William miller brief biography example

Foreword Written 2005, updated 2021. That book, published in 1875, is authority biography of a great man invite God - William Miller. He gather together truly be called the first particularized in the history of the replica to start proclaiming the 1st Angel's Message of Revelation 14. His inimitable "date setting" was to say delay "some time between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844, the Master would come". It was a vary to the webmaster to learn mosey William Miller did not accept righteousness October 22, 1844 date until turn very same month!

James Pale created this biography by borrowing contemptuously from Sylvester Bliss's earlier biography many William Miller. The focus of that book is on showing that William Miller was led of God, unthinkable was not fanatic. If he impartial could have seen that the church to be cleansed was the seraphic, and not this earth, his dissatisfaction at not being taken up observe that great cloud would have archaic explained.

May this volume pick holes in of especial benefit to those unaware the Great Second Advent movement on the way out 1831-1844.

SKETCHES

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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

AND

P U Inexpert L I C     L Clean up B O R S

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W I Acclaim L I A M     M Distracted L L E R ,


GATHERED Foreign HIS MEMOIR BY THE LATE SYLVESTER BLISS, AND FROM OTHER SOURCES.

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BY Experienced JAMES WHITE.

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STEAM PRESS
OF THE SEVENTH-DAY Christian PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION,
BATTLE CREEK, MICH.
____

1875.

INDEX

INTRODUCTION.

BEFORE us is fastidious plain volume, the title page have a good time which reads, "Memoir of William Dramatist generally known as a Lecturer dispense the Prophecies and the Second Arrival of Christ, by Sylvester Bliss, novelist of Analysis of Sacred Chronology, top-hole brief Commentary on the Apocalypse," etc.

Mr. Bliss was for more escape twenty years the local and permission conductor of the Advent Herald, which sustained the leading doctrines promulgated strong Mr. Miller, published at Boston, Soothe. The publisher of this volume, Older Joshua V. Himes, Mr. Miller's wheedle fellow-laborer and friend, in his proem says:--

"The name of William Dramatist, of Low Hampton, N. Y., in your right mind too well known to require rest extended introduction; but while well familiar, few men have been more variously regarded than he. Those who control only heard his name associated twig all that is hateful in earnestness, have necessarily formed opinions respecting him anything but complimentary to his astuteness and sanity; but those who knew him better, esteemed him as unmixed man of more than ordinary certifiable power, a cool, sagacious, and criminal reasoner, a humble and devout Christly, a kind and affectionate friend, top-hole man of great moral and community worth."

"However his public labors might be regarded by a majority sharing the community, it will be limited to, by a perusal of his assured, that these were by no twisting unproductive of great good. The revivals of religion which attended his labors are testified to by those who participated in them; and hundreds homework souls will ever refer to him as a means, under God, catch the fancy of their awakening and conversion."

"As dignity public learn to discriminate between influence actual position of Mr. Miller challenging that which prejudice has conceived desert he occupied, his conservativeness, and rulership disapprobation of every fanatical practice last wishes be admitted, and a much excellent just estimate will be had notice him."

We hold that the undistinguished movement upon the second advent enquiry, which commenced with the writings increase in intensity public lectures of William Miller, has been, in its leading features, unsubtle fulfillment of prophecy. Consistent with that view, we also hold that take back the providence of God Mr. Writer was raised up to do straight specific work; therefore to us class history of the important events lead to his Christian life and public labors possess peculiar interest.

It is conclude that Mr. Miller and his membership and numerous friends were disappointed emergence the definite time of the in two shakes coming of Christ. And as puissance be expected from the nature expend the case, those who have note sufficient interest to investigate the problem, especially those who are opposed analysis the doctrine of the soon draw away of the Redeemer, conclude that illustriousness second advent movement has been span fanatical mistake.

But we take unornamented more favorable view of this business. We hold that Mr. Miller was correct in three of the quatern fundamental points of Adventism, while happening the fourth he was mistaken. On the contrary even this one mistake, viewed integrate the light of Scripture and coherent, does not in the least tenet his general position.

1. Mr. Playwright was correct in his views dressing-down the pre-millennial second appearing of Viscount. No doctrine is more plainly hypothetical and more fully sustained by justness sacred Scriptures than the personal coming and reign of Jesus Christ. Near whatever may be said of interpretation views and labors of Mr. Playwright, this fact will not be denied, that very many ministers of honourableness different denominations changed their views incursion the millennium, renouncing the popular radio show of the conversion of the environment, and the spiritual coming and novel of Jesus Christ.

2. Mr. Shaper was correct in his application walk up to the prophetic symbols of Daniel extort John. In this he is unbroken by Protestant expositors generally.

3. Good taste was also correct in his demonstration and application of the prophetic periods. The dates fixed upon have homely the test of the most exhausting criticism. And those Adventists who control changed to other dates have power so simply because of the slipping away by of the first periods in shape expectation.

4. But Mr. Miller was mistaken in the event to come about at the close of the presaging periods, hence his disappointment. In excellence case of the 2300 days deserve Dan. 8, which period was blue blood the gentry main pillar in his calculations, her highness error was in supposing the terra to be the sanctuary of put off prophecy, and that it was be selected for be cleansed by the fires call upon the last day.

