NEW DOORS OPEN—HIS LABORS COUNTENANCED BY MINISTERS OF HIS
DENOMINATION—HIS FIRST DONATION OF TWO HALF-DOLLARS—DEATH
OF HIS MOTHER—INCIDENT AT SHAFTSBURY—RESULTS OF HIS
LABORS—TESTIMONY OF A CONVERT FROM INFIDELITY—LETTER OF REV. C.
FITCH—URGENT APPEALS TO VISIT VARIOUS TOWNS, ETC.
“After the commencement of the new year (1835) Mr. Miller lectured,
during the first week of January, in Addison, Vt., and the second, in
Cornwall, Vt. He then returned home, where he remained till the 12th of
February, writing on the 11th to Elder Hendryx as follows:—
“‘The Lord opens doors faster than I can fill them. To-morrow
I have an appointment in Whiting, which will occupy a week.
The next week I shall be in Shoreham; the last week in this
month, at Bridgeport; the first week in March, in Middletown;
the second, in Hoosac. I have calls from Schroon, Ticonderoga,
Moriah, Essex, Chazy, Champaign, Plattsburgh, Peru, Mooretown,
Canton, Pottsdam, Hopkinton, Stockholm, Parishville, and other
places too numerous to mention. The Lord has blessed me thus
far; in almost every place where I have lectured, the Spirit
has given fruit. Where I went forth expecting trials and
persecution, I have found God a present help. Pray for me,
that my faith fail not, and that I may ever feel my weakness,
and that my dependence may be on Israel’s God. Pray that I may
do my duty in the fear of God, and in the love of the truth;
and then, whatever may become of me, God will be glorified and
souls saved.’
“After filling the two former of those appointments, he returned home
till the 8th of March, when he lectured in Bridgeport, Vt., three days,
and gave six lectures. He lectured in Granville on the following Sabbath,
March 15, and again returned home.
“It seems to have been his intention, when he left home on the 7th of
March, to return to Whiting, he having received an invitation to that
effect. A powerful work of grace had followed his lectures there, and
several infidels had acknowledged the authenticity of the Scriptures
as demonstrated by the fulfillment of prophecy, and were under deep
conviction, and wished to see him. Whether he went there or not, does not
appear. But, on the 21st of March, he writes, ‘I have been very sick with
a cold, for a day or two past, and I am only able to sit up for a short
time.’
“On the 19th of April, he again visited Granville, where he also lectured
on the 20th and 21st. On the 26th, he lectured at Middletown, N. Y. On
the 28th, he again wrote from Low Hampton:—
“‘I have been laid up with a severe cold, and have been only
to two or three places since I wrote last (March 21). But I
have now recovered my health again, so that I have been the
last two weeks at Granville and Middletown. Next Sunday (May
3), I am to be at Fort Ann village, N. Y., if the Lord will;
and when I shall get through lecturing in this region, I cannot
tell. Doors open faster than I can fill them. I have calls from
Wells, Bishop’s Corner, and Tinouth.’
“These lectures and sermons of Mr. Miller met the approval of a large
number of the ministers of his denomination, with whose approbation, from
this time, he went forth, as a public laborer, indorsed and sanctioned by
the following certificate:—
“MARCH 19, 1835.
“This may certify, to whom it may concern, that we, whose names
are hereunto affixed—being ministers in the denomination of
regular Baptists—are personally acquainted with Bro. William
Miller, the bearer of this certificate; that he is a member,
and a licentiate in good regular standing, in the particular
Baptist church, in Hampton, N. Y.; that we have heard his
lectures on the subject of the _Second Coming and Reign of
our Lord Jesus Christ_; and that we believe his views on that
particular subject, as well as others pertaining to the gospel,
are worthy to be known and read of all men. As such an one,
we commend him to God, and the affectionate acceptance of our
brethren in the precious Saviour.
J. SAWYER, JR., _South Reading_.
E. HALPING, _Hampton_.
AMOS STEARNS, _Fort Ann_.
