The purpose of the study of these chapters in "The Great Controversy" written by Ellen G. White, is to show that most of the material that appears could be found in at least four or five different places from other writers and earlier years. Some of the material first appeared in the early years of the "Reviews", written by some of the early pioneers. That material was subsequently taken by James White, the husband of Ellen G. White and used at least three times in his own books. It then was to next appear under the name of Ellen G. White with some changes and editing. The study could prove to many that until his death, James White was Ellen G. White's ghost writer, as well as her editor. In addition to the "Reviews" that are used, the following books were survived.
Memoirs of William Miller Sylvester Bliss, Boston 1853
Life Incidents, James White, Battle Creek, Michigan 1868
Sketches of William Miller, James White, Battle Creek, Michigan 1875
Life Sketches, James White, Battle Creek, Michigan 1880
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 1-4 Mrs. Ellen G. White, Oakland, California 1884
Great Controversy, Mrs. E. G. White, Mountain View, California 1911
Some of the material was quoted exactly from earlier sources. Some became loose paraphrase. In later editions credit was sometimes given but never for the whole of the material used. Notice also that the paging will show that the chapter structures, the narrative flow, the Bible texts. The spiritual lessons and exhortations have very little originality as they were later used by Ellen G. White in the final message of her "Great Controversy". Notice also, that often those that constructed the later "Great Controversy", would go back to original sources and pick up some of the material that had been left out in the making of "Spirit of Prophecy", Volume 4. Thus they knew what they were doing and where to go back to the original material to add or take away as they re-edited.
2. In his early childhood, marks of more than ordinary intellectual strength and activity were manifested. A few years made these marks more and more noticeable to all who fell into his society. …He possessed a strong physical constitution, an active and naturally well-developed intellect, and an irreproachable moral character. …He had enjoyed the limited advantages of the district school.
Bliss, Pages 7, 8, 13 - 1853
3. In his early childhood, marks of more than ordinary intellectual strength and activity were manifested. A few years made these marks more and more noticeable to all who fell into his society. …He possessed a strong physical constitution, an active and naturally well-developed intellect, and an irreproachable moral character. … He enjoyed the limited advantage of the district school.
White, James, Life Incidents, Pages 28-29 - 1868
4. In his early childhood, marks of more than ordinary intellectual strength and activity were manifested. few years made these marks more and more noticeable to all who fell into his society. …He possessed a strong physical constitution, an active and naturally well-developed intellect, and an irreproachable moral character. … He enjoyed the limited advantage of the district school.
White, James, William Miller, Pages 27, 28 - 1875
5. In his early childhood, marks of more than ordinary intellectual strength and activity were manifested. A few years made these marks more and more noticeable to all who fell into his society. …He possessed a strong physical constitution, an active and naturally well-developed intellect, and an irreproachable moral character. … He enjoyed the limited advantage of the district school.
White, James, Life Sketches, Pages 27, 28 - 1880
6. His mind was active and well-developed, and he had a keen thirst for knowledge. Though he had not enjoyed the advantages of a collegiate education… He possessed an irreproachable moral character and an enviable reputation.
White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, Page 202 - 1884
7. He had a sound physical constitution, and even in childhood gave evidence of more than ordinary intellectual strength. As he grew older, this became more marked. His mind was active and well developed. …Though he did not enjoy the advantages of a collegiate education… he possessed an irreproachable moral character and an enviable reputation.
White, Ellen, The Great Controversy, Page 317 - 1911
8. But the men with whom he associated… were deeply affected with skeptical principles and deistical theories. There were not immoral men; but, as a class, were good citizens, and generally of serious deportment, humane and benevolent. …It could be shown, from sentiments embodied in some of his essays. …However, they rejected the Bible as the standard of religious truth… the period of his deistical life to have been twelve years, that period must have begun in 1804… he desired something better.
Bliss, Pages 24, 25, 26 - 1853
9. But the men with whom he associated… were deeply affected with skeptical principles and deistical theories. There were not immoral men; but, as a class, were good citizens, and generally of serious deportment, humane and benevolent. …It could be shown, from sentiments embodied in some of his essays. …However, they rejected the Bible as the standard of religious truth… the period of his deistical life to have been twelve years, that period must have begun in 1804… he desired something better.
