The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 4

III. Unique Effectiveness as a Public Speaker

Let us now familiarize ourselves with Miller’s diversified preaching styles. This, perhaps more than anything else, will disclose the secret of his power over the masses. For, along with his transparent honesty and sincerity, and his fearless following of truth as he saw it, was his ability to present it effectively. But first a word as to his appearance and his voice, as described by Dr. Thomas Armitage, in his History of the Baptists, who had talked with Miller many times: PFF4 687.2

“In person he was large and heavily built, his head broad and his brow high, with a soft and expressive eye, and all the inflexions of his voice indicated the sincerest devotion.” “He exerted large influence on all who knew him, from his many excellencies and spotless character.” ¹⁴ PFF4 687.3

That this word picture corresponds closely to the canvas of the portrait painter will be seen by observing the reproduction on page 460. Another friendly description-a “charcoal sketch” of Miller’s appearance and character—was written by an observer as Miller was in the midst of his lectures in the great Chinese Museum Auditorium campaign at Philadelphia in February, 1844. PFF4 688.1

“There is a kindness of soul, simplicity, and power, peculiarly original, combined in his manner, and he is affable and attentive to all without any affectation of superiority. He is of about medium stature, a little corpulent, and in temperament a mixture of sanguine and nervous. His intellectual developments are unusually full, and we see in his head, great benevolence and firmness, united with a lack of self-esteem. He is also wanting in marvellousness [credulity], and is NATURALLY skeptical. His countenance is full and round, and much like the engraving we have seen, while there is a peculiar depth of expression in his blue eyes, of shrewdness and love. Although about sixty-two years of age, his hair is not grey, but a light glossy auburn, his voice is lull and distinct, and his pronunciation somewhat northern-antique. In his social relations^ he is gentle and affectionate, and insures the esteem of all with whom he mingles. In giving this charcoal sketch to the public, I have merely sought to correct numerous mis-statements, and gratify the honest desire of many distant believers, with a faint outline of the character and appearance of the man.” ¹⁵ PFF4 688.2

And the Cincinnati Commercial, representing the viewpoint of the public press, makes this observation: PFF4 688.3

“He is quite an old-fashioned man in his speech, very candid, and commands universal attention from his audiences. Whatever people may think of his belief, which is peculiar, one thing is conceded by all, that he is a Christian at heart.” ¹⁶ As to Miller’s preaching style, the editor of Zion’s Herald likened his heart-searching appeals to Whitefield’s sermons- combining solemnity, ardor, and earnestness. Few speakers of the time, he added, had such power in holding a crowd, which would hang spellbound on his words for an hour and a half to two hours at a time. Everywhere the press commented on this ability to draw and hold crowds, as thousands were turned away from the largest available auditoriums for lack of room. Fortunately, specimens of his sermons and his preaching style remain. Miller’s practice was to close his sermons with powerful appeals to the audience to seek salvation. This excerpt is taken from the same Zion’s Herald that disagrees with his exposition but acknowledges his preaching power. PFF4 688.4

“Be warned! Repent! Fly, fly for succor to the ark of God—to Jesus Christ-the Lamb which once was slain, that you might live, for he is worthy to receive all honor, power and glory. Believe, and you shall live. Obey his word, his spirit, his calls, his invitations. There is no time for delay. Put it not off I beg of you; no, not for a moment. Do you want to join that heavenly choir, and sing the new song? Then come in God’s appointed way. Repent. Do you want a house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens? Then join in heart and soul this happy people whose God is the Lord. Do you want an interest in the New Jerusalem, the beloved city? Then set your face as a flint Zion-ward. Become a pilgrim in the good old way. ‘Seek first the kingdom of heaven,’ says Christ, ‘and then all these things shall be added unto you.’ PFF4 689.1

“But you my impenitent friends, who have never wept nor confessed your sins to God, who have been more anxious to have your names written in the book of fame, of worldly honor, of the riches of this world, than in the Book of Life, remember you too will weep when all heaven is silent. When the last seal is broken, then you will see the book, and your name blotted out! Then you will weep and say, once my name was there. I had a day of probation. Life was proffered, but I hated instruction. I despised reproof, and my part is taken from the Book of Life! Farewell happiness! farewell hope! Amen.” ¹⁷ PFF4 689.2