The Millerite Excitement

"The latesl period agrëed upön for the End of the World by the belieyers in Mr. Miller's doctrine, was the 23d of October, supposed to be the seventh dny of the tenth month, according the Jewish reckoning of time. But the papers state that an ngcd and learned Jewish teacher in one of the Jewish synagogues at New York, says the tenth dny of the seventh month, according to Jewish computation, was the 23rd of September last, and was celêbrnted by the Jcws throughout the world, as the great day of atonement, one of their high festivals. The excitement in many places was great. The Midnight Cry Extra was issued, we are tola, with the following announcement in capitals: "At three o'clock in the moiíning, 22d October, Hk will Coimk. Child beukvk it. At the 9tii hour of the xight, Jewish Timk." In New Hampshire, two Justices of the Pe.ice returned their commissions to the Secretary of State, believing that the world would have rio need of human ministers of Justice after the 22d. The follówjng is an extract of a letter f rom New York to the Boston Courier by Mrs. 't. M. Child: "Yesterday was the day that many among us believed to be appointed for the burning of the world; not 'positively for the last time this season,' however, for a majority suppose it will occur on the 22d. Their systein of thcological navigation is supplied with elaborately prepared charts from which they learn that 'the Lord will certainly leave the mercy seat on the 13th oftliis present October, and appear visibly in the clouds of heaven on the 22d.' Alas for every one oius, sinners orsaints, if our Father should leave the mercy seat even for so briefan interval! It was stated some time ago, in the papers, that Mr. Miller had given it as his opinión, that if the prophecy was not fuífilled, as expected last spring, it would occur soon after the autumnal equinox. - Meanwhile, even the memory of this excitement seemed to have passed away from the ever busy crowd. But with the autumnal equinox, it returned with renewed fervor. Mrs. Higgms, a young woman from Boston, I beheve, is here preaching with that enthusiasm and earnestness of conviction, which always impart a degree of eloquence. She and her zealous coadjutors are creating a prodigious ferment, and mak ing many proselytes; all of whom are welcomed to their ranks as brands plucked from immediate burning.A man who has tended an apple-stall, near the Park, went to hear her, and straightway gave avvay all his fruits and cakes; to the great delight of the childreu, who became warmly interested to have this faith spread through all the cake shops and apple stalls. A vender of stoves, near by, has shut up his shop, with the announcement that no more stoves will be needed on this earth. A shoemaker, in Division-street, began to giveaway all his stock; but his son carne in during the process; and caused him to be sent to an insane asylum till the excitement of his mind abated. A shop in the Bovvery mounted a placard, on which was inscribed in large letters, "Muslin for Ascensión Robes!" I know not whether this was done for waggery, or from that spirit of trade, which is ever willing to turn a penny on war, pestilence, or conflagration. Some of the disciples of this creed have written glowing letters, entreating me to make haste to escape from the wrath that is impending over all unbelievers. One of them has seen me in a visión, radiating light,. and considered this a special ïndication that I was to be summoned to ascend with the saints. I feel sincerely grateful to these kind, well meaning persons for iheir anxiety to save me. But if there has been no preparation in my previous life, the efFort to make ready in a few days could avail but little. Even if I thought the end of all things was so very near, I could see no better way of preparing for it, than by purity of life and conversation, a heart at peace with all men, and diligent effbrts to do all in my power to save and bless. And if the earth is to revolve on its axis for millions of years, still in that direction only lies the spirit's ascending path. I am sorry that the Millerites have attracted the notice of those of our population,who delight to molest them, though it is more from mirth than malice. Ali sincere convictions should betreated respectfully. NTeither ridicule nor violence can overeóme delusions of this sort, or diminish their power to injure. Such crowds are continually about the doors of the Millerito meetings, that it is most dangerous to life and limb to effect an entrance. Stones and' brickbats are thrown in, and crackers and torpedoes explbded under their feet. The other night, while Mrs. Higgin& was exhorting ad prophesying, with tempestuous zeal, some boys fired a pile ofshavings outside the window near which she was standing, and at the same time kindled several Roman candles. - The blue, unêarthly light of these fireworks illuniinated the whole interior of the with intense brilliancy, fór a moment The effect on a highly excitedgation was terrible. Some fainied, and some screamed. Several seriöus accidents happened amid the general rush: and one man, it is said, was so dëranged with nervous terror, that he went home and attempted to cut his throat. The Mayor and a strong array of constables, now attcnd these meetings, to prevent a repetition of these dangerous tricks. - Bul the preachers say that no protection is needed; for four angels are stationed at the four corners of the earth, and they have sealed Ihe foreheads of all the saihts, so that no harm can come to them." We annex the following article èntire, as a párt of the history of the times in 1844: From the Boeton Tihies. MELANCHOLY DELUSIONS AT CAMBRIDGE. Mr. Editor: A case of lunacy, arising out of the pernicious doctrines of Millerism, occurred Jast evening, at the residence of a a Ieading Millerite in Cambridgeport; and my only motive in giving it publicity through your columns is, that the community may be apprised of some of the evil results of Mr. Himes's excitcment in this city, and consider wlmt may be proper for them to do to arrest the Amber progress of such an abominable and danererousdelusion. Several Miller meetings have of late been held at ?tir. 