White, James, Life Incidents, Page 30 - 1868
2. But the men with whom he associated… were deeply affected with skeptical principles and deistical theories. There were not immoral men; but, as a class, were good citizens, and generally of serious deportment, humane and benevolent. …It could be shown, from sentiments embodied in some of his essays. …However, they rejected the Bible as the standard of religious truth… the period of his deistical life to have been twelve years, that period must have begun in 1804… he desired something better.
White, James, William Miller, Pages 25, 26, 28 - 1875
2. But the men with whom he associated… were deeply affected with skeptical principles and deistical theories. There were not immoral men; but, as a class, were good citizens, and generally of serious deportment, humane and benevolent. …However, they rejected the Bible as the standard of religious truth… As he has stated the period of his deistical life to have been twelve years, that period must have begun in 1804.
White, James, Life Sketches, Pages 28, 29 - 1880
2. In early manhood, being thrown almost exclusively into the society of deists, he was led to adopt their sentiments, which he continued to hold for about twelve years.
White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, Page 203 - 1884
2. In early childhood, however, he was thrown into the society of deist…they were mostly good citizens and men of humane and benevolent disposition…while setting aside the Bible, offered nothing better. …He continued to hold these views, however, for about twelve years.
White, Ellen, The Great Controversy, Page 318 - 1911
3. As a farmer, he had had more leisure for reading; and he was at an age when the future of men's existence will demand a portion of his thoughts. He found that his former views gave him no assurance of happiness beyond the present life. Beyond the grave, all was dark and gloomy. To use his own words; "Annihilation was a cold and chilling thought, and accountability…but without hope." He continued in this state of mind for some months. …"Suddenly," he says, "the character of a Saviour was vividly impressed upon my mind. …I lost all taste for other reading, and applied my heart to get wisdom from God."
Bliss, William Miller, Pages 65-67 - 1853
3. As a farmer, he had had more leisure for reading; and he was at an age when the future of men's existence will demand a portion of his thoughts. He found that his former views gave him no assurance of happiness beyond the present life. Beyond the grave, all was dark and gloomy. To use his own words; "Annihilation was a cold and chilling thought, and accountability…but without hope." He continued in this state of mind for some months. …"Suddenly," he says, "the character of a Saviour was vividly impressed upon my mind. …I lost all taste for other reading, and applied my heart to get wisdom from God."
White, James, Life Incidents, Pages 31-33 - 1868
3. As a farmer, he had had more leisure for reading; and he was at an age when the future of men's existence will demand a portion of his thoughts. He found that his former views gave him no assurance of happiness beyond the present life. Beyond the grave, all was dark and gloomy. To use his own words; "Annihilation was a cold and chilling thought, and accountability…but without hope." He continued in this state of mind for some months. …"Suddenly," he says, "the character of a Saviour was vividly impressed upon my mind. …I lost all taste for other reading, and applied my heart to get wisdom from God."
White, James, William Miller, Pages 42-44 - 1875
3. As a farmer, he had had more leisure for reading; and he was at an age when the future of men's existence will demand a portion of his thoughts. He found that his former views gave him no assurance of happiness beyond the present life. Beyond the grave, all was dark and gloomy. To use his own words; "Annihilation was a cold and chilling thought, and accountability…but without hope." He continued in this state of mind for some months. …"Suddenly," he says, "the character of a Saviour was vividly impressed upon my mind. …I lost all taste for other reading, and applied my heart to get wisdom from God."
White, James, Life Sketches, Pages 29-30 - 1880
10. At the age of thirty-four, however, the Holy Spirit impressed his heart with a sense of condition as a sinner. He found in his former belief no assurance of happiness beyond the grave. The future was dark and gloomy. Referring afterward to his feelings at this time, he said: "Annihilation was a cold and chilling thought, and accountability…but without hope." In this state he continued for some months. "Suddenly," he says, "the character of a Saviour was vividly impressed upon my mind. …I lost all taste for other reading, and applied by heart to get wisdom from God."
White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, Page 202 - 1884
3. But at the age of thirty-four the Holy Spirit impressed his heart with sense of his condition as a sinner. He found in his former belief no assurance of happiness beyond the grave. The future was dark and gloomy, and accountability…but without hope." In this state he continued for some months. "Suddenly," he says, " the character of a Saviour was vividly impressed upon my mind. …I lost all taste for other reading, and applied my heart to get wisdom from God."
