The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 4

V. The Movement Sweeps to Its Climax

The consecration manifested and the dedication of material resources exhibited by the Millerites were astonishing. Their leaders had admonished them to place their hearts, their property, and their all “on the altar,” like the early Christians. ⁴⁰ This they did. Storrs’s last message, given through the Midnight Cry of October 3, employed the figure of a large rock island in the middle of the ocean. His was an appeal to venture out by faith in their expectancy, to cut the ropes and let their boats drift out of sight. “Venture now, and venture all,” he urged. PFF4 822.3

In response to these appeals, as the day of expectation approached, the Adventists literally gave their all to advance the cause they had espoused. They began to sell their property and possessions in order to finish the carrying of “God’s last message” to men. Large sums of money were so dedicated. They wished to have all dealings with their fellow men honorably concluded, so all debts were paid. And they even helped to pay the debts of those less fortunate. PFF4 822.4

The Millerite papers admonished their readers to avoid everything foolish and fanatical, and to search their own hearts. ^{41, p. 116} This they also did. They confessed their wrongs and made everything right with God and man. They were soundly evangelical, trusting solely “in the merit of Christ’s atoning blood, through the efficacious and sanctifying influence of God’s Holy Spirit, for pardon and forgiveness and acceptance at the Father’s mercy seat.” ⁴² The great majority were circumspect and godly men and women, awaiting their Lord’s return with solemn joy. And they were directed by sober and intelligent leaders drawn from the ministry of the various religious bodies, not a few of whom were highly trained and proficient, as already noted. PFF4 823.1

During the last week, as the time of expectation drew near, Millerite merchants closed their stores, mechanics forsook their shops, and laborers left their employers. There was a putting away of all worldly things and a breaking away from all worldly pursuits. The Lord was coming! Common occupations were abandoned. Farmers left their crops un-harvested. Their potatoes remained un-dug in the ground and their apples were left hanging on the trees. Millerite clerks, custom’s officers, magistrates, and teachers resigned from their posts. Justices of the peace returned their commissions. Numerous stores were closed “in honor of the return of the King of kings” and the “final dissolution of all things.” Many even gave away their goods to the poor and the public. PFF4 823.2

Millerite meetings were held almost continuously during the last two weeks prior to October 22. The case from prophecy and the types had been presented, and there was no change of position. Their places of assembly-tabernacles, halls, theater buildings, and churches—were thronged. But unbelievers and scoffers milled around to disturb, and in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia night meetings had to be suspended because of hostile demonstrations. PFF4 823.3

After October 13 (the civil equivalent of Tishri 1), it seemed to them as if God’s protective restraints had been removed, and the wrath of the wicked broke forth as if probation had closed. There was unprecedented and unaccountable opposition. Mob action was frequent, and in various places meetings and speakers were threatened and assailed. Stones were pelted, mobs hissed, and Millerite gatherings broken up. Not a few Millerites of Methodist, Congregationalist, and Presbyterian background hastened to the baptismal pools or rivers for immersion. PFF4 824.1

Intensity marked the closing days. A quickened tempo and greater urgency took possession of men, like the fervor of the crusaders of old, as the movement swept toward its intense but orderly climax. Their Boston steam presses rolled at top speed twenty-four hours a day, to turn out Adventist papers for distribution “without money and without price,” and a dozen other presses ran day and night to supply the need. All the way from Maine out to Ohio, and from Canada down into the South, living messengers went from house to house in city and village, and from farm to farm in the country, with the last warning message. PFF4 824.2

Little local sheets, like The Last Cry! (dated October 14), issued by A. R. Brown at Exeter, New Hampshire, exemplified this intense earnestness. Brown did not expect to issue another number, and designed this one solely to reach his own home town and vicinity. It was sent forth without counsel from friend or foe. And it too was without cost-only read it and get ready! Two thirds of it was a reprint of Stem’s, “Go Ye Out to Meet Him,” on the tenth day of the seventh month. An ardent desire to awaken others, as God had awakened him, was his declared motive. PFF4 824.3

As a man on his deathbed, facing the end, makes all possible preparation to meet his God, so the advent believers earnestly prepared for Christ’s return on the “tenth day of the seventh month.” The last known wrong was righted, the last confession made. Incidentally, this had its inevitable effect upon the populace about. Certain hardened criminals were led to give themselves up for trial. Others made restitution where there had been dishonesty, and the United States Treasury received money from persons who had defrauded the Government. Grocery and other current accounts were paid up, and promissory notes were met or canceled. PFF4 824.4

Picture 1: WAITING FOR THEIR LORD TO COME ON OCTOBER 22
Re-enacted scene of one of thousands of groups, Large and small, Waiting through the long hours of the “Tenth day of the seventh month,” Praying, Singing, and admonishing one another in the “Blessed Hope”
Page 825

Then, as October 22 approached, the Millerite presses ceased to roll and the papers stopped. The great tents were furled for the last time, until the heavens should be rolled together as a scroll. The last good-bys were said, and the lecturers returned to their homes. Day and night believers met to await the voice of the archangel and the trump of God. PFF4 825.1

At last October 22 dawned, bright and clear. The Adventists repaired to their meetinghouses or held small religious services in their homes. They met at an early hour and continued in watchful prayer, meditation, and song most of the day. Those were solemn hours, hours big with hope—the last hours of time, they believed. They were standing on the brink of eternity, and would soon see Him whom, not having seen, they loved. They were at peace with all men, with every sin confessed. Their work was done, and they were anxiously awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promise. Within a few hours they believed the heavens would foil together as a scroll, the elements melt with fervent heat, and their Saviour would appear. PFF4 825.2

From one home, as the day was ending and the Saviour had not come, the sun was seen sinking over the western hills. Its last rays lighted up a cloud near the horizon, and it shone like burnished silver and gold. It was a glorious scene, and the father rose expectantly from his chair, thinking it might be the Saviour coming. But it was only a “sun-kissed cloud,” and the family resumed its waiting. Thus the day wore slowly on to its weary close, though far into the night the faithful kept vigil. But from those exalted heights they were soon dashed to the depths of despair. Their Lord came not, and the day of sweet expectation had become the day of bitter disappointment. PFF4 826.1