The “Shut Door” Documents

Chapter 18—April 29-May 1, 1845

Most of the Millerite Leaders Changed From Shut Door to Open Door.

At the Albany Conference, which convened April 29, 1845, Miller, Litch, Bliss, and other Millerite leaders adopted a report of ten principles on which they could unite. One of these was that preaching must continue to all men until the end. The Advent Herald summarized a portion of William Miller’s address to the conference as follows: SDD 13.1

After the seventh month, he felt for a time that his work was done. But when he commenced his lectures at Albany, all his darkness was gone. Therefore brethren, he said, where you find a door open, enter upon that field of labor, and labor until the Master shall tell you to stop. As yet he has given you no such command. Go, labor in the vineyard, and you will still find souls willing to listen to the glad tidings.—The Advent Herald, June 4, 1845, p. 132. (See also L. E. Froom, Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. IV, pp. 834-836.)