The time immediately preceding the 22nd of October was one of great calmness of mind and pleasurable expectation on the part of those who regarded that point of time with interest. There was a nearness of approach to God, and a sweetness of communion with him, to which those who experienced it will ever recur with pleasure. During the last ten days, secular business was, for the most part, suspended: and those who looked for the Advent gave themselves to the work of preparation for that event, as they would for death, were they on a bed of sickness, expecting soon to close their eyes on earthly scenes forever.—Bliss, William Miller, pp. 275, 276.PPP 41.2

Excitement increasesPPP 41.3

All grew more enthusiastic. Crops were left unharvested, their owners expecting never to want what they had raised. Men paid up their debts. Many sold their property to help others pay their debts, who could not have done it themselves. Beef cattle were slaughtered and distributed among the poor. At no time since “the day of pentecost was fully come” had there been the like—a day when that Pentecost was so completely duplicated as in 1844, when Adventism prevailed and reigned.—Luther Boutelle, Sketch of the Life and Religious Experience of Elder Luther Boutelle, 1891, p. 63.PPP 41.4

Such a concentration of thought; such a oneness of faith was never before witnessed; certainly not in modern times. All that did speak spoke the same things. Solemn, yet joyful. Jesus coming! we to meet him! [sic.] Meetings everywhere were being held. Confessions made, wrongs righted; sinners inquiring what they should do to be saved. Those who were not with us were mightily effected [sic.]. Some were exceedingly frightened with awful fore-bodings.—ibid., p. 67.PPP 42.1

Confession of sinsPPP 42.2

I think I have never seen among our brethren such faith as is manifested in the seventh month. “He will come,” is the common expression. “He will not tarry the second time,” is their general reply. There is a forsaking of the world, an unconcern for the wants of life, a general searching of heart, confession of sin, and a deep feeling in prayer for Christ to come. A preparation of heart to meet him seems to be the labor of their agonizing spirits. There is something in this present waking up different from anything I have ever before seen. 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. No arguments are used or needed: all seem convinced that they have the truth. There is no clashing of sentiments: all are of one heart and of one mind. Our meetings are all occupied with prayer, and exhortation to love and obedience. The general expression is, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus!PPP 42.3

“William Miller”
—Letter written by William Miller on October 11, 1844; quoted in Sylvester Bliss, Memoires of William Miller, pp. 270, 271.

Singleness of focusPPP 43.1

With diligent searching of heart and humble confessions we came prayerfully up to the time of expectation. Every morning we felt that it was our first work to secure the evidence that our lives were right before God. Our interest for one another increased; we prayed much with and for one another. We assembled in the orchards and groves to commune with God and to offer up our petitions to Him, feeling more fully in His presence when surrounded by His natural works. The joys of salvation were more necessary to us than our food and drink. If clouds obscured our minds, we dared not rest or sleep till they were swept away by the consciousness of our acceptance with the Lord.—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, 1885, p. 55.PPP 43.2

7. Camp Meeting at Exeter, New Hampshire

9. Millerite Faith in Action