The Great Disappointment

On this day 164 years ago (22nd October 1844), the followers of William Miller gathered in homes and churches eagerly awaiting the Second Coming of Christ. Thousands gathered in many locations outdoors to watch the sky to "meet the bridegroom." But Jesus did not appear to them, and the day became "The Great Disappointment" to the Millerites.

Miller established the year 1844 by taking Prophet Daniel's eighth chapter which speaks of 2,300 days. Miller took these days to stand for years, like the 490 years (the seventy "weeks" mentioned in Daniel 9:24). Then he subtracted the 490 years, which were "cut off" from the 2,300 years. It is left with 1810 years. It was assumed that Christ died early in 31 AD. With 3.5 years of Daniel's 70th week still to run, adding those 3.5 years to 31 AD brings us to late 34 AD. Then 1810 + 34 brings us to 1844. Other considerations placed the date in October 1844.

Miller never taught that Christ would return on 22nd October. Samuel S. Snow was the originator of the date of October 22, presenting the topic in the Boston Tabernacle on July 21, 1844. Then in August he presented his material at a camp meeting in Exeter, New Hampshire. After that the idea spread like wild fire. By October 22, as many as 50000 Millerites believed Christ was coming on that day. Many sold their goods or quit their jobs, not expecting to need them after October 22.

Miller never gave up his belief in the Second Coming of Christ; he died on December 20, 1849, still convinced that the Second Coming was imminent.

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:13)