Seventh-day Adventism originated with the disappointed Second Coming movement of the 1800s. William Miller, a Baptist layman, concluded in 1818 that Christ would return to earth in 1843. When that was proven wrong, he changed the date to October 1844. This belief was based largely on an interpretation of Daniel chapters nine and twelve using the erroneous day/year prophetic equation (one prophetic day equals one historical year). Tens of thousands followed Millers conclusions, and many diverse, unscriptural adventist (advent refers to Christs coming) groups sprang up within this excited religious atmosphere. Until the end of 1844, Miller held resolutely to his conviction that Christ would return to the earth to "cleanse the sanctuary," which he interpreted to mean the earth. After the set dates passed, Miller wisely left off with date setting, admitted his mistake, and no longer participated in the adventist movement. He did not become a Seventh-day Adventist.
From the shambles of the confused and unscriptural date-setting movement, there emerged various groups with differing doctrinal peculiarities. Some of these groups gradually were formed into Seventh-day Adventism. The following history from Seventh-day Adventist publications contains the major factors in this formation.
1. A group of Advent followers in New Hampshire began Sabbath-keeping in 1844, and began to publish their views through pamphlets. Among these were Joseph Bates and James White, who later became Ellen G. Whites husband.
2. Some of these Sabbath-keepers accepted the visions of Hazen Foss and Ellen Harmon in relation to the "Investigative Judgment" doctrine and the end-time "Third Angels Message" of Revelation 14:9-12. The doctrine of investigative judgment, as taught by the SDA Church, claims that in 1844 Christ entered into the heavenly holy of holies to begin investigating the records of human works. It is supposed that this investigation will decide the eternal destinies of all men. The "Third Angels Message," which is a warning against taking the mark of the beast and which speaks of "they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Re. 14:9,12), was erroneously taken by the Adventists to refer to themselves, since they uphold the Ten Commandments and the Sabbath. A SDA publication relates these events:
Near the time of the expected advent in the fall of 1844, there was also given to Hazen Foss, a young Adventist of talent, a revelation of the experience of the advent people. Shortly after the passing of the time, he was bidden to relate the vision to others, but this be disinclined to do. He was warned of God as to the consequences of failing to relate to others what had been revealed to him, and was told that if he refused, the light would be given to someone else. But he felt keenly the disappointment of 1844, and said that he had been deceived. After a severe mental conflict, he decided he would not relate the visions. Then, very strange feelings came to him, and a voice said, You have grieved away the Spirit of the Lord (E.G. White Letter No. 37, 1890).
Horrified at his stubbornness and rebellion, he told the Lord that he would relate the vision, but when he attempted to do so before a company of believers, he could not call it to mind. In vain were his attempts to call up the scenes as they had been shown to him; and then in deep despair he exclaimed, It is gone from me; I can say nothing, and the Spirit of the Lord has left me. Eyewitnesses described it as the most terrible meeting they were ever in.
Early in 1845, Foss overheard Ellen Harmon relate her first vision to the company of believers at Portland, Maine. He recognized her account as a description of what was shown him. Upon meeting her the next morning, he recounted his experience, of which she had not before known, and encouraged her to faithfully perform her work, stating: I believe the visions are taken from me and given to you. Do not refuse to obey God, for it will be at the peril of your soul. I am a lost man. You are chosen of God; be faithful in doing your work, and the crown I might have had, you will receive. On comparing dates, they discovered that it was not until after he had been told that the visions were taken from him, that Ellen Harmon was given her first revelation. Although Hazen Foss lived till 1893, he never again manifested interest in matters religious (Arthur L. White, Ellen G. WhiteMessenger to the Remnant, revised to 1969, p. 30).
"...in the year 1844 ... there was a group of Advent believers among whom was manifested the gift of prophecy. The agent of this gift [Ellen Harmon] was called to service in 1844. Later those associated with this gift came in contact with the Bible teaching already referred tothe truths of the Sabbath and of the heavenly sanctuary and the judgment hour. Thus was formed the nucleus of the definite Advent Movement of the prophecy. We see the various special factors all having their roots in 1844. And from that day to this, the people of the prophecy have been hastening on toward all nations with the gospel message of preparation to meet the Lord" (Gift of Prophecy, p. 13). (FundamentalBaptistLibrary2000/WWW/qindex.htm)