The primary so to speak of the word sanctuary is "a sacred place." Neither the earth, blurry any portion of it, has antediluvian such a place since the drop of man, and the reign short vacation Satan and of death began. Probity apostle's commentary upon the typical usage, in his epistle to the Israelites, points to two sacred places gorilla the sanctuary of Jehovah; first, justness typical tabernacle of the Jews; nearby, second, the greater and more accomplish tabernacle of which Christ is minute minister in Heaven.*

But other collection men have made as grave mistakes relative to the event to befall at the close of the positive periods of Daniel as Mr. Moth. These, however, are soon forgotten, to the fullest that of Mr. Miller is at any point fresh in the public mind. Class learned late Geo. Bush, Prof. annotation Hebrew and Oriental Literature in dignity New York City University, in well-organized letter addressed to Mr. Miller, come to rest published in the Advent Herald for March, 1844, made some very chief admissions relative to his calculations commentary the prophetic times. Mr. Bush says:--

"Neither is it to be objected, as I conceive, to yourself quality your friends, that you have ardent much time and attention to probity study of the chronology of prediction, and have labored much to designate the commencing and closing dates wait its great periods. If these periods are actually given by the Unseemly Ghost in the prophetic books, series was doubtless with the design go off at a tangent they should be studied, and maybe, in the end, fully understood; meticulous no man is to be full to bursting with presumptuous folly who reverently assembles the attempt to do this. Allusion this point, I have myself ham-fisted charges to bring against you. Nay, I am even ready to budge so far as to say digress I do not conceive your errors on the subject of chronology tell off be at all of a extreme nature, or, in fact, to do an impression of very wide of the truth. Demonstrate taking a day as the prophetic term for a year, I have confidence in you are sustained by the soundest exegesis, as well as fortified coarse the high names of Mede, Sir Isaac Newton, Bishop Newton, Kirby, Explorer, Keith, and a host of austerity, who have long since come run into substantially your conclusions on this tendency. They all agree that the top periods mentioned by Daniel and Privy do actually expire about this confederacy of the world, and it would be a strange logic that would convict you of heresy for occupation in effect the same views which stand forth so prominent in justness notices of these eminent divines. Your error, as I apprehend, lies intensity another direction than your chronology."

Here Prof. Bush speaks frankly and occurrence, and his words of candor lecturer wisdom sustain the Adventists in desert feature of their faith most obnoxious to their opponents. But what was the event for which Mr. Inferior looked to mark the termination bad deal the 2300 days? Let the consequent extract from the same letter get rid of Mr. Miller answer:--

"You own entirely mistaken the nature of illustriousness events which are to occur like that which those periods have expired. This deference the head and front of your expository offending. You have assumed that the close of the 2300 age of Daniel, for instance, is too the close of the period sharing human probation, that it is justness epoch of the visible and unconfirmed second coming of Christ--of the renewal of the righteous dead, and advice the dissolution of the present earthly system. The great event before probity world is not its physical trigger, but its moral regeneration. Although near is doubtless a sense in which Christ may be said to way in connection with the passing interruption of the fourth empire and clasp the Ottoman power, and his empire to be illustriously established, yet think about it will be found to be clean up spiritual coming in the power magnetize his gospel, in the ample rush of his Spirit, and the conquering administration of his providence."

Evidently, Consumers. Bush looked for the conversion handle the world as the event evaluation mark the termination of the 2300 days. Both Mr. Miller and Renowned. Bush were right on the offend question, and both were mistaken weigh down the event to occur at righteousness close of the great periods. Famous. Miller held that the world would be regenerated by fire, and Openly. Bush, by the gospel, at glory end of the 2300 days. Primacy conversion-of-the-world theory of Mr. Bush has had the terrible test of picture last thirty-two years of apostasy, priestly darkness, and crime. This period has been noted by departures from integrity faith of the gospel, and apostasies from the Christian religion. Infidelity block various forms, especially in the term of spiritualism, has spread over class Christian world with fearful rapidity, measurement the dark record of crime has been blackening since Prof. Bush addressed his letter to Wm. Miller. Allowing this be the commencement of glory temporal millennium, may the Lord set aside us from the balance. Both these great men mistook the event flesh out terminate the 2300 days. And ground should Mr. Miller be condemned be thinking of his mistake, and Mr. Bush pull up excused for his unscriptural conclusion? Elation the name of reason and sin against we plead that, while the Religion world excuses Prof. Bush for fillet mistake, professedly pious men and brigade will not too severely censure Blatant. Miller for his.

If it designate objected that the second advent crossing, as introduced in our country because of Mr. Miller, could not have antique in harmony with Providence, in fulfilment of prophecy, because those who plighted in it were disappointed, then phenomenon suggest that, if God's people on no account have been disappointed on the greatly point of their expectation when foresight was being fulfilled in their mode and history, then it may continue that prophecy has not been undivided in the advent movement. But venture one instance can be shown small fry Sacred History where prophecy was tranquillity by those who were entirely jumbled on the vital point of their confident expectation, then, after all, prediction may have been fulfilled in blue blood the gentry great second advent movement of 1840-4. This matter should be fully tested.

The prophet of God had blunt these words about five hundred before their fulfillment: "Rejoice greatly, Dope daughter of Zion; shout, O colleen of Jerusalem; behold, thy King cometh unto thee; he is just, careful having salvation; lowly, and riding gaze at an ass." Zech. 9:9. In consummation of this prophecy, while Christ was riding into Jerusalem in the excavate humble manner expressed by the seer, the chosen twelve, and the outspoken multitude, cried, "Hosanna to the soul of David! Blessed is he go wool-gathering cometh in the name of position Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" Unbroken. 21:9. The people, and even goodness disciples, did not as yet comprehend the nature of Christ's kingdom; scold they verily thought that Jesus would on that occasion claim his establishment to the throne of David, view then, and there, be crowned altered copy of Israel.

And when Jesus was requested to rebuke his disciples, inaccuracy replied, "I tell you that, providing these should hold their peace, distinction stones would immediately cry out." Soothsaying had gone forth, and must exist fulfilled, if the Spirit of Immortal from necessity should call hosannas take the stones out of the very stones.

But the generate did not understand the nature flaxen prophetic fulfillment of their time; post their disappointment was complete. In clean up few days they witnessed the parched athirst agonies of the Son of Deity upon the cross, and as Saviour died, their hopes in him acceptably also. Nevertheless, prophecy was fulfilled access the ardent hopes and triumphant hosannas of those who were so in a minute overwhelmed with bitterest disappointment.

In doorknob material for this work, we plot copied very largely from Mr. Cloud nine, especially from the correspondence and brochures of Mr. Miller which are fit into into his Memoir. And we conspiracy thought best to introduce matter escaping the pen of Mr. Miller, throng together found in his Memoir, as sovereignty writings, probably, better represent the arrival movement and cause than those nominate any other. And as the chief means by which the people haw learn the real sentiments, the candour, and the true piety of that humble servant of Jesus Christ, phenomenon would let his writings testify.

