Extract from a Letter from Wm. Miller to his Son.
By James Sawyer
Low Hampton, N. Y., Sept. 3, 1845. DEAR SON:—Having an opportunity to write to you, I shall employ a few moments in so doing. . . . . Wickedness increases four-fold, and no reformation in the country for more than a year. Everybody is intensely engaged to lay up treasures on earth: none apparently seeking an interest in the new heavens and earth. If the virgins were ever slumbering, surely they are now. Few, very few are watching for the nobleman's return, and if the dear Saviour should now come, he would most certainly come as a snare on all that dwell on the earth. Then, now is the time he may come and the Scriptures be fulfilled. I would not say but there may be a few hundred second Adventists who are watching; but one thing I do know, the wicked and the nominal churches feel themselves perfectly secure as to any expectation that Christ can or will come this long time if ever. Remember, my children, Blessed are the servants who are found watching; you might better watch and be disappointed again and again than to have that day come on you as a thief and you be suddenly destroyed. God has commanded us to watch over and over again, and we must depend upon it. God will not be mocked: he has told us the consequence of that day coming on us unawares, and who can say he will not execute his word? He says, Not one jot or tittle can fail; then what a dreadful case must it be to those who do not watch. But you say you watch. What must we do to watch? Look for and expect. Who expects Christ every day? That man who anxiously desires him to come and knows no good reason why he may not come to-day, and is constantly saying in his heart, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. But, say you, Will nobody be saved only those who are watching? How readest thou the Scriptures? Matt. 24: 42–51; Mark 13: 33–37; Luke 12: 35–46; also 20: 34–36; 1 Thess. 5: 3; Isa. 13: 6–11; 2 Peter 3: 10–13; Rev. 3: 3; 16: 15; 22: 14. All that do God's commandments will be safe. A hypocrite will always be very tenacious to do all the commandments and customs of men. Why? Because they do works to be seen of men. But the Christian first inquires of the Lord what he must do, and then obeys—no matter how great the cross. Why so? Because he seeks to please God more than men. Then the only safe ground for us is to watch and be ready, and see to it that we obey God in all of his commands; if we do this, we shall never fall. For what God requires of us, you will find in his word; for that is given for our instruction, to make us perfect in every good work. I hope to meet you all in the kingdom of God soon. I feel very sure we are not far off. He will come and will not tarry. But woe! woe!! to them who put far off the day of the Lord; for it will come as a destruction from the Almighty. My children, be wise; if you scorn the warning God has in mercy given us of his near approach you alone must bear it, yet I am persuaded, better things of you, though I thus speak. Let us hear from you. (Speaking of his little grandchildren launching out in human life.) But if they must go, I am truly glad that they are unconscious of the future. Protect them, O my God, in the voyage of life, and deliver them from ungodly, wicked, and unreasonable men. I must close, for I must start for Bristol, Va., this afternoon. My love to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ. And may the God of peace sanctify you to his glory. Write often and tell us how your hope is. I fear Satan may deceive you into a love for the world. If he wants to destroy your soul any cheaper way, he will tempt you with riches or the honors of this world. Remember riches are but for a moment of time, and honor is a bubble. I remain yours as ever looking for Christ. — Wm. Miller. I am permitted to offer this for publication by a son of Wm. Miller.