The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 4

IV. Fifth Conference in Miller’s Home Town

Illness and other circumstances had prevented Miller from meeting with his fellow Adventist leaders in the first four General Conferences, so the fifth was brought to his own home town, Low Hampton, New York, convening from November 2 to 5, 1841. It will be recalled that it was from Low Hampton—where he had been a member in the Baptist church since 1816—that Miller set out for Dresden to give his first sermon on the prophecies in August, 1831, just ten years before. It was likewise from the Low Hampton Baptist Church that Miller received his first license to preach in 1833. And now the fifth General Conference of the growing Millerite movement was being held in that same Baptist church, with William Miller as chairman, and with many of his converts as delegates. The attendants were not only from the towns of New York and Vermont, but from more distant points, including Canada. PFF4 606.4

Great strides had been made in those few years. Strong men had joined the movement, and had dedicated their lives to the proclamation of the imminent advent. And ministers of various denominations who had not yet declared themselves, were present to listen and observe. The spirit of inquiry was spreading. And Miller was greatly moved by the scene. The first two resolutions to be passed read: PFF4 607.1

“1. Resolved, That we utterly discard the doctrine of a Millennium previous to the advent of Christ in the clouds of heaven.... PFF4 607.2

“2. Resolved, That, in our opinion, the time has fully come for announcing the midnight cry—‘Behold the bridegroom cometh,’ and that all who would have part in the first resurrection, should, without a moment’s delay, arise, and trim their lamps, to be ready to meet the bridegroom.” ¹⁶ PFF4 607.3

It was here also that it was voted to hold four more General Conferences—one in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, one in New York State, and one in Vermont. Josiah Litch and William Miller were the leading speakers in Low Hampton, and a general “Circular,” or declaration and admonition, was authorized, expressing the conviction of the conference. PFF4 607.4

Another one of the resolutions passed expressed confidence in Miller, Himes, Litch, Jones, and Ward, and those “according with them” in heralding the advent. And it bespoke for them the “confidence, prayers, and cooperation” of all believing in the advent near. ¹⁷ Most of these ministerial leaders were “more confirmed” than ever as to the “time” feature of “1843” for the advent. There were some, however, who still were not clear. As mentioned, Ward, chairman of the first conference, was one of these, who frequently voiced his hesitancy over this specific time feature of the advent message. His differing viewpoint is well expressed in a letter from him printed in the Signs near the close of 1841. PFF4 607.5

“This is the length and breadth of our opinion relative to fixed times. It is not forwarded to you, Messrs. Editors, in a controversial spirit, but with the desire, humble and honest, fo be held personally responsible, only for that I personally hold; and to be instructed in any matter on which I may seem to differ without reason. It is one of the blessed fruits of the doctrine of our Lord’s near coming, that men can walk together, who differ on other points, while they accord in ‘that blessed hope.’ I wish to encourage your circulation, and to multiply the number of your readers, and I ask the insertion of this, not for debate, but for the liberty of opinion to hold with our Lord. ‘It is not for you to know the times, or the seasons, which the Father has put in his own power,’ while I am with you expectant of his coming and kingdom.” ¹⁸ PFF4 608.1

It was, of course, promptly printed, And Henry Jones, secretary of the same first conference, likewise disagreed over this specific time feature, as did some others of prominence, such as Prof. Nathan N. Whiting, who soon joined the advent cause. Nevertheless, they had an accepted and vital part in the movement, without teaching the precise “year 1843.” It is worth repeating that the movement stood for something vastly more than just the “time” feature. It stood for the literal, personal, premillennial advent of the Saviour as nigh at hand- in contradistinction to the popular world-betterment program. That is essential to remember. PFF4 608.2

Numerous smaller conferences developed. They were more local in character, but serving as an effective evangelizing agency for the movement. A single lecturer would advertise a conference in the Signs, at a chosen time and place, holding Bible studies and social meetings in the morning, and lecturing in the afternoon and again at night. This was their solid building program. The attendants became firm believers in the “advent nigh.” PFF4 608.3