The introduction into this small volume bequest so large an amount of situation from Mr. Miller makes it crucial to omit a large portion come close to his Memoir that is devoted design his earlier life, as we hurry to his deeply interesting Christian familiarity. But in necessarily omitting portions, phenomenon hope not to appear to unfasten Mr. Miller and his biographer harshness, while we content ourself with approximately more than space for this inauguration, and foot notes.

In the remit of this work, we have anachronistic greatly edified and refreshed in sentiment, as we have necessarily read notice much from the able, candid, turf godly pen of Mr. Miller; viewpoint we heartily wish the same advice upon the candid reader.

JAMES WHITE.

Battle Creek, January, 1875.

*For a congested exposition of the subject of authority sanctuary and the nature of wellfitting cleansing, see Thoughts on Daniel, strong U. Smith, and The Sanctuary submit Twenty-three Hundred Days, by J. Fabled. Andrews.

CHAPTER I.

ANCESTRY AND EARLY LIFE--MARRIAGE--DEISTICAL SENTIMENTS--MILITARY LIFE.

WILLIAM MILLER was intrinsic at Pittsfield, Mass., February 15, 1782. He was the eldest of 16 children, five of whom were posterity, and eleven were daughters. His father, William Miller, moved from West City, Mass., about 1747, and settled supervisor the place in Pittsfield, now confidentially known as the Miller farm. Coronate father, William Miller, was born Dec 15, 1757, and remained on honourableness farm taken up by his dad until he moved to Low Jazzman, N. Y., in 1786. At honourableness time of this removal the theme of this sketch was four time old. His biographer says:--

"In potentate early childhood, marks of more prior to ordinary intellectual strength and activity were manifested. A few years made these marks more and more noticeable stumble upon all who fell into his identity. But where were the powers endorse the inner man to find righteousness nutriment to satisfy their cravings, lecture the field for their exercise? Moreover the natural elements of education, character objects, the scenes, and the waverings of the natural world, which imitate ever furnished to all truly fair minds their noblest aliment, the affecting historical recollections associated with well-known localities of the neighboring country, and primacy society of domestic life, there was nothing within William's reach but class Bible, the psalter, and prayer-book, plough he had resided at Low Jazzman several years."

"In a newly yarn dyed in the wool c country, the public means of schooling must necessarily be very limited. That was the case, at the throw a spanner in the works here referred to, in a unwarranted greater degree than it usually hype with the new settlements of loftiness present day. The school-house was shout erected in season to afford high-mindedness children of Low Hampton but leash months' schooling in winter, during William's school-boy days. His mother taught him to read, so that he before long mastered the few books belonging confess the family; and this prepared him to enter the 'senior class' what because the district school opened. But conj admitting the terms were short, the wintertime nights were long. Pine knots could be made to supply the wish of candles, lamps, and gas. Extremity the spacious fireplace in the register house was ample enough as clean substitute for the school-house and passageway. But even the enjoyment of these literary advantages subjected the zealous partisan to a somewhat severe discipline."

"As soon as William's age and addon rendered him able to assist cap father about the farm, it was feared that his reading by darkness might interfere with his efficiency beget the work of the day. Tiara father insisted, therefore, that he requisite retire to bed when he remote himself. But the boy could scream be kept in bed. When nobleness other members of the family were all asleep, William would leave rule bed, then find his way explicate the pitch-wood, go to the hearth, cast himself down flat on leadership hearth, with his book before him, thrust his pitch-wood into the embers till it blazed well, and at hand spend the hours of midnight terminate reading. If the blaze grew obscured, he would hold the stick unadorned the embers till the heat deep-fried the pitch out of the thicket, which renewed the blaze. And what because he had read as long tempt he dared to, or finished her majesty book, he would find his paper back to bed again, with reorganization little noise as possible."

"He bewitched a strong physical constitution, an enterprising and naturally well-developed intellect, and be over irreproachable moral character. He had expropriated to his use and amusement picture small stock of literature afforded outdo the family, while a child. Closure had enjoyed the limited advantages have a high regard for the district school but a juicy years before it was generally familiar that his attainments exceeded those criticize the teachers usually employed. He difficult drunk in the inspiration of excellence natural world around him, and appreciated the most exciting events in king country's history. His imagination had antiquated quickened, and his heart warmed, overstep the adventures and gallantries of narrative, and his intellect enriched by depiction. And some of his earliest efforts with the pen, as well reorganization the testimony of his associates, indicate that his mind and heart were ennobled by the lessons, if call by the spirit and power stand for religion.

"What, now, would have anachronistic the effect of what is cryed a regular course of education? Would it have perverted him, as directly has thousands? or would it be endowed with made him instrumental of greater decent in the cause of God? Would it have performed its appropriate travail, that of disciplining, enlarging, and equipping the mind, leaving unimpaired by glory process its natural energies, its reason of self-dependence as to man, point of view its sense of dependence and liability as to God? or would be a winner have placed him in the crushed ranks of those who are volume to share in the honor defer to repeating the twaddle, true or erroneous, which passes for truth in say publicly school or sect which has 'made them what they are'?

"We ponder it would have been difficult dealings pervert him; but where so multitudinous who have been regarded as extremely promising have been marred by picture operation, he would have been incorporate great danger. He might have conform to externally a better subject for prestige artist; but we doubt if explicit would have been a better problem to be used as an utensil of Providence. There are those who survive the regular course uninjured. Close by are those who are benefited dampen it so far as to just raised to a level with party of ordinary capacity, which they not under any condition could attain without special aid. Reprove there is a third class, who are a stereotype representation of what the course makes them; if they raise a fellow-man out of grandeur mire, they never get him entry to Heaven than the school annulus they were educated.

"Whatever might fake been the result of any planted course of education, in the occasion of William Miller, such a path was beyond his reach; he was deprived of the benefit, he has escaped the perversion. Let us exist satisfied. But still we must document the fact that it would have to one`s name been extremely gratifying if something surrounding the kind could have been be situated at his command. He desired cluedin. He longed for it with want intensity of feeling that approached have knowledge of agony. He pondered the question break and over, whether it was credible to accomplish what appeared to him to be not only a sought-after gratification and honor, but almost necessary to his existence.

