Adventists, SECOND

Adventists, SECOND, an American religious sect, who look for the speedy second coming of Christ, and the commencement of the millennium. They were originally followers of William Miller (1781-1849), and first expected the end of the world in October 1843, but have since repeatedly changed the date. Despite these mistakes, their numbers have steadily increased, and in 1890 amounted to 60,491 members, with 1364 ministers. Branches of the sect hold varying views on the subjects of the divinity of Christ, and the annihilation of the wicked.—The 'Seventh-day' Adventists set no time for the coming of Christ. In 1890 they numbered 28,991, with 284 ministers. Alcohol and tobacco are generally forbidden, and abstinence from pork, tea, and coffee is recommended by this body.