(UPLIFTING MUSIC)
BOY: (SHOUTS) Read all about it!
Read all about Christ's return!
Read all about it!
I'd like to see the view from up in those clouds.
WOMAN: You will soon enough. We all will.
BOY: (SHOUTS) Read all about Christ's return!
Don't forget your paper!
Read all about it!
MAN: I'll take a copy, lad.
So, people find intrigue in the news of the Lord's return?
Well, people want to hear about the end of the world, sir.
(TOWNSPEOPLE CHATTER NEARBY)
(COINS JINGLE)
BOY: Read all about it!
Read all about Christ's return!
(ARTILLERY FIRE AND EXPLOSIONS ECHO)
MAN: (SHOUTS) Captain Miller, sir?!
MAN: (SHOUTS) No! No more!
(EXPLOSIONS AND SHOUTING CONTINUE)
MAN: Captain, we've got no more rounds!
Captain?! Captain?!
Captain Miller?!
(GASPS)
(BREATHES RAPIDLY)
(GASPS)
(READS) “But how conceive a God supremely good,
“Who heaps his favours on the sons he loves,
“Yet scatters evil with as large a hand?
“A God came down to lift our stricken race -
“He visited the earth and changed it not.”
(PIG GRUNTS)
The children have asked for you.
Will you take them some bread with butter and cheese?
Yes, my dear.
(SIGHS) And what are you thinking about today, Mr Miller?
Voltaire.
Voltaire believes there is a supreme power.
But he does not accept that God has anything to do with us personally.
I...survived that battle in Plattsburgh, Lucy and...
..I have to know why.
And Voltaire's words provide no answers, then?
(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)
God reached down to the battlefield to...meddle in the lives of men?
It goes against reason, William. It's not logical.
If you had seen the shells and the blood that day,
you'd know the only explanation for our victory
was some sort of divine intervention.
And what of the men and boys who died around you?
Was it the hand of God that put them in the grave?
I don't have the answer for that, Abner.
All I know is I should be dead and I am not.
Perhaps the Bible has an answer.
Come now, Mr Miller.
The Bible is an ancient fairytale. You have no proof of its validity.
WILLIAM: You don't have proof to the contrary.
Both views require a leap of faith.
Surely one demands as much attention as the other.
So, now an ancient text is your authority on all things?
It just may have the answers I seek.
Well, I'll tell you what I seek.
Another pint.
William...
Hello.
We need a minister for today's service...
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION CONTINUES)
(CHURCH ORGAN PLAYS)
Abner has fallen ill.
- Oh. - So, they...
They've asked me to read the sermon.
And your response was...?
This is what I get for speaking in front of Mother.
I told her that I would next read the sermon when Elihu was away.
She...must have told one of the elders.
“Indeed, all parental instructions, unless enforced by becoming examples,
“will expose not only the truths taught,
“but the parents themselves...”
“Many remained hardened,
“thoughtless of God who created them and of Jesus who bled to redeem them.”
(MAN COUGHS)
“Be not deceived, beloved parents.
“If you would train up your children in the way they should go,
“you must not merely instruct,
“but your actions must corres...
“..corres...
“..your actions must correspond to God's calling on your heart.”
(WHISPERED MURMURING)
(READS) “For God so loved the world,
“that he gave his only begotten Son,
“that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,
“but have everlasting life.”
“I have loved thee with an everlasting love,
“therefore with loving...”
“I am the Lord, your God, your Saviour...”
“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many,
“and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time...”
“And if I go, I will come again.”
Little one...
What is it?
The baby bird is dead.
Oh...
My sweet child.
There, there.
It's going to be alright.
No.
It's not.
Come.
Let us lay this gentle creature to rest.
Papa...
..I don't want to die.
Oh, my precious one.
Mmm.
You will yet live for many, many years.
But...
..each of us must one day pass from this earth.
Aren't you afraid of that?
No.
Not anymore.
For I have found a friend in Jesus.
“August 16th, 1818.
“Now, after two years of study,
“I am satisfied that many of the prophetic promises in the Bible
“have been fulfilled.
“I must wonder, then,
“why not the promise of his Second Coming?”
LUCY: Back to Daniel's vision, are we?
Well, speak up, so the whole family can hear.
“Then I heard one saint speaking...
..“'How long shall the vision
“'concerning the sanctuary and the host be trodden under foot?'
“And he said unto me,
“'Unto two thousand and three hundred days -
“'then shall the sanctuary be cleansed'.”
Hmm, that's a long time to wait in Daniel's day.
More than that, I think.
The sanctuary here refers to the earth...
..and...
The sanctuary refers to the earth
and the cleansing
must be the...cleansing of the earth
after the Second Coming of Christ.
If each day represents one year...
William, what is it?
Christ is coming.
The glorious appearing, yes.
Some day. Our blessed hope.
Lucy, you do not understand.
If...
..each of Daniel's days is one year,
and...then the 2,300 days
will be 2,300 years until the Second Coming of Christ,
and the time period begins at 457 BC,
as indicated in Daniel 9, and confirmed by historians,
then that brings us to...
..1843.
Christ is coming.
My Saviour from Plattsburgh is coming.
1843.
(CLOCK CHIMES)
(CLOCK TICKS)
William?
William, my love?
- (GROANS) - Come to bed.
(SIGHS)
The Bible holds the answer to the timing of our Saviour's return.
God's Word has lasted these many centuries.
It will still be there in the morning.
Can you believe what the Lord has shown us?
Indeed.
I shall never again doubt the faithfulness of Scripture.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
“and a light unto my path.”
(HORSE NEIGHS AND SNORTS)
MAN: Just...
LUCY: What have they hit?
I'm unsure.
Whatever it is, it will not move.
LUCY: Mm.
The ground is as stubborn as the man who holds the title.
Lucy...
I have explained my position.
The Baptists, the Methodists, the Presbyterians,
they all believe that Christ will return
at the end of the millennium foretold in Revelation.
As if...we could usher in a thousand years of peace on our own!
(SIGHS)
If these many years of studying the Bible have shown me anything,
it's that Christ will return to cleanse the earth
at the beginning of the thousand years, not at their end.
This must go beyond just our family.
You must tell others, William.
I am no theologian.
Nor has anyone asked me to be the watchman.
Is that so?
(SIGHS) Lucy...
..I'm a gentleman farmer.
I shall soon be 50. I'm too old to take on such a challenge.
And “How, then, shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?
“And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
“And how shall they hear without a preacher?”
I shall make a covenant with God.
I shall speak if I am asked.
Well, it's your choice.
Are you the rock or are you the plough?
And how long will it be before someone steps forward
and asks to hear your wisdom?
(KNOCK AT DOOR)
LUCY: Come in.
- Irving. - Aunt Lucy.
To what do we owe this unexpected visit?
Uh, the pastor of our Baptist church has been called away.
So, Mother and Father were hoping you could speak in his place tomorrow.
They thought you could minister on the prophesies
you've been studying in the Bible.
WILLIAM: I'm not a theologian,
nor has anyone asked me to be the watchman.
LUCY: Are you the rock or are you the plough?
And how long must it take before someone...?
WILLIAM: I shall make a covenant with God.
I will speak if I am asked.
No!
God! No!
I cannot preach!
I'm not qualified, nor am I a watchman.
I beg You, do not put this burden upon my shoulders!
Send someone else!
(SOBS)
But I made You a promise.
How can I do less now?
Can I deny the only One who has ever truly forgiven me my failings -
who has saved me from myself?
(SIGHS) I cannot.
As we know, there is much evidence in Daniel's vision
that the cleansing of the sanctuary
is symbolic of Christ's return to cleanse our suffering earth,
which we have ravaged with war and sullied with sin.
But the proof is strong that Daniel's vision
began 457 years before Christ.
Now...
..take 457 from 2,300
and you are left with 1,843 years after Christ,
when the vision will be fulfilled.
The conclusion must be that some time about 1843,
our Saviour, Jesus Christ, will come to take us home.
(GASPING AND MURMURING)
I think your brother-in-law has gone mad.
My dear friends and family,
are you prepared for this great and important event?
Are you ready for Jesus to return?
Here...
..here is strong evidence that the time is not far off.
Remember the old world?
They thought Noah was a maniac, but the flood came.
Be warned - fly to the ark,
take refuge in the beautiful promise of Jesus Christ,
who said, “I will come again.”
..and what I say today,
I hope that we can call each other friends.
Because I have found a friend in Jesus.
(MUSIC PLAYS OVER DIALOGUE)
LUCY: Must you really be off again tomorrow?
Yes. To Exeter.
Hmm.
When will you be back?
(SIGHS)
I will pack provisions,
but I want you to rest and take proper care.
It will be so.
Are...you disappointed in me?
How could I be?
You are answering your calling.
I sometimes...wish things were different.