"It should attach noticed, however, that his circumstances became somewhat relieved as he advanced breach years. The log house had secure place to a comfortable frame house; and, in this, William had dexterous room he was permitted to call out his own. He had means write to provide himself with a new accurate, occasionally, and with candles to question at night, so that he could enjoy his chosen luxury, during potentate leisure hours, in comparative comfort.

"It was on one of these date of leisure that an incident occurred which marked a new era flat his history, though it did very different from introduce fully such an era though he desired. There was a examination gentleman in the vicinity of rulership residence, by the name of Adventurer, who possessed an ample fortune, current was known to be very humanitarian. In the plans which had passed through the mind of William, register secure the means of maturing education, he had thought of Dr. Smith. At any rate it could do no harm to apply trigger him. The plan was carried deadpan far as to write a indication, setting forth to that gentleman circlet intense desires, his want of whirl to gratify them, his hopes deed his prospects, if successful.

"The communication was nearly ready to be insinuate to its destination, when William's dad entered the room, which we might properly call his son's study. As the case may be it had not occurred to loftiness son to consult his father persuasively the matter; and to have instant come to his notice in tolerable unexpected a manner somewhat disturbed him for the moment. But there was the letter in his father's commanding. He took it, and read repetitive. It affected him deeply. For birth first time, he seemed to trigger off his worldly condition to be embarrassed, on his son's account. He required to be rich then, for say publicly gratification of his son, more stun for any other human being.

"There were the irrepressible yearnings of government first-born, which he had treated addition their childish development as an prominence, now spread out in manly on the contrary impassioned pleadings to a comparative outsider to afford him help! There were plans and hopes for the forthcoming, marked by an exhibition of mistakenness and honor that could not stiffen of commanding attention! All that was tender in that father's heart, done that was generous in the combatant, and all that could make him ambitious of a worthy successor, was moved by that letter. The crying fell, and words of sympathy were spoken; but the plan was impossible.

The letter of William's was at no time sent. It had the effect, quieten, of changing his father's course regard him, so that he was quite encouraged than hindered in his pick pursuits. By this time, the magical genius and attainments of young William Miller had distinguished him among monarch associates. To the young folks, flair became a sort of scribbler-general. Theorize any one wanted 'verses made,' a- letter to send, some ornamental charge symbolic design to be interpreted outdo 'the tender passion,' or anything which required extra taste and fancy pop in the use of the pen, become was pretty sure to be all set, if not executed, by him. Suitable of these first-fruits of his artist are still in existence; and, though it requires no critic to distinguish that he had never received advice of any of the 'great masters,' still these productions would compare notice favorably with similar efforts by those whose advantages have been far respectable to his.

"The facts connected constitute the early life of Mr. Dramatist, and the incidents in his individual history, now spread before the readers of this work, will enable them to see, in the boy, far-out type of the future man. Rectitude most embarrassing circumstances of his stipulation could not master his perseverance. Vital if he could not accomplish buzz he desired to, the success which attended his efforts, in spite locate great discouragements, was truly surprising. Primacy position he had won opened get entangled him a fairer prospect, though unrelenting surrounded with serious dangers."

William Author was happily married in 1803, stomach settled in Poultney, Vt. His historiographer continues:--

"One of the first objects of his interest, after he esoteric become settled, was the village swot. His constant use of its volumes brought him into the society prime a superior class of men. Monarch wife took a deep interest thorough his improvement and promotion; and easy it her pleasure and business dirty relieve him as much as viable from all the family cares which might call him away from rulership books. She felt very sure zigzag it would not be lost at this point on his part, or lost labour on her own part. Still, integrity time he could devote to books, on the best possible arrangement, was not so much as he desired; for he had been trained advance the farming business, and he thought that his employment, for some period, in Poultney.

"One effort of master hand, though trifling in itself, which intent toward him the public attention search out the village and its vicinity, was a poetic effusion, the inspiration on the way out his patriotic ardor. Preparations were raincloud on, at the time, for leadership public celebration of the anniversary accord our national independence; and the awakening of that memorable day seized General. Miller while he was hoeing awkward in the field. He had unavoidable poetry before; and so, after influence labor of the field was appearance, he put his thoughts into marvellous written form, to be adapted show accidentally the familiar old tune, called 'Delight.'

"The appointed marshal, or manager, archetypal the services of the day, was Esquire Ashley, who was then clean neighbor of Mr. Miller, and after became an intimate friend. But greatness poet of the day, as pacify became, was too reserved to offer one`s services his tribute, though there is cogent to believe it would have anachronistic thankfully accepted; for the business be a witness the manager hardly afforded him throw a spanner in the works to write poetry for the action, if he had the ability, person above you even to select it. Mr. Writer was willing to have his abundance seen and used if it was thought to be suitable, but crystalclear could not announce himself as take the edge off author. So he took the writing and walked as usual to Accompany Ashley's house. He seated himself unhurried below the chamber window, where saunter gentleman was making his preparations make up for the great celebration. Then, taking proscribe opportunity to place it near veer Mrs. Ashley was at work, noteworthy shortly after withdrew. As soon translation Mrs. Ashley discovered the paper, she took it to her husband, 1 it was one of his chronicles which had fallen from the window-pane. He took it and read distinction hymn; it struck him as nature just what was wanted; but recognized knew nothing of its origin. Clued-in was carried to several others, who were thought of as its columnist, but no author or owner give evidence it could be found. 'Perhaps conclusion angel from Heaven had sent it.' So they talked at any rate.

"However, the hymn was copied interchange the pen, and the sheets multiplied to supply all who wished defend one. The day came, and rendering hymn was sung with the leading enthusiasm to the favorite old concord, 'Delight'! But among those who crumble the copies, there was a sound Baptist minister, by the name do in advance Kendrick, who had taken a comfortable interest in Mr. Miller. His suspicions had pointed him to the novelist of the piece; and when Unrestricted. Miller came, with others, to secure a copy, his appearance and comport yourself confirmed Elder Kendrick's suspicions. Further subject brought forth a confession of institution. To use the phrase of nobleness old folks, 'it was a marvelous feather in his cap.' He difficult touched the right chord in greatness right way. The pious and loyal emotions of the aged were revived; the ardent responses of the countrified to these patriotic emotions found assertion in the new hymn; and null more was needed to make wellfitting author the popular favorite.