EMERSON ANDREWS, _Lansingburg_.
“After visiting Fort Ann, N. Y., on the 3d of May, he lectured in
Whitehall, N. Y., on the 10th and 17th of the same month; in West Haven,
on the 7th of June, and in Middlebury, Vt., on the 14th. From that place
he went into the province of Lower Canada, and lectured, on the 21st and
23d, at Bolton; the 25th, at Hutting; the 28th, 29th, and July 1, at
Derby; July 2, at Georgeville; the 5th and 6th, at Bolton, again; the
7th, at Outlet; and the 8th and 9th, at Stanstead Plain. On the 12th,
he lectured at Derby, Vt.; the 13th, at Troy, Vt.; the 14th, at Lowell,
Vt.; the 15th, at Eden, Vt.; the 16th, at Cambridge, Vt.; the 17th, at
Jericho, Vt.; and the 19th, at Orwell, Vt.
“During this tour, while in Canada, a woman placed two half-dollars in
his hand, which was all the assistance he received previous to 1836. His
expenses for travel, &c., were paid from his own funds.
“On his way home from Canada, he was much depressed in his spirits. To
use his own words, he was overwhelmed with a dark cloud, for which he
could not account. He felt impelled to hasten home, with a presentiment
that there was trouble there. Leaving Jericho, Vt., instead of filling
several appointments, he took the nearest route, and hastened home with
all speed. Calling at Orwell, by the urgent request of his Uncle Phelps,
he stopped to speak to the church on the Sabbath, leaving immediately
after service for home, where he arrived late at night. His family were
astonished to see him return so soon, and he was delighted to find them
all well.
“At an early hour on Monday he went to visit his mother, to take to her a
present from her daughter in Canada. His mother lived about half a mile
from Mr. Miller’s, with her son, Solomon. He found her in the enjoyment
of good health, and he spent the day with her, returning home unusually
interested with his visit. His mother did not receive his views, but
always told him to preach the whole truth, as he believed it, and do his
duty. Soon after Mr. Miller had left his mother, she was seized with the
palsy. Mr. M. was sent for. She was unable to converse any; but, by the
pressure of the hand, signified that she knew him, and before the close
of the week, expired. Had not Mr. Miller been impressed with a sense
of ‘trouble at home,’ he would have taken a more circuitous route, and
filled several appointments, according to previous arrangements. By thus
changing his original purpose, he enjoyed the opportunity of a day’s
conversation with his mother, which he would otherwise have been deprived
of. He often recurred to this as a signal instance of God’s favor.
“On the 2d of August, he lectured at South Bay, N. Y.; on the 9th, at
Dresden, N. Y., and, on the 23d, at South Bay, again. On the 28th, he
again writes from Low Hampton, to Eld. Hendryx, as follows:—
“‘I am yet engaged in warning the inhabitants to be prepared
for the great day of God Almighty, and am endeavoring to prove
by the Scriptures that it is near, even at the doors.... I
always present this as an inducement for men to repent. I call
on them in the name of my dear Master to turn, repent, believe,
and obey him. I beseech them, for the value of their souls,
to believe in Christ. I implore them to lay up treasures in
Heaven. I importune them, again and again, to read, reflect,
examine, and see if the word of God is not true. I show them
its complete fulfillment thus far, and then I pray God to
direct the arrow to the heart. I ask God, through Jesus
Christ, to nerve the arm that pulls the bow, and to sharpen the
arrow that twangs from it. I then put all my confidence in God
and in his promise, “Lo, I am with you even to the end of the
world.” ...
“‘I have this moment received a letter from Bro. Wescott [the
Baptist clergyman], to be in Stillwater next Sabbath [August
30]; and I shall be under the necessity of leaving in a few
minutes. I shall be absent until about the 1st of October.
“‘My good old mother Miller is dead. She died about four weeks
since. The rest of us are all in good health.