White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Pages 318-319 - 1911
11. Mr. Miller immediately erected the family alter; publicly professed his faith in that religion which had been food for his mirth…which he had despised. …His infidel friends…began their attack on him by using the weapons and assailing the points which characterized his own former attacks on Christianity…he considered that if the Bible is a revelation of God, it must be consistent with itself; all its parts must harmonize, must have been given for man's instruction, and consequently, must be adapted to his understanding.
Bliss, William Miller, Pages 67-68 - 1853
4. Mr. Miller immediately erected the family alter; publicly professed his faith in that religion which had been food for his mirth…which he had despised. …His infidel friends…began their attack on him by using the weapons and assailing the points which characterized his own former attacks on Christianity…he considered that if the Bible is a revelation of God, it must be consistent with itself; all its parts must harmonize, must have been given for man's instruction, and consequently, must be adapted to his understanding.
White, James, Life Incidents, Pages 32-33 - 1868
4. Mr. Miller immediately erected the family alter; publicly professed his faith in that religion which had been food for his mirth…which he had despised. …His infidel friends…began their attack on him by using the weapons and assailing the points which characterized his own former attacks on Christianity…he considered that if the Bible is a revelation of God, it must be consistent with itself; all its parts must harmonize, must have been given for man's instruction, and consequently, must be adapted to his understanding.
White, James, William Miller, Pages 44-46 - 1875
4. Mr. Miller immediately erected the family alter; publicly professed his faith in that religion which had been food for his mirth…which he had despised. …His infidel friends…began their attack on him by using the weapons and assailing the points which characterized his own former attacks on Christianity…he considered that if the Bible is a revelation of God, it must be consistent with itself; all its parts must harmonize, must have been given for man's instruction, and consequently, must be adapted to his understanding.
White, James, Life Sketches, Pages 31-33 - 1880
4. He now publicly professed his faith in the religion which he had despised. But his infidel associates were not slow to bring forward all those arguments which he himself had often urged against the divine authority of the Scriptures. He was not then prepared to answer them; but he reasoned that if the Bible is a revelation from God, it must be consistent with itself; and that as it was given for man's instruction, it must be adapted to his understanding.
White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, Page 204.
4. Miller publicly professed his faith in the religion which he had despised. But his infidel associates were not slow to bring forward all those arguments which he himself had often urged against the divine authority of the Scriptures. He was not then prepared to answer them; but he reasoned that if the Bible is a revelation from God, it must be consistent with itself; and that as it was given for man's instruction, it must be adapt [remainder unreadable]
12. I determined to lay aside all my prepossessions, to thoroughly compare Scripture with Scripture, and to pursue its study in a regular and methodical manner. I commenced with Genesis, and read verse by verse, proceeding no faster than the meaning of the several passages should be so unfolded as to leave me free from embarrassment respecting any mysticisms or contradictions. Whenever I found anything obscure, my practice was to compare it with all collateral passages; and, by the help of Cruden, I examined all the texts of Scripture in which were found any of the prominent words contained in any obscure portion. Then, by letting every word have its proper bearing on the subject of the text, if my view of it harmonized with every collateral passage in the Bible, it ceased to be a difficulty. …I found that, by comparison of Scripture with history, all the prophecies as far as they have been fulfilled, had been fulfilled literally; that all the various figures, metaphors, parables, similitudes, etc… of the Bible were either explained in their immediate connection, or the terms in which they were expressed were defined in other portions of the word; and, when, thus explained, are to be literally understood in accordance with such explanation. I was thus satisfied that the Bible is a system of revealed truths, so clearly and simply given that the 'wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein.'"
Bliss, William Miller, Pages 69-70 - 1853
13. I determined to lay aside all my prepossessions, to thoroughly compare Scripture with Scripture, and to pursue its study in a regular and methodical manner. I commenced with Genesis, and read verse by verse, proceeding no faster than the meaning of the several passages should be so unfolded as to leave me free from embarrassment respecting any mysticisms or contradictions. Whenever I found anything obscure, my practice was to compare it with all collateral passages; and, by the help of Cruden, I examined all the texts of Scripture in which were found any of the prominent words contained in any obscure portion. Then, by letting every word have its proper bearing on the subject of the text, if my view of it harmonized with every collateral passage in the Bible, it ceased to be a difficulty. …I found that, by comparison of Scripture with history, all the prophecies as far as they have been fulfilled, had been fulfilled literally; that all the various figures, metaphors, parables, similitudes, etc… of the Bible were either explained in their immediate connection, or the terms in which they were expressed were defined in other portions of the word; and, when, thus explained, are to be literally understood in accordance with such explanation. I was thus satisfied that the Bible is a system of revealed truths, so clearly and simply given that the 'wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein.'"
