Chapter 5—Separation from the Church
My father’s family still occasionally attended the Methodist church,
and also the class meetings held in private houses.
One evening my brother Robert and myself went to class meeting.
The presiding elder was present. When it came my brother’s turn
to bear testimony, he spoke with great humility, yet with clearness,
of the necessity for a complete fitness to meet our Saviour when He
should come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. While
my brother was speaking, a heavenly light glowed upon his usually
pale countenance. He seemed to be carried in spirit above present
surroundings, and spoke as if in the presence of Jesus.
When I was called upon to speak, I arose, free in spirit, with a heart
full of love and peace. I told the story of my great suffering under the
conviction of sin, how I had at length received the blessing so long
sought,—an entire conformity to the will of God,—and expressed my
joy in the tidings of the soon coming of my Redeemer to take His
children home.
Doctrinal Differences
In my simplicity I expected that my Methodist brethren and sisters
would understand my feelings and rejoice with me, but I was disap-
pointed; several sisters groaned and moved their chairs noisily, turning
their backs upon me. I could not think what had been said to offend
them, and spoke very briefly, feeling the chilling influence of their
disapprobation.
When I had ceased speaking, the presiding elder asked me if it
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would not be more pleasant to live a long life of usefulness, doing
others good, than to have Jesus come speedily and destroy poor sinners.
I replied that I longed for the coming of Jesus. Then sin would have an
end, and we would enjoy sanctification forever, with no devil to tempt
and lead us astray.
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