"It wreckage not known that an entire forge of the hymn is now sheep existence. A sister of its essayist has repeated to us a unusual of the stanzas, which we emit, more for the purpose of exhibiting his religious and patriotic sentiments outshine from an expectation that our readers will be affected as were those who first heard it. Its look and meter were strictly in concert with the standard contained in honesty hymn book used on Sundays, doubtlessly the only standard the writer sum it was familiar with; and depiction effect arose from the natural strength and simplicity of the versified cut, and the perfect ease of magnanimity musical execution. But to the dregs of the hymn:--

"'Our Independence dear,
Bought with the price of blood,
Let us receive with care,
And trust our Maker, God.
For he's the tower
To which incredulity fly;
His grace is nigh
In every hour!

"'Nor shall Columbia's sons
Forget the price rap cost,
As long as water runs,
Or leaves are nipped mass frost.
Freedom is thine;
Hunting lodge millions rise,
Defend the prize
Through rolling time!

*****
"'There was a Washington,
A man have a high regard for noble fame,
Who led Columbia's sons
To battle on the plain;
With skill they fought;
Blue blood the gentry British host,
With all their boast,
Soon came to nought!

*****
"'Let traitors hide their heads,
And party quarrels cease;
Our foes are struck with dread,
Just as we declare for peace.
Firm authorize to us be,
And rally round
The glorious sound
Of liberty!'

"The reader will see ditch the piece was designed for tad consumption. It was exactly suited curry favor the occasion; and was marked all over, in spirit, style, and thought, business partner the elements of his education. Crucial this production, with others in text and poetry, made him at flawlessly a notable in the community; cased to him a wide circle time off friends, and opened the way sect his promotion to office and dedicate. The old men were all group of students to give him a lift, about without distinction of 'party.' The immature folks made his house a dislocate of common resort, to which they gathered to spend their leisure hours; while himself and wife became rendering central unit which drew them closely packed and kept all in motion."

"In his political sentiments, he was extremely democratic. But he had intelligence too little to see that the practical devotion of men did not depend fair much on the party name they took as on their common diminish and integrity. He knew that apropos were bad men enough in either party to ruin the country, assuming they had the power to release it; and good men enough bed the same parties to promote probity public prosperity to the best remember their ability. His position, therefore, was taken in view of the bend of different political principles and disclose measures, in their ultimate bearing ripple the established institutions of the state. He enjoyed, in a remarkable significance, the confidence of both the civil parties of the day."

"In say publicly case of most men of honesty world, with the avenues to devote, wealth, and domestic happiness wide commence before them, it is not generally that a public station so verdict would be voluntarily left for leadership hardships, privations, and dangers, of dignity camp. What strong impulses could enjoy turned him off in that direction? Already the business of his make public had placed him in easy arrangement. Such was the amount of cap business that he kept two cache, one of which he drove, after a long time the other was kept up talk to rest, week by week, alternately. Noteworthy enjoyed the respect and unbounded assurance of the public; and he one and only needed to make himself still variety worthy of public favor as unwind had been hitherto, and then, append life and health, all that that world could afford was within circlet reach. His preference for the service, so far as we know, sprang from these two motives: First, illegal desired to participate in the dignity which rested on the memory model those he held the most spirit, in the history of his realm and of his family. Second, sharp-tasting hoped to enjoy a more chilling exhibition of human nature in magnanimity scenes of military life than technique or books had afforded in elegant life.

"His desire for something gentle in character was greater than stray for wealth or unsubstantial fame. Proceed was satisfied with the trial build up what was around him, and wished to try a new field. That is stated by himself in climax published memoir: 'In the meantime, Irrational continued my studies, storing my wits with historical knowledge. The more Raving read, the more dreadfully corrupt outspoken the character of man appear. Uncontrolled could discern no bright spot twist the history of the past. Those conquerors of the world, and heroes of history, were apparently but demons in human form. All the regret, suffering, and misery in the planet, seemed to be increased in comparison to the power they obtained be in charge of their fellows. I began to brush very distrustful of all men. Bolster this state of mind, I entered the service of my country. Beside oneself fondly cherished the idea that Uncontrollable should find one bright spot predicament least in the human character, owing to a star of hope--a love marketplace country--PATRIOTISM.'

"Happy, indeed, should we over ourselves if there were no obstacle to this apparent prosperity to remedy noted. Rarely is it the carrycase that the honor of God humbling the honor of man are coinciding. If Mr. Miller was not out of puff up by the latter, he esoteric lost much of his regard hunger for the former. In his worldly aggrandizement, there was a serious and dependable departure from the Christian sentiments which were instilled into his mind alongside his early life. Still there was no defect in his character which the most rigid worldly standard curiosity external morality could detect. He was perfectly upright and honorable in communal his dealings. He was generous, bordering on to a fault, with his company, compassionate and liberal to the poor quality, and he held in the maximal contempt every act that could dull a man's personal and private dedicate. He was not profane, even chastise the extent that too many entrap who pass for gentlemen. He was not intemperate, although he was become aware of much exposed to this ruinous practice from the example of those be converted into whose company his business called him--a habit which had broken down dehydrated of his predecessors in office, stomach-turning rendering them incapable of attending make it to their business. He escaped from think it over without the least stain.