White, James, Life Incidents, Pages 47-48 - 1868
14. I determined to lay aside all my prepossessions, to thoroughly compare Scripture with Scripture, and to pursue its study in a regular and methodical manner. I commenced with Genesis, and read verse by verse, proceeding no faster than the meaning of the several passages should be so unfolded as to leave me free from embarrassment respecting any mysticisms or contradictions. Whenever I found anything obscure, my practice was to compare it with all collateral passages; and, by the help of Cruden, I examined all the texts of Scripture in which were found any of the prominent words contained in any obscure portion. Then, by letting every word have its proper bearing on the subject of the text, if my view of it harmonized with every collateral passage in the Bible, it ceased to be a difficulty. …I found that, by comparison of Scripture with history, all the prophecies as far as they have been fulfilled, had been fulfilled literally; that all the various figures, metaphors, parables, similitudes, etc… of the Bible were either explained in their immediate connection, or the terms in which they were expressed were defined in other portions of the word; and, when, thus explained, are to be literally understood in accordance with such explanation. I was thus satisfied that the Bible is a system of revealed truths, so clearly and simply given that the 'wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein.'"
White, James, William Miller, Pages 47-48 - 1875
15. I determined to lay aside all my prepossessions, to thoroughly compare Scripture with Scripture, and to pursue its study in a regular and methodical manner. I commenced with Genesis, and read verse by verse, proceeding no faster than the meaning of the several passages should be so unfolded as to leave me free from embarrassment respecting any mysticisms or contradictions. Whenever I found anything obscure, my practice was to compare it with all collateral passages; and, by the help of Cruden, I examined all the texts of Scripture in which were found any of the prominent words contained in any obscure portion. Then, by letting every word have its proper bearing on the subject of the text, if my view of it harmonized with every collateral passage in the Bible, it ceased to be a difficulty. …I found that, by comparison of Scripture with history, all the prophecies as far as they have been fulfilled, had been fulfilled literally; that all the various figures, metaphors, parables, similitudes, etc… of the Bible were either explained in their immediate connection, or the terms in which they were expressed were defined in other portions of the word; and, when, thus explained, are to be literally understood in accordance with such explanation. I was thus satisfied that the Bible is a system of revealed truths, so clearly and simply given that the 'wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein.'"
White, James, Life Sketches, Page 33 - 1880
16. Endeavoring to lay aside all preconceived opinions, and dispensing with commentaries, he compared scripture with scripture by the aid of the marginal references and the concordance. He pursued his study in a regular and methodical manner; beginning with Genesis, and reading verse by verse, he proceeded no faster than the meaning of the several passages so unfolded as to leave him free from all embarrassment. When he found anything obscure, it was his custom to compare it with every other text which seemed to have any reference to the matter under consideration. Every word was permitted to have its proper bearing upon the subject of the text, and if his view of it harmonized with every collateral passage, it ceased to be a difficulty. Thus whenever he met with a passage hard to be understood, he found an explanation in some other portion of the Scriptures. As he studied with earnest prayer for divine enlightenment, that which had before appeared dark to his understanding was made clear.
White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4, Pages 204-205 - 1884
17. Endeavoring to lay aside all preconceived opinions, and dispensing with commentaries, he compared scripture with scripture by the aid of the marginal references and the concordance. He pursued his study in a regular and methodical manner; beginning with Genesis, and reading verse by verse, he proceeded no faster than the meaning of the several passages so unfolded as to leave him free from all embarrassment. When he found anything obscure, it was his custom to compare it with every other text which seemed to have any reference to the matter under consideration. Every word was permitted to have its proper bearing upon the subject of the text, and if his view of it harmonized with every collateral passage, it ceased to be a difficulty. …He saw that the prophecies, so far as they had been fulfilled, had been fulfilled literally; that all the various figures, metaphors, parables, similitudes, etc., were either explained in their immediate connection, or the terms in which they were expressed were defined in other scriptures, and when thus explained, were to be literally understood. "I was thus satisfied" he says, "that the Bible is a system of revealed truths, so clearly and simply given that the 'wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein.'"
