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William Miller, who started the Millerite movement, preached that Jesus' second coming would occur around 1843.
Jesus did not return in 1843. Then the Millerites revised it to 1844. Jesus did not return in 1844. Eventually the Millerite movement settled on the date of Oct. 22, 1844. Jesus did not return Oct. 22, 1844.
Miller should have never thought to preach this message because of the words of Scripture:
Yet, Ellen White, years after the failure of Jesus to return in 1843, indicated that the proclamation of Miller's message that Jesus was coming in 1843 was of God. Ellen White indicated Miller's message was a heavenly message.
Below I quote from a number of places where Ellen White endorses Miller's message, from "Early Writings".
Anyone wanting to review the whole context may read "Early Writings" by Ellen White at the following link.
Jesus did not return in 1843. Then the Millerites revised it to 1844. Jesus did not return in 1844. Eventually the Millerite movement settled on the date of Oct. 22, 1844. Jesus did not return Oct. 22, 1844.
Miller should have never thought to preach this message because of the words of Scripture:
Matthew 24:4 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
I Thessalonians 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
Yet, Ellen White, years after the failure of Jesus to return in 1843, indicated that the proclamation of Miller's message that Jesus was coming in 1843 was of God. Ellen White indicated Miller's message was a heavenly message.
Below I quote from a number of places where Ellen White endorses Miller's message, from "Early Writings".
Anyone wanting to review the whole context may read "Early Writings" by Ellen White at the following link.
I saw that God was in the proclamation of the time in 1843. It was His design to arouse the people and bring them to a testing point, where they should decide for or against the truth.
Angels of God accompanied William Miller in his mission. He was firm and undaunted, fearlessly proclaiming the message committed to his trust.
The saints anxiously waited for their Lord with fasting, watching, and almost constant prayer. Even some sinners looked forward to the time with terror; but the great mass manifested the spirit of Satan in their opposition to the message. They mocked and scoffed, repeating everywhere, "No man knoweth the day nor the hour." Evil angels urged them on to harden their hearts and to reject every ray of light from heaven, that they might be fastened in the snare of Satan. Many who professed to be looking for Christ had no part in the work of the message.
Thousands were led to embrace the truth preached by William Miller, and servants of God were raised up in the spirit and power of Elijah to proclaim the message.
Ministers who would not accept this saving message themselves hindered those who would have received it.
Preachers and people joined to oppose this message from heaven and to persecute William Miller and those who united with him in the work.
I saw the people of God joyful in expectation, looking for their Lord. But God designed to prove them. His hand covered a mistake in the reckoning of the prophetic periods. Those who were looking for their Lord did not discover this mistake, and the most learned men who opposed the time also failed to see it. God designed that His people should meet with a disappointment.
Those who had neglected to receive the heavenly message were left in darkness, and God's anger was kindled against them, because they would not receive the light which He had sent them from heaven.
Satan and his angels triumphed over them, and those who would not receive the message congratulated themselves upon their farseeing judgment and wisdom in not receiving the delusion, as they called it. They did not realize that they were rejecting the counsel of God against themselves, and were working in union with Satan and his angels to perplex God's people,who were living out the heaven-sent message.
Notice that in the quotes above she condemns those who did not receive Miller's message that Jesus was coming in 1843, and later 1844. She indicates Miller's message of Jesus coming in 1843 was a heaven-sent message. And she says God designed to test people. She condemns those who rejected it--even though it goes completely against what the Scriptures say about date setting, and despite the event not coming to pass.
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