Calvin had spread the truths of the Reformation, Gaussen preached the
message of the second advent. While a student at school, Gaussen had
encountered that spirit of rationalism which pervaded all Europe during
the latter part of the eighteenth and the opening of the nineteenth
century; and when he entered the ministry he was not only ignorant of true
faith, but inclined to skepticism. In his youth he had become interested
in the study of prophecy. After reading Rollin’s “Ancient History,” his
attention was called to the second chapter of Daniel, and he was struck
with the wonderful exactness with which the prophecy had been fulfilled,
as seen in the historian’s record. Here was a testimony to the inspiration
of the Scriptures, which served as an anchor to him amid the perils of
later years. He could not rest satisfied with the teachings of
rationalism, and in studying the Bible and searching for clearer light he
was, after a time, led to a positive faith.
As he pursued his investigation of the prophecies, he arrived at the
belief that the coming of the Lord was at hand. Impressed with the
solemnity and importance of this great truth, he desired to bring it
before the people; but the popular belief that the prophecies of Daniel
are mysteries and cannot be understood, was a serious obstacle in his way.
He finally determined—as Farel had done before him in evangelizing
Geneva—to begin with the children, through whom he hoped to interest the
parents.
“I desire this to be understood,” he afterward said, speaking of his
object in this undertaking, “it is not because of its small importance,
but on the contrary because of its great value, that I wished to present
it in this familiar form, and that I addressed it to the children. I
desired to be heard, and I feared that I would not be if I addressed
myself to the grown people first.” “I determined therefore to go to the
youngest. I gather an audience of children; if the group enlarges, if it
is seen that they listen, are pleased, interested, that they understand
and explain the subject, I am sure to have a second circle soon, and in
their turn, grown people will see that it is worth their while to sit down
and study. When this is done, the cause is gained.”(607)
The effort was successful. As he addressed the children, older persons
came to listen. The galleries of his church were filled with attentive
hearers. Among them were men of rank and learning, and strangers and
foreigners visiting Geneva; and thus the message was carried to other
parts.
Encouraged by this success, Gaussen published his lessons, with the hope
of promoting the study of the prophetic books in the churches of the
French-speaking people. “To publish instruction given to the children,”
says Gaussen, “is to say to adults, who too often neglect such books under
the false pretense that they are obscure, ‘How can they be obscure, since
your children understand them?’ ” “I had a great desire,” he adds, “to
render a knowledge of the prophecies popular in our flocks, if possible.”
“There is no study, indeed, which it seems to me answers the needs of the
time better.” “It is by this that we are to prepare for the tribulation
near at hand, and watch and wait for Jesus Christ.”
Though one of the most distinguished and beloved of preachers in the
French language, Gaussen was after a time suspended from the ministry, his
principal offense being that instead of the church’s catechism, a tame and
rationalistic manual, almost destitute of positive faith, he had used the
Bible in giving instruction to the youth. He afterward became teacher in a
theological school, while on Sunday he continued his work as catechist,
addressing the children, and instructing them in the Scriptures. His works
on prophecy also excited much interest. From the professor’s chair,
through the press, and in his favorite occupation as teacher of children,
he continued for many years to exert an extensive influence, and was
instrumental in calling the attention of many to the study of the
prophecies which showed that the coming of the Lord was near.
In Scandinavia also the advent message was proclaimed, and a wide-spread
interest was kindled. Many were roused from their careless security, to
confess and forsake their sins, and seek pardon in the name of Christ. But
the clergy of the state church opposed the movement, and through their
influence some who preached the message were thrown into prison. In many
places where the preachers of the Lord’s soon coming were thus silenced,
God was pleased to send the message, in a miraculous manner, through
little children. As they were under age, the law of the state could not
restrain them, and they were permitted to speak unmolested.
The movement was chiefly among the lower class, and it was in the humble
dwellings of the laborers that the people assembled to hear the warning.
The child-preachers themselves were mostly poor cottagers. Some of them
were not more than six or eight years of age; and while their lives
testified that they loved the Saviour, and were trying to live in
obedience to God’s holy requirements, they ordinarily manifested only the
intelligence and ability usually seen in children of that age. When
standing before the people, however, it was evident that they were moved
by an influence beyond their own natural gifts. Tone and manner changed,
and with solemn power they gave the warning of the judgment, employing the
very words of Scripture, “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of
His judgment is come.” They reproved the sins of the people, not only
condemning immorality and vice, but rebuking worldliness and backsliding,
and warning their hearers to make haste to flee from the wrath to come.
