The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 318

Chap. 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, liberty-loving 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

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