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By this time there were Christians in almost every western nation who argued that the Second Advent of Christ would take place around the years 1843-7. They based their arguments on the prophecies of Daniel and on a well-known allegorical interpretation of the 'Seventh Day'. (181:1) This controversy about prophetic dates provides one of the most interesting pages in Christian history. Ironically, the storm would eventually centre around a pious, self-educated farmer from Vermont. This farmer, who in 1833 had become a Baptist preacher, was a man by the name of William Miller. After a period of Bible study lasting over a decade, Miller felt certain that, according to Scripture, Christ would return in 1843-4. His arguments were convincing enough to capture the attention of other ministers and, eventually to receive publicity in some leading newspapers. (181:2) As we will see, Miller's beliefs also attracted the interest of numerous critics and he became the object of much scathing ridicule. He was a person of humble origin and, as such, he was perfectly suited to the task of taking this message to the masses. It seems unlikely that Miller would have gained so much attention and attracted so many supporters except for the circumstances of his day and the coherence of his arguments. Of all the Adventists, none has left a more enduring impact, inspired so many admirers or provoked so many critics. (181:3) Miller is often credited with founding the Adventist movement. However, this seems to be a misjudgment inasmuch as, in earlier times, many preachers and Bible commentators had argued the same or similar points. The basic core of Adventism, especially its pre-millennial outlook, can even be found among the Church Fathers: Polycarp, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Augustine and many others. In later centuries, other aspects of Miller's views were to be found among the Taborites, the Anabaptists and others. Even Isaac Newton (1642 - 1717), remembered for his formulation of the law of gravity, was one of many who studied the Bible intently and made his own contribution to Adventist ideas. More correctly, it can be said that William Miller's ministry was instrumental in the events that led to the establishment of several new Christian denominations which emphasized the 'end times', such as the Seventh-Day Adventists and other related splinter groups.
(181:4)
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