The people heard with trembling. The convicting Spirit of God spoke to
their hearts. Many were led to search the Scriptures with new and deeper
interest, the intemperate and immoral were reformed, others abandoned
their dishonest practices, and a work was done so marked that even
ministers of the state church were forced to acknowledge that the hand of
God was in the movement.
It was God’s will that the tidings of the Saviour’s coming should be given
in the Scandinavian countries; and when the voices of His servants were
silenced, He put His Spirit upon the children, that the work might be
accomplished. When Jesus drew near to Jerusalem attended by the rejoicing
multitudes that, with shouts of triumph and the waving of palm branches,
heralded Him as the Son of David, the jealous Pharisees called upon Him to
silence them; but Jesus answered that all this was in fulfilment of
prophecy, and if these should hold their peace, the very stones would cry
out. The people, intimidated by the threats of the priests and rulers,
ceased their joyful proclamation as they entered the gates of Jerusalem;
but the children in the temple courts afterward took up the refrain, and
waving their branches of palm, they cried, “Hosanna to the Son of
David!”(608) When the Pharisees, sorely displeased, said unto Him,
“Hearest Thou what these say?” Jesus answered, “Yea; have ye never read,
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise?” As
God wrought through children at the time of Christ’s first advent, so He
wrought through them in giving the message of His second advent. God’s
word must be fulfilled, that the proclamation of the Saviour’s coming
should be given to all peoples, tongues, and nations.
To William Miller and his co-laborers it was given to preach the warning
in America. This country became the center of the great Advent Movement.
It was here that the prophecy of the first angel’s message had its most
direct fulfilment. The writings of Miller and his associates were carried
to distant lands. Wherever missionaries had penetrated in all the world,
were sent the glad tidings of Christ’s speedy return. Far and wide spread
the message of the everlasting gospel, “Fear God, and give glory to Him;
for the hour of His judgment is come.”
The testimony of the prophecies which seemed to point to the coming of
Christ in the spring of 1844, took deep hold of the minds of the people.
As the message went from State to State, there was everywhere awakened
wide-spread interest. Many were convinced that the arguments from the
prophetic periods were correct, and sacrificing their pride of opinion,
they joyfully received the truth. Some ministers laid aside their
sectarian views and feelings, left their salaries and their churches, and
united in proclaiming the coming of Jesus. There were comparatively few
ministers, however, who would accept this message; therefore it was
largely committed to humble laymen. Farmers left their fields, mechanics
their tools, traders their merchandise, professional men their positions;
and yet the number of workers was small in comparison with the work to be
accomplished. The condition of an ungodly church and a world lying in
wickedness, burdened the souls of the true watchmen, and they willingly
endured toil, privation, and suffering, that they might call men to
repentance unto salvation. Though opposed by Satan, the work went steadily
forward, and the advent truth was accepted by many thousands.
Everywhere the searching testimony was heard, warning sinners, both
worldlings and church-members, to flee from the wrath to come. Like John
the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, the preachers laid the axe at the
root of the tree, and urged all to bring forth fruit meet for repentance.
Their stirring appeals were in marked contrast to the assurances of peace
and safety that were heard from popular pulpits; and wherever the message
was given, it moved the people. The simple, direct testimony of the
Scriptures, set home by the power of the Holy Spirit, brought a weight of
conviction which few were able wholly to resist. Professors of religion
were roused from their false security. They saw their backslidings, their
worldliness and unbelief, their pride and selfishness. Many sought the
Lord with repentance and humiliation. The affections that had so long
clung to earthly things they now fixed upon heaven. The Spirit of God
rested upon them, and with hearts softened and subdued they joined to
sound the cry, “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His
judgment is come.”
Sinners inquired with weeping, “What must I do to be saved?” Those whose
lives had been marked with dishonesty were anxious to make restitution.
All who found peace in Christ longed to see others share the blessing. The
hearts of parents were turned to their children, and the hearts of
children to their parents. The barriers of pride and reserve were swept
away. Heartfelt confessions were made, and the members of the household
labored for the salvation of those who were nearest and dearest. Often was
heard the sound of earnest intercession. Everywhere were souls in deep
anguish, pleading with God. Many wrestled all night in prayer for the
assurance that their own sins were pardoned, or for the conversion of
their relatives or neighbors.
All classes flocked to the Adventist meetings. Rich and poor, high and
low, were, from various causes, anxious to hear for themselves the
doctrine of the second advent. The Lord held the spirit of opposition in
check while His servants explained the reasons of their faith. Sometimes
the instrument was feeble; but the Spirit of God gave power to His truth.
