Understanding the Midnight Cry of 1844

The midnight cry was a powerful, divinely commissioned movement in the summer and autumn of 1844 that signaled the imminent coming of the Bridegroom, Jesus ChristEW xvi.2+1. It served as the last instrument of mercy to awaken a slumbering church and prepare God's people for the close of the 2,300-day prophecy of Daniel 8:14+3.

🌟 The Nature and Purpose of the Cry

The midnight cry was the "true midnight cry" foretold in the parable of the ten virgins Matthew 25:6ADRE August 1850, page 20.1. Its primary functions included:

• Empowering the Second Angel: It gave power and strength to the second angel's message, helping believers separate from fallen religious bodiesEW 238.2+2.

• Awakening the Virgins: It successfully aroused the professed church and the discouraged saints, leading them to "trim their lamps" by studying the Word with renewed intensityADRE August 1850, page 20.1+2.

• Preparing for the Crisis: It was the last lever used by God to move a guilty world and prepare a people for the "storming time" of Christ’s return in flaming fireHST September 18, 1844, page 51.3.

• Satan’s Defeat: It was described as the final instrument to compel Satan to let God's children go freeHST September 18, 1844, page 51.3.

📅 Historical Timeline and Fulfillment

The movement followed a specific prophetic pattern:

• The Tarrying Time: After the initial expectation of 1843, a "tarry" occurred from April 19 to October 22, 1844BP2 72.1+1.

• The Proclamation: S. S. Snow gave the message a new impetus at a camp meeting in Exeter, N.H., on August 12, 1844, identifying the "tenth day of the seventh month" as the definite timeBP2 72.1+2.

• The Climax: The cry reached its height between July and October 22, 1844, spreading with the velocity of a tornado throughout the landSBBS 19.5+2.

✨ Spiritual Fruits and Effects

The midnight cry produced a deep work of grace that was free from human excitement and fanaticism4SP 247.2+1.

• Consecration: Farmers left their crops in the fields and mechanics laid down their tools to spread the warning, demonstrating a total weaning from worldly treasuresHST September 18, 1844, page 51.3+2.

• Heart Searching: It led to deep humiliation, confession of sins, and a "melting glory" that surpassed all understandingSBBS 19.5+2.

• The Lighted Path: In vision, this cry was seen as a bright light set up at the beginning of the path, shining all the way to the City of God to keep the travelers from stumblingEW xvi.2+1.

• Healing and Miracles: Mighty miracles were wrought, including the healing of the sick, as God’s Spirit was poured out like showers of rainEW 278.1+2.

📜 Prophetic Significance

The midnight cry was a one-time fulfillment of prophecy that cannot be repeated or given a second timeARSH June 20, 1854, page 165.19+1. It marked the division between the wise and foolish virgins; the wise entered into the marriage by faith, and the door was shut Matthew 25:10BP2 72.1+1. This movement is the last sure landmark, proving that the coming of the Son of Man is at the doorBP2 116.2+1. Those who deny this work risk rejecting the very power of God that led them outBP2 72.1+2.