Soon, our Saviour will return.
How different Heaven will feel.
If we have the correct understanding of the 70 weeks -
that a day represents a year -
and the vast majority of Christian expositors agree on this point,
including the great physicist Sir Isaac Newton,
then the conclusion is unavoidable.
The vision of Daniel's 2,300 years will be fulfilled about 1843.
No.
We...we cannot serve two masters.
(MURMURING)
We c...
..we cannot love this present, evil world
and, at the same time, serve God.
While we may flatter ourselves for being righteous -
and I'm as guilty of this as any man...
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDE)
..we may soon learn, to our everlasting shame...
.. that we are wretched, poor and blind.
(LOUD MUTTERING)
(BELL TOLLS)
MAN: Oh, Brother Miller? Brother Miller!
Joshua Himes.
I sent a letter last month, inviting you to my church in Boston.
Ah... Hello, Brother...
Himes. Joshua Himes.
Well, I...I've preached temperance from liquor and abolition of slavery,
but never has my flock heard a message such as yours.
How soon can you make it to Boston? Two weeks?
Boston?
Very well. We'll make it three.
(CHUCKLES) Uh, the good Pastor here knows my background.
You...want me to come to Boston?
Chardon Street. The eighth.
Deliver the message that you preached here today.
But I am just a farmer.
Well, a farmer with a message that must be heard.
We will await your arrival on the eighth.
Who is that gentleman?
That's Joshua V. Himes.
He's a force to be reckoned with.
He found his voice lobbying for temperance
and almost single-handedly organised the Abolitionists of Boston.
You know his church?
Aye. Aye. The Chardon Street Chapel.
Oh! It's a sight to see.
Calvinists and Dunkers,
Muggletonians and Agrarians,
Quakers mixed with Unitarians and philosophers -
they all come to seize their moment.
It's a place where people come to preach, pray and...
..protest.
It looks like you're going to the big city, Brother Miller.
WILLIAM: Therefore, if all of these events have come to pass,
should we not also expect the fulfilment of His greatest promise?
And, so, in conclusion,
I believe the Bible is clear -
Jesus will return in but four short years.
(GASPING AND EXCITED CHATTER)
You were even better than the morning service, Brother Miller!
(LAUGHS)
Yes, good. You rest.
Tomorrow, they'll be back to hear some more.
The power of your message cannot be denied.
'Tis not my power, Joshua, nor my message.
'Tis God's truth, delivered through a humble mouthpiece.
Yet how thrilling the message that comes out of that mouth!
Papa says you fought in the war of 1812.
A shell exploded no further from me than your mother.
I thought, certainly, it was my end.
(IMITATES EXPLOSION)
Aye.
But when the smoke had cleared,
I was spared by the power of the loving God.
Did that really happen?
Oh, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I'm afraid.
Forgive my daughter her impertinence.
It's as true as I sit here before you.
And the next truth you shall hear is that bedtime has come.
Say goodnight to Father Miller and your papa.
- Goodnight. - GIRL: Goodnight.
So, you really believe this doctrine which you preach?
I was lost and now I'm found.
If He can save me, Joshua, He can save anyone.
Then why hide your light under the bushel of tiny hamlets?
Must Baltimore, Rochester, Philadelphia, even New York -
indeed the 17 million souls of these United States -
not be inspired with the same hope?
And what of the rest of the world?
I've laboured hard these past years
and have seen a great many converted to God's truth.
But...
..I'm looking for help.
I want help.
On the strength of your conviction,
I am willing to lay all I have on the altar of God to help you.
Only answer me this...
Will you stand right at my side if I take this on?
Indeed, I will.
Then prepare for the campaign.
If Christ is to come in a few short years,
there is no time to lose in spreading the word.
We shall speak in thunder tones,
doors will open in every city
and the good news will spread to the ends of the earth,
for it is here, Brother Miller, that I begin to help.
(BELL TOLLS)
(CLEARS THROAT)
I am just an old farmer.
But the Scriptures have become my delight.
The insights from the Book of Daniel and Revelation
that we discuss today
are the fruits of many years of my own study.
And, yet, I think it is important for you to know
that I am not alone in my convictions.
Many others across this country
now believe in these very truths.
Our message is the same,
for it is plain in the pages of God's Word, for all to read.
And it is delivered with urgency because, my dear friends,
the time till Christ's return is very short.
Yet focus not on a simple day or hour.
For while these are near, so is Christ.
Know him first. Seek him first.
Let us love one another,
for love is from God.
And those who love were born of God and know God.
God shall wipe away all tears.
There shall be no more death.
Neither sorrow nor crying.
Nor shall there be any more pain.
For those things are passed away.
Ellen, you must go to bed.
Father, just a few moments more.
You need your rest, my dear.
Come, Ellen. Let's pray tomorrow you will be stronger.
Every morning, before I open my eyes,
I pray that this will be the day that I will forget about the accident.
I see the morning light and it all returns. (SIGHS)
I promise you, my dear, our Heavenly Father has not forgotten you.
I long for the day of what Father Miller spoke of in church.
No more pain.
I've never heard Jesus described as a healer before.
I've heard of His wrath...
..and His judgement, but I have never...
His healing.
It's so beautiful.
(CHUCKLES)
(LAUGHTER AND QUIET CHATTER)
I miss the old Miller.
His eyes are filled with Heaven now.
Yeah, and his mouth won't stop speaking about it.
He doesn't drink anymore.
Which I suppose leaves more for all of us.
Ah!
Who'd have thought a country farmer would become a justice of the peace
and then start a religious revolution?
Miller's hardly a maverick.
Barnaby Larson's just returned from Britain
and he says that this doomsday idea is on every tongue in England,
and it's spreading throughout Europe.
You don't say?
'Tis true.
This notion of a Second Coming is heard as far away as Africa and India.
Yes, and the alchemists thought they could turn iron into gold.
Just because there are believers does not make it so.
These discoveries are...
(MUSIC PLAYS OVER PREACHING)
..1,843 years after Christ,
and the vision shall be fulfilled.
HIMES: As persuasive as you were today,
our reach is not far enough.
Joshua, you have the enthusiasm of a young man.
It is both invigorating and irritating all at once.
The inquiries pour in from every city up and down the eastern seaboard.
I mean, you could preach in every church
from here to the Florida Territories.
Please, bury me in Low Hampton, next to my maple grove.
Twice a day - still it would not fill the need.
And see to it that my wife is provided for
until the Day of Judgement.
Well, the next step is expansion through the printed word.
Publication will reach not just one set of ears,
but countless eyes per page.
We shall amplify your voice.
And do not say, “But I am a simple farmer.
But I AM a simple farmer.
Who asked for help!
Well, I had no idea it would be like this.
The papers have heaped abuse of every sort upon your labours.
Now we shall answer back.
But on our own terms.
I am a tired old man.
And I'm the owner of a printing press.
Look!
It talks about Father's message.
- Let me see! - “Pride goeth before the fall.”
We must not let our heads swell with our own self-importance.
Are those words from the Bible?
Those are words from your mother.
“And unto 2,300 days,
“then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.”
Mr Miller and those who listen to him
suffer from a grand delusion.
They claim that Jesus will return by a certain date.
Yes, it's not the first time
the end of the world has been prophesied by a fool.
Nor will it be the last.
I fear if the date passes,
that a shout of infidelity will arise from the unbelievers...
..and lead many of you astray.
See, the world is not going to end in a few short years.
No. But it will end.
And when it does...
..are you prepared, sinner?!
Will you stand before the wrath of a holy God
as He looks upon the deeds behind which you cower,
and shouts, “Depart from me, ye that works iniquity!”
Then shall the hellfire lap at the heels
of those who turned away
because of Miller's ideas.
Oh, so much hotter the flames for him.
Please forgive my iniquities against Your name
and rescue me from the evil one.
What must I do to truly be saved?
Mother!
Have mercy.
Have mercy upon my wretched soul.
Please forgive my iniquities against Your name. Please forgive me.
What must I do to truly be saved?
Ellen, my darling, what is it? What's the matter?
What if I have been led astray, Mother?
Why would you say that?
I am so afraid.
Mother, the preacher said such bad things about Father Miller.
Don't you listen to any of that.
But I heard. We all did!
We were in a house of worship.
There is no comfort there.
Come to bed.
Come.
(COUGHS)
Your mother says that you were quite distraught last night.
I was taken with such fear.
Brother Stockman, I know that you believe in Father Miller's teachings.
Indeed I do.
As do many other Methodist ministers.
Father Miller shares the Advent hope.
His urgency is tempered with love.
Yet, now, all I can hear are the ministers
who speak of burning in hell forever.
What hope is there for me...
..for any of us,
if our Heavenly Father is a tyrant who delights in eternal torment.
The very agony of your mind
is indication of God's Holy Spirit at work in your heart.