White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Pages 320-321 - 1911
18. I became satisfied, if the prophecies which have been fulfilled in the past are any criterion by which to judge of the manner of the fulfilment of those which are future, that the popular views of the spiritual reign of Christ--a temporal millennium before the end of the world, and the Jews return--are not sustained by the word of God; …I found it plainly taught in the Scriptures that Jesus Christ will again descend to this earth, coming in the clouds of heaven, in all the glory of his Father. …Another kind of evidence that vitally affected my mind was the chronology of the Scriptures. …When, therefore, I found the 2300 prophetic days, which were to mark the length of the vision. …As I was fully convinced that 'all Scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable. …I need not speak of the joy that filled my heart in view of the delightful prospect, nor of the ardent longings of my soul for a participation in the joys of the redeemed.
Bliss, William Miller, Pages 72-76 - 1853
6. I became satisfied, if the prophecies which have been fulfilled in the past are any criterion by which to judge of the manner of the fulfilment of those which are future, that the popular views of the spiritual reign of Christ--a temporal millennium before the end of the world, and the Jews return--are not sustained by the word of God; …I found it plainly taught in the Scriptures that Jesus Christ will again descend to this earth, coming in the clouds of heaven, in all the glory of his Father. …I need not speak of the joy that filled my heart in view of the delightful prospect, nor of the ardent longings of my soul for a participation in the joys of the redeemed.
White, James, Life Incidents, Page 38 - 1868
19. I became satisfied, if the prophecies which have been fulfilled in the past are any criterion by which to judge of the manner of the fulfilment of those which are future, that the popular views of the spiritual reign of Christ--a temporal millennium before the end of the world, and the Jews return--are not sustained by the word of God; …I found it plainly taught in the Scriptures that Jesus Christ will again descend to this earth, coming in the clouds of heaven, in all the glory of his Father. …Another kind of evidence that vitally affected my mind was the chronology of the Scriptures. …When, therefore, I found the 2300 prophetic days, which were to mark the length of the vision. …As I was fully convinced that 'all Scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable. …I need not speak of the joy that filled my heart in view of the delightful prospect, nor of the ardent longings of my soul for a participation in the joys of the redeemed.
White, James, William Miller, Pages 48-58 - 1875
6. I became satisfied, if the prophecies which have been fulfilled in the past are any criterion by which to judge of the manner of the fulfilment of those which are future, that the popular views of the spiritual reign of Christ--a temporal millennium before the end of the world, and the Jews return--are not sustained by the word of God; …I found it plainly taught in the Scriptures that Jesus Christ will again descend to this earth, coming in the clouds of heaven, in all the glory of his Father. …I need not speak of the joy that filled my heart in view of the delightful prospect, nor of the ardent longings of my soul for a participation in the joys of the redeemed.
White, James, Life Sketches, Pages 33-34 - 1880
6. After two years of careful investigation, he was fully satisfied, that the Bible is its own interpreter; that it is a system of revealed truths so clearly and simply given that the wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein; that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God". …With intense interest he studied the books of Daniel and the Revelation, employing the same principles of interpretation as in the other scriptures, and found, to his great joy, that the prophetic symbols could be understood. …Link after link of the chain of truth rewarded his efforts; step by step he traced down the great lines of prophecy, until he reached the solemn conclusion that in a few years the Son of God would come the second time, in power and glory.
White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Pages 205-206 - 1884
6. Taking the manner in which the prophecies had been fulfilled in the past as a criterion by which to judge of the fulfilment of those which were still future, he became satisfied that the popular view of the spiritual reign of Christ--a temporal millennium before the end of the world--was not sustained by the word of God. …Miller found the literal, personal coming of Christ to be plainly taught in the Scriptures. Says Paul, "The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel. …Another kind of evidence that vitally affected my mind," he says, "was the chronology of the Scriptures. …When, therefore, he found, in his study of the Bible, various chronological periods. …As I was fully convinced," says Miller, "that all Scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable. …I need not speak," says Miller, "of the joy that filled my heart in view of the delightful prospect, nor of the ardent longings of my soul for a participation in the joys of the redeemed."
