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 — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
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
John Stuart Mill · en
If it be objected that the second advent movement, as introduced in our
country by Mr. Miller, could not have been in harmony with Providence,
in fulfillment of prophecy, because those who engaged in it were
disappointed, then we suggest that, if God’s people never have been
disappointed on the very point of their expectation when prophecy was
being fulfilled in their experience and history, then it may be that
prophecy has not been fulfilled in the advent movement. But if one
instance can be shown in Sacred History where prophecy was fulfilled by
those who were entirely incorrect on the vital point of their confident
expectation, then, after all, prophecy may have been fulfilled in the
great second advent movement of 1840-4. This matter should be fully
tested.
The prophet of God had uttered these words about five hundred years
before their fulfillment: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout,
O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King cometh unto thee; he is just,
and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass.” Zech. 9:9. In
fulfillment of this prophecy, while Christ was riding into Jerusalem in
the very humble manner expressed by the prophet, the chosen twelve, and
the shouting multitude, cried, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is
he that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Matt.
21:9. The people, and even the disciples, did not as yet understand the
nature of Christ’s kingdom; and they verily thought that Jesus would
on that occasion claim his right to the throne of David, and then, and
there, be crowned king of Israel.
And when Jesus was requested to rebuke his disciples, he replied, “I tell
you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately
cry out.” Prophecy had gone forth, and must be fulfilled, if the Spirit
of God from necessity should call hosannas from the very stones.
But the people did not understand the nature of prophetic fulfillment of
their time; and their disappointment was complete. In a few days they
witnessed the dying agonies of the Son of God upon the cross, and as
Christ died, their hopes in him died also. Nevertheless, prophecy was
fulfilled in the ardent hopes and triumphant hosannas of those who were
so soon overwhelmed with bitterest disappointment.
In gathering material for this work, we have copied very largely from
Mr. Bliss, especially from the correspondence and writings of Mr. Miller
which are incorporated into his Memoir. And we have thought best to
introduce matter from the pen of Mr. Miller, not found in his Memoir, as
his writings, probably, better represent the advent movement and cause
than those of any other. And as the best means by which the people may
learn the real sentiments, the candor, and the true piety of this humble
servant of Jesus Christ, we would let his writings testify.