's house,, which is upon the Watertown road, in Cambridgeport, and as I was in the neighborhood last evening, I was induced to enter it, from the noise and confusión that reigned within. Shouts were heard at the distance of half a mile, and many neighbors carne to learn the cause of the uproar. I entered, and found about thirty people present, and a man of about 30 years, seated in the middle of the room, a perfect lunatic. He was making violent contortions with his body, and swellinghimself up, as he pretended,, to inhale the divine spirit of the Lord. - Then in a few minutes he uttered loud, vociferous cries of - ' The Lord has come! the Lord has come! e's in the . room! Iié's in the roomP and shouts of iGlory! Glory!' ascended from the devout Millerites. The poor man sunk down exhausted, and fancied that the sins of the people present were concentrated in him, and that the load of such a mass of iniquity was burning him to death. He howled piteously, and groaned forth that he was to be expiatory, and entreated the brethren to pray for him; and while the faithful were praying, the poor unhappy man wouldshout as he pointed to this one and that one - S TJiere's the Devii, the Devil; put him out! put hi?n outP and those thus singled out were obliged to retire and thus appease the man. When the prayers were finished, the man was happy, and gave vent to his joy in loud exclamations of "Gloryto GodV amid thesympathetic responses of tAmenl AmenV from the Millerites. Again,-the man would get calm, and after musing awhile, would begin in a low, calm tone, and slapping his hand upon his knee, cry, Sit down, sit down, sil doten,'' repeating it thirty or forty times, till he was exhausted. The company obeyed; for, from the low and calm manner of the beginning, his voice swelled and rose to furious bellowings, and his hands kept pace wilh all the frantic sway of a maniac. Then, all was hushed, and in a few moments the cry of the faithful Millerites aróse, oí lGIory to God Amenl AmenV I looked round wilh astonishment upon such doings, when my ear was caught by the same low tones of the man, who began with, lDo?iH you doubt, don't you doubt, donH you doubt,'''' and I saw him slapping his knee and heard him repeat it twenty or thirty times, increasing his voice and gestures till he had got to the utmost pitch of the one and the extent of his muscular powers in the other, when he drooped from exhaustion. Then sobs were heard from the women, and the belief went round the room that God has just spoken to them, commanding them to be faithful to the end. Some of the women said they discerned a supernatural change in theman--that when he rose from his calm and easy tones, up to the violent workings of a drunkard in delirium tremens, it was the awful manifestation of God to' try the faith of the faithful, and that he appeared of large size, and his face shot forth a glowing radiance. The brethren said, it was a sensible demonstration of the presenee óf God,' and ordered the doors to be closed, to keep him in the room. Just as doors were closed, he began again in his low tone of voice, 'I believe, I believe, 1 believe,' and continued it with 'the swell of his voice, till it was lost in thedemoniac ravings of the madman, and he sunk exhausted to tfie floor. There he lay for some minutes, till some of the faithful Millerites thionged around, and altempted to raise him. But the' maniac recovered his strength,-and fancying himself beset by his enemies, beat tatto with' his legs and' hands upon the shinsof his more faithful till he had frightened roany of them away from theroom. l was borne off in the crowd, and as I lefttho house, Iheard one Millerite say, 'The man must be crazy!' This is a correct narrative, Mr. Editor, of whattook place last evening, at Carnbridgeport, and the fruits of Millerism do not end here. Since writing the above, I have met a brother to this poor maniac, of last evening, and I ara informed by him, that his brother is a painter by trade, and gave up his business, turning wholly to the recent light of Millerism about three weeks ago; also, that another brother of his embraced Millerism in 1843, and died a maniac last July. Il any of your readers require any vouchment to this account, you will know the proper quarter to direct them. AN EYE WITNESS. Oct. 16, 1844. THE MILLERITES., We learn that a body of Millerites encamped on Monday, in the vicinity of Phoenixville, and remained there during the nights of Monday and Tuesday, èxposed to all the inclemency of the weather. scène at times was frightful. - The shouts and screams of the women and children, together with the groans, lamentations, and exclamations of the men - werecalculated to excite feelings of deep commiseration for the wretched objects of delusion. On Wednesday morning, two little children were found in the encampment, perfectly cold, stiff, and dead. Many grown persons were also suffering severely, and the persons who reside in the neighborhood, absolutely forced some of the females into their houses, with the object of saving their lives. Much misery and poverty will no doubt be the result of this delusion. We learn also that large parties of these insane people were, during Monday and Tuesday, encamped in a field on the Darby Road - at several points on the shores