The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 4

IV. Serial Reprints Appear in Boston “Daily Times”

Impressed by the news value of Miller’s book, George Roberts, editor of the Boston Daily Times, was the first to give Miller’s views favorable publicity through the public press. His plan to reprint the key sections was announced on March 13, 1838-before any minister had publicly espoused Miller’s cause in print. Then follows this remarkable editorial note from Editor Roberts, under the bold type heading, “Miller on the Prophecies—the Second Coming of Christ, and the End of the World.” PFF4 514.2

“The book recently written by the Rev. William Miller, of Hampton, N.Y., on the Prophecies-principally the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelations of St. John-is destined, as we believe, to create a tremendous excitement in the Christian world. Indeed, this excitement is already beginning to be felt. We have just read the principal part of the work; and although we are not prepared to sanction it as containing incontrovertible truth either in its facts or inferences, yet we must say that it shows a depth of research into the prophetic portion of the Scriptures, and a boldness of conception, which we have not met with in any other work on the prophecies. The Rev. author ... possesses a thorough knowledge not only of the Levitical Law, but of the traditions of the Jewish fathers. The ground assumed ... is that the second coming of Christ is identical with the destruction of the world, or rather its purification by fire from all its sinful elements, so as to render it a fit habitation for the Saints in Glory during the thousand years of millennial peace. PFF4 515.1

“This he thinks constitutes the first resurrection. The prophecies relating to circumstances which are to happen previous to this consummation he thinks are now chiefly fulfilled, and that the great event which is to consume the wicked on the whole face of the earth will happen in the year 1843—only five years from the present! ... PFF4 515.2

“We shall probably commence, on Wednesday, giving copious extracts from this extraordinary work. We know of nothing at the present time calculated to excite more deep and universal interest. The Infidel or free-thinker, even, cannot but feel interested in this explanation of those dark and mysterious givings out contained in the book of the Revelations; and the Christian—he whose hopes and whose faith are strong in—celestial things—he who looks upon the grave as the pathway to paradise—cannot but feel his heart quickened to new life by this tremendous exposition of what has heretofore been deemed the dark and inscrutable manifestations of divine power and will.” ⁴⁰ PFF4 515.3

Then, between March 14 and 28, nine separate articles appeared-extended extracts, averaging two full columns each. These ran in under the general full caps heading, “END OF THE WORLD!” “Extracts from the Explanation of the Prophecies, by the Rev. Wm. Miller.” Roberts went to the heart of Miller’s exposition and started with a portion of chapter 3, on Daniel 8:14. His friendly editorial foreword on the fourteenth, with its observation on the universality of recognition of the year-day principle, stated: PFF4 515.4

Picture 2: PROGRESSIVE PRINTINGS OF MILLER’S VIEWS
Earliest newspaper report (Boston Times) extracted from his first book; first series of articles in vermont telegraph in 1832; (lower left) assembled in pamphlet form in 1833 (lower right) first book of “Lectures,” issued in 1836, from Troy, New York
Page 516

“We have heretofore announced our intention of giving extracts from this spirit-stirring work, and have also given an outline of its argument. The work itself is so far connected in its various parts, and the several prophecies on which it treats so interwoven with each other, that it is impossible to give a thorough idea of the whole work by extracts, however copious. The more important points of interpretation may, however, be understood with sufficient distinctness, however abrupt and disconnected we are obliged to make them for brevity’s sake. It may be necessary to premise that the book consists of twelve lectures, and that it follows the rule adopted by all the writers on the prophecies, in reckoning a day /or a year, as God commanded the prophets, in Numbers 14:34.” ⁴¹ PFF4 516.1

The impress of these articles upon the public mind was pronounced. Miller’s message came out from obscurity and immediately began to constitute a definite challenge. This favorable publicity through the Times led the Rev. Ethan Smith to submit two articles to the editor in rebuttal, in the hope of counteracting their influence. So, opposition through the press began in written form, matching their favorable publicity. However, it was not very effective, for men were simply led to study Miller’s message the more. And even Smith opened his discussion with this interesting observation: PFF4 517.1

“I wish to encourage the study of the prophecies and signs of the times: and have been much tried, to see so little attention paid to them; and to hear so many ministers speaking most disrespectfully of this study! I view this fact to be a very dark sign o/ the times! I think such ministers have got to repent of this sin, or they must sink under it. It is a great insult offered to the Holy Ghost, who inspired the prophecies and commanded us to study and understand them.” ⁴² PFF4 517.2