The presence of holy angels was felt in these assemblies, and many were
daily added to the believers. As the evidences of Christ’s soon coming
were repeated, vast crowds listened in breathless silence to the solemn
words. Heaven and earth seemed to approach each other. The power of God
was felt upon old and young and middle-aged. Men sought their homes with
praises upon their lips, and the glad sound rang out upon the still night
air. None who attended those meetings can ever forget those scenes of
deepest interest.
The proclamation of a definite time for Christ’s coming called forth great
opposition from many of all classes, from the minister in the pulpit down
to the most reckless, Heaven-daring sinner. The words of prophecy were
fulfilled: “There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after
their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’ for
since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the
beginning of the creation.”(609) Many who professed to love the Saviour,
declared that they had no opposition to the doctrine of the second advent;
they merely objected to the definite time. But God’s all-seeing eye read
their hearts. They did not wish to hear of Christ’s coming to judge the
world in righteousness. They had been unfaithful servants, their works
would not bear the inspection of the heart-searching God, and they feared
to meet their Lord. Like the Jews at the time of Christ’s first advent,
they were not prepared to welcome Jesus. They not only refused to listen
to the plain arguments from the Bible, but ridiculed those who were
looking for the Lord. Satan and his angels exulted, and flung the taunt in
the face of Christ and holy angels, that His professed people had so
little love for Him that they did not desire His appearing.
“No man knoweth the day nor the hour,” was the argument most often brought
forward by rejecters of the advent faith. The scripture is, “Of that day
and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father
only.”(610) A clear and harmonious explanation of this text was given by
those who were looking for the Lord, and the wrong use made of it by their
opponents was clearly shown. The words were spoken by Christ in that
memorable conversation with His disciples upon Olivet, after He had for
the last time departed from the temple. The disciples had asked the
question, “What shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the
world?” Jesus gave them signs, and said, “When ye shall see all these
things, know that it is near, even at the doors.”(611) One saying of the
Saviour must not be made to destroy another. Though no man knoweth the
_day_ nor the _hour_ of His coming, we are instructed and required to know
when it is near. We are further taught that to disregard His warning, and
refuse or neglect to know when His advent is near, will be as fatal for us
as it was for those who lived in the days of Noah not to know when the
flood was coming. And the parable in the same chapter, contrasting the
faithful and the unfaithful servant, and giving the doom of him who said
in his heart, “My Lord delayeth His coming,” shows in what light Christ
will regard and reward those whom He finds watching, and teaching His
coming, and those denying it. “Watch therefore,” He says; “blessed is that
servant, whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing.”(612) “If
therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou
shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.”(613)
Paul speaks of a class to whom the Lord’s appearing will come unawares.
“The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they
shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, ...
and they shall not escape.” But He adds, to those who have given heed to
the Saviour’s warning, “Ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day
should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the
children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”(614)
Thus it was shown that Scripture gives no warrant for men to remain in
ignorance concerning the nearness of Christ’s coming. But those who
desired only an excuse to reject the truth closed their ears to this
explanation; and the words, “No man knoweth the day nor the hour,”
continued to be echoed by the bold scoffer, and even by the professed
minister of Christ. As the people were roused, and began to inquire the
way of salvation, religious teachers stepped in between them and the
truth, seeking to quiet their fears by falsely interpreting the word of
God. Unfaithful watchmen united in the work of the great deceiver, crying,
Peace, peace, when God had not spoken peace. Like the Pharisees in
Christ’s day, many refused to enter the kingdom of heaven themselves, and
those who were entering in, they hindered. The blood of these souls will
be required at their hand.
The most humble and devoted in the churches were usually the first to
receive the message. Those who studied the Bible for themselves could not
but see the unscriptural character of the popular views of prophecy; and
wherever the people were not controlled by the influence of the clergy,
wherever they would search the word of God for themselves, the advent
doctrine needed only to be compared with the Scriptures to establish its
divine authority.
Many were persecuted by their unbelieving brethren. In order to retain
their position in the church, some consented to be silent in regard to
their hope; but others felt that loyalty to God forbade them thus to hide
the truths which He had committed to their trust. Not a few were cut off
from the fellowship of the church for no other reason than expressing
their belief in the coming of Christ. Very precious to those who bore this
trial of their faith were the words of the prophet, “Your brethren that
hated you, that cast you out for My name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be
glorified: but He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be
ashamed.”(615)
Angels of God were watching with the deepest interest the result of the
warning. When there was a general rejection of the message by the
churches, angels turned away in sadness. But there were many who had not
yet been tested in regard to the advent truth. Many were misled by
husbands, wives, parents, or children, and were made to believe it a sin
even to listen to such heresies as were taught by the Adventists. Angels
were bidden to keep faithful watch over these souls; for another light was
yet to shine upon them from the throne of God.
