The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 4

I. Second Conference at Lowell in Christian Church

The first General Conference had proved so successful that the committee, appointed to arrange for a second and similar conference, chose Lowell, Massachusetts, and arranged for the session to be held June 15-17, 1841, in the Lowell Street Christian church. That was eight months after the first conference. Sickness again prevented Miller from attending—a combination of inflammatory rheumatism and erysipelas. Thus he was once more deprived of the long—cherished privilege of meeting with his fellow heralds of the advent. Dr. D. I. Robinson, ¹ Methodist pastor from Portsmouth, was chosen chairman, with Joseph Bates as one of the assistant chairmen, who presided part of the time. PFF4 583.1

It was a large gathering for that early time. Practically all evangelical denominations were again represented. Once more there were some two hundred in attendance, the delegated representatives coming from thirty towns in Massachusetts, twenty-two from New Hampshire, seven from Maine, and four from Vermont. That bespoke rapid growth and expansion. The Freewill Baptist Church of South Boston sent greetings and four delegates. In addition to the various addresses, reports of progress were received. The avowed purpose was to give “another blast to the trumpet so loud that all the land might hear.” ² A 106-page report was published and widely distributed. Six hundred dollars was raised for evangelism, and the Lord’s Supper was impressively celebrated in free communion. PFF4 583.2

The different reports indicated that the way was wide open for the rapid promulgation of the advent faith throughout New England, and a most earnest desire for definite light on the fulfillment of prophecy was plainly evident. The delegates resolved to throw their full time, talents, and influence into the spread of the message of Christ’s return. The tremendous responsibility resting upon believers in this advent truth, now urgently due the world, was stressed. The Signs of the Times was again approved as the representative printed voice, and the Second Advent Library plan was strongly endorsed. The burden seemed to be to recruit competent men who believed in the coining of the Lord, who would rally to the great task before them. ³ PFF4 583.3

A formal address, or “Circular,” was drafted and approved, to be sent out to all believers in the second advent, framed in the light of the speedy coming of the “day of the Lord.” Its nine points, in brief, were: PFF4 584.1

(1) “Personal consecration to God;” (2) “personal conversation with others” concerning the soon coming of Christ; (3) widespread “formation of Bible classes” to study this great question; (4) “social meetings for prayer and exhortation” as far and wide as possible; (5) “questioning your ministers on the subject” by propounding texts for explanation; (6) a vast “circulation of books” through the lending or giving of books on the advent; (7) advice on remaining in, or withdrawing from, churches that oppose the advent teaching, definitely counseling the former attitude wherever possible—for church affiliation troubled many; (8) patience and forbearance in meeting opposition, scorn, and reproach; and (9) establishment of a Second Advent Library in every town and village, with no time to be lost over the imposing task. ⁴ PFF4 584.2