The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 392
Chap. 22 - Prophecies Fulfilled
When the time passed at which the Lord’s coming was first
expected,—in the spring of 1844,—those who had looked in faith for His
appearing were for a season involved in doubt and uncertainty. While the
world regarded them as having been utterly defeated and proved to have
been cherishing a delusion, their source of consolation was still the word
of God. Many continued to search the Scriptures, examining anew the
evidences of their faith and carefully studying the prophecies to obtain
further light. The Bible testimony in support of their position seemed
clear and conclusive. Signs which could not be mistaken pointed to the
coming of Christ as near. The special blessing of the Lord, both in the
conversion of sinners and the revival of spiritual life among Christians,
had testified that the message was of Heaven. And though the believers
could not explain their disappointment, they felt assured that God had
led them in their past experience.
Interwoven with prophecies which they had regarded as applying to
the time of the second advent was instruction specially adapted to their
state of uncertainty and suspense, and encouraging them to wait patiently
in the faith that what was now dark to their understanding would in due
time be made plain.
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