White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Pages 321-329 - 1911
20. "With the solemn conviction," writes Mr. Miller, "that such momentous events were predicted in the Scriptures, to be fulfilled in so short a space of time. …I supposed that it would call forth the opposition of the ungodly; but it never came into my mind that any Christian would oppose it. …My great fear was, that in their joy at the hope of a glorious inheritance so soon to be revealed, they would receive the doctrine without sufficiently examining the Scriptures in demonstration of its truth. …When I was about my business, it was continually ringing in my ears, 'Go and tell the world of their danger,' This text was constantly occurring to me: 'When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die.' …Ezek. 33: 8,9. I felt that, if the wicked could be effectually warned, multitudes of them would repent; and that, if they were not warned, their blood might be required at my hand. …I prayed that some minister might see the truth, and devote himself to its promulgation; but still it was impressed upon me, 'Go and tell it to the world; …I was not used to public speaking." …In this way he struggled on for nine years longer. …He was then fifty years old. …They flocked in from the neighboring towns; a revival commenced, and it was said that in thirteen families all but two persons were hopefully converted. …Probably about one hundred and fifty souls have been converted in our meetings. …A number of rum-sellers have turned their shops into meeting-rooms. …One or two gambling establishments, I am informed, are entirely broken up. …There is nothing like extravagent excitement, but an almost universal solemnity on the minds of all the people.
Bliss, William Miller, Pages 81-148 - 1853
21. "With the solemn conviction," writes Mr. Miller, "that such momentous events were predicted in the Scriptures, to be fulfilled in so short a space of time. …I supposed that it would call forth the opposition of the ungodly; but it never came into my mind that any Christian would oppose it. …My great fear was, that in their joy at the hope of a glorious inheritance so soon to be revealed, they would receive the doctrine without sufficiently examining the Scriptures in demonstration of its truth. …When I was about my business, it was continually ringing in my ears, 'Go and tell the world of their danger,' This text was constantly occurring to me: 'When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die.' …Ezek. 33: 8,9. I felt that, if the wicked could be effectually warned, multitudes of them would repent; and that, if they were not warned, their blood might be required at my hand. …I prayed that some minister might see the truth, and devote himself to its promulgation; but still it was impressed upon me, 'Go and tell it to the world; …I was not used to public speaking." …He had continued to be much distressed respecting his duty to go and tell it to the world, which was constantly impressed on his mind. …They flocked in from the neighboring towns; a revival commenced, and it was said that that in thirteen families all but two persons were hopefully converted. I am of the opinion that not less than one hundred persons who held infidel sentiments are brought to believe the Bible.
White, James, Life Incidents, Pages 54-63 - 1868
7. "With the solemn conviction," writes Mr. Miller, "that such momentous events were predicted in the Scriptures, to be fulfilled in so short a space of time. …I supposed that it would call forth the opposition of the ungodly; but it never came into my mind that any Christian would oppose it. …My great fear was, that in their joy at the hope of a glorious inheritance so soon to be revealed, they would receive the doctrine without sufficiently examining the Scriptures in demonstration of its truth. …When I was about my business, it was continually ringing in my ears, 'Go and tell the world of their danger,' This text was constantly occurring to me: 'When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die.' …Ezek. 33: 8,9. I felt that, if the wicked could be effectually warned, multitudes of them would repent; and that, if they were not warned, their blood might be required at my hand. …I prayed that some minister might see the truth, and devote himself to its promulgation; but still it was impressed upon me, 'Go and tell it to the world; …I was not used to public speaking." …In this way he struggled on for nine years longer. …He was then fifty years old. …They flocked in from the neighboring towns; a revival commenced, and it was said that in thirteen families all but two persons were hopefully converted. …Probably about one hundred and fifty souls have been converted in our meetings. …A number of rum-sellers have turned their shops into meeting-rooms. …One or two gambling establishments, I am informed, are entirely broken up. …There is nothing like extravagent excitement, but an almost universal solemnity on the minds of all the people.
