Chapter 18 . An American Reformer
An upright , honest-hearted farmer , who had been led to doubt the divine authority of the Scriptures , yet who sincerely desired to know the truth , was the man specially chosen of God to lead out in the proclamation of Christ ' s second coming . Like many other reformers , William Miller had in early life battled with poverty and had thus learned the great lessons of energy and self-denial . The members of the family from which he sprang were characterized by an independent , libertyloving spirit , by capability of endurance , and ardent patriotism--traits which were also prominent in his character . His father was a captain in the army of the Revolution , and to the sacrifices which he made in the struggles and sufferings of that stormy period may be traced the straitened circumstances of Miller ' s early life .
He had a sound physical constitution , and even in childhood gave evidence of more than ordinary intellectual strength . As he grew older , this became more marked . His mind was active and well developed , and he had a keen thirst for knowledge . Though he did not enjoy the advantages of a collegiate education , his love of study and a habit of careful thought and close criticism rendered him a man of sound judgment and comprehensive views . He possessed an irreproachable moral character and an enviable reputation , being generally esteemed for integrity , thrift , and benevolence . By dint of energy and application he early acquired a competence , though his habits of study were still maintained . He filled various civil and military offices with credit , and the avenues to wealth and honour seemed wide open to him .
His mother was a woman of sterling piety , and in childhood , he had been subject to religious impressions . In early childhood , however , he was thrown into the society of deists , whose influence was the stronger from the fact that they were mostly good citizens and men of humane and benevolent disposition . Living , as they did , in the midst of Christian institutions , their characters had been to some extent moulded by their surroundings . For the excellencies which won them respect and confidence they were indebted to the Bible ; and yet these good gifts were so perverted as to exert an influence against the word of God . By association with these men , Miller was led to adopt their sentiments . The current interpretations of Scripture presented difficulties which seemed to him insurmountable ; yet his new belief , while setting aside the Bible , offered nothing better to take its place , and he remained far from satisfied . He continued to hold these views , however , for about twelve years . But at the age of thirty-four the Holy Spirit impressed his heart with a sense of his condition as a sinner . He found in his former belief no assurance of happiness beyond the grave . The future was dark and gloomy . Referring afterward to his feelings at this time , he said :
" Annihilation was a cold and chilling thought , and accountability was sure destruction to all . The heavens were as brass over my head , and the earth as iron under my feet . Eternity--what was it ? And death--why was it ? The more I reasoned , the further I was from demonstration . The more I
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