The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 4

II. Outburst of Public Indignation Against Himes

Now let us survey the aftermath of the Disappointment. After the day of joyous expectation had suddenly become the day of heartbreaking disappointment—of hope deferred, bewilderment, and consternation—the jeers of the populace increased on every hand, and threats of mob violence continued in various communities. There was popular clamor for a public confession from the Millerite leaders. And following the Disappointment there was a violent though brief outburst of accusations against their great publicist, Joshua V. Himes. By intimation and direct charge the press worked up a strong feeling against him, maintaining that his seeming belief in the imminent advent was professional and mercenary, and that he was in the Lord’s business for personal profit. ¹ PFF4 857.1

Himes, in a rebuttal which the Boston Post printed on its front page, called for his accusers to bring forth the witnesses who had allegedly been injured by Adventism. He answered specific charges by presenting correspondence with the parties involved, in which each one named cleared him. Other papers soon gave him complete vindication, and then various conferences of his supposedly defrauded brethren exonerated him. ² So the reaction passed. But what of Miller, their veteran leader, and his closest associates? PFF4 857.2