White, James, William Miller, Pages 65-140 - 1875
7. Deeply impressed by these momentous truths, he felt that it was his duty to give the warning to the world. He expected to encounter opposition from the ungodly, but was confident that all Christians would rejoice to the hope of meeting the Saviour whom they professed to love. His only fear was, that in their great joy at the prospect of glorious deliverance, so soon to be consummated, many would receive the doctrine without sufficiently examining the Scriptures in demonstration of its truth. …And now the duty of making known to others what he believed to be so clearly taught in the Scriptures, urged itself with new force upon him. …"When I was about my business," he said, "it was continually ringing in my ears, Go and tell the world of their danger. This text was constantly occurring to me: "When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man;…Eze. 33: 8, 9. I felt that if the wicked could be effectually warned, multitudes of them would repent; and that if they were not warned, their blood might be required at my hand." …He began to present his views in private as he had opportunity, praying that some minister might feel their force and devote himself to their promulgation. …For nine years he waited, the burden still pressing upon his soul, until in 1831 he for the first time publicly gave the reasons of his faith.
White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Pages 206-207 - 1884
7. With the solemn conviction that such momentous events were predicted in the Scriptures to be fulfilled in so short a space of time, …He expected to encounter opposition from the ungodly, but was confident that all Christians would rejoice in the hope of meeting the Saviour whom they professed to love. His only fear was that in their great joy at the prospect of glorious deliverance, so soon to be consummated, many would receive the doctrine without sufficiently examining the Scriptures in demonstration of its truth. …When I was about my business," he said, "it was continually ringing in my ears, 'Go and tell the world of their danger.' This text was constantly occurring to me; "When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die: Eze 33: 8,9. …I felt that if the wicked could be effectually warned, multitudes of them would repent; and if they were not warned, their blood might be required at my hand." …He began to present his views in private as he had opportunity, praying that some minister might feel their force and devote himself to their promulgation. But he could not banish the conviction that he had a personal duty to perform in giving the warning. …For nine years he waited. …He was now fifty years of age, unaccustomed to public speaking. …His first lecture was followed by a religious awakening in which thirteen entire families, with the exception of two persons, were converted. (Note: This statement of supposition from others becomes a fact)…and in nearly every place his labor resulted in a revival of the work of God. Sinners were converted. …In nearly every town there were scores, in some, hundreds, converted as a result of his preaching. …Liquor dealers abandoned the traffic and turned their shops into meeting rooms, gambling dens were broken up. (Again the I Am Informed In Former writings is left out to make this statement a fact as if God himself had revealed it as a fact)
White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Pages 329-332 - 1911
8. "There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars." Luke 21: 25. "There was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood." Rev. 6: 12. …I could not help conceiving at the time, that if every luminous body in the universe had been shrouded in impenetrable darkness, or struck out of existence, the darkness could not have been more complete. …"No language, indeed, can come up to the splendor of that magnificent display. …no one who did not witness it can form an adequate conception of its glory. It seemed as if the whole starry heavens had congregated at one point near the zenith and were simultaneously shooting forth, with the velocity of lightning, to every part of the horizon; and yet they were not exhausted--thousands swiftly followed in the tracks of thousands, as if created for the occasion. …A more correct picture of a fig tree casting its figs when blown by a mighty wind, it was not possible to behold."
Review and Herald, Volume 3, Pages 97-99 - 1852
22. "There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars." Luke 21: 25. "There was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood." Rev. 6: 12. …I could not not hlep conceiving at the time, that if every luminous body in the universe had been shrouded in impenetrable darkness, or struck out of existence, the darkness could not have been more complete. …"No language, indeed, can come up to the splendor of that magnificent display. …no one who did not witness it can form an adequate conception of its glory. It seemed as if the whole starry heavens had congregated at one point near the zenith and were simultaneously shooting forth, with the velocity of lightning, to every part of the horizon; and yet they were not exhausted--thousands swiftly followed in the tracks of thousands, as if created for the occasion. …A more correct picture of a fig tree casting its figs when blown by a mighty wind, it was not possible to behold."
