William Miller
Tuesday - May 14, 2024
William Miller and the Bible
Isaiah 28:9-10; Proverbs 8:8-9; John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Daniel 1:17; Daniel 2:45; 1 Peter 1:10-11; Revelation 1:1-3; Jeremiah 49:36; Revelation 17:15; Jeremiah 6:2; Ephesians 5:22-32; Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6.
“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10)
Every Spirit Should be Tested
William Miller had no sympathy with those influences that led to fanaticism. He declared, with Luther, that every spirit should be tested by the word of God. "The devil," said Miller, "has great power over the minds of some at the present day. And how shall we know what manner of spirit they are of? The Bible answers: 'By their fruits ye shall know them.'. . . There are many spirits gone out into the world; and we are commanded to try the spirits. The spirit that does not cause us to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, is not the Spirit of Christ. I am more and more convinced that Satan has much to do in these wild movements. . . . Many among us who pretend to be wholly sanctified, are following the traditions of men, and apparently are as ignorant of truth as others who make no such pretensions."--Bliss, pages 236, 237. "The spirit of error will lead us from the truth; and the Spirit of God will lead us into truth. But, say you, a man may be in an error, and think he has the truth. What then? We answer, The Spirit and word agree. If a man judges himself by the word of God, and finds a perfect harmony through the whole word, then he must believe he has the truth; but if he finds the spirit by which he is led does not harmonize with the whole tenor of God's law or Book, then let him walk carefully, lest he be caught in the snare of the devil."--The Advent Herald and Signs of the Times Reporter, vol. 8, No. 23 (Jan. 15, 1845). "I have often obtained more evidence of inward piety from a kindling eye, a wet cheek, and a choked utterance, than from all the noise of Christendom."--Bliss, page 282. {GC 396.2}
An Infidel who does not Believe the Bible was Led to Understand the Prophecy
I saw that God sent His angel to move upon the heart of a farmer [William Miller] who had not believed the Bible, and led him to search the prophecies. Angels of God repeatedly visited that chosen one, and guided his mind, and opened his understanding to prophecies which had ever been dark to God's people. The commencement of the chain of truth was given him, and he was led on to search for link after link, until he looked with wonder and admiration upon the Word of God. . . . {The Truth About Angels (1996), 247.2}
Angels of God accompanied William Miller in his mission. He was firm and undaunted. He fearlessly proclaimed the message. . . . Although opposed by professed Christians and the world, and buffeted by Satan and his angels, he ceased not to preach the everlasting gospel to crowds wherever he was invited, and sound the cry, Fear God and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.—Spiritual Gift volume 1, 128, 132. {The Truth About Angels (1996),.3}
William Miller Started to Unfold the Mysteries of the Kingdom of God
As he followed down the prophecies, he saw that the inhabitants of the earth were living in the closing scenes of this world's history, yet they knew it not. He looked at the churches and saw that they were corrupt; they had taken their affections from Jesus and placed them on the world; they were seeking for worldly honor, instead of that honor which cometh from above; grasping for worldly riches, instead of laying up their treasure in heaven. He could see hypocrisy, darkness, and death everywhere. His spirit was stirred within him. God called him to leave his farm, as He called Elisha to leave his oxen and the field of his labor to follow Elijah. With trembling, William Miller began to unfold to the people the mysteries of the kingdom of God, carrying his hearers down through the prophecies to the second advent of Christ. With every effort he gained strength. As John the Baptist heralded the first advent of Jesus and prepared the way for His coming, so William Miller and those who joined with him proclaimed the second advent of the Son of God. {Early Writings 229.2}
The Witness Of William Miller Disturb Satan's kingdom
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9. {Christ Triumphant (1999), 337.1}
William Miller was disturbing Satan’s kingdom, and the archenemy sought not only to counteract the effect of the message, but to destroy the messenger himself. As Father Miller made a practical application of Scripture truth to the hearts of his hearers, the rage of professed Christians was kindled against him, even as the anger of the Jews was excited against Christ and His apostles. Church members stirred up the baser classes, and upon several occasions enemies plotted to take his life as he should leave the place of meeting. But holy angels were in the throng, and one of these, in the form of a man, took the arm of this servant of the Lord and led him to safety from the angry mob. His work was not yet done, and Satan and his emissaries were disappointed in their purpose. {Christ Triumphant (1999), 337.2}
Consider the Following
Based on the words of Isaiah (Isa. 28:9-10), William Miller decided to make the Bible his own interpreter.
Starting from Genesis, he studied every biblical passage. If its meaning was not clear, he looked for the solution in some other biblical passage.
When he came to the prophetic passages, he discovered that the same principle could be applied there as well:
(1) Beasts represent kingdoms (Dan. 7:17, 23)
(2) The winds represent destruction (Jer. 49:36)
(3) Water represents multitudes (Rev. 17:15)
(4) Women represent churches (Ez. 23:4; 2Co. 11:2)
(5) Days are literal years (Num. 14:34; Ezek. 4:6)