of the Schuylkill, on the banks of the Wissahiccon, and at other places neur the city. In some cases they were without adequate provisions, while in most, they were without sufficient clothing. - We are glad to learn, however, that in a number of instances, the delusion has partially subsided, and that the misguided victims have returned to their homes and places of business. It is hoped that any new atternpt to mislead and deceive them, will be promptly checked by the authorities. The great body are no doubt sincere - butis it not possible that some rogues may have been among them, taking advantage of their weakness? A Millerite named Culp, committed suicide at Niágara, a few days since, by drowning. . It is said that there are a thousand Millerites in Wallingford, Conn. - Philadelphia Inquirer. The following are the announcements respecting this grand consummation of all things, as put forth within a few weeks by four of the principal leaders of the sect. As the appointed day is ncw past, once and again, we trust that those who have been mistaken in their calculations, while they "use all diligence" to be ready for "the coming of the Son of Man," will also remember the injunction to "occupy UU he come." OPINIÓN OP MR. HI5ÍES. As the date of the present nünrber of the Herald is our last day of publication before the tenth day of the seventh month, we shall make no provisión for issuíng a paper for the week following. And as we are shut up to this faith, by the sounding of this cry at midnight, during the tarrying of the visión, when we had all slumbered andslept, andatthevery point when all the periods, according to our chronology and date of their commencement, termínate - we feel called upon to suspend our labors and await the result. Behold the Bridegroom cometh; go ye outto meet him! is the cry that is being sounded in our ears; and may we all, with ourlamps trimmed and burning, be prepared for His glorious coming. J. V. H1MES, Oct. 8. OPINIÓN OF ME. LITCH. I wish to say to ray dear brethren and sisters who are looking for the coming of the Lord on the tenth day of the seventh monlh, but especially to those who have hesitáted on the question, that the strong objections which have existed in my mind against it, are passed away, and I am riow convinced that the types, together with the signs of the times, are sufficient authority for believing in the Lord's coming at that time; and henceforth I shall look' to that day with the expectation of beholding the King in his beauty. I bless the name of the Lord, for sending this midnight cry to arouse me, to go out to meet the Bridegroom. May the Lord make us meet for the inheritance of the saints. J. LITCH. Oct. tl, Í84Í. OPI-N'ION OP MR. STOIÍKS; I takc üpmy pert with feelings atteh as I nevér before expöriéncedl Beyond a doubt', in my the tenth day of the stventh tmntli Will' witness the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds ofheaven. We are then withln a few doys ofthatevent. Now comes the True Midnight Cry. The previous was but the alarm. Now the real one it sounding. GEORGE STORRS. OPINIÓN OP MR. M1LLER. I see a glory in the seventh month which I never saw before. Although the Lord had shown me the typical hearing of the seventh month, oneyear and a half ago, yet I did not realize the force of the types. Now, blessed be the name of the Lord, I see a beauty, a harmony and an ixgreement in the Scriptures, for which I have long prayed, but did not see until today. I now do not know of a single iext which disproves Christ's coming, this seventh month; and I have no drawback in my mind. If he does not come within 2.0 or 25 days, I shall feel twice the oisappointment I did this spring. I amstrong in my opinión that the next will be the last Lord's day sinners will ever have in probation; and within ten or fifteen days from thence, they will see Him whom they have hated and despised, to their shame and everlastingcontempt. O what will then become of nominal, cold-hearted scoffers and professors. Have mercy, O God, have mercy upon them. I can be of jio use in Boston; in twenty days or less 1 shall see all that love Jesus. My heahh is such that I cannot be present at your Conference. The Lord bless nnd save you all when he comes. Amen and Amen.Wm. Miller. Low Hampton, Oct. 6, 1844. (tj We inseit the following form of Petition at the request of a subscriben To the Honorable, íhe Señale, and House of Rcpresentalives of the State of Michigan: Wc, the underbigned citizens of township, County of ;jn soid State, resnectfully request of your honorable bodies, to takt into considcration the propriety of.abolishing capital punisbment in the State; and siibsliiute therefor, a pf nslty which may eeem beat in your combined wisdom, and hvnunie jeelings. We believo, that no Legislative body enn have power which is not grnnted untó them, by tlie pcople. And, as Úi individuol has tho right totuke his own life, thcrefore, he cannct dek-gnte to nny a'ssociation this power; frort) the fct that he cai.not yield up to onother, that which doet) not belong to him. Agai;), íiiañy limes innocent persons are ex ecuicd, and guilty are set al liberty. Where as, the former cou'd bo restored lo society and friends, f it had not been for the law, and the Jatter justly pnnished for his crime. In the one cuse, society and friends would be made to rejoice, oud in the other, a reformation effected. Believing that reformation and happines8 should be the main objects in all punishraenta, we submit this to your windom, kindnessand cljarity; in view of this benign and holy principie, we feel in duty bound, ever to pray. AH friends to this petition, will cut it out and circuíate it throughout the country, and aftcr the legislature is convened, forward them on.