Our God does not rejoice in your destruction.
Nor is it His nature to condemn, but to seek that which is lost.
How can I be so sure?
Go free, Ellen.
Go free. Trust in Jesus.
For He will not turn His back on any true seeker.
Thank you, Brother Stockman.
Do not thank me, Ellen.
Thank the Lord, Jesus.
And share the Advent message with others.
(COUGHS)
Elder Himes and Brother Miller have announced a conference in Boston.
Does Elder Himes know that Papa's sick?
We sent him a letter.
Greetings, friends!
(HIMES LAUGHS)
He well should know.
He cannot travel, Joshua.
He cannot travel!
No. No, no, no. Of course not.
Typhoid is serious. It's very serious.
I know you have both put... great effort into this occasion.
It's the first time we will all be together in the same place,
with common purpose -
Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians -
all understanding the Advent is near.
So, YOU shall meet them.
And then you will return and tell William all about the conference.
I would like to see him, just to give him a word of encouragement.
Yes?
(SIGHS)
(WILLIAM GROANS SOFTLY)
Well, hello, dear friend. How are you feeling today?
(GROANS) Not much better, I'm afraid.
Well...
..then I shall leave you two...alone, for a little while.
But, Joshua, only a few moments.
He's not up to visitors.
Of course. Absolutely!
(DOOR CLOSES)
Are you certain that you cannot ride in the carriage?
I can make a marvellous bed for you in the back, thick with blankets...
- No... - ..and the fresh air would...
No, Joshua.
At the conference, people could come to you.
I was thinking we could arrange an area...
No, Joshua... This is bigger than one man.
(COUGHS)
This is God's power. Hundreds of pastors have awakened.
You do not need me there.
Yes.
Of course. I... You're right.
You will be in my prayers.
Thank you.
Are you absolutely certain...?i
Go! Go now!
(COUGHS)
(GROANS)
Oh!
Joseph Bates, as I live and breathe!
- How long has it been? - Too long, Brother Himes. Too long.
(LAUGHS) I have heard much of your work on temperance
with the Christian Connection.
But you have made quite the name for yourself
speaking on the evils of slavery as well.
I am but a humble servant, Joshua. God speaks and I obey.
Nonetheless, your reputation is well deserved.
Is it true?
Brother Miller could not make it?
Yes. Uh, typhoid fever.
It is more than a shame.
Oh! Oh, Brother Bates, may I introduce you to Hiram Edson?
Uh, you may know Brother Edson through Pastor Finney.
Oh, yes.
Brother Finney's work on the causes of temperance and abolition
are well known.
Pleasure to meet you, sir. This is Owen Crosier.
Pleased to make your acquaintance.
BATES: I've followed Miller's ideas
since I heard him last year in New Bedford.
As a sea captain, I've travelled the world.
But today, I was transported farther than across an ocean.
I'm committing myself to the Advent message.
EDSON: I feel the same call.
As do I.
What is your name, brother? Where are you from?
Samuel Snow, sir.
I work for The Investigator. I live here, in Boston.
You're not here, doing an exposé, are you?
Uh, no, sir.
Now, I will admit, I was a sceptic at first.
But I have studied Miller's ideas
and I believe they hold a wonderful truth.
JOSHUA: Ah!
(LAUGHS)
The conference is finished and, yet, I see the discussion continues!
I was just telling these good men that I am fully committed.
Well, I'm so pleased to hear it.
I'll share that with Father Miller when I see him.
You may also share that I will put my money
into spreading the Advent message.
Oh, this is momentous news! (LAUGHS)
I mean to stand behind Father Miller and his work -
not to start a new church, mind you,
but to proclaim that the Second Advent is near.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION CONTINUES)
WILLIAM: So, the conference was a success?
They came from Maine, New York City, Connecticut, Vermont,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island!
So many ideas were put forth!
It was a real exchange of thought and enthusiasm!
And we have many pledges of financial assistance
and almost immediately, we will do it again.
Next time, you will be a part of it, as will Joseph Bates.
Bates. I recall meeting him last year.
A tall fellow. Did not use any tobacco.
Struck me as...peculiar.
Well, that he is, but he's going to be very important to us!
We will have the resources now!
More cities! More printing!
Your words will touch many, many souls.
Please, Joshua, remember,
it is not our work - it is God's.
Of course.
(UPLIFTING MUSIC RISES)
Now...might be the time.
Mm.
(WHISPERS) We can't compromise.
The words of Mr Miller and his followers are false.
Those who are seduced by his candied tongue
have no place in this house of worship.
So...
..you must, in the name of the Lord,
renounce these radical ideas.
If you do not...
..you will not be welcome here, in this house of worship.
You may believe you are casting us out.
But Father Miller's understanding of Christ's soon return
cannot be ignored.
We must follow the Word of God over the rule of men.
We will not keep this good news quiet.
And if that means we must leave...
..then leave we shall.
My family feels an unspeakable joy at the hope of Christ's return.
We feel love, the love of Jesus.
It...it lifts us up, it carries us forward.
And it will guide us home.
How can they speak to us that way?
We must not let one bad apple spoil the bushel.
We'll announce their removal from fellowship next Sunday.
They'll be an example.
Our traditions must be honoured.
On this holy day of Communion,
I would leave you with a charge
to love the Lord, your God, with all your heart,
to keep all of the Commandments of God,
and honour Him by keeping His Sabbath holy.
CONGREGATION: Amen.
I want to speak to him.
Mother...
Mother, no.
I mean, if you must. But we're new here.
I...
Keep in mind that we are outsiders.
Elder Wheeler will be interested in what I have to say.
No...
Excuse me. I'm sorry.
I'm wanting to talk to you specifically
about a Commandment that's in the Bible...
Yeah.
I've been giving it a lot of thought, particularly about the Sabbath.
- Yes, Mrs Preston. - According to Scripture...
(MUSIC PLAYS OVER DIALOGUE)
MRS PRESTON: He heard what I had to say.
He really listened.
And will he change his day of worship from Sunday to Saturday,
as the Commandment suggests?
He was impressed by what we shared from the Bible.
Meaning...?
He promised that he'd give the idea much thought and investigate...
- MAN: Morning, Mrs Preston. - ..the idea more fully.
Hello.
And from that statement, you declare victory?
Saturday...
..is the seventh day of the week.
It IS the Lord's Sabbath.
That is just so.
Mother!
There are those who believe
that waiting for the Advent and Judgement Day
is of greater importance than which day we worship.
MAN: Good morning, ladies.
Perhaps the day won't matter shortly.
I've planted a seed.
As a teacher, my dear, you, of all people,
should understand how knowledge grows.
BOY: (SHOUTS) Read all about it!
Read all about Christ's return!
Read the latest news about Christ's return!
MAN: Vegetables!
WILLIAM: I'll take a copy, lad.
Well, you have to give them credit. I do look very handsome.
Why do they insist on making me so fat?
So, how many people do you expect?
It's the largest tent ever erected on American soil!
It's been expanded to seat 6,000!
And they are assembling, plus more!
Giant tents. What next?
I'm the last person on earth who saw this coming.
I think you were one of the first.
We must be on our way.
There is a smaller meeting taking place. I...wish to stop there first.
But the giant tent! We are expected there.
Joshua, the world is filled with expectations now.
Not everything follows an exact plan.
I told Brother Bates I would join him.
But...
..he should be at the big tent too!
Whoa, whoa!
I'm looking for Joseph Bates.
Do you know where I might find the meeting?
MAN: Over here.
BATES: It is true - 1843 has now passed.
Many of you grow anxious.
You ask why our Saviour has not returned
and want to know when will be our blessed hope?
I can only tell you that it is in these times
that our faith is tested.
When I was the captain of a ship at sea,
we didn't throw ourselves into the ocean in anguish during a storm.
No.
We held fast to the moorings.
We called, “All hands on deck.”
Even now, brothers and sisters, let us not despair,
but redouble our effort.
The Bridegroom cometh.
We do not labour in vain.
Yes, we had hoped that, by now, our blessed day...
- (HORSE APPROACHES) - ..would have come.
And...yet these final moments are our most precious.
(ONLOOKERS MUTTER)
I have news.
Let my brother speak. He comes to us with news.
(MURMURING)
Brother Snow has truth for us from the Lord.
Let him come and deliver his message.
Please...
Our Blessed Lord has promised us...
..He will come again...
..to take His people unto himself.
Now, when Jesus came the first time,
the Gospels tell us
“the time was fulfilled.”
What time was fulfilled?
Prophetic time!
Indeed. Indeed.
Historians confirm that Christ died in the spring of AD 31,
precisely in the middle of Daniel's 70th week.
Now, the Bible shows us
that spring is the Passover event.
The Day of Atonement comes in autumn.
And what did the high priests do on the Day of Atonement?
Cleansed the sanctuary.
