JAMES SAWYER by James Sawyer

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 23, 1872

JAMES SAWYER

By James Sawyer

He died in hope of a soon-coming Lord; yet saw not the tarrying time as many are permitted to see. That bitter disappointment caused many to discard Adventism entirely, and the name of Wm. Miller became a reproach because of its relation to this rejected message. “Millerism and ascension robes,” are allied epithets used often by ignorant persons when his name is announced. But the more we learn of his character, the more we are convinced that he was a man of God. We can not help admiring the devotion, energy, power, and spirit, which God gave him.

As we meditate upon his life we feel like consecrating all to God. Jesus will come. Soon our probation will end, and Wm. Miller, with other faithful ones, will be called forth at the sound of the trumpet that wakes the sleeping dead to meet their expected Lord. How glad the meeting! made twice glad because of the bitter trial. As we think of the disappointment, our mind reverts to the garden scene in Gethsemane. O my Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me! That bitter cup was not taken from him. Jesus drank it. And what joy was there in Heaven because he did his Father's will. He endured the cross, despised the shame, obtained the victory, and angels rejoiced, saying, Now is come salvation, and strength and the power of his Christ. Wm. Miller also despised the shame, obtained the victory, and died in triumphant faith of his soon-coming Lord. Henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness which the Lord shall give to him at that day and not to him only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

I gathered the foregoing facts from his son, at Batavia, Ill.

JAMES SAWYER

Geneva, Ill., April 7, 1872.