Memoirs of William Miller - Sylvester Bliss

entered into the preparations for the expected
festivities with all the ardor of the soldier. In the
midst of these, it was announced that Dr. B. would
preach on the evening previous to the ball. In the
general gathering to that meeting, Captain Miller
and his help attended, more from curiosity than
from other actuating cause.
They left Captain Miller’s house in high glee.
The discourse was from (Zechariah 2:4) -- “Run!
speak to this young man”! It was a word in season.
On their return, Mrs. M., who had remained at
home, observed a wonderful change in their
deportment. Their glee was gone, and all were
deeply thoughtful, and not disposed to converse, in
reply to her questions respecting the meeting, the
ball, etc. They were entirely incapacitated for any
part in the festive arrangements. Other managers of
the ball were equally unfitted for it: and the result
was that it was indefinitely postponed. The
seriousness extended from family to family, and in
the several neighborhoods in that vicinity meetings
for prayer and praise took the place of mirth and
the dance.
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