Exactly.
Thank you, Brother White.
He cleansed the sanctuary!
Does it not then follow
that He will return to cleanse the sanctuary
on that precise Day of Atonement?
- Yes! - (MURMURING)
Leviticus says the Biblical Day of Atonement
falls on the 10th day of the 7th month.
Brethren, we were wrong to expect Christ's return by the spring.
According to the Jewish calendar,
the 10th day of the 7th month falls this year...
..on October 22nd.
(CONGREGATION MEMBERS GASP AND EXCLAIM)
SNOW: We know the date.
October 22nd, 1844.
(CONGREGATION MEMBERS CHATTER EXCITEDLY)
WOMAN: Wonderful! Oh!
He is so certain.
And you are not?
Setting an exact date is foolish.
No. Not now, brother. We...we are not in favour here.
Let us hope that God will reveal more in time.
The master of the house cleaning out his own barn.
This setting of a date must have you upset.
Our hope is not a specific day or hour,
but that Christ's return is near.
What does Joshua think?
We both resist.
Yet people are demanding clarity.
I was wrong about 1843.
I should not have counted the zero when counting from BC to AD.
And what doubt did I cause amongst the brethren?
So, you will not endorse a specific day?
No. I will not.
But Brother Snow's study of the sanctuary does cause me to think.
Well, then, you must seek the present truth
and clarity from God on this, William.
The Bible is clear.
However, Samuel Snow is a trusted brother in the Lord.
I'll give his date over for study and prayer.
(HORSE NEIGHS)
My wife and I are pleased to have purchased your property.
If you don't mind my asking,
where will you and your wife go from here?
To Heaven.
But if the end of the world does not come to pass,
you have a plan...
The Lord has a great design in store for all of us.
Yes, sir. Absolutely.
So...even the house is sold to finance the message.
The children believe we are foolish.
Hmm!
Yet you are so firm in your conviction.
Yes, my dear.
The clock is ticking.
God's appointed time is almost here.
You seem to have regained your appetite, Ellen.
We're just happy just to see you this way.
We're almost home.
Just the thought gives me strength.
Until then...
..we must do everything to let as many people as we know the good news.
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACH)
MAN: Ah, Mr White. I have your pamphlets ready for you.
You people are turning into my best customers.
Ah. Good morning.
So, you too are working to spread the good news?
Yes, sir. James White with the Christian Connection.
Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Brother White. I'm Robert Harmon.
That'll be $1.20, please.
- Thank you, sir. - Time is short.
Shall we go together, young man, and see if we can make a difference?
Of course.
MAN: Good luck, gentlemen.
Young man, our Lord and Saviour is returning in two weeks.
(SIGHS)
The coming of the Lord.
Please...gentlemen...
Christ returns in two short weeks. Prepare your hearts.
Oh. Well, tell Him He's buying the next round when He gets here.
I'm sad for those men.
You, sir...
- Sir, please. - Thank you, my friend.
Sir...
WILLIAM: “October 6th, 1844.
“Dear Brother Himes,
“After much study and prayer,
“I see a glory now in the seventh month,
“which I never saw before.
“We are almost home.
“Glory, glory, glory.”
WILLIAM: Come to Jesus Christ,
the Lamb that was slain,
and now lives, that you may live.
Obey His word...and believe.
There is no time for delay.
Put it not off, I beg of you.
No. Not for a moment.
Do you not want a house made with hands eternal, in the heavens?
Then “Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven,” says Christ,
“and then all these things
“shall be added unto you.”
(STIRRING MUSIC)
BOY: Then damned I will be!
My ship sails tomorrow and my decision is final!
I will not stay here and beg while you stare up at the skies!
BATES: Jesus is coming tomorrow, my son!
Well, when He arrives, tell Him He can find me on the high seas!
Joseph, please...go after him.
Our son will be lost forever!
Do something!
Holy Father, in these final moments before Your return,
heal our broken family.
Have mercy on our boy.
Return our son to us, that we may meet You together.
It is so fitting that we should all be here together,
in these last hours.
We did our best, sir.
Did we?
Oh...
Thank you...
..for telling the world before it was too late.
And what if we are too early?
(LIVELY PIANO MUSIC PLAYS INSIDE)
Gentlemen, free ale till the end of the world!
(ALL CHEER)
(BELL TOLLS)
(BELL CONTINUES)
(FINAL CHIME ECHOES)
Well...it's too bad the good Lord Jesus
couldn't join us tonight...
..'cause we've always got room for one more!
(MEN LAUGH AND CHATTER)
(RESUMES PLAYING CHEERFUL MUSIC)
PIANIST: (SINGS) ♪ Funniest thing I ever saw
♪ A little tune called Turkey in the Straw. ♪
(THUNDER RUMBLES)
(OWL HOOTS)
(THUNDER CRASHES)
(SORROWFUL MUSIC)
(THUNDER CONTINUES)
WILLIAM: God's message was never meant to be about a single date.
All is not lost. Look at the movement you have begun.
You have won thousands.
And to what, Brother Himes, have I won them?
Disappointment? Despair?
To the truth of God's word.
Setting a date has now made that appear untrustworthy.
Why was I so weak to endorse one?
We will keep waiting.
For how long?
For as long as it takes.
(COUGHS)
I see you're still with us this morning, Hiram.
The chickens, too.
Maybe Jesus will come if you fix Him some breakfast!
(ALL LAUGH)
Is this but a cunningly devised fable, Esther?
Hiram, no. Don't say that.
There is no reality to our fondest hope....
Oh, Hiram...
What are we to do?
We need to pray.
Brothers, will you join us to pray for guidance?
Guidance?
Open your eyes, Hiram.
But this is the time that we need to be together.
We have been deceived.
Do you suggest that we continue in this delusion?
If you would just give God a chance...
I did that already.
HIRAM: Our Father, how You have blessed us
as we have waited upon Your return.
Our hands have healed the sick.
Our hearts have been lifted by the sight of so many others
believing in You, in the hope of Your great return.
Lord, we have not lost our faith,
but we seek wisdom to understand why You have not returned.
We need You to show us the way forward.
Accept our prayer, Father, and send us your light
that our great disappointment may be explained.
All these things we ask in the name of Your loving Son, Jesus Christ.
Come, brothers.
Surely God has not forsaken us.
Owen, come with me to the neighbours.
Surely they must feel the sting of this sadness.
We should all find comfort if we share in this experience.
Of course.
Hiram.
Hiram!
The Lord is answering our morning prayer.
He gives light to our great disappointment.
The early Christians thought that Jesus came
to set up an earthly kingdom, not a heavenly kingdom.
After His death on the cross, they were bitterly disappointed
just as we are now.
Clearly, we got the date wrong, Hiram.
No, Dr Hahn, I think the day was correct.
Then why has the Saviour not returned?
Maybe we were wrong about what was supposed to happen on October 22nd.
The early Christians got the date right for the Messiah,
but their expectation was wrong.
Perhaps the same is true for us.
Daniel's prophecy states that at the end of the 2,300 days,
the sanctuary will be cleansed.
And what if we mistook the meaning of that word 'sanctuary'?
- But the sanctuary is the earth. - Is it?
Daniel says, in chapter seven,
“And behold, one like the Son of man came to the Ancient of Days.”
Not to the earth, as we believed.
So, where is the Ancient of Days?
In heaven.
After His death on the cross, Jesus became our High Priest,
and the work of redemption
moved from the earthly sanctuary to the Heavenly Sanctuary.
That would make sense...
..in the light of what it says in Hebrews chapter eight -
“We have such a high priest,
“a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle,
“which the Lord pitched, and not man.”
So, Jesus is still coming back soon then.
We just don't know how quickly.
Exactly, and it's there, in the most holy of places
that His work of cleansing takes place.
(SIGHS)
Lucy, what have I done?
You have spoken from your heart and from the Bible,
words that have softened thousands of others' lives.
And will they harden their hearts again?
Perhaps.
And it's also possible that Brother Snow
will again arrive on horseback with a...
..another selection of dates.
What is really important about the message God gave you?
That is what you should be thinking about.
Yes.
“Hold fast.
“Let no man take your crown.
“I have fixed my mind upon another time,
“and here I mean to stand until God gives me more light.
“And that is today, today, today, until He comes,
“and I see Him, for whom my soul yearns.”
MRS HAINES: Keep our faith strong in Your promises, Father.
Though we do not know why You did not come,
still we pray that You will do so quickly.
For our loved ones who have given up the Advent hope,
we ask a special measure in Your mercy.
Give us insight, oh, Lord...
Oh, no! Ellen! Ellen! What's wrong?!
WOMAN: Is she breathing?
ELIZABETH: I can't tell.
Ellen! Ellen!
Ellen!
ETHEREAL VOICE: I am the messenger of God. Look again.
A little higher.
Not the end, but the beginning.
