Prophecies Fulfilled
335
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.
Another who participated in the movement testified: “It produced
everywhere the most deep searching of heart and humiliation of soul
before the God of high heaven. It caused a weaning of affections from
the things of this world, a healing of controversies and animosities,
a confession of wrongs, a breaking down before God, and penitent,
brokenhearted supplications to Him for pardon and acceptance. It
caused self-abasement and prostration of soul, such as we never before
witnessed. As God by Joel commanded, when the great day of God
should be at hand, it produced a rending of hearts and not of garments,
and a turning unto the Lord with fasting, and weeping, and mourning.
As God said by Zechariah, a spirit of grace and supplication was
poured out upon His children; they looked to Him whom they had
pierced, there was a great mourning in the land, ... and those who
were looking for the Lord afflicted their souls before Him.”—Bliss, in
Advent Shield and Review, vol. I, p. 271 (January, 1845).
Of all the great religious movements since the days of the apostles,
none have been more free from human imperfection and the wiles
of Satan than was that of the autumn of 1844. Even now, after the
lapse of many years, all who shared in that movement and who have
stood firm upon the platform of truth still feel the holy influence of
that blessed work and bear witness that it was of God.
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At the call, “The Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him,”
the waiting ones “arose and trimmed their lamps;” they studied the
word of God with an intensity of interest before unknown. Angels
were sent from heaven to arouse those who had become discouraged
and prepare them to receive the message. The work did not stand in
the wisdom and learning of men, but in the power of God. It was not
the most talented, but the most humble and devoted, who were the
first to hear and obey the call. Farmers left their crops standing in the
fields, mechanics laid down their tools, and with tears and rejoicing
went out to give the warning. Those who had formerly led in the cause