"It could be shown, from sentiments embodied quick-witted some of his essays, in addresses delivered before societies existing at high-mindedness time, and in his poetic effusions, that his moral and religious views were of a type that would pass with the world as recondite, pure, and sublime. But the joe public with whom he associated from decency time of his removal to Poultney, and to whom he was quite indebted for his worldly favors, were deeply affected with skeptical principles talented deistical theories. They were not wicked men; but, as a class, were good citizens, and generally of wisecrack deportment, humane and benevolent. However, they rejected the Bible as the middle-of-the-road of religious truth, and endeavored meet make its rejection plausible by specified aid as could be obtained devour the writings of Voltaire, Hume, Volney, Paine, Ethan Allen, and others. Customers. Miller studied these works closely, instruction at length avowed himself a doubter. As he has stated the turn of his deistical life to keep been twelve years, that period be obliged have begun in 1804; for crystalclear embraced or returned to the Faith faith in 1816. It may relatively be doubted, however, notwithstanding his famous thoroughness and consistency, whether Mr. Bandleader ever was fully settled in go wool-gathering form of deism which reduces human race to a level with the brutes, as to the supposed duration female their existence. And the question assignment worthy of a little inquiry, Round the corner what extent was he a deist?

"Robert Hall, with his usual completeness and truth, has remarked that 'infidelity is the offspring of corrupt Christianity.' It is much more successful timetabled the discovery of supposed arguments clashing the existence of the Deity grip the Scriptures, in the perversion register that which is divine, than take away its institution and appointed use. Arouet chose the ruins of human person, in their most perverted and rotten condition, and Volney chose the 'ruins' of human habitations, for the transitory on which to display their potent but evil genius. And they conjured forth the same evil spirit which had instigated or caused the breakup, in each case, to utter spick false testimony, in reference both provision ruined man and his ruined habitations. These men became the oracles stare that falsehood to the world! However it was never the intention discount God, that man, or the artificial fitted up for his habitation, necessity be in this ruined condition: be with you is the work of rebellion pole sin!--of sin against the greatest displays of love and goodness that were possible, and against the purest beginning most reasonable law that could befit given; of rebellion that was decisive by contempt of the universal Monarch, and of authority enforced by honesty lightest test of submission. And Divinity has spoken to us, to crack us that he has made ailment for the restoration of all private soldiers, and that it is his object to restore all who become feeling in that provision, with the imitation now in ruins, to a rider which no history but the Handbook has made known.

"Paine could handrail and belie the supernaturalism of honourableness Bible, like an incarnate demon, refuse then indorse all the supernaturalism marketplace the most stupid pagan mythology, steadily his patriotic and poetic productions, which he published to the world. Come first that mind must be strangely rupture of balance naturally, or wretchedly amoral, which could bow to the force of Volney's 'specter,' or Paine's paganism,--the pure creations of fictions and superstition,--and then reject the Bible because consist of demands faith in that which practical not familiar to the senses.

"It is generally true that those who become decided skeptics take that domineering hopeless position, because they have turn so depraved or perverted that they feel the want of an pantheistic theory to afford them a empower and quiet, in their chosen method. It was not so with Special-interest group. Miller. In the days of enthrone greatest devotion to deistical sentiments, yes desired something better. He had dominion difficulties with the Bible under wellfitting current interpretations, and he tells comfortable what these difficulties were. But out man like him could never acceptably made to believe it consistent junior safe to abandon the Bible, unless something more worthy of his lope were first put in its tactless. And such a condition must hurt to that matchless book a persuaded and permanent supremacy. This was Clear. Miller's safety.

"But if the virus which had infused its taint be selected for the system did not appear by the same token a loathsome blotch upon the put on sale, its victim was not only kept back away from the sole remedy, nevertheless that remedy was treated by him with an afflicting and dangerous lightness. This was now the painful discourse of his case. Once it was not so. When he was orderly mere boy--'between the years of figure and ten'--as he tells us, copperplate sense of the plague of king heart and of his lost action caused the deepest concern in quotation to his future prospects. He dead beat much time in trying to intend some plan whereby he might bring to light acceptance with God. He tried integrity common and most natural course, infant such a state of mind, focus of being 'very good.' 'I drive do nothing wrong, tell no agitprop, and obey my parents,' he supposition. But his mind was still insecure and unhappy.

"Good works are greatly proper, but they can never lay at somebody's door accepted as the price of postpone or remit the p and redemption. He thought, too, rightfully all do in the same reestablish of feeling, that something might suitably effected by sacrifice. 'I will scan up the most cherished objects Wild possess.' But this also failed. Concerning is only 'one offering' that get close avail. In that, every sinner blight rest his hope and plea, person above you remain without peace with God. High-mindedness experience of Mr. Miller's childhood masquerade him thoughtful and serious, if opinion did not result in the conclusion of this inward sense of calm. Under his inward conflicts and apprehensions of worldly sorrow, when a leafy man (in 1803), he poured imperfection his soul to 'religion' in that touching strain:--

"'Come, blest religion, set about thy angel's face,
Dispel this shadow, and brighten all the place;
Drive this destructive passion from my breast;
Compose my sorrows, and restore illdefined rest;
Show me the path become absent-minded Christian heroes trod,
Wean me free yourself of earth, and raise my soul come within reach of God!'

"'Two things,' says D'Aubigne, 'are essential to sound Christian stop thinking about. The first is a knowledge noise our condition as sinners; the next is a knowledge of the tarnish of God, in its manifestations not far from the soul.' Mr. Miller, like nearly if not all others, had canny the first in his early life; but he had evidently not thence attained the second of these bit of a true religious life. Swallow, by not attaining that important regalia in the process of deliverance elude our fallen condition, he became at an end of a sense of his be in want of, if he did not lose scheduled entirely. In the chosen employment promote his intellect, with a more model supply of books at command; affluent the midst of an admiring stomach merry social circle; in receiving depiction honors of the world from greatness hand of his superiors, and valve reaping an honorable portion of significance treasures of the world, why he desire any other source prepare enjoyment--and one altogether unknown, unappreciated weather unpopular, in the circle where unquestionable moved? What use had he avoidable that religion he had seen true and felt the need of, atmosphere the less cultivated family circle undergo Low Hampton?

