Great Controversy Notes

Chapter 22, Prophecies Fulfilled, Pages 391-408

by Walter Rea

Like Chapter 21, Chapter 22 is a replay of "Spirit of Prophecy", Volume 4, Chapter XVI, entitled "The Tarrying Time", only padded again with 30 Bible references, 7 liberal quotations from early advent writers, including James White, and 18 pages long in contrast to the 7 original in "Spirit of Prophecy", Volume 4. The Chapter is clearly a polemic or rationalization for the failure of the Millerite Movement and the failure of the "Coming of Christ in 1844". Nothing is given in the Chapter that would suggest its material came from visions or revelation, but is merely a repeat of what James White and early advent writers had written before concerning the 1844 events. Adventist later accepted this material as "inspired visions" or "revelation" from God through Ellen G. White.

1. "And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and make it plain upon tables. …For the vision is yet for an appointed time". …The Advent body then held that the publication of what is called the old chart was a fulfilment of the words of the Prophets. …"Though it tarry, wait for it". …Here is a seeming contradiction, which can only be explained by facts in our Advent experience. …True we were disappointed as to the event to take place, but that is no evidence that the movement was not in the order of the Lord, and a fulfilment of Prophecy. …The twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth chapters of Matthew are one connected discourse. In this discourse our Lord has pointed out the most important events, with which the Christian Church was to be connected, from the time of the First to the Second Advent. Such as the destruction of Jerusalem, and the Papal persecution of 1260 years. Next the special signs of the Second Advent, the darkening of the sun and moon in 1780, and the falling stars in 1833. …Our Lord next points out two classes of teachers. …Thus we are brought down into the experience of those who have been connected with the Advent doctrine…is to be likened, or compared, unto an eastern marriage.

White, James, Review & Herald, June 9, 1851, Page 97 - 1851

1. The believers could not explain their disappointment; yet they felt assured that God had led them in their past experience. …As early as 1842, the Spirit of God had moved upon Charles Fitch to devise the prophetic chart, which was generally regarded by Adventists as a fulfilment of the command given by the prophet Habakkuk, "to write the vision and make it plain upon tables." No one, however, then saw the tarrying time, which was brought to view in the same prophecy. …The waiting ones rejoiced that He who knows the end from the beginning had looked down through the ages, and, foreseeing their disappointment, had given them words of courage and hope. …In the parable of the ten virgins, Matthew 25, the experience of Adventists is illustrated by the incidents of an Eastern marriage.

White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, Pages 291-293 - 1884

2. Those who were familiar with the history of fanaticism in past ages…in the same manner the fanaticism consequent on the Reformation, with Luther and those who repudiated the doings of Munzer, Storch and others.

Bliss, William Miller, Pages 232-233 - 1853

2. Those who were familiar with the history of fanaticism in past ages…in the same manner the fanaticism consequent on the Reformation, with Luther and those who repudiated the doings of Munzer, Storch and others.

White, James, William Miller, Pages 252-254 - 1875

2. God pity the poor fanatic, who is thus goaded on by the Devil to disgrace himself and wound the cause of Christ. …If Satan could control these and ring reproach upon the Advent cause.

White, James, Life Incidents, Page 156 - 1868

2. That fanaticism did arise about this time, and labor to attach itself to the Advent cause, I would not deny. Is it not one of the plainest facts in sacred history, that when God has especially wrought for his people, Satan has ever improved the opportunity to make especial efforts? We read of Luther's perplexities. …And there were the Wesleys…zealous and illy -balanced ones.

White, James, Life Sketches, Pages 92-93 - 1880

2. About this time, fanaticism began to appear. …Satan was seeking by this means to oppose and destroy the work of God. …Luther suffered great perplexity and distress from the course of fanatical persons. …The Wesleys also and others. …The fact that a few fanatics worked their way into the ranks of Adventists is no more a reason to decide that the movement was not of God.

White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Pages 243-247 - 1884

2. About this time, fanaticism began to appear. …Satan was seeking by this means to oppose and destroy the work of God. …Luther also suffered great perplexity and distress from the course of fanatical persons who claimed that God had spoken directly through them. …The fact that a few fanatics worked their way into the ranks of Adventists is no more reason to decide that the movement was not of God.

White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Pages 395-398 - 1911

3. "Surely the devil has great power over the minds of some at the present day. And how shall we know what manner of spirit they are of? The Bible answers 'By their fruits ye shall know them'. …There are many spirits gone out into the world; and we are commanded to try the spirits. The spirit that does not cause us to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, is not the Spirit of Christ. I am more more convinced that Satan has much to do in these wild movements. …Many among us who pretend to be wholly sanctified, are following the traditions of men, and apparently are as ignorant of truth as others who make no such pretensions."

