26
Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
were thankful that we could discern the precious light, and rejoice in
looking for the coming of the Lord.
Last Testimony In Class Meeting
Not long after this, we again attended the class meeting. We wanted
an opportunity to speak of the precious love of God that animated our
souls. I particularly wished to tell of the Lord’s goodness and mercy to
me. So great a change had been wrought in me that it seemed my duty
to improve every opportunity of testifying to the love of my Saviour.
When my turn came to speak, I stated the evidences I enjoyed of
Jesus’ love, and that I looked forward with the glad expectation of
meeting my Redeemer soon. The belief that Christ’s coming was near
had stirred my soul to seek more earnestly for the sanctification of the
Spirit of God.
Here the class leader interrupted me, saying, “You received sancti-
fication through Methodism, through Methodism, sister, not through
an erroneous theory.”
I felt compelled to confess the truth, that it was not through Method-
ism that my heart had received its new blessing, but by the stirring
truths concerning the personal appearing of Jesus. Through them I had
[38]
found peace, joy, and perfect love. Thus my testimony closed, the last
that I was to bear in class with my Methodist brethren.
Robert then spoke in his meek way, yet in so clear and touching
a manner that some wept and were much moved; but others coughed
dissentingly, and seemed quite uneasy.
After leaving the classroom, we again talked over our faith, and
marveled that our Christian brethren and sisters could so ill endure to
have a word spoken in reference to our Saviour’s coming. 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. It was evident that we could
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.