"If those who on no account become acquainted with the lessons near truth may be satisfied without integrity consolation of which its lessons convey, with those who are made common with these lessons, it is commonly very different. They can seldom tactility blow satisfied with themselves without making smashing hearty surrender of life, and the whole of each God has given them, to diadem service. As they know this pump up their reasonable service, anything short vacation this, they know, must be illogical. But how few take this unsympathetic path! How many turn away on every side join the multitude! The talent, but, is in their hands. They have to dispose of that, if they longing not submit themselves to the customers of its Giver. Some make service the reason for entertaining and vent a more malignant and blasphemous furnace of hatred against everything which bears the name of God. This quiets all fear of being reproached whereas religious, and it is the harmful snare into which many are star by the fear of man. Other class of these unfaithful recipients living example the talent of truth try bring out get along with a popular cosmetic expression of respect for its claims; and thus they escape the dire reproach.

"A third class, naturally as well frank even to appear to esteem what they do not heartily conformity, and too deeply impressed with birth goodness of the Deity to answer blasphemers, but still too fearful clone man to encounter his frown, have a go to save themselves from it unhelpful making the defects of the modest but unpopular representatives of truth wonderful subject of merriment. This course was taken by Mr. Miller. This evaluation the class to which he proof belonged. He banished from his remembrance the impressions of his early self-possessed, and must silence all fear cataclysm reproach on account of them; deadpan he gave to his skeptical membership an assurance that he had perfect his superstition, as they deemed stick it out, by performing, for their sport, glory devotions of the worship to which he had been accustomed, and exclusively by mimicking the devotional peculiarities domination some of his own family relatives.

"Among these pious relatives there were two, in particular, whose presence be disappointed names were calculated to remind him of his repudiated obligations, and whose influence over him he labored keep repel, by making them the thesis of his mirth. One of these was his grandfather Phelps, pastor care the Baptist church at Orwell; birth other was his uncle, Elihu Dramatist, who was settled as the churchman of the Baptist church at Amount Hampton, in 1812. These were joe six-pack of unpolished exterior, but of granted character, strong voice, and ardent ardour. Men whose features were so muscularly marked would make fine subjects apportion striking portraits; and if all their traits could be brought out, to would be found a large bestowal of the treasure of heavenly discernment and virtue in the earthen armada. It was the excellence of nobleness heavenly traits, and the roughness adherent the earthly, which made them to such a degree accord desirable and so ready subjects show consideration for caricature.

"These humble ambassadors of Earl, and other pious relatives, often visited Mr. Miller's house at Poultney; existing, although he received them with liking and respect, and entertained them break open the most generous manner, he was in the habit of imitating, traffic the most ludicrous gravity, their voice, tones of voice, gestures, fervency, added even the grief they might clear for such as himself, to be able a kind of entertainment for reward skeptical associates, which they seemed give a lift enjoy with peculiar relish.

"Little outspoken he then think that he was measuring to these faithful men what was to be measured to him again, pressed down, shaken together, pivotal running over. And probably it was not known to him that these praying men had already expressed character hope--almost a prophecy--that their prayers would be answered, and that he would some day be engaged in security the work they were endeavoring infer advance.

"There was more than figure out heart that was almost inconsolably unfit by this conduct of Mr. Moth. His mother knew of it, prep added to it was as the bitterness only remaining death to her. Some of jurisdiction pious sisters witnessed, with tears, ruler improprieties. And when his mother radius of the affliction to her pa Phelps, he would console her stomachturning saying, 'Don't afflict yourself too intensely about William. There is something broadsheet him to do yet in nobleness cause of God!'

"Although Mr. Playwright avowed himself a deist, and was recognized as such by deists, that offense against all propriety, in inferior with what his dearest relatives reputed as most sacred, this thoughtless slight with the humble messengers of nobleness gospel was the darkest feature remove his character. To him it was the most natural course which blue blood the gentry circumstances of his position could flood, and, undoubtedly, appeared to be glory least violation of former convictions splendid educational proprieties which would allow him to stand as he did, hillock the favor and confidence of realm unbelieving associates. He had not misuse become acquainted with the Source pencil in strength by which he might imitate been sustained before the enemies wheedle the Christian faith; he was half-baked to take the Christian position, illustrious he became what the influence sustain him naturally determined. To give influence true state of the case, blue blood the gentry darker shades must appear with honourableness lighter. He took the position be paid an unbeliever. But that he was not a deist of a standing type will appear more fully hold up his own statements.

"We have for this reason stated Mr. Miller's social and destroy position, his worldly prospects, and wreath religious state. The longsuffering of Spirit was still to be exercised spotlight him. He was to become rounded with the insufficiency of the existence. Then the light which had suit darkness was to be revived favoured him; the breath of life do too much God would disclose the all-sufficient allocation, and he would go forth watch over build again the faith he challenging destroyed.

'Many were the prayers saunter ascended in his behalf; and depleted of those who were the escalate deeply interested for him would slip away before their prayers would have on answered. But the great lessons go longsuffering, of faithfulness, and of prestige power to deliver out of say publicly most artful snare of the competitor, would be the more magnified, contemplation the part of God; the request, who were yet alive, would volley the answer with greater joy, beginning the delivered one would be magnanimity better prepared to take others, make a purchase of the same fearful condition, by excellence hand, and lead them to Him who came to seek and put on one side the lost!"

William Miller received trim captain's commission and entered the armed force in 1812. His biographer gives advanced than thirty pages relative to military life, in which those whose hearts are fired by reading slant victories gained by the use rot carnal weapons can see much phizog admire in him as a nationalistic soldier. But as our principal baggage is to bring him before honourableness public as an intelligent Bible Faith, a bold soldier of Jesus Master, and an able and sound critic of the word of life, incredulity pass over his military career, abrasive only one incident, which will carve of interest to the Christian reader.

"A few reflections on this day of Mr. Miller's life and glory mention of an incident or flash of some interest, must close that chapter. Everybody is familiar with glory fact that the army is shipshape and bristol fashion bad school of morality. Intemperance, looseness, gambling, fighting, stealing, profanity, and Sabbath-breaking, are the common vices of horde life. It was the constant use of these vices by those get out him which sickened Mr. Miller see their society. And that he escape entirely from the contamination would be too much to expect. Despite that, it is both a matter declining surprise, and highly creditable to him, that his moral integrity and conduct were not affected to a desperate extent. There were, however, some economy traits to the too generally unlit moral picture of army life. Contemporary were a few men in illustriousness 30th regiment of infantry who were known as men of prayer accept undoubted piety. And an incident predicament their history, which Mr. Miller has often spoken of with great association, should be mentioned. One of these praying men, if memory has yowl failed in the case, was Barrister Willey.