“‘Yours in gospel bonds,
“‘WM. MILLER.’
“He visited Stillwater, N. Y., according to invitation, and continued
there one week, lecturing each day. On the 13th, he was at Bristol. On
the 1st of November, he visited Middletown, N. Y., and gave a course of
eight lectures. He then lectured again, five days, at Bristol, commencing
on the 15th of November; and, beginning on the 29th, he labored five days
longer at Middletown—usually giving two lectures each day. On the 6th of
December, he was at Whitehall, N. Y.; on the 20th, at Poultney, Vt.; and
on the 27th, at Westhaven. This terminated his labors for the year 1835.
“On the 3d of January, 1836, he lectured at a Brother Aborn’s; on the
24th, at Dresden, N. Y.; on the 7th of February, at Fort Ann village, N.
Y.; on the 13th of March, at Orwell, Vt.; and on the 15th, at Shoreham,
Vt. His public lectures during these winter months were interrupted
by the preparation of his course of sixteen lectures for the press,
which were published in Troy, N. Y., in the spring of this year, by
Eld. Wescott. All the copies of that edition supplied to Mr. Miller, he
purchased at the regular prices.
“On the 24th of April, he again visited Stillwater, N. Y.; and, on the
15th of May, New Haven, Vt. On the 16th he commenced a course of lectures
at Weybridge, Vt., which closed on the 20th. On the day following, he
began his labors at Monkton, N. Y., which continued eight days.
“On the 19th of June, he visited Lansingburg, N. Y., and continued till
the 26th. To pay his stage-fare, he received, on this occasion, four
dollars, which, with the two half-dollars received in Canada, was all
the remuneration he had thus far received for his expenses. Subsequent
to that time, as he says in his ‘Apology and Defense,’ he never received
enough to meet his expenses of travel to the places where he was invited;
so that his public labors were never of any pecuniary advantage to him,
as has been currently reported and believed; but, on the contrary, they
were a heavy tax on his property, which gradually decreased during that
period of his life.
“On the 21st of July, he writes, from Low Hampton, to Eld. Hendryx: ‘I
have been confined at home, for three weeks past, by a bilious complaint.
I was taken unwell while lecturing at Lansingburg, N. Y.; but I finished
my course of lectures, and returned home, and have not been well since.
My lectures were well received in that place, and excited attention. The
house was filled to overflowing for eight days in succession. I feel that
God was there, and believe that in his glorified kingdom I shall see
the fruits.... Infidels, deists, Universalists, and sectarians, were
all chained to their seats, in perfect silence, for hours—yes, days—to
hear the old stammering man talk about the second coming of Christ, and
show the manner, object, time, and signs, of his coming. O my brother!
it makes me feel like a worm—a poor, feeble creature; for it is God
only who could produce such an effect on such audiences. Yet it gives
me confidence; for I solemnly believe it is truth; and God will support
his word, and will be present where it is preached, however feeble the
instrument; for “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the
world.” Therefore, if I were preaching before all the kings of the earth,
why should I fear? for the King of kings is with me. If all the lords
were there, yet he is Lord of lords, and of the great men of the earth.’
“Mr. Miller again lectured in Dresden, N. Y., on the 7th of August; in
Orwell, Vt., on the 11th of September; and in Keesville, N. Y., on the
18th. He then gave courses of lectures, beginning at Lawrence, N. Y.,
on the 22d; Stockholm, on the 29th; Parishville, on the 7th of October;
Massena, N. Y., on the 14th. He gave ten lectures at Fort Covington, N.
Y., beginning on the 20th, and was at Chataugay, N. Y., on the 27th.
This terminated his labors for the year 1836. In allusion to these last
visits, he wrote on the 23d of December:—
“‘I have not visited a place where the Lord has not given me
one or two souls for my hire. I have spent eight weeks in St.
Lawrence County, and delivered eighty-two lectures this fall.
Next week I am going to Shaftsbury and vicinity.’
