Here is the reason why M. L. Andreasen objected to the publication of the Validity of October 22 1844 Position:
“We cannot afford to start trouble of our own. To the world it will look that the present proposed calendar is advanced for a specific purpose – not for the purpose of adoption, for we will find that it is impossible of universal application – not for the purpose of supporting the 1844 date. I do not believe that we are under that necessity. It must be possible to establish October 22 1844 without resorting to such devices.
A possible solution: I suggest that we make a report to Brother McElhaney of what the Millerites believed and how they arrived at their conclusions, without, at this time, committing ourselves upon the correctness of their method. Let Brother McElhaney publish this report in any way it may be thought best, and let us await the reaction. This, of course, would be only a preliminary report, and would be so designated. We will soon see what fire it will draw. In the meantime let us study further on the final report. The reaction to the preliminary report may determine the form of the final. By that time my fears may all be dispelled. By that time the committee will see light in my light, or I may be converted to their view. In any event, I hope that at this time there will not be made any attempt to present a report upon which we are not all united. God will yet help us.” Letter from M. L. Andreasen, 1939.
“Such was the firm foundation laid by the 7th month movement heralds of the first angel message, between August and October, 1844. Such was the sure position maintained and strengthened by the pioneers of the third angel’s message as the advancing light on the sanctuary truth explained the nature of the event which had actually transpired on that all-important day in the heavenly sanctuary above, and which now involved the testing truth of the Sabbath.
Let there be no confusion or uncertainty upon the sanctuary truth. Acquaintance with its unassailable proofs, and their full justification before the world and the church, means spiritual confidence and satisfaction of soul, and in consequence, an aggressive forwarding of the banner of truth in the midst of the collapsing standards and growing uncertainties all about us. We are a people with a heavenly message, and a divine mandate to which we must ever adhere with unswerving allegiance.” Part VI, L. E. Froom, 1939.
The Millerites were ‘prisoners of hope’. Zechariah 9:12. The Great Day of Atonement of October 22 1844 restored the Biblical Calendar of Leviticus 23 and is NOW, the Testing Truth of the 7th day Sabbath.
The calculation and observation of the Biblical Calendar in modern times can be computed through the Moon Phases Data (calculation) and the Fractions of the Moon Illuminated Data (observation).
“Those who cling to old customs and hoary errors have lost sight of the fact that light is ever increasing upon the path of all who follow Christ; truth is constantly unfolding to the people of God. We must be continually advancing if we are following our Leader. It is when we walk in the light that shines upon us, obeying the truth that is open to our understanding, that we receive greater light.
We cannot be excusable in accepting only the light which our fathers had one hundred years ago. If our God-fearing fathers had seen what we see, and heard what we hear, they would have accepted the light, and walked in it. If we desire to imitate their faithfulness, we must receive the truths open to us, as they received those presented to them; we must do as they would have done, had they lived in our day.” Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions, E. G. White, 197.