This course of the scoffing world not only hardened sinners against the advent doctrine, but the testimony of those in the nominal churches was this: “When we call to mind how ‘few and far between’ cases of true conversion are, and the almost unparalleled impertinence and hardness of sinners, we almost involuntarily exclaim, ‘Has God forgotten to be gracious? or is the door of mercy closed?’ ” 12Circleville, Ohio, Religious Telescope, 1844. GSAM 219.3
From another worker we read still further of the situation after the close of the prophetic period: “It was then next to impossible to obtain access to unbelievers, the disappointment in 1844 had so confused the minds of many, and they would not listen to any explanation of the matter.” 13Mrs. E. G. White, in Advent Review, Nov. 20, 1883. GSAM 220.1