will follow on in His
opening providence, accepting every ray of light, performing every duty
which may be revealed, religion will inevitably degenerate into the
observance of forms, and the spirit of vital godliness will disappear.
This truth has been repeatedly illustrated in the history of the church.
God requires of His people works of faith and obedience corresponding to
the blessings and privileges bestowed. Obedience requires a sacrifice and
involves a cross; and this is why so many of the professed followers of
Christ refused to receive the light from heaven, and, like the Jews of
old, knew not the time of their visitation.(516) Because of their pride
and unbelief, the Lord passed them by, and revealed His truth to those
who, like the shepherds of Bethlehem and the Eastern magi, had given heed
to all the light they had received.

18. AN AMERICAN REFORMER.

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An upright, honest-hearted farmer, who had been led to doubt the divine
authority of the Scriptures, yet who sincerely desired to know the truth,
was the man specially chosen of God to lead out in the proclamation of
Christ's second coming. Like many other reformers, William Miller had in
early life battled with poverty, and had thus learned the great lessons of
energy and self-denial. The members of the family from which he sprung
were characterized by an independent, liberty-loving spirit, by capability
of endurance, and ardent patriotism,--traits which were also prominent in
his character. His father was a captain in the army of the Revolution, and
to the sacrifices which he made in the struggles and sufferings of that
stormy period, may be traced the straitened circumstances of Miller's
early life.

He had a sound physical constitution, and even in childhood gave evidence
of more than ordinary intellectual strength. As he grew older, this became
more marked. His mind was active and well developed, and he had a keen
thirst for knowledge. Though he did not enjoy the advantages of a
collegiate education, his love of study and a habit of careful thought and
close criticism rendered him a man of sound judgment and comprehensive
views. He possessed an irreproachable moral character and an enviable
reputation, being generally esteemed for integrity, thrift, and
benevolence. By dint of energy and application he early acquired a
competence, though his habits of study were still maintained. He filled