Are you alright? Ellen, I was so worried. I thought we'd lost you.
I saw things.
I was taken to another place,
high above this world, and I...I...
..I heard a voice.
The voice spoke to me.
Who spoke to you? Ellen, I was praying for you.
- Was it my voice you heard? - No.
I think it was an angel speaking.
(WOMEN GASP)
I've never heard anything like it.
She must have bumped her head, the poor dear.
I saw the Advent believers walking on a path toward the heavenly city.
And as long as they kept their eyes on Jesus,
who was leading them to the city...
..they were safe.
You are safe here now, Ellen.
This world is so dark.
I have seen a greater world and it has spoiled this one for me.
I feel as if my strength was renewed today, Elizabeth.
I saw such wondrous things. I heard things.
So you claim.
Elizabeth, I've never lied about anything.
I'm not saying you're lying now.
You collapsed from your illness. You are not of sound mind.
- You know not what you speak. - No.
Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit showed me a view of the Midnight Cry
and He explained our disappointment.
He encouraged our Advent hope.
There were people who didn't listen and they fell off the path.
You had an accident when you were young. It left you weak.
You won't have a regular life, Ellen. We understand that.
You won't marry. You won't be able to contribute.
But this is hardly a way to get attention.
Why are speaking to me like this?
I pledge to you that I'm telling the truth.
Well, here's my truth - Christ will not return to earth any time soon,
and I am done with prayer groups.
- But Elizabeth... - No, you heard what I said.
Consider me someone who's fallen off the path.
MRS PRESTON: With all this fuss about Jesus not returning in October,
it seems to me that I am alone in my commitment
to worship on the Sabbath.
Ah, but Mrs Preston,
I fear there are no churches here that meet on Saturday.
Hmm. If only Elder Wheeler in Hillsboro were closer.
Mother, please!
The Farnsworths have been so generous to let me stay here while I teach.
You'll likely offend them.
What is offensive to God is that we worship on the wrong day.
Good Elder Wheeler understood
that Saturday - Saturday - is the seventh day of the week.
It is written in the Commandments that we should rest and keep it holy.
What difference does it make to God
if we should worship Him one day or another?
Difference enough, William, to chisel it onto stone
and send it down the mountain with Moses.
Sabbath comes to us as a gift - we cannot stop or change it.
He even used the word 'remember'.
Even if Elder Wheeler's church were nearby, he's a Methodist,
and we belong to the Christian brethren.
His denomination matters not to God,
only that Elder Wheeler believes they're called Commandments.
If these were but the 'Ten Suggestions',
we may feel free to honour God whenever we please, or not at all.
Ah, the carriage is ready.
We may be headed to worship on the wrong day, but we shan't be late.
Along with the others gathered here,
I, too, was greatly disappointed, even ashamed,
that Jesus did not return last year.
I do not understand why He did not come,
but I still believe in the many promises in the Bible
that one day He will.
That is why I hold fast to the Advent hope.
Thank you, Mrs Cooch.
Does anyone else desire to speak today?
I choose to cast my lot
with those who keep God's holy Sabbath on the seventh day each week.
From this day forth,
I pledge to keep the Saturday Sabbath...
..as God has commanded us to do.
And I, too, shall be a Sabbath-keeper...
..from this day forward.
(“IN THE SWEET BYE AND BYE” PLAYS)
“I gave them my Sabbaths to be a sign between me and them
“that they might know that I am the Lord.
“Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath,
“and God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it,
“because that in it He had rested from all His work,
“which God created and made,
“for in six days, the Lord made heaven and earth
“and rested on the seventh day.”
You have my word. I will return with fresh enthusiasm.
Spending time with Reverend Wheeler is what I need.
What we need is a way out of this predicament.
We're penniless, Joseph.
Where's all this Sabbath business going to lead you?
I'm following my heart.
I'm being convinced by the Word of God.
I know no other way to test error from truth.
Elder Wheeler shared the Scriptures with me,
and I found much peace that he is right.
Christ kept the seventh day. Following him is most important.
I support the Sabbath.
And what of this girl?
The one having visions in Maine.
Hmm.
I venture to make no opinion without seeing for myself first-hand.
However, I would say she is doubtful to me.
Quite doubtful.
We're here today, people of many faiths,
gathered together because of our commitment to Jesus
and our acceptance of the Bible as the Word of God to guide us.
This morning, a member of our community, Miss Ellen Harmon,
has been asked to speak to us.
She will share some of what God has blessed her with of late.
(OTHERS WHISPER INDISTINCTLY)
I don't think that I can do this.
Have faith.
Just being here is an act of courage.
Miss Harmon.
I was in prayer at the house of Mrs Haines in Portland.
I lost consciousness and I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit.
(WHISPERING)
I rose high above the dark world
and I looked for the Advent believers, but I couldn't find them.
A voice, an angel, said to me,
“Look again, and look a little higher.”
I then saw a straight and narrow path far above the dark world.
The Advent people were travelling on a path
toward a bright and holy city.
There was a light behind the believers,
which the angel told me was the Midnight Cry.
The angel confirmed that Father Miller's message was light,
and that this date was the beginning of our journey, not the end.
And all were safe who kept their eyes fixed upon Jesus,
who was leading them to the Holy City.
Some grew weary - the city was a great way off,
and that they had expected to enter it before now.
But Jesus would encourage them... by raising His right arm,
from which came a wondrous light,
which poured over the Advent band,
and as it did, they shouted, “Hallelujah!”
OTIS: But Brother Sargent, if Miss Harmon's visions are from God...
Her visions do not come from God, Mr Nichols.
But, my friends, how can you be so sure?
Brother Otis, if Almighty God had a message for his people,
would he choose to send it in such a frail mouthpiece?
The girl can barely walk.
She stands yea high. Her father is a hat-maker.
She doesn't come from any kind of ministry background.
Brothers, our Lord Jesus Himself warned us, “Beware of false prophets,
“which come to you in sheep's clothing,
“but inwardly, they are ravening wolves.”
I have heard the visions overtake her, like a trance.
I'm acquainted with a neighbour. She found her to be credible.
Have either of you seen the young woman?
No! And we shall not.
Ellen Harmon's visions are a lie of the deceiver.
She would not dare to have one in my presence.
Aye, she COULD not, Mr Robbins!
The power of our faith would bind the Devil's work.
She speaks with great tenderness of the Word of the Lord.
Brother Nichols, do not be fooled.
Did you speak with them? Are they persuaded?
If only they would meet Ellen,
I believe they'd be convinced of God's truth.
Invite them here, then.
- Sargent and Robbins? - No, Ellen.
She travels with her older sister, Sarah.
Invite Miss Harmon here.
But what would Robbins and Sargent say?
We must let our friends hear her words for themselves.
She will minister hope to their hearts.
Yes.
If Ellen's message is of God...
..no opposition from Sargent or Robbins will drown her out.
It's such a joy to have you with me today, Sarah.
There's no place I'd rather be, little sister.
So many are anxious to hear you.
I would be just as happy to stay home and take no part in this.
But you grow stronger every day.
You've said so yourself.
'Tis true.
But I do not want to add to our family's burden.
Ellen, do you not realise that the message God has given you
lifts up our hearts and spirits?
(SUBDUED CONVERSATION)
Have you yet had a chance to meet the Harmons yet?
Brother White, I said have you met the Harmons yet?
I've had tea, sir. Thank you for asking.
Why don't you go meet the ladies
before you get any more tongue-tied, lad.
What a pleasure to meet you again, Miss Harmon.
You might remember, I am James White.
I'm a pastor with the Christian Connection.
I've made the acquaintance of your father.
We distributed pamphlets together before...
Well, it's a pleasure, Mr White.
I've heard many good things about your work for the Lord.
I have heard such a thing before,
yet it comes as a true surprise to me.
Is it wrong for me to ask your age, Miss Harmon?
I will be 18 on my next birthday.
And you, Mr White - how old would you be?
I'm 23 years old.
And you have put yourself in the service of the Lord?
Yes.
I left teaching to spread the Word.
Hmm.
Welcome. Welcome. We are so honoured to have you here with us.
Thank you. The honour is ours.
Surely this humble, gentle girl is no child of Satan.
Mr Sargent, Mr Robbins, what a happy surprise.
We thought we might impose upon your generosity
and lodge with your family tonight.
I prayed that you might meet Ellen Harmon,
and God has answered my prayers.
- Come in, come in. - The Harmon girl...
..is here?
She arrived a few days ago to share with us.
Uh, Mr Robbins, um...
..we've forgotten to...to visit your sick friend.
Oh, uh, yes!
I have a friend. He is sick. And we had made a previous commitment.
You cannot come in, just for a few moments of introduction?
- Not possible. - No. With deepest regrets.
If you cannot stay, I could bring Miss Harmon worship with you.
