William Miller (preacher)

William Miller was an American clergyman who started a religious movement.

This movement was known as Millerism. It began in the mid-19th century in North America. Miller was a man with many different life experiences. He was born on February 15, 1782, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. His father, Captain William Miller, fought in the American Revolution. As a young boy, Miller moved to Low Hampton, New York. He grew up learning at home with his mother. Later, he went to the East Poultney District School.

Before he was a preacher, Miller had other important jobs. He worked as a farmer in Poultney, Vermont. He also held several local government roles. He served as a Constable and a Deputy Sheriff. He was even a Justice of the Peace. During the War of 1812, he served in the military. He was a lieutenant in the 30th Infantry Regiment. By February 1, 1814, he was promoted to captain. Miller fought in the Battle of Plattsburgh. During this battle, he saw many bombs and rockets fall. He survived the fight without any injuries. This made him feel that a higher power had protected him.

Miller's religious journey was a slow and deep process. At first, he was a Deist. This means he believed in a distant God. He read books by writers like Voltaire and Thomas Paine. However, his experiences in the war changed his mind. He began to study the Bible very carefully. He looked at every verse in the book of Genesis. He wanted to understand the true meaning of the text. He eventually returned to his Baptist faith. He felt a strong connection to the idea of a Savior. He wanted to know what happens to people after they die.

Miller used math and prophecy to study the future. He looked closely at a passage in the book of Daniel. This passage mentioned a period of 2,300 days. Miller used a rule called the "day-year principle." This rule meant one prophetic day equaled one calendar year. He linked this to a decree from Artaxerxes I of Persia. He calculated that this period would end around 1843.

In 1831, he began to teach these ideas in public. Many people wrote to him with questions. He even wrote a 64-page book to explain his views. He told people that Jesus would return to Earth soon. He did not pick one exact day, but he gave a time range. He thought the return would happen between March 1843 and March 1844.

Many people followed Miller and waited for the big event. They gathered in homes and churches to watch and pray. Some people thought the date was October 22, 1844. When that day passed without the expected event, people were very sad. This time was called the Great Disappointment. Many followers wept because their hopes were not met. Some people left their religious groups entirely. Others stayed and formed new movements. These included the Advent Christians and the Seventh-day Adventists. Even though the date passed, Miller still believed the end was near. His life shows how people study and wonder about the world.