ONE OF MR. MILLER’S FIRST AUDIENCES.
About the time Mr. Miller began to write on the advent near, as he was passing down the Hudson River to New York in a steamboat, he was standing near a company of gentlemen who were conversing respecting the wonderful improvements of the day, when one of them remarked, that it was impossible for things to progress for thirty years to come, in the ratio they had done; for man would attain to something more than human. Mr. Miller told him that it reminded him of Daniel xii, 4; ‘Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.’ A pause ensued, when Mr. M. continued, and observed that the improvements of the present day were just what we should expect at this time, as a fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy. He then commenced with the 11th chap. and comparing prophecy with history, showed its fulfillment thus far, while all listened with the most close attention. He then told them he did not intend to trespass so long on their patience, and leaving them, walked to the other end of the boat. He had no sooner arrived there, then the entire company followed him, and wished to hear more on the subject. He accordingly went through with the 2d chap. of Dan., in the same manner, and fearing he should be tedious, broke away from them, and went down into the cabin. The entire company followed, and continued the conversation. He then went through with the 7th 8th and 9th of Dan. They then wanted to know if he had ever written on the prophecies. He told them he had, and distributed among them what copies he had of the first pamphlet he wrote on the subject. This was one of his first audiences, and men of the highest standing were astonished listners to his discourse; but the result of that interview can only be known in that great day.