Sketches of the Christian life and public labors of William Miller : $b Gathered from his memoir by the late Sylvester Bliss, and from other sourcesWhite, James
Philosophy
Sketches of the Christian life and public labors of William Miller : $b Gathered from his memoir by the late Sylvester Bliss, and from other sources
White, James
Miller, William, 1782-1849
“‘I was quickly invited into the “east room,” where “Father
Miller” greeted me, though he could not see so as to know me;
but, when told, recollected distinctly. He was much changed,
and yet so changed as to leave all the good outlines of former
acquaintance behind. His sufferings through the summer and
fall had been very great. He was much swollen by dropsy. His
strength and sight were much diminished. His venerable white
locks were few and thin, and his flesh was like that of a
child. But his voice was full, his memory good, his intellect
strikingly strong and clear, and his patience and resignation
were remarkable. He asked of my welfare, and of the friends;
and said he was never so strong in his mind that we were right
as now. He was sure it could not be long before the coming of
the Lord. He wished him to come soon; but, if not, to be taken
himself to the Lord.’
“He was drawn to the table in his chair, and ate supper with the family,
probably for the last time. Elder R. left the next morning between
four and five o’clock; but Mr. Miller was awake, and arose to take an
affectionate leave of him.
“For several months he had been confined mostly to his room. During a
part of the time he had been confined to his bed, lounge, or easy chair;
and he suffered excruciating pain, which he endured with Christian
patience. During his greatest sufferings, he solaced himself by
quotations of numerous passages of Scripture, and favorite hymns of Watts
and others, expressive of the hope and joy of the redeemed.
“He had watched all the occurrences in Europe with great interest;
but, giving up the idea of seeing the Saviour before his death, he had
arranged all his business, and waited for the summons when he might
‘depart and be with Christ.’[89]
“On the 13th of December he had one of the most severe attacks of pain
which he was called to endure. It was then thought he would not survive
till the next morning, and Elder Himes was immediately telegraphed for,
at the request of Mr. M. Mr. Himes wrote:—
“‘On my arrival, early in the morning of the 17th, he
had obtained some relief, and was quite comfortable. On
entering his room, he immediately recognized my voice, and,
on approaching his bed-side, he was able to distinguish my
features, though his eyes were dim.
“‘Then you do know me, Father Miller, do you?’
“‘Oh! yes; I understand,—I know what is passing.’
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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