With unspeakable desire those who had received the message watched for the
coming of their Saviour. The time when they expected to meet Him was at
hand. They approached this hour with a calm solemnity. They rested in
sweet communion with God, an earnest of the peace that was to be theirs in
the bright hereafter. None who experienced this hope and trust can forget
those precious hours of waiting. For some weeks preceding the time,
worldly business was for the most part laid aside. The sincere believers
carefully examined every thought and emotion of their hearts as if upon
their death-beds and in a few hours to close their eyes upon earthly
scenes. There was no making of “ascension robes;”(616) but all felt the
need of internal evidence that they were prepared to meet the Saviour;
their white robes were purity of soul,—characters cleansed from sin by the
atoning blood of Christ. Would that there was still with the professed
people of God the same spirit of heart-searching, the same earnest,
determined faith. Had they continued thus to humble themselves before the
Lord, and press their petitions at the mercy-seat, they would be in
possession of a far richer experience than they now have. There is too
little prayer, too little real conviction of sin, and the lack of living
faith leaves many destitute of the grace so richly provided by our
Redeemer.
God designed to prove His people. His hand covered a mistake in the
reckoning of the prophetic periods. Adventists did not discover the error,
nor was it discovered by the most learned of their opponents. The latter
said: “Your reckoning of the prophetic periods is correct. Some great
event is about to take place; but it is not what Mr. Miller predicts; it
is the conversion of the world, and not the second advent of Christ.”(617)
The time of expectation passed, and Christ did not appear for the
deliverance of His people. Those who with sincere faith and love had
looked for their Saviour, experienced a bitter disappointment. Yet the
purposes of God were being accomplished: He was testing the hearts of
those who professed to be waiting for His appearing. There were among them
many who had been actuated by no higher motive than fear. Their profession
of faith had not affected their hearts or their lives. When the expected
event failed to take place, these persons declared that they were not
disappointed; they had never believed that Christ would come. They were
among the first to ridicule the sorrow of the true believers.
But Jesus and all the heavenly host looked with love and sympathy upon the
tried and faithful yet disappointed ones. Could the veil separating the
visible from the invisible world have been swept back, angels would have
been seen drawing near to these steadfast souls, and shielding them from
the shafts of Satan.
21. A WARNING REJECTED.
[Illustration: Chapter header.]
In preaching the doctrine of the second advent, William Miller and his
associates had labored with the sole purpose of arousing men to a
preparation for the judgment. They had sought to awaken professors of
religion to the true hope of the church, and to their need of a deeper
Christian experience; and they labored also to awaken the unconverted to
the duty of immediate repentance and conversion to God. “They made no
attempt to convert men to a sect or party in religion. Hence they labored
among all parties and sects, without interfering with their organization
or discipline.”(618)
“In all my labors,” said Miller, “I never had the desire or thought to
establish any separate interest from that of existing denominations, or to
benefit one at the expense of another. I thought to benefit all. Supposing
that all Christians would rejoice in the prospect of Christ’s coming, and
that those who could not see as I did would not love any the less those
who should embrace this doctrine, I did not conceive there would ever be
any necessity for separate meetings. My whole object was a desire to
convert souls to God, to notify the world of a coming judgment, and to
induce my fellow-men to make that preparation of heart which will enable
them to meet their God in peace. The great majority of those who were
converted under my labors united with the various existing churches.”(619)
As his work tended to build up the churches, it was for a time regarded
with favor. But as ministers and religious leaders decided against the
advent doctrine, and desired to suppress all agitation of the subject,
they not only opposed it from the pulpit, but denied their members the
privilege of attending preaching upon the second advent, or even of
speaking of their hope in the social meetings of the church. Thus the
believers found themselves in a position of great trial and perplexity.
They loved their churches, and were loath to separate from them; but as
they saw the testimony of God’s word suppressed, and their right to
investigate the prophecies denied, they felt that loyalty to God forbade
them to submit. Those who sought to shut out the testimony of God’s word,
they could not regard as constituting the church of Christ, “the pillar
and ground of the truth.” Hence they felt themselves justified in
separating from their former connection. In the summer of 1844 about fifty
thousand withdrew from the churches.
About this time a marked change was apparent in most of the churches
throughout the United States. There had been for many years a gradual but
steadily increasing conformity to worldly practices and customs, and a
corresponding decline in real spiritual life; but in that year there were
evidences of a sudden and marked declension in nearly all the churches of
the land. While none seemed able to suggest the cause, the fact itself was
widely noted and commented upon, by both the press and the pulpit.