This Sunday. We could take her to meet you in Boston.
- We would not allow... - Uh, uh...
Why, yes! That sounds like a fine plan.
(CHUCKLES)
Yes, yes. Bring the young Harmon woman to Boston.
We will, uh, meet with her on, uh, Sunday!
Travelling mercies, my brothers.
We shall...say a prayer of healing for your friend.
ETHEREAL VOICE: I am the messenger of God...
Go to Randolph... Follow the light before you.
Good morning, Ellen.
Did you sleep well?
I... Well...
What is it, dear? Tell us.
We are so grateful for your hospitality.
I know that you feel that we should go to Boston.
But I have been instructed to go to the township of Randolph.
Why...'tis nothing in Randolph for you,
unless you desire a new pair of leather boots.
Do you need new boots?
I would love new boots.
All I know is that I have been instructed in vision by the Lord.
We must go to the Thayer home in Randolph.
But to what end? Help us, Ellen. We do not understand.
Nor do I.
I have only enough light to see the step before me,
and that is to go to Randolph.
God has promised me that when I arrive there, He shall reveal why.
Why, it's the Nichols!
What brings you to Randolph?
- The Word of the Lord. - Oh!
We have Ellen Harmon and her sister, Sarah, with us from Maine.
I... Well...
We...
What can I say?
“Welcome” would be a start.
Oh...
SARGENT: Brothers and sisters, our Lord Jesus Himself warned us,
“Beware of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing,
“for inwardly, they are ravenous wolves.”
Our brother, Otis Nichols, and his wife, Mary, have brought guests.
Ellen Harmon and her sister, Sarah.
I thought you said they wanted us in Boston?
It is clear they do not want us at all.
Well, uh, brothers and sisters, as I was saying,
the Lord impresses upon my heart that we should adjourn.
After luncheon, we shall continue to...speak God's Word.
MR THAYER: Before you arrived,
they carried on for some time about Miss Harmon.
They said that her visions came from Satan.
Ellen Harmon can speak for herself.
It's all so confusing. I do not know what to believe.
Mr Sargent said that she would not dare have a vision in his presence,
because he walks uprightly.
And Mr Sargent told me just a few days ago
for me to bring Ellen to meet him and Mr Robbins today in Boston.
Then what has brought you to Randolph?
Ellen had instruction from God last night.
Oh...
♪ O, when shall I see Jesus
♪ And reign with Him above
♪ And shall hear the trumpet sound in that morning?
♪ And from the flowing fountain drink everlasting love
♪ And shall hear the trumpet sound in that morning?
♪ O, shout, glory!
♪ For I shall mount above the skies... ♪
Glory...
(SINGING FADES)
ELLEN: Glory.
Is she...?
Glory.
Let's sing!
♪ O, shout glory! For I shall... ♪
Stay clear of her!
Let us read from God's Word!
“Thou shalt...have no other gods before me.
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image,
“or any likeness of anything that is in Heaven above,
“or that is in the earth beneath,
“or that is in the water under the earth.
“Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them for I, the Lord...”
- Oh, be quiet, you fool! - You are bowing to an idol!
Don't you see? You are worshipping a golden calf!
I have heard that visions from Satan
can be stopped by placing a Bible on the person...
Here. You place it on her.
No. No...
Very well. I will do it, then.
This is the inspired testimony of God.
“Thou hast turned my mourning into dancing.
“Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness.”
Oh!
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
“but to the end thereof are the ways of death.”
She quotes from the verse beneath her finger!
(ALL MURMUR EXCITEDLY)
Hallelujah.
I can make out none of the letters.
Shall I read it for you, my dear?
“Brother Miller,
“although a stranger to you, I have desired to write you a few words.
“I have always believed that God called you
“to preach the definite time of the Lord's coming in 1844,
“and that it was just as it should be.
“And if the time had not been preached then,
“the church and world would never have been effectually warned.
“I have enclosed part of a vision of Ellen Harmon of Portland.
“I fully believe that her visions are from Heaven.
“Sister Harmon has been a resident in my family home
“much of the time for about the past eight months.
“The spirit of God is with her and has been seen in a remarkable manner.
“I would ask you to lay aside prejudice and suspend judgement
“until you have read and compared them with the Scripture, and present truth.
“Yours, waiting, for the return of the Lord, Otis Nichols.”
Hmm.
Brother Nichols sounds sincere.
Surely they are just grasping at straws.
The Bible says that, in the last days,
some will receive visions from the Lord.
Soon, we shall see our smiling Saviour's face - of that I am certain.
PRUDENCE: Yet another letter?
Fanatics are out there spreading all kinds of nonsense to the people.
In this, you mean Ellen Harmon?
From all reports, she is sincere - a true believer.
But I'm alarmed about these so-called visions.
They say her longest vision lasted four hours.
But visions?
Condition of her poor health is more likely the explanation.
Will you seek her out?
She's invited to speak now with regularity.
I'm certain our paths will cross.
Joseph, I don't have enough flour to bake even one loaf of bread.
How much do you need?
At least two more cups.
Out searching for Jesus are we, Mr Bates?
- (MEN LAUGH NEARBY) - I think he went that way.
No, wait, maybe over there...
(MEN CONTINUE LAUGHING)
What can I do for you today, Joseph?
Just some flour.
However much this will buy.
Is this our evening supper?
It is that.
Do we have any jam or apple butter?
Not unless you picked some up while you were out.
Prudy...
I spent the last money I have on earth to buy that flour.
First the farm to the Millerite cause.
Then our friends and family to scorn us.
Our son to the sea.
Now all of our money is gone?
How much more of this do you think we can take?
We must pray. The Lord will provide.
Joseph, please...
..have you nothing more to offer?
Perhaps the earth should swallow me whole.
Is that what I should pray for?
Do you have any mail for me, Mr Drew?
Oh, yes, Mr Bates. As a matter of fact, I do.
There's, uh, five cents postage due.
Sir, I...
..I do not have the money.
You can bring it in when you see fit.
That would be wrong, sir.
I have not five cents to my name.
Joseph, I'll take your word that you'll find a way to repay the debt.
Matthew, if you... if you would open it...
..I would be more comfortable.
(CHUCKLES)
“I send you this in the name of the Lord...”
When you deliver these goods to my home,
my wife will say you've made a mistake, but pay her no mind.
Certainly, Captain Bates.
Prudy!
(LAUGHS)
- Joseph, it's a miracle. - Indeed.
MAN: I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Mr and Mrs James White.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Ellen White. It has a lovely ring to it, don't you think?
Yes, it does.
The name fits you well...
..Mrs White.
(CHUCKLES)
What's wrong?
I had always imagined this moment in a church.
But we have none to call home.
What Brother Bates writes here stirs my heart.
Indeed. Everything he affirms is supported by Scripture.
Well, he traces the Sabbath back to its creation
and then reminds us it is at the heart of God's Ten Commandments.
If the early Church kept the seventh day as Sabbath,
then we shall cast our lot with them.
JOSEPH: It is clear that in the final days before Jesus returns,
the keeping of the Commandments will become a significant issue.
John, in Revelation, chapter 12, verse 17, describes a people,
“who keep the Commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus.”
In the last days, these people are to become the objects of Satan's wrath.
Then chapter 14, verses 6 through 11,
John describes God's last warning message
to be given to the world before Jesus comes,
symbolised by the messages of the three angels.
Verse 12 tells of the people that will take that message to the world -
“Here are they that keep the Commandments of God
“and have the faith of Jesus.”
It is not one or the other.
Jesus himself says in the Gospel,
“If you love me, keep my Commandments.”
Thank you, and bless you, my brethren.
Thank you, Mr Bates.
That was truly inspiring, Brother Curtis.
We are so delighted to have you and your new husband here, Sister White.
The Lord has shown us the truth
in Brother Bates' message on the Sabbath.
Glory to God.
Ellen...
MR CURTIS: Give Sister White some room.
ELLEN: Twinkling lights.
Stars.
As many as the sands upon the shore.
ETHEREAL VOICE: Look upon the glory of God's creation.
- How is she? - Fine.
The visions never weaken her.
Often, in fact, she's healed.
The things she spoke of tonight, without ever leaving New England.
I...I spent 20 years at sea to learn the half of it.
You have been one of her loudest critics.
Until now, Brother White.
There's no way she could have known
about the stars and planets she described tonight,
except that God showed her.
You can count me in the camp of her strongest supporters.
BATES: I studied the Sabbath
with Brother Edson and Brother Crosier in Port Gibson,
then travelled on to the Curtis home in Topsham and met the Whites.
Did Mrs White have one of her fainting spells?
I was wrong to doubt her, Prudy.
She had a vision right in front of me.
I believe God is using her
to confirm the truths He is revealing in our study of Scripture.
I still have my doubts.
Perhaps reading my written account will better explain.