Bliss, William Miller, Pages 236, 237 - 1853

3. …Professed to be wonderfully led by the Holy Spirit…taught by the Holy Spirit…their impressions are from the Holy Spirit…who is thus goaded on by the Devil to disgrace himself and wound the cause of Christ. …The world had just trembled before the solemn message of the Judgment hour, proclaimed with great boldness and power. …This was just the time for Satan to strike. …Christian life by impressions…had been stirred to the very depths of the soul by the proclamation of the second coming of Christ.

White, James, Life Incidents, Pages 155-156 - 1868

3. "Surely the devil has great power over the minds of some at the present day. And how shall we know what manner of spirit they are of? The Bible answers 'By their fruits ye shall know them'. …There are many spirits gone out into the world; and we are commanded to try the spirits. The spirit that does not cause us to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, is not the Spirit of Christ. I am more and more convinced that Satan has much to do in these wild movements. …Many among us who pretend to be wholly sanctified, are following the traditions of men, and apparently are as ignorant of truth as others who make no such pretensions."

White, James, William Miller, Pages 258, 259 - 1875

3. "Surely the devil has great power over the minds of some at the present day. And how shall we know what manner of spirit they are of? The Bible answers 'By their fruits ye shall know them'. …There are many spirits gone out into the world; and we are commanded to try the spirits. The spirit that does not cause us to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, is not the Spirit of Christ.

I am more and more convinced that Satan has much to do in these wild movements. …Many among us who pretend to be wholly sanctified, are following the traditions of men, and apparently are as ignorant of truth as others who make no such pretensions."

White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, Page 246 - 1884

3. …claiming to be led by the Spirit, gave themselves up to the control of their own feelings, impressions, and imaginations…to bring reproach upon the cause of truth. …Satan was seeking by this means to oppose and destroy the work of God. The people had been greatly stirred by the advent movement, thousands of sinners had been converted. …"The devil," said Miller, "has great power over the minds of some at the present day. And how shall we know what manner of spirit they are of? The Bible answers: 'By their fruits ye shall know them'. …There are many spirits gone out into the world and we are commanded to try the spirits. The spirit that does not cause us to live soberly, righteously, and godly; in this present world, is not the Spirit of Christ. I am more and more convinced that Satan has much to do in these wild movements. …Many among us who pretend to be wholly sanctified, are following the traditions of men, and apparently are as ignorant of truth as others who make no such pretensions."

White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Pages 395, 396-397 - 1911

4. "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps." Matt. xxv, 1-7. …The cry at midnight in the parable, "Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him," represented the solemn message of the tenth day of the seventh month time, 1844, already being heard. It was suggested that the night of tarry in the parable represented half of the prophetic day, or six months, extending from the passing of the time in the spring, to the seventh month in the fall, and that the then present work of waking up under the cry, "Behold the bridegroom cometh" …commenced in July, in the middle of the tarrying time, or at midnight. …1 Cor. 5: 7. …The sheaf of the first fruits of the harvest, …1 Cor. 15: 23.

White, James, Life Incidents, Page 162-163 - 1868

4. "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps". …In the summer of 1844, Adventists discovered the mistake in their former reckoning of the prophetic periods, and settled upon the correct position…but it was now seen that this period extended to the autumn of the same year. ...The proclamation of this time message was another step in the fulfilment of the parable of the marriage.

White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, Page 248 - 1884

4. "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps." Matt. 25: 5-7…the restoration of Jerusalem, which formed the starting point for the period of the 2300 days, went into effect in the autumn of the year. …Says Paul; "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us." 1 Cor. 5: 7. …Paul says…"Christ the first fruits". 1 Cor. 15: 23.

White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Pages 398-399 - 1911

5. "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, William Miller, Pages 270, 271 - 1853

5. "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."

White, James, William Miler - 1875

5. "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."

White, James, Life Sketches, Pages 103-104 - 1880

5. "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."

White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, Page 249 - 1884

5. "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."

White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Page 401 - 1911

6. This fact, that fanaticism dried up before the solemn and searching time message of 1844, like the morning dew before the midsummer's sun, is of importance to those who suppose that that stirring proclamation caused fanaticism. …It was not characterized by those extremes ever manifested where human excitement, and not the word and Spirit of God, has the controlling influence. It was in harmony with those seasons of humiliation, rending of heart, confession and complete consecration of all, which are matters of history in the Old Testament, and are made matters of duty in the New. …But of all the great religious movements since the days of the first apostles of our Lord, none stand out more pure and free from the imperfections of human nature, and the wiles of Satan, than that of the autumn of 1844. In fact, after looking back upon it for more than twenty years as the greenest spot on all the way in which God has led his people.

