The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 375

did not discover the error, nor was it discovered by the most learned
of their opponents. The latter said: “Your reckoning of the prophetic
periods is correct. Some great event is about to take place; but it is not
what Mr. Miller predicts; it is the conversion of the world, and not the
second advent of Christ.” (See Appendix.)
The time of expectation passed, and Christ did not appear for the
deliverance of His people. Those who with sincere faith and love had
looked for their Saviour, experienced a bitter disappointment. Yet the
purposes of God were being accomplished; He was testing the hearts of
those who professed to be waiting for His ap pearing. There were among
them many who had been actuated by no higher motive than fear. Their
profession of faith had not affected their hearts or their lives. When the
expected event failed to take place, these persons declared that they were
not disappointed; they had never believed that Christ would come. They
were among the first to ridicule the sorrow of the true believers.
But Jesus and all the heavenly host looked with love and sympathy
upon the tried and faithful yet disappointed ones. Could the veil
separating the visible world have been swept back, angels would have
been seen drawing near to these steadfast souls and shielding them from
the shafts of Satan.

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