You're going to write of her visions?
Yes, and on the seventh-day Sabbath.
This is all Miller's fault.
Has anyone seen old William?
To think he started this madness.
Ah! There were lunatics long before him.
And many more after.
I hear he's been ill, doesn't leave his farm.
I'd say a prayer, but...then I'd be a hypocrite.
Why don't these disappointed Millerites
just go back to the churches they came from?
Some of them have.
But the others wouldn't go back even if they could.
Most of them still believe that Jesus is coming at any moment.
Still setting dates and searching the skies, I hear.
Poor William. What a shame all his hard work has come to this, eh?
At least he and that Himes chap had an organised movement.
- I mean, this is just... - A mess.
There's no leadership, no churches.
I hear there's a young woman having visions in Maine,
and a sea captain holding prayer meetings on Saturdays.
Saturdays? Well, that's one mob I won't be joining.
(ALL LAUGH)
(BABY GRIZZLES)
Bates has printed about the Sabbath again.
But how did he have the money?
JAMES: I... He didn't.
We still have to raise funds to pay the expenses.
How will we get $7.50?
The hour of judgement has come. The year's harvest...
(JOYFUL MUSIC PLAYS OVER DIALOGUE)
- Amen. - Amen.
Amen.
ELLEN: We work so hard to study God's work,
and yet I still cannot understand the Scriptures
that you and the others wrestle over.
I feel as if I am always on the outside, looking in.
Ellen, when we come into an impasse,
God gives you, in vision, the clarification from His Word.
But when I am not in vision,
it is as if my mind is locked to understanding the Scriptures.
(BABY CRIES)
JAMES: This may be a blessing.
Perhaps God is protecting you
so that people cannot falsely claim our message
is based on your visions instead of on God's Word.
(BABY CRIES)
We have already attended three gatherings
in search of our Bible truth.
Must we go to Connecticut for this conference at the Beldens'?
I think it would be wise to attend.
But we have no money for it, James.
I am to be paid next week for cutting wood.
I expect $10 for my labours.
I cannot mind my child and travel, James. I cannot.
Our Father has called us to this work. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
(BABY CONTINUES CRYING)
We had some very passionate discussions this morning.
We must keep our heads.
So many of the signs of His return
that Jesus gave to His disciples in Matthew
are being fulfilled around us, today.
Agreed. And we've made much progress.
Four years ago, who would have imagined worshipping on Saturday?
'Tis true. Common ground can be found when we come together.
We keep the Commandments not to BE saved, but because we ARE saved.
Exactly. As Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my...”
And if you love me, you'll wait till everybody's ready to eat.
(ALL CHUCKLE)
Bates. (LAUGHS)
OTIS: You and Ellen have spent so much time traveling to spread the word,
but you cannot be everywhere.
And neither do we wish to be.
Leaving our son behind each journey makes the wagon light,
but our hearts heavy.
The Lord has shown me a way that we can reach the Advent believers
without having to travel so frequently.
We must establish a newspaper.
But Brother Bates believes that we should put our efforts
towards pamphlets and books,
not to an ongoing paper.
Brother Nichols, two paths are but one.
We have no quarrel with his approach.
But my husband is prepared to start immediately on a periodical,
as books often suffer neglect on the shelf.
Where will the funds comes for this?
We'll let the paper be small at first.
As our people read, they will send means by which to print.
From a small beginning, God has shown me
that this little paper will go round the world.
ANNIE: How much did it cost?
$652, Annie.
600...
Oh, Lord have mercy.
Hiram Edson paid for it?
Yes.
But word has gone out in the “Review”,
and already funds are coming back to pay the loan.
It's a miracle.
JAMES: Yes.
And news of miracles travels fast.
Roll up your sleeves...
..because our work has really begun.
ELLEN: They should call this paper the Messenger of Deception.
This article is filled with lies about God's work!
They have poisoned many hearts, James.
Good men whom we once published in the Review
now misinterpret Scripture, spreading error.
Here's more bad news.
In Wisconsin, the meeting tent has gone missing.
- We cannot allow this! - We cannot stop it.
We are not organised. We have no authority.
(COUGHS)
We must find a way to treat your lungs.
Here's another letter from John Andrews and John Loughborough.
- That can't be bad. - Read it.
They're both exhausted.
Brother Andrews labours all week to earn a living.
His eyesight is going.
His voice is nearly lost from preaching on weekends.
And I wish those were our only troubles.
What do you have to tell me?
The landlord has sent a notice regarding next year's rent.
$14.50 a month.
What are we to do?
We could move.
To Vermont?
Some have suggested Michigan.
You would pack up and go west?
You have visited before.
You, yourself, said the people were so kind.
The Battle Creek brethren want the responsibility of publishing.
Battle Creek.
Hardly sounds inviting.
(CHUCKLES)
Haven't you been battling most of your life?
Could suit you well to live in such a town.
Is that so?
The sisters are bringing over mattresses,
and a table with two chairs.
The building down the street has more room for the boys to run about.
Our first house of worship will be ready in a few weeks.
Thank you, Uriah.
You are a blessing to our family.
Before I go, I borrowed some money
to get several cakes of maple sugar and two bushels of wheat.
We will pay it all back.
(COUGHS)
Come.
Do you want to show Dad the window?
ELLEN: “Little heed is given to the Bible,
“and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women
“to the greater light - the Bible.
“I do not ask you to take my words.
“Lay Sister White to one side.
“Don't quote my words until you can obey the Bible.
“I exalt the precious Word before you.
“Our position and faith is in the Bible.”
JAMES: I want you to know, I have put our house here in your name.
I will not hear such talk.
Hmm.
What choice have you now but to listen?
(COUGHS)
If you rest, your health will improve.
I have deeded the house to you.
If God should bid me rest in my grave,
I will not leave a widow with three children and no home.
I will not.
I have faith that the Lord will not take you from us.
There is much work left for you to do, Mr White.
We can now count more than 2,000 believers.
Ellen, I have tried to make this work...
No, you have succeeded.
We shall continue to wait upon the Lord.
(COUGHS)
Ownership must be taken out of the hands of the individuals.
I alone own the printing press, Brother Bell, and that is not right.
And I own the land the church is built on.
Under whose name should it stand?
No one man's, I think.
Brother Andrews has made the suggestion
that we need not organise legally as a church.
But we could be incorporated under the laws of Michigan
as an association.
An association?
The earliest of all Christians were set up as such.
The discussion must be had.
We shall call a conference to meet here in Battle Creek.
An agreement must be found,
even if we have to sit until the Lord returns to do so.
(MEN CHATTER)
(CHATTERING QUIETENS)
Do I have a motion to create a publishing association?
MEN: Aye. Aye. Aye.
ANDREWS: Gentlemen, under the laws of Michigan,
we cannot incorporate our publishing work until we choose a name.
- (OTHERS MUTTER) - MAN: Brother Andrews is right!
MAN: I agree with Brother Andrews.
Gentlemen, let us not back down from what we have spent two days resolving.
This child of ours has been created,
and is now so grown that it is exceedingly awkward
to have no name for it.
We have been called the people of the shut door...
..because we believe that the door to the Holy Place was closed,
and the door to the Most Holy Place in the Heavenly Sanctuary was opened.
Should that be part of our name?
(MUTTERING)
Whatever name we choose...
..it should not be objectionable to the world at large.
We've had two days of discussions.
And, yet, you are no closer?
Progress has been made.
But there are still objections.
It's important that everyone be heard, James.
(BABY COOS)
Yes, John Herbert, especially you.
Our fourth son is perhaps the loudest.
Now, where would he get that from?
(SIGHS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
BATES: Gentlemen... Brothers, come to order.
I say we call our association The Church of God.
Others have that name already.
And doesn't that sound a bit boastful?
‘Tis the case.
(MUTTERING)
(POUNDING ON DESK)
Perhaps we should look to our two pillars of faith -
the Sabbath and the Second Coming of Jesus.
What do we say to being called the Seventh-Day Adventists?
(MURMURS OF APPROVAL)
Do I have a motion?
I make a motion that we call ourselves Seventh-Day Adventists.
ALL: Aye!
(TRIUMPHANT MUSIC)
Wondrous day. Wondrous day, sir.
It has been a long, long time coming.
(BABY CRIES LOUDLY)
The infection spreads, and I can do nothing.
Only pray.
- (CONTINUES CRYING) - But our poor son is hot as fire.
(BABY COUGHS AND SPLUTTERS)
(CRIES)
Shhh...
ELLEN: James...
(SOBS) Not our son!
James...
ELLEN: 29 days ago...
..we lost our baby boy, John.
I understand now the grief of King David, when he lost his child.
“My son... My son, would God I had died for thee.”
And yet I cling to the Father’s promise
that “all things work together for good to them that love God.”
But I come before you today, January 12th 1861...
