Leaving the Methodist Church
39
our Saviour’s coming. We thought if they loved Jesus as they should,
it would not be so great an annoyance to hear of His second advent,
but, on the contrary, they would hail the news with joy.
We were convinced that we ought no longer to attend the class
meeting. The hope of the glorious appearing of Christ filled our souls
and would find expression when we rose to speak. This seemed to
kindle the ire of those present against the two humble children who
dared, in the face of opposition, to speak of the faith that had filled
their hearts with peace and happiness. It was evident that we could
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have no freedom in the class meeting; for our testimony provoked
sneers and taunts that reached our ears at the close of the meeting,
from brethren and sisters whom we had respected and loved.
The Adventists held meetings at this time in Beethoven Hall. My
father, with his family, attended them quite regularly. The period of the
second advent was thought to be in the year 1843. The time seemed
so short in which souls could be saved that I resolved to do all that
was in my power to lead sinners into the light of truth. But it seemed
impossible for one so young, and in feeble health, to do much in the
great work.
I had two sisters at home, Sarah, who was several years older, and
my twin sister, Elizabeth. We talked the matter over among ourselves,
and decided to earn what money we could, and spend it in buying
books and tracts to be distributed gratuitously. This was the best we
could do, and we did this little gladly. I could earn only twenty-five
cents a day; but my dress was plain, nothing was spent for needless
ornaments, for vain display appeared sinful in my eyes; so I had ever a
little fund in store with which to purchase suitable books. These were
placed in the hands of experienced persons to send abroad.
Every leaf of this printed matter seemed precious in my eyes, for
it was as a messenger of light to the world, bidding them prepare for
the great event near at hand. Day after day I sat in bed propped up
with pillows, performing my allotted task with trembling fingers. How
carefully would I lay aside the precious bits of silver taken in return,
which were to be expended for reading matter to enlighten and arouse
those who were in darkness. I had no temptation to spend my earnings
for my own personal gratification; the salvation of souls was the burden
of my mind, and my heart ached for those who flattered themselves
that they were living in security, while the message of warning was
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