“He visited Shaftsbury, Vt., the 23d of January, 1837, and gave his
full course of sixteen lectures. At the close of one lecture, a Baptist
clergyman arose, and stated that he had come there for the purpose of
exposing the folly of Mr. M., but had to confess that he was confounded,
convicted, and converted. He acknowledged that he had applied various
unhandsome appellations to Mr. Miller, calling him ‘the end of the world
man,’ ‘the old visionary,’ ‘dreamer,’ ‘fanatic,’ and for which he felt
covered with shame and confusion. That confession, evidently so honest,
was like a thunderbolt on the audience.
“Very few particulars of interest have been gathered respecting his
labors during the year 1837. According to his memorandum-book, he
lectured in Wells, Vt., on the 3d of February; in Shrewsbury, Vt., on
the 3d of March; in Andover, Vt., from the 5th to the 12th of March; in
Weston, Vt., four days, beginning with the 13th; in Mt. Holly, Vt., on
the 17th; in Orwell, Vt., on the 23d of April and 7th of May; in Danby,
Vt., the 14th of May; in Poultney, Vt., eight days, beginning with the
21st of May; in Orwell, again, on the 4th of June; in North Springfield,
Vt., from the 11th to the 17th; in Ludlow, Vt., from the 19th to the
21st; in Mt. Holly, Vt., from the 25th of June to the 2d of July;[15]
in Orwell, Vt., on the 9th of July; at Fairhaven, Vt., from the 11th to
the 20th; in Whiting, Vt., on the 23d; in Fairhaven, Vt., on the 13th of
Aug.; in Moriah, Vt., from the 14th to the 22d of October; in Ludlow,
Vt., from the 29th to the 6th of November, and at Stillwater, N. Y., on
the 31st of December.
“With the 1st of January, 1838, he commenced a second course of lectures
at Lansingburg, N. Y., in compliance with the urgent request of the
Baptist church in that place, and of E. B. Crandall, their pastor.
The lectures continued nine days, and were listened to by crowded and
attentive audiences. The result also was most heart-cheering. Infidelity
had several strongholds in that neighborhood, and many of that class
attended his lectures, and were greatly affected by them. In a letter
dated on the 25th of that month, two weeks after the close of the
lectures, a gentleman of that place writes to Mr. Miller:—
“‘I have never witnessed so powerful an effect in any place as
in this, on all who heard. I am of the opinion that not less
than one hundred persons, who held infidel sentiments, are
brought to believe the Bible. Infidelity is dumb in this place,
as if frightened, and converts are many.’
“The following testimony of one who was converted from infidelity during
these lectures, is copied from the _Boston Investigator_ (an infidel
paper) of January, 1845:—
“‘MR. EDITOR:—I was a warm supporter of the views of Abner
Kneeland, attended his lectures and _protracted dances_,
disbelieved in divine revelation and a future existence, and
fully accorded with Mr. Kneeland’s views of religion. Having
read every work of note that I could obtain, and having heard
many lectures opposed to God and the Bible, I considered
myself prepared to overthrow the Christian faith, and feared
no argument that could be brought from the Bible. With these
feelings, I attended a full course of Mr. Miller’s lectures. He
gave his rules of interpretation, and pledged himself to prove
his position. I approved of his rules—to which I refer you—and
the result was, he established the fact that the Bible is what
it purports to be—the word of God—to my mind, beyond a doubt;
and I have taken it as the man of my counsel.
“‘I notice your doubts of the truth of the statement in
relation to hundreds of infidels being converted under the
preaching of Mr. Miller. This may possibly be owing to your
never having given Mr. Miller a candid and thorough hearing.
