Labors in New Hampshire
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they indulged in derision of those who had looked in vain for Jesus.
Elder Morse felt that he was a byword among his neighbors, an object
of jest, and he could not be reconciled to his position. He did not
think of the mercy of God in granting the world a longer time in which
to prepare for His coming, that the warning of the judgment might
be heard more widely, and the people tested with greater light. He
thought only of the humiliation of God’s servants.
Instead of being discouraged at his disappointment, as was Jonah,
Elder Morse should have cast aside his selfish sorrow, and gathered up
the rays of precious light that God had given His people. He should
have rejoiced that the world was granted a reprieve; and he should
have been ready to aid in carrying forward the great work yet to be
done upon the earth, in bringing sinners to repentance and salvation.
A Lack of True Godliness
It was difficult to accomplish much good in New Hampshire. We
found little spirituality there. Many pronounced their experience in
the movement of 1844 a delusion. It was hard to reach this class, for
we could not accept the position they ventured to take. A number who
had been active preachers and exhorters in 1844, now seemed to have
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lost their moorings and did not know where we were in prophetic time;
they were fast uniting with the spirit of the world.
Spiritual Magnetism
In New Hampshire we had to contend with a species of spiritual
magnetism, of a similar character with mesmerism. It was our first
experience of this kind, and happened thus: Arriving at Claremont, we
were told that there were two parties of Adventists, one party denying
their former faith, and another a small number who believed that in
their past experience they had been led by the providence of God. We
were directed to two men especially as holding views similar to our
own. We found that there was much prejudice against these men, but
supposed that they were persecuted for righteousness’ sake. We called
on them, and were kindly received and courteously treated. We soon
learned that they claimed perfect sanctification, declaring that they
were above the possibility of sin.