Az Eszterházy Károly Tanárképző Főiskola Tudományos Közleményei. 2002. Vol. 8. Eger Journal of American Studies.(Acta Academiae Paedagogicae Agriensis : Nova series ; Tom. 28)
Studies - Donald E. Morse: The End of the World in American History and Fantasy: The Trumpet of the Last Judgement
the Judgment and to the New Age that follows it" (Burkitt 47, see also Bloom). From this belief, it is but a short yet necessary step to proselytizing. "[...] the Apocalyptist's part is to stimulate his comrades by sketches of the future" (Burkitt 48). The United States in the nineteenth century thus echoes and re-echoes with exhortations from one or another apocalyptic or millennial group to their fellow citizens to turn and follow their leader before it is too late. In part, this phenomenon paralleled and influenced the Great Revival and other lesser revivals that swept across nineteenth century America. "A radical alternation of American religion commenced with the start of the nineteenth century [...]. Enormous frontier revivals surged on into the cities, and premillennialism accompanied the revivals" (Bloom 223). Against this surge, Dickinson with her different view of reality retreated to her upper room wanting no part of such enthusiasm: Some keep the Sabbath going to Church — I keep it, staying at Home — With a Bobolink for a Chorister — And an Orchard, for a Dome — Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice — I just wear my Wings — And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church, Our little Sexton —Sings. God preachers, a noted Clergyman — And the sermon is never long, So instead of getting to Heaven, at last — I'm going all along (324) One of the most famous of the nineteenth century millennial movements, the one that radically, successfully challenged consensus reality and that had the longest lasting consequences occurred before the Civil War early in the century. The apocalyptic preaching of William Miller of New York became the basis for a widespread, popular religious revival movement throughout the Northeastern United States and the Midwest that later also swept through part of England. "The estimated number of Millerites has varied from 10,000 to over one million. We will never know the exact number," believes David L. Rowe, historian and biographer of William Miller, but whatever the exact numbers, he concludes, "Millerism was a mass 225
