publication of my Lectures, and he published them in connection with other works on the prophecies, which, aided by devoted friends, he scattered broad cast every where to the extent of his means. I cannot here withhold my testimony for the efficiency and integrity of my Br. Himes. He has stood by me at all times, periled his reputation, and by the position in which he has been placed, has been more instrumental in the spread of these views than any other ten men who have embarked in the cause. His course, both in laboring as a lecturer, and in the manner that he has managed his publications, meets my full approval. WMAD 22.1