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Experience and Views
By the request of dear friends I have consented to give a brief
sketch of my experience and views, with the hope that it will cheer
and strengthen the humble, trusting children of the Lord.
At the age of eleven years I was converted, and when twelve
years old was baptized, and joined the Methodist Church. [
Mrs.
White was born at Gorham, Maine, November 26, 1827.
] At the
age of thirteen I heard William Miller deliver his second course
of lectures in Portland, Maine. I then felt that I was not holy, not
ready to see Jesus. And when the invitation was given for church
members and sinners to come forward for prayers, I embraced the
first opportunity, for I knew that I must have a great work done for
me to fit me for heaven. My soul was thirsting for full and free
salvation, but knew not how to obtain it.
In 1842, I constantly attended the second advent meetings in
Portland, Maine, and fully believed that the Lord was coming. I was
hungering and thirsting for full salvation, an entire conformity to the
will of God. Day and night I was struggling to obtain this priceless
treasure, that all the riches of earth could not purchase. As I was
bowed before God praying for this blessing, the duty to go and pray
in a public prayer meeting was presented before me. I had never
prayed vocally in meeting, and drew back from the duty, fearing
that if I should attempt to pray I would be confounded. Every time I
went before the Lord in secret prayer this unfulfilled duty presented
itself, until I ceased to pray, and settled down in a melancholy state,
and finally in deep despair.
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In this state of mind I remained for three weeks, with not one
ray of light to pierce the thick clouds of darkness around me. I then