In our recent post, we saw how The LORD Jesus revealed the Sanctuary doctrine to Hiram Edson, and how this truth was studied and published soon after. Ellen Harmon (soon-to-be Ellen White) read this article and gladly accepted it with joy. In fact, many others accepted this new found hope and welcomed the new light, but there were some from the former movement did not continue with the others. Here are short summaries on a few notable ones:
William Miller – After the great disappointment, Miller’s last few months of life were spent on his sick bed. Even though he didn’t accept the sanctuary belief, it wasn’t because he was being defiant but still believed in The LORD’s soon return.
Josiah Litch – This former Methodist Minister-turned-Millerite gradually renounced almost every thing he formally believed and preached, and also didn’t accept new doctrines that were coming in (namely the Seventh-day Sabbath).
Joshua Himes – The young preacher and natural promoter who supported and promoted Miller’s teachings, helped formed the Albany Conference some years later. This group then split and was renamed the American Millennial Association which Himes joined in 1855. Later on, he joined the Advent Christ Church and lastly the Episcopal church when he was 70. Despite the paths that he took, he kept waiting for The LORD’s return until his passing.
Samuel Snow – The preacher that came up with the October 22nd date was also not immune to Satan’s attacks. He kept setting future dates for Jesus’ return, in opposition to the remaining Millerites. In his final years, he rejected new truths, established a new church and even believed he was the prophet Elijah until his death.
George Storrs – The Methodist preacher with a burden for slaves, helped introduce the true state of the dead and the mortality of the soul to the faith. William Miller didn’t accept his teaching and he (Storrs) did not accept the Seventh-day Sabbath and the sanctuary truth when they were introduced.
Owen R. L. Crosier – A young preacher who helped Hiram Edson develop the sanctuary doctrine; he initially accepted the Sabbath truth, but by 1847, he denied both doctrines. He then separated from the group that would eventually become the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The LORD desires to lead all people to Him, but even though some may start their walk with Him, that doesn’t guarantee that they will continue with Him as we have seen above. The lesson is clear for us today; as we continue with The LORD, we must consistently examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith, and safeguard ourselves from error. Let’s continue learning our past so we may not make the same mistakes in the future.
___________________
References: All retrieved from The Adventist History and Teaching Library with their respective articles are listed below:
- R.F. (1991). Adventist Pioneer Library. Lest We Forget: William Miller. Volume 1 No. 2. Second Quarter. pp 4-5
- Steinweg, M. (1992). Adventist Pioneer Library. Lest We Forget: Joshua Himes. Volume 2 No.4. Fourth Quarter. pp 4-6.
- Steinweg, M. (1993). Adventist Pioneer Library. Lest We Forget: The Rise And Fall of Josiah Litch. Volume 3 No. 4. pp 4-6
- Steinweg, M. (1993). Adventist Pioneer Library. Lest We Forget: Samuel S. Snow-Modern Elijah?. Volume 3 No. 2. Second Quarter. pp 4-6.
- R.F. (1991). Adventist Pioneer Library. Lest We Forget: George Storrs. Volume 1 No. 4. Fourth Quarter. pp 4-5.
- Steinweg, M. (1994). Adventist Pioneer Library. Lest We Forget: O.R.L. Crosier. Volume 4 No. 3. Third Quarter. pp 4-6.