White, James, Life Incidents, Pages 168-171 - 1868

6. As to the character of the work which resulted from giving what was called the midnight cry, it evidently was the special work of God. It was not, as many suppose, the result of fanaticism. It was not characterized by those extremes ever manifested where human excitement, and not the word and Spirit of God, had the controlling influence. It was in harmony with those seasons of humiliation, rending of hear, confession and complete consecration of all, which are matters of history in the Old Testament, and are made matters of duty in the New. …But of all the great religious movements since the days of the first apostles of our Lord none stand out more pure and free from the imperfections of human, and the wiles of Satan, than that of the autumn of 1844. In fact, after looking back upon it for more than twenty-years as the greenest spot on all the way in which God has led his people.

White, James, Life Sketches, Pages 95-97 - 1880

6. Like showers of rain upon the thirsty earth, the Spirit of grace descended upon the earnest seekers. …The work was free from those extremes which are ever manifested when there is human excitement without the controlling influence of the word and Spirit of God. It was similar in character to those seasons of humiliation and returning unto the Lord which among ancient Israel followed messages of reproof from his servants. It bore the characteristics which mark the work of God in every age. …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 forty years…

White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, Pages 249-251 - 1884

6. Fanaticism disappeared before this proclamation like early frost before the rising sun. …The work was free from those extremes which are ever manifested when there is human excitement without the controlling influence of the word and Spirit of God. It was similar in character to those seasons of humiliation and returning unto the Lord which among ancient Israel followed messages of reproof from His servants. It bore the characteristics that mark the work of God in every age. There was little ecstatic joy, but rather deep searching of hear, confession of sin, and forsaking of threw world. 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…

White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Pages 400-401 - 1911

7. The tenth day of the seventh month of the Jewish year 1844, came and passed. …And the feelings of the many thousands of disappointed ones were like those expressed by Mary: "They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.". …True believers had given up all for Christ, and had shared his presence as never before. They had, as they supposed, given their last warning to the world, and had separated themselves more or less, from the unbelieving, scoffing multitude. And with the divine blessing upon them, they felt more like associating with their soon expected Master and the holy angels, than with those from whom they had separated themselves. The love of Jesus filled every soul, and beamed from every face, and with inexpressible desires they prayed, "Come Lord Jesus, and come quickly." But he did not come. And now to turn again to the cares, perplexities, and dangers of life, in full view of the jeers and revilings of unbelievers who now scoffed as never before, was a terrible trial of faith and patience. …But God did not forsake his people. His Spirit upon them still abode, with all who did not rashly deny and denounce the good work in the Advent movement up to that time….as the following, to the Hebrews, …"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward". …Those addressed are in danger of casting away their confidence. …They had done the will of God. …"For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come" …Hence the words of Paul to them, "Cast not away therefore" …"How the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back"…they walked as it were, by sight. …These believe to the saving of the soul; while those who become impatient, cast away their confidence…

White, James, Life Incidents, Pages 180-184, 215 - 1868

7. The disappointment at the passing of the time was a bitter one. True believers had given up all for Christ, and had shared his presence as never before. They had, as they supposed, given their last warning to the world, and had separated themselves, more or less, from the unbelieving, scoffing multitude. And with the divine blessing upon them, they felt more like associating with their soon-expected Master and the holy angels, than with those from whom they had separated themselves. The love of Jesus filled every soul, and beamed from every face, and with inexpressible desires they prayed, "Come Lord Jesus, and come quickly." But he did not come. And now to turn again to the cares, perplexities, and dangers of life, in full view of the jeers and revilings of unbelievers who now scoffed as never before, was a terrible trial of faith and patience. …But God did not forsake his people. His Spirit upon them still abode, with all who did not rashly deny and denounce the good work in the Advent movement up to that time… as the following, to the Hebrews, …"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward". …Those addressed are in danger of casting away their confidence. …They had done the will of God. …"For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come." …"Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back"… These believer to the saving of the soul; while those who become impatient, cast away their confidence…

White, James, Life Sketches, Pages 106-110 - 1880

7. The time of expectation passed, and their Saviour did not appear…they felt as did Mary, when, coming to the Saviour's tomb and finding it empty, she exclaimed with weeping, "They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him." …The earnest, sincere believers had given up all for Christ, and had shared his presence as never before. They had, as they believed, given their last warning to the world, and, expecting soon to be received into the society of their divine Master and the heavenly angels, they had, to a great extent, withdrawn from the unbelieving multitude. With intense desire they had prayed, "Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly." But he had not come. And now to take up again the heavy burden of life's cares and perplexities, and to endure the taunts and sneers of a scoffing world, was indeed a terrible trial of faith and patience. …God did not forsake his people; his Spirit still abode with those who did not rashly deny the light which they had received, and denounce the Advent movement. The apostle Paul, looking down through the ages. …"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward"…They had done the will of God. …"Now the just shall live by faith." …"If any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." …They were encouraged to steadfastness by the words of Paul, "Cast not away therefore your confidence."

