sons were actuated by prejudice and
hatred. Their peace was disturbed by the proclamation of Christ at the
door. They feared it might be true, yet hoped it was not, and this was the
secret of their warfare against Adventists and their faith.

The fact that a few fanatics worked their way into the ranks of Adventists
is no more a reason to decide that the movement was not of God, than was
the presence of fanatics and deceivers in the church in Paul's or Luther's
day a sufficient excuse for condemning their work. Let the people of God
arouse out of sleep, and begin in earnest the work of repentance and
reformation; let them search the Scriptures to learn the truth as it is in
Jesus; let them make an entire consecration to God, and evidence will not
be wanting that Satan is still active and vigilant. With all possible
deception he will manifest his power, calling to his aid all the fallen
angels of his realm.

It was not the proclamation of the second advent that created fanaticism
and division. These appeared in the summer of 1844, when Adventists were
in a state of doubt and perplexity concerning their real position. The
preaching of the first angel's message and of the "midnight cry" tended
directly to repress fanaticism and dissension. Those who participated in
these solemn movements were in harmony; their hearts were filled with love
for one another, and for Jesus, whom they expected soon to see. The one
faith, the one blessed hope, lifted them above the control of any human
influence, and proved a shield against the assaults of Satan.

"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at
midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to
meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps."(649) In
the summer of 1844, midway between the time when it had been first thought
that the 2300 days would end, and the autumn of the same year, to which it
was afterward found that they extended, the message was proclaimed in the
very words of Scripture, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!"

That which led to this movement was the discovery that the decree of
Artaxerxes for the restoration of Jerusalem, which formed the
starting-point for the period of the 2300 days, went into effect in the
autumn of the year B.C. 457, and not at the beginning of the year, as had
been formerly believed. Reckoning from the autumn of 457, the 2300 years
terminate in the autumn of 1844.(650)

Argum