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Miller began preaching in 1831 and received a Baptist preaching license in 1833. He published his lectures about Christ's second advent in 1835. His unusually specific interpretations of biblical prophecies regarding Christ's second coming and his diligence in disseminating his view, won him a local following. He plodded on throughout the northeast, preaching in more than 800 venues before 1840. In 1840 his fortunes changed, thanks to a noted Boston publicist, Joshua V. Himes. The pastor of Boston's Chardon Street Chapel, Himes thrived amid causes and crowds. He promoted Miller and envisioned a national crusade....