He is a man mighty in the Scriptures, and has done terrible
execution in the ranks of the “King’s enemies,” with the sword
of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
“‘I am personally acquainted with nearly one hundred, who held
to similar views with Abner Kneeland, who were converted under
the preaching of Mr. Miller; and we did not yield the point
without a struggle, nor without due consideration. Each and
every prop and refuge of infidelity and unbelief were taken
away from us, and our sandy foundation was swept by the truth
of the Almighty as chaff is driven by the wind. Yet we parted
with them much as a man parts with a _diseased tooth_. We tried
to cure and keep it there, and when made to know that the
_root_ and foundation was rotten, it was painful to part with;
but we rejoiced and felt better after the separation; for there
is balm in Gilead—there is a Physician there.
“‘_Lansingburg, N. Y., Jan., 1845._’
“On the 14th of January, Mr. Miller lectured at Westhaven, N. Y., and two
weeks from that day, at Low Hampton, N. Y. On the 4th of February, he
commenced a course of lectures at Panton, Vt., which he continued eight
days. He then returned to West Haven, N. Y., and lectured seven days,
beginning February 18.
“On returning to Low Hampton, he found the following letter from Rev.
Charles Fitch, pastor at the Marlboro’ Chapel, Boston. It was the
beginning of an acquaintance between those dear brethren in Christ, and
as such, will be read with interest by all:—
“‘BOSTON, MARCH 5, 1838.
“‘MY DEAR BROTHER:—I am a stranger to you, but I trust that,
through the free sovereign grace of God, I am not altogether a
stranger to Jesus Christ, whom you serve. I am the pastor of
an orthodox Congregational church in this city. A few weeks
since, your Lectures on the Second Coming of Christ were put
into my hands. I sat down to read the work, knowing nothing
of the views which it contained. I have _studied_ it with
an overwhelming interest, such as I never felt in any other
book except the Bible. I have compared it with Scripture and
history, and I find nothing on which to rest a single doubt
respecting the correctness of your views. Though a miserable,
guilty sinner, I trust that, through the Lord’s abounding
grace, I shall be among those that love his appearing. I
preached to my people two discourses yesterday on the coming
of our Lord, and I believe a deep and permanent interest will
be awakened thereby in God’s testimonies. My object in writing
you, my dear sir, is twofold.
“‘1st. Will you have the kindness to inform me, by letter,
in what history you find the fact stated that the last of the
ten kings was baptized A. D. 508, and also that the decree of
Justinian, giving the Bishop of Rome power to suppress the
reading of the Scriptures, was issued in 538? All the other
data which you have given, I have found correct, and I know of
no reason to doubt your correctness in these. But, as I have
not yet been able to find a statement of those facts, you will
do me a great favor by just informing me where I may find them;
and I shall then feel prepared to defend the truth, and to
point others to the right source of information.
“‘There is a meeting of our Ministerial Association to-morrow,
and, as I am appointed to read an essay, I design to bring up
this whole subject for discussion, and trust that I may thereby
do something to spread the truth.
“‘2d. My second object in writing was to ask if you would put
me in the way to obtain a dozen copies of your lectures. I know
of none to be obtained here. I know of several individuals
who are very desirous to obtain the work, and if you can tell
me of any place where it can be obtained in this city, or in
New York, you will greatly oblige me. If you can give me any
information of importance on the subject, not contained in your
book, I should greatly rejoice, because, as I stand a watchman
on the walls, I wish to “_give the trumpet a certain sound_,”
and to make that sound as full, and explicit, and convincing,
as possible.
“‘Yours in the faith of Jesus Christ,
“‘CHARLES FITCH.’
“On the 12th of March, Mr. M. commenced a course of lectures, and
continued eight days, at Benson, Vt. Previous to this, he had received
urgent requests from the Rev. Mr. Hill, of the First Church in Troy, N.
Y., and Rev. Mr. Parke, of the church in West Troy, uniting with their
respective churches, for a course of lectures in each place; and they
were expected, in West Troy, to have been commenced previous to those in
Benson, Vt. Their disappointment, and the great anxiety of ministers and
people, at that period, to secure his services, may be judged of by the
following letter from the pastor of the church in that place:—
“‘WEST TROY, MARCH 12, 1838.