White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Pages 333-334 - 1911
23. The calculation which follows, founded on this starting-point, was made and published in a work entitled, "Christ's Second Coming," etc., by J. Litch, in 1838… as already noticed, three hundred and ninety-one years and fifteen days. Commencing when the one hundred and fifty years ended July 27, 1449, the period would end August 11th, 1840. …Thus was the prophecy fulfilled to the very letter. From the first publication of the calculation of this matter in 1838, before referred to, the time set for the fulfilment of the prophecy, August 11, 1840, was watched by thousands with intense interest. And the exact accomplishment of the event predicted, showing as it did the right application of the prophecy, gave a mighty impetus to the great Advent movement, then beginning to attract the attention of the world.
Smith, Uriah, Revelation, Pages 169-176 - 1865
9. As soon as Mr. Litch came to this decision, he published a synopsis of Mr. Miller's views in a pamphlet, entitled the "Midnight Cry". He continued to lecture, and also published a second work of 204 pages, entitled "The Probability of the Second Coming of Christ about A. D. 1843." "It was in this work that the calculation on the fall of Ottoman supremacy on the 11th of August, 1840, was first given to the world. …But when the fact did reach us, it was found that on the very day anticipated, the 11th of August, a transfer was made of the supremacy of that empire from Mahometan hands. This fact entirely discomfited the hosts of the enemy. The cause again revived, and careered on its way with still greater power than ever before.
White, James, Life Incidents, Pages 124-128 - 1868
9. In the year 1840 another remarkable fulfilment of prophecy excited widespread interest. Two years before, Josiah Litch, one of the leading ministers preaching the second advent, published an exposition of Revelation 9, predicting the fall of the Ottoman Empire. According to his calculations, this power was to be overthrown "in A. D. 1840, sometime in the month of August". …At the very time specified, Turkey, through her ambassadors, accepted the protection of the allied powers of Europe, and thus placed herself under the control of Christian nations. The event exactly fulfilled the prediction. …When it became known, multitudes were convinced of the correctness of the principles of prophetic interpretation adopted by Miller and his associates, and a wonderful impetus was given to the advent movement.
White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Pages 334-335 - 1911
24. The almost unparalleled abuse to which Mr. Miller was subject, through most of the secular and some of the religious papers, during this period called forth the following manly rebuke. …"to treat a subject of such overwhelming majesty and fearful consequences. …is not merely to sport with the feelings of its propagators and advocates, but is to make a jest of the day of judgment, to scoff at the Deity himself, and condemn the terrors of his judgment bar. …What have we believed, that we have not been commanded to believe by the word of God, which you yourselves allow is the rule and only rule of our faith and practice? …Now, if we are wrong, pray show us wherein consists our wrong. Show us from the word of God that we are in error; we have had ridicule enough."
Bliss, William Miller, Pages 181, 183, 350-351 - 1853
25. The almost unparalleled abuse to which Mr. Miller was subject, through most of the secular and some of the religious papers, during this period called forth the following manly rebuke. …"to treat a subject of such overwhelming majesty and fearful consequences. …is not merely to sport with the feelings of its propagators and advocates, but is to make a jest of the day of judgment, to scoff at the Deity himself, and condemn the terrors of his judgment bar. …What have we believed, that we have not been commanded to believe by the word of God, which you yourselves allow is the rule and only rule of our faith and practice? …Now, if we are wrong, pray show us wherein consists our wrong. Show us from the word of God that we are in error; we have had ridicule enough."
White, James, William Miller, Pages 183, 185, 272-276 - 1875
26. What have we believed, that we have not been commanded to believe by the word of god, which you yourselves allow is the rule and only rule of our faith and practice? …"Now, if we are wrong, pray show us wherein consists our wrong. Show us from the word of God that we are in error; we have had ridicule enough."
White, Ellen, Spirit of Prophecy, Page 217 - 1884
27. The ridicule, falsehood, and abuse heaped upon him called forth indignant remonstrance, even from the secular press. "To treat a subject of such overwhelming majesty and fearful consequences," with lightness and ribaldry was declared by worldly men to be "not merely to sport with the feelings of its propagators and advocates," but "to make a jest of the day of judgment, to scoff at the Deity Himself, and condemn the terrors of His judgment bar." …What have we believed, that we have not been commanded to believe by the word of God, which you yourselves allow is the rule and only rule of our faith and practice? …"Now, if we are wrong, pray show us wherein consists our wrong. Show us from the word of God that we are in error; we have had ridicule enough."
White, Ellen, Great Controversy, Pages 226-227 - 1911