and the churches began to take disciplinary steps with
those who had embraced Miller's views. This action called forth a response
from his pen, in an address to Christians of all denominations, urging
that if his doctrines were false, he should be shown his error from the
Scriptures.

"What have we believed," he said, "that we have not been commanded to
believe by the word of God, which you yourselves allow is the rule, and
only rule, of our faith and practice? What have we done that should call
down such virulent denunciations against us from pulpit and press, and
give you just cause to exclude us [Adventists] from your churches and
fellowship?" "If we are wrong, pray show us wherein consists our wrong.
Show us from the word of God that we are in error; we have had ridicule
enough; that can never convince us that we are in the wrong; the word of
God alone can change our views. Our conclusions have been formed
deliberately and prayerfully, as we have seen the evidence in the
Scriptures."(563)

From age to age the warnings which God has sent to the world by His
servants have been received with like incredulity and unbelief. When the
iniquity of the antediluvians moved Him to bring a flood of waters upon
the earth, He first made known to them His purpose, that they might have
opportunity to turn from their evil ways. For a hundred and twenty years
was sounded in their ears the warning to repent, lest the wrath of God be
manifested in their destruction. But the message seemed to them an idle
tale, and they believed it not. Emboldened in their wickedness, they
mocked the messenger of God, made light of his entreaties, and even
accused him of presumption. How dare one man stand up against all the
great men of the earth? If Noah's message were true, why did not all the
world see it and believe it? One man's assertion against the wisdom of
thousands! They would not credit the warning, nor would they seek shelter
in the ark.

Scoffers pointed to the things of nature,--to the unvarying succession of
the seasons, to the blue skies that had never poured out rain, to the
green fields refreshed by the soft dews of night,--and they cried out,
"Doth he not speak parables?" In contempt they declared the preacher of
righteousness to be a wild enthusiast; and they went on, more eager in
their pursuit of pleasure, more intent upon their evil ways, than ever
before. But their unbelief did not hinder the predicted event. God bore
long wi