In a 5722 diary from Reb Zusha Feldman, then a bochur learning in 770, he records an anecdote that occurred with Reb Shmuel Levitin and the Rebbe. He writes that he heard from Reb Shmuel himself just after it transpired:
At the latest Shabbos Mevorchim fabrengen, the Rebbe spoke a lot about Moshiach. The maamar was also about the imminent redemption, beginning with the possuk, “Venigla kevod Hashem.”
After mincha, Reb Shmuel Levitin walked out, and shortly after him the Rebbe also walked out. Since Reb Shmuel walked slowly, and the Rebbe fast paced, the Rebbe caught up with him.
Startled at the Rebbe’s sudden appearance, the elder chossid said to the Rebbe, “But isn’t it explained that Moshiach will come gradually!”
The Rebbe responded, “Moshiach will arrive suddenly.”
(Teshura Oster, Av 5781, p. 23)