“‘WILLIAM S. MILLER, ESQ.:[16] Dear Sir, I received a line
from you, dated March 1, and was glad to hear that Father
Miller had concluded to visit West Troy on Saturday last. With
much anxiety, all looked forward to that day, expecting the
privilege of hearing something upon the subject of Christ’s
Second Coming. But alas! we are _disappointed_. Dear Sir, I
write these few lines, letting you know something of the state
of feeling in this place upon the subject of Mr. Miller’s
lectures. In the street, in the house, in short, wherever
(almost) you meet an individual, the first thing is, Has Mr.
Miller come yet? When is Mr. Miller going to be here? What
is the reason he does not come? &c. If the old gentleman can
possibly come down to West Troy, I wish him to come as soon as
possible. I hope he will not delay. I think we have a little
claim upon him, if our wishes may be brought into account.
Dear Sir, upon the reception of this, please write me the
reason of the _disappointment_; also, when he will come, if at
all, that I may give an answer to them that ask.
“‘Yours in haste,
“‘FREDERIC S. PARKE.’
“At the same date, Mr. Miller’s son received a letter from Troy, N. Y.,
stating that ‘Rev. Mr. Hill is at present very anxious, and most of his
church, for your father to come to East Troy first, and he has undertaken
a negotiation with Eld. Parke, for your father to visit them half of the
time.’
“In compliance with these urgent requests, he commenced a course of
lectures at West Troy, N. Y., on the 8th of March, and continued till the
15th, when he began in East Troy, where he continued till the 25th. These
were attended with happy results. In the March of the next year, the Rev.
Mr. Parke wrote Mr. Miller as follows:—
“‘It is my privilege to say that God in mercy is doing a great
work in West Troy. Old and young and middle-aged are alike made
the happy recipients of grace. The Dutch Reformed church are
enjoying an interesting state of things. The Methodists are
full of the Spirit, and the Baptists are pressing on in the
good cause. Praise the Lord! A number date their awakening to
your lectures on the Second Coming of Christ.... You have great
reason to rejoice that God is pleased to make you the honored
instrument of awakening poor sinners.’
“Previous to these lectures, he had received the following urgent request
from Rev. Emerson Andrews, of the Baptist church in Rome, N. Y.:—
“‘ROME, N. Y., MARCH 20, 1838.
“‘DEAR BROTHER MILLER:— ... We have heard something of you
and yours, and want to see you in person, and hear your whole
course of lectures. I feel as if the time had arrived for you
to preach the gospel at Rome also. There is more attention to
religion now than formerly, and some anxiety. The desire to
hear from you is very great. We want you to come immediately,
the first Sunday, if possible. Don’t, I beg of you, make _any
delay, or excuse_, but come right off.... I want you to be here
before the time if possible.’
“Engagements at Troy made it necessary to defer compliance with the above
till they were attended to. After a few days’ rest, he visited Rome,
N. Y., began his lectures there on the 6th of May, and continued till
the 16th. In the absence of any journal, or of any reference to these
lectures in any of the letters preserved by him, their results cannot be
here recorded.
“In June following, he again visited his friends in Canada East, and
lectured at Outlet on the 10th and 11th, and Bolton from the 12th to the
14th, returning home before the end of the month. After this, he gave
courses of lectures, commencing on the 26th of August, at Braintree, Vt.;
on the 16th of September, at White Creek, Vt.; on the 3d of October,
at Pittsfield, Vt.; on the 7th, at Randolph, Vt.; on the 16th, at
Brookfield, Vt.
“This last course was given at the urgent request of Rev. Jehiel Claflin
and the Baptist church in that place. As early as the 26th of June, Mr.
C. wrote him: ‘There are a great many people in this and the adjoining
towns, who are very anxious to hear you lecture on the subject of the
millennium.’ And, on the 16th of July, he wrote: ‘I received your favor
of the 30th ult., and read the same with much delight, to find that you
could gratify the wish of so many friends in this, and adjacent towns.