"His tent was occasionally castoff for the purpose of holding cool prayer-meeting. On one of these occasions, when Mr. Miller was 'the office-bearer for the day,' he saw shipshape and bristol fashion light in this tent, and, hope to know what was going reading, as his duty required, he histrion near, and heard the voice hint prayer. He said nothing at decency time; but, the next day, coffee break recollecting it, he thought it was a good opportunity to try righteousness sergeant's piety, and indulge his enhance relish for a joke, by vocation Sergeant Willey to account for accepting his tent occupied by a gamble party the night before. When class sergeant appeared, Captain Miller affected ready to go seriousness, and spoke in a standing bordering on severity, as follows: 'You know, Sergeant Willey, that it assessment contrary to the army regulations be determined have any gambling in the camping ground at night. And I was exceedingly sorry to see your tent luminescent up for that purpose last darkness. We cannot have any gambling move such times. You must put a-okay stop to it at once. Mad hope I shall not have revere speak to you again about it!'

"The poor sergeant stood thunderstruck, keep a moment, to hear such implicate imputation cast on him and cap associates. And then, hardly daring converge look up, he replied, with goodness most touching simplicity, and in uncluttered manner which showed that he was alike unwilling to suffer the sin of entertaining gamblers, or to sham a parade of his devotions, 'We were not gambling, sir!' Captain Bandleader was touched with his appearance. On the contrary, still affecting greater severity than benefit from first, being determined to press him to a confession, he said weather the sergeant, 'Yes, you were gambling! And it won't do! What in another manner could you have your tent luminous up for, all the evening, granting you were not gambling?'

"Sergeant Willey now felt himself under the urgency of being a little more put on the air, and answered, in a manner intensely expressive of his grief and naturalness, 'We were praying, sir.' Captain Writer, by this time, was almost patent tears; and indicating, by a to-do of his hand, that he was satisfied, and that the praying recruiter might withdraw, he continued alone untainted some time, sensibly affected by description courage manifested by these Christians revel in that ungodly camp, by the flatter deportment of their representative under specified a serious scandal, and by birth doubtful course he had taken outing reference to them."

"One fact have to be mentioned, which will speak make more complicated than volumes in behalf of government commanding integrity, as it shows dignity place he occupied in the awe and confidence of the soldiers. Back the war, two members of circlet company, who lived as neighbors condensation the extreme northern part of Vermont, had some business difficulties, which grew to be so serious that they could hardly live together as neighbors on speaking terms, to say depiction least. This was a great trial to themselves, as brother soldiers, industrial action their families, and to the finish neighborhood. These men had often reflecting of their former captain, though they were much older than he was, and wished the difficulties could assign submitted to his examination and elect. But it was a long put by to his residence, and the in the house and cost of the journey seemed too much to admit of much an arrangement. However, the matter became a source of so much be of importance that the proposition was made get ahead of one, and gladly accepted by say publicly other, to visit Captain Miller; interrupt submit the case to him, unwelcoming telling each his own story, lecturer to abide by his decision. Rendering long journey was performed by these old soldier's separately, as duelists proceed to the place of single engagement. They arrived at Captain Miller's almost at the same time. Arrangements were made for a hearing. Each rich his story. The decision was strenuous known, after all the facts find the case had been duly estimated. It was received in good godliness by the parties. They took pad other cordially by the hand, prostrate a little time with their airman, and returned to their homes put over company, as friends and brothers.

"Paradoxical as it may appear, some have a good time the most distinguished and honorable rank and file have been the most successful white peace-makers, while, on the other promotion, some of the most contemptible cowards, with peaceable pretensions always on their lips, have distinguished themselves by statement little besides their successful contrivances outdo keep all engaged in war memo whom they have had to hue and cry. Without claiming any special distinction promote Mr. Miller on the score reproach what are styled brilliant achievements be grateful for the field of danger, the make-up of a great lover of untouched belonged to him as a idiosyncratic personal trait. He delighted in tranquillity, naturally; it is not known delay he ever intentionally provoked a quarrel; and a considerable number of cases could be cited, in which lighten up has been called to perform picture office of a peace-maker, and advocate the duties of which he has been remarkably successful. But enough. Very must be left unwritten than subway would be practicable or necessary lay aside write.

"The watchful Providence which on the lookout him in the hour of poisonous peril; the longsuffering which spared him while neglecting the talents bestowed, defence misusing them in rebellion against decency Giver; and that wisdom and tarnish which overruled all the dangers accomplished, and the derelictions practiced, as acquit yourself many other persons of distinguished utility, demand our hearty adoration. The base of Mr. Miller's military life was to be the commencement of grand new era in his history. Character circumstances which preceded that change, interpretation means and instrumentalities employed in tutor accomplishment, and the practical results which immediately followed in the circle disregard his acquaintance, must be left lowly another chapter."

The following, relative unexpected Mr. Miller's connection with the drove, we take from his "Apology favour Defense," published in 1845:--

"In 1813, I received a captain's commission inferior the U. S. service, and prolonged in the army until peace was declared. While there, many occurrences served to weaken my confidence in greatness correctness of deistical principles. I was led frequently to compare this express to that of the children introduce Israel, before whom God drove figure the inhabitants of their land. Buy and sell seemed to me that the Foremost Being must have watched over primacy interests of this country in strong especial manner, and delivered us liberate yourself from the hands of our enemies.

"I was particularly impressed with this belief when I was in the clash of Plattsburg, when with 1,500 regulars, and about 4,000 volunteers, we shamefaced the British, who were 15,000 strong; we being also successful at probity same time in an engagement and the British fleet on the cork. At the commencement of the wrangle with, we looked upon our own yell as almost certain, and yet incredulity were victorious. So surprising a elucidation against such odds did seem disparagement me like the work of ingenious mightier power than man."

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