White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Pages 252-257 - 1884

7. But again they were destined to disappointment. The time of expectation passed, and their Saviour did not appear…they felt as did Mary, when, coming to the Saviour's tomb and finding it empty, she exclaimed, with weeping; "They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him." …The earnest, sincere believers had given up all for Christ, and had shared His presence as never before. They had, as they believed, given their last warning to the world; and, expecting soon to be received into the society of their divine Master and the heavenly angels, they had, to a great extent, withdrawn from the society of those who did not receive the message. With intense desire they had prayed, "Come; Lord Jesus, and come quickly." But he had not come. And now to take up again the heavy burden of life's cares and perplexities, and to endure the taunts and sneers of a scoffing world, was a terrible trial of faith and patience. …God did not forsake His people; His Spirit still abode with those who did not rashly deny the light which they had received, and denounce the advent movement. …In the Epistle to the Hebrews are words of encouragement… "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward"…They had done the will of God. …"Now the just shall live by faith." …"If any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him." …They were encouraged to steadfastness by the words of Paul; "Cast not away therefore your confidence."

White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Pages 405-408 - 1911

8. The Advent Herald, for November 13, 1844, J. V. Hines, S. Bliss, and A. Hale, editors says: …it has tested the hearts of all who heard it, and awakened a love for the Lord's appearing; or it has called forth a hatred, more or less perceivable, but known to God, of his coming. It has drawn a line, and awakened sensibilities, so that those who will examine their own hearts, may know on which side of it they would have been found…and rely with implicit confidence in the work of God.

White, James, Life Incidents, Pages 187, 188 - 1868

8. "It has," they declared, "tested the hearts of all who heard it, and awakened a love for the Lord's appearing; or it has called forth a hatred, more or less perceivable, but known to God, of His coming. It had drawn a line…so that those who will examine their own hearts, may know on which side of it they would have been found…rely with implicit confidence in the word of God."

White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Page 406 - 1911

9. "were I to live my life over again, with the same evidence that I then had, to be honest with God and man I should have to do as I have done. I hope that I have cleansed my garments from the blood of souls. …My hope in the coming of Christ is as strong as ever. …Many thousands, to all human appearance, have been made to study the Scriptures. …I have never courted the smiles of the proud, nor quailed when the world frowned. …I shall never seek my life at their hands, nor shrink, I hope from losing it, if God in His good providence so orders."

Bliss, William Miller, Pages 255, 256, 277, 280, 282 - 1853

9. "Were I to live my life over again, with the same evidence that I then had, to be honest with God and man I should have to do as I have done. I hope that I have cleansed my garments from the blood of souls. …My hope in the coming of Christ is as strong as ever. …Many thousands, to all human appearance, have been made to study the Scriptures. …I have never courted the smiles of the proud, nor quailed when the world frowned. …I shall never seek my life at their hands, nor shrink, I hope from losing it, if God in His good providence so orders."

White, James, William Miller, Pages 310-311, 315-317 - 1875

9. "Were I to live my life over again, with the same evidence that I then had, to be honest with God and man I should have to do as I have done. I hope that I have cleansed my garments from the blood of souls. …My hope in the coming of Christ is as strong as ever. …Many thousands, to all human appearance, have been made to study the Scriptures. …I have never courted the smiles of the proud, nor quailed when the world frowned. …I shall never seek my life at their hands, nor shrink, I hope from losing it, if God in His good providence so orders."

White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, Pages 255-256 - 1884

9. "Were I to live my life over again, with the same evidence that I then had, to be honest with God and man I should have to do as I have done. I hope that I have cleansed my garments from the blood of souls. …My hope in the coming of Christ is as strong as ever. …Many thousands, to all human appearance, have been made to study the Scriptures. …I have never courted the smiles of the proud, nor quailed when the world frowned. …I shall never seek my life at their hands, nor shrink, I hope from losing it, if God in His good providence so orders."

White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Pages 406-407 - 1911


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