..to tell you I have been shown in vision
that more States will join South Carolina in the secession,
and a terrible war will result.
I saw large armies raised by both North and South.
I saw the battle raging, I heard the booming cannon.
The dead and wounded falling on every side.
And I was taken in vision to the homes
of those who lost brothers, sons and husbands in the war.
And there are...
..men and women in this house today,
who will lose their loved ones in the days to come.
This war will be fought over slavery
and the stubbornness of those who refuse to see the truth of God.
The law requiring us to return a slave back to his master,
we must never obey.
“Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States,
“by virtue of the power in me
“vested by the Constitution and the laws,
“have thought fit to call forth,
“and hereby do call forth...
“..the militia of the several States of the Union,
“to the aggregate number of 75,000...
“..in order to suppress said combinations,
“and to cause the laws to be duly executed.”
JAMES: This war is a terrible tragedy for our nation.
JOSEPH: That it is. How I wish man would heed the Word of God.
How is your health, Brother White? You need more rest.
Today, six local conferences voted to form a general conference
with John Byington as our first president.
That fact alone steadies my step.
God’s work can truly move forward without hindrance.
The Lord leads and we follow.
But he seemed fine when we left him. And that was only days ago!
- He WAS fine. Yes. He... - The doctor says it’s pneumonia?
Are you certain?
Mother! Thank goodness you're both here.
Henry?
Henry, can you hear me?
Promise me...Mother...
that if I die...I'm laid by the side of my little brother, John Herbert...
..that we may come up together...
..in the morning of the Resurrection.
God will do all things well, my son.
I cannot bear it.
To lose sweet baby John three months after his birth...
It was as if we had only borrowed him from God. But this!
Mother...
..I will meet you in Heaven,
for I know you will be there....
(SOBS) No, Henry!
Henry!
Henry! (SOBS)
(SOBBING CONTINUES)
Still, you are writing.
It seems months you've been at that desk.
I understand it better when I put the ideas on paper.
It was a vision concerning our health.
Will you read me some of it?
The heart of the message received
is the connection between caring for our souls and our bodies.
So many of us are nearly used up in our service of the Lord.
I saw that tobacco in any form is a slow and malignant poison.
But ‘tis often said tobacco has healing value...
I am only telling you what I have seen. (CHUCKLES)
Alcohol, tea and coffee are to be avoided.
Ah. Continue.
We should dispense of meat,
and return instead to the diet of Eden -
grains, vegetables, nuts, fruit.
JAMES: Did the Lord really show you that?
(CHUCKLES)
How are we to live without meat?
- It gets worse. - Ah.
Rich cakes and sweet pies are to be avoided.
(BOTH LAUGH)
You will have the butchers, the smoke-shop owners,
the saloons...all after us, now.
- Oh, the bakers, too. - There’s more.
Our body requires pure water, exercise and clean air.
Caring for our health is a spiritual matter.
I have seen that it is a sacred duty to care not only for our own health,
but to teach others how to care for theirs.
ELLEN: Edson!
Hands.
Our Heavenly Father,
we thank You for blessing us with this nourishment
and this delicious meal.
In Your name, we thank You. Amen.
BOTH: Amen.
Edson, why don’t you eat?
Because he’s full of all the food he shouldn’t be eating.
Now, Willie, stop trying to get your brother in trouble.
Our focus should not be on a list of bad foods.
It is more important that you understand
your body is the temple of God, and you must treat it accordingly.
Do you understand?
- Yes. - ELLEN: Good.
Father, will you pass the onions?
(CRASHES)
ELLEN: James. James!
- James! - Father!
Boys, go get the doctor. James!
James...
Hey, hey. I'm right here. I'm right here.
James, look at me.
Your husband has had another stroke.
- He's already much improv... - (JAMES MUMBLES)
No, don't try now. You have facial paralysis.
It's common after this kind of incident.
Tell me now what we must do.
Well, rest is the most important thing. Lots of it.
And then I’m in favour of bloodletting.
Bloodletting? I don't think that that is an option.
The barber on Main Street will receive my instructions.
He has the proper instruments for the incisions.
Draining blood is known to be most effective treatment following stroke.
We shall consider that avenue
once James is well enough for such a procedure.
You are not a physician, Mrs White. Now, I’ll be back in the morning.
A stroke is a powerful thing. You are lucky to be alive, Mr White.
ELLEN: Thank you. Boys, please show the good doctor to the door.
I have put two sons in the ground, Mr White.
You are going nowhere.
The good Lord has borrowed the use of your right side to see to that.
He will find the best way to bring you back to good health.
(MUSIC PLAYS OVER DIALOGUE)
Today we inaugurate the Western Health Reform Institute.
We have only to look for inspiration in this project
at the progress in health made by our dear brother, James.
Sister White, using principles given her in vision by God,
has demonstrated that we have much work to do.
Moving forward, health care will be a principal concern for our church.
I have seen that complete rest alone does not bring healing.
It needs to be linked with exercise, diet and faith in God.
And many of you already know the importance of water,
and using fruit, grains, nuts and vegetables.
What we eat is of paramount importance.
These plans are not only for healing but for prevention.
May God bless our obedience,
and give us the inner strength to continue His work
of spreading the good message of the Second Coming to the world.
(APPLAUSE)
That is Bourdeau.
B-O-U-R-D-E-A-U.
Brother Loughborough and Brother Bourdeau have gone to California,
but where are the others who will say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me”?
We should not turn away those in need.
Education and healing go hand in hand.
How can we heal the body and leave the mind to waste?
Jesus spent much more time healing than he did preaching.
'Tis true.
We need more able workers.
(SIGHS) Yes.
We must train more young men for service.
Our young people begin work right after grammar school.
There should be a way to give them a better education.
I could use a little help stacking this wood.
Thank you kindly. I'm Bell. Goodloe Bell.
How'd you get stuck chopping this wood?
- I'm not stuck, Master... - States. He's George States.
I'm Edson White.
Chopping wood's good for my health.
My wife died last year.
And I stopped caring for my health.
Sorry to hear that.
But...well, how does chopping wood help?
Instead of being dosed with compounds, I've learned to use my limbs outdoors.
And now you're here, doing chores?
Sharp mind is as good a tool as a sharp axe.
What did you do before you came here to chop wood?
I was a teacher for many years.
And then a school inspector.
I met a fine man at the Health Institute this week.
- Mm. - His name is Goodloe Bell.
- I believe I've seen him. - Yes.
He arrived in poor health, with frayed nerves.
Chopped wood for better than an hour.
Mm, yes - exercise and being outdoors is a wonder for good health.
After we talked to him, George and I got to thinking...
ELLEN: Mm-hm?
About chopping wood?
No, Willie - about going to school.
ELLEN: “Teaching is the most precise work ever assumed by men and women
“to deal with youthful minds.
“The greatest care should be taken in the education of youth -
“to so vary the manner of instruction
“as to call forth the high and noble powers of the mind.”
John Harvey Kellogg.
William K. Kellogg.
George States.
Edson White.
William White.
ETHEREAL VOICE: Your house is the world.
(UPLIFTING MUSIC)
It has been two years
since the death of our pioneering brother, Joseph Bates...
..and 30 years since God raised up this pioneering people.
In my most recent vision, the heavenly messenger said,
“You are entertaining ideas that are too limited for this time.
“Your house is the world.”
We have just placed many resources into publishing “Signs of the Times”.
MAN: What of our plans for the Pacific Press?
Have we sent Brothers Loughborough and Bourdeau to California -
at great cost -
only to have it stretch across the ocean?
- (MURMURING) - Where's the money coming from?
(MURMURING CONTINUES)
Surely our resources are better used here - at home.
“Your house is the world.”
We are to hold forth so that all may have an opportunity
to receive the truth.
The message we bear is a worldwide message.
It will go in power to distant Oregon,
to Europe, to Australia, to the islands of the seas,
to all nations, tongues and peoples.
(MURMURING)
Order!
ANDREWS: How can we question this duty?
Souls are perishing that may now be reached.
Brother Andrews, I move that we take up the issue
at our general conference in August.
We shall put to a vote expansion into the foreign field.
In order to expand, everyone will feel the stretch.
They're sending Brother Andrews to Switzerland!
(EXCLAMATIONS AND APPLAUSE)
(SIGHS)
An adventure on the high seas - how Brother Bates would have loved that.
Indeed.
We feel confident that the Lord is leading us.
JAMES: Well, travel safely, Brother Andrews -
you will be in our family's prayers.
Mind your step.
Farewell.
He will spread the good news of Christ's soon return to Europe.
And beyond that, we must tell the world.
ELLEN: “We have nothing to fear for the future
“unless we forget the way the Lord has led us,
“and His teaching in our past history.”
(TRIUMPHANT MUSIC RISES)
(“LIFT UP THE TRUMPET” PLAYS)