In like manner the types which relate to the second advent must be fulfilled at the time pointed out in the symbolic service . Under the Mosaic system the cleansing of the sanctuary , or the great Day of Atonement , occurred on the tenth day of the seventh Jewish month ( Leviticus 16:29-34 ), when the high priest , having made an atonement for all Israel , and thus removed their sins from the sanctuary , came forth and blessed the people . So it was believed that Christ , our great High Priest , would appear to purify the earth by the destruction of sin and sinners , and to bless His waiting people with immortality . The tenth day of the seventh month , the great Day of Atonement , the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary , which in the year 1844 fell upon the twenty-second of October , was regarded as the time of the Lord ' s coming . This was in harmony with the proofs already presented that the 2300 days would terminate in the autumn , and the conclusion seemed irresistible .
In the parable of Matthew 25 the time of waiting and slumber is followed by the coming of the bridegroom . This was in accordance with the arguments just presented , both from prophecy and from the types . They carried strong conviction of their truthfulness ; and the " midnight cry " was heralded by thousands of believers . Like a tidal wave the movement swept over the land . From city to city , from village to village , and into remote country places it went , until the waiting people of God were fully aroused . Fanaticism disappeared before this proclamation like early frost before the rising sun .
Believers saw their doubt and perplexity removed , and hope and courage animated their hearts . The work was free from those extremes which are ever manifested when there is human excitement without the controlling influence of the word and Spirit of God . It was similar in character to those seasons of humiliation and returning unto the Lord which among ancient Israel followed messages of reproof from His servants . It bore the characteristics that mark the work of God in every age . There was little ecstatic joy , but rather deep searching of heart , confession of sin , and forsaking of the world . A preparation to meet the Lord was the burden of agonizing spirits . There was persevering prayer and unreserved consecration to God .
Said Miller in describing that work : " There is no great expression of joy : that is , as it were , suppressed for a future occasion , when all heaven and earth will rejoice together with joy unspeakable and full of glory . There is no shouting : that , too , is reserved for the shout from heaven . The singers are silent : they are waiting to join the angelic hosts , the choir from heaven . . . . There is no clashing of sentiments : all are of one heart and of one mind ." --Bliss, pages 270 , 271 .
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