I read your letter in meeting, yesterday, to my congregation; and, some
being present from abroad, I consulted them according to your request,
and found an increasing anxiety in their minds that you should come and
lecture in this vicinity, or near by.’
“On the 7th of November, he commenced a course of lectures at Montpelier,
Vt., which he continued there and in the neighborhood till the 23d. On
the 17th, he writes from that place to his son:—
“‘There is a great excitement on the subject in this place.
Last night, we had a solemn and interesting meeting. There was
a great breaking down, and much weeping. Some souls have been
born again. I can hardly get away from this people. They want
me to stay another week; but I shall go to the next village
on Monday. Mr. Kellogg, the Congregational minister here, is
a good man, and his church are living Christians. Montpelier
is quite a considerable village, and contains some very
intelligent people, who appear to listen with much interest.
This afternoon, I meet the citizens, and am to give them an
opportunity to ask questions and state objections.... May God
help me to give his truth! I know my own weakness, and I know
that I have neither power of body nor mind to do what the Lord
is doing by me. It is the Lord’s doings and marvelous in our
eyes. The world do not know how weak I am. They think much more
of the old man than _I_ think of him.’
“A gentleman in this place, on the 20th of February following, wrote to
Mr. M. as follows: ‘I am happy to inform you that your labors with us
have been blessed, and twenty have united with our church (the Baptist)
since you left Montpelier, and twenty or thirty more will soon join, all
of whom date their awakening at the time you lectured here. Bro. Kellogg
(the Congregationalist minister) is strong in the faith, and his views
are with Bro. Miller on the second coming of Christ.’
“On the 24th of November, he commenced a series of lectures in Jericho,
Vt., which continued till the 2d of December. On the 28th of this month,
he went to Stockbridge, Vt., and on the 30th, to Rochester, where he
continued till the 6th of January, 1839.
“On the 7th of January, 1839, he wrote to his son from Bethel, Vt., that
he had lectured in those places to large audiences, and was on his way to
Woodstock. He arrived at that place on the 7th, and commenced a second
course of lectures, which continued to the 14th. From that date to the
20th, he lectured at Pomfret, Vt.; from the 21st to the 27th, at Bethel,
Vt.; and from the 28th to the 31st, at Gaysville, Vt.; from which place
he returned home. On the 28th, he wrote from Gaysville to his son:—
“‘There has been a reformation in every place that I have
lectured in since I left home, and the work is progressing
in every place rapidly. The meeting-houses are crowded to
overflowing. Much excitement prevails among the people. Many
say they believe; some scoff; others are sober and thinking.
Give my love to all—mother and the children.
I remain yours, etc.
“‘WM. MILLER.’
“On the 10th of March, he commenced in Essex, Vt., and lectured till the
17th. From the 18th to the 25th, he was at Williston, Vt.; and on the
26th, he commenced another course of lectures at Waterbury, Vt., which
closed on the 1st of April. Having projected a tour into Massachusetts
about this time, he was obliged to disappoint a large number who had
solicited visits from him. As evidence of the great desire to hear him,
he then had on file urgent requests from Frederick Daley, ‘Preacher
in charge,’ Northfield, Vt.,—with fifteen signatures from Strafford,
Vt.,—expressing ‘a great anxiety on the part of the public to hear a
course of lectures;’ from Joseph Chase, Middlesex, announcing that the
meeting-house had been opened for him without a dissenting vote, and
urging him to come by all means; Wm. D. Leavett, Grantham, N. H.; urging
his presence there, ‘at an early day as possible;’ Z. Delano, Hartford,
Vt., wishing him to come as early ‘as practicable;’ Jonathan Woods,
Dover, Vt., ‘many people being desirous to hear;’ Hiram Freeman, pastor
of the Congregationalist church in Middlesex, Vt., stating that ‘the
church would gladly see him, and were generally anxious for him to come,’
etc., etc.; none of which appear to have been complied with.