Memoirs of William Miller - Sylvester Bliss

denominations, which have been established within
forty years, have as far exceeded all former
exertions of this kind as the overflowing Nile does
the waters of the brook Kidron. See the missionary
spirit extending from east to west, and from north
to south, warming the breast of the philanthropist,
giving life and vigor to the cold-hearted moralist,
and animating and enlivening the social circle of
the pious devotee. Every nation, from India to
Oregon, from Kamtschatka to New Zealand, has
been visited by these wise servants (as we hope) of
the cross, proclaiming ‘the acceptable year of the
Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God,’
carrying the lamp, the word of God, in their hands,
and oil, faith in God, in their hearts. All classes of
men are engaged in this cause, from the gray hairs
of old age down to the sprightly youth of ten years.
Who, then, can doubt but that the virgins, in this
sense, have and are trimming their lamps, and the
bride is making herself ready? ‘Go ye out to meet
him.’
“4th. The Sabbath-schools and Bible-classes
are but a part of the fulfillment of the parable, yet
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