Disappointment
35
fallen churches. In connection with this message the “midnight cry
was given: “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.”
In every part of the land light was given concerning this message, and
the cry aroused thousands. It went from city to city, from village to
village, and into the remote country regions. It reached the learned
and talented, as well as the obscure and humble.
This was the happiest year of my life. My heart was full of glad
expectation; but I felt great pity and anxiety for those who were in
discouragement and had no hope in Jesus. We united, as a people, in
earnest prayer for a true experience and the unmistakable evidence of
[52]
our acceptance with God.
A Trial Of Faith
We needed great patience, for the scoffers were many. We were
frequently greeted by scornful references to our former disappointment.
The orthodox churches used every means to prevent the belief in
Christ’s soon coming from spreading. No liberty was granted in their
meetings to those who dared mention a hope of the soon coming of
Christ. Professed lovers of Jesus scornfully rejected the tidings that He
whom they claimed as their best Friend was soon to visit them. They
were excited and angered against those who proclaimed the news of
His coming, and who rejoiced that they should speedily behold Him
in His glory.
A Period Of Preparation
Every moment seemed to me of the utmost importance. I felt that
we were doing work for eternity, and that the careless and uninterested
were in the greatest peril. My faith was unclouded, and I appropriated
to myself the precious promises of Jesus. He had said to His disciples,
“Ask, and ye shall receive.” I firmly believed that whatever I asked in
accordance with the will of God, would certainly be granted to me. I
sank in humility at the feet of Jesus, with my heart in harmony with
His will.
I often visited families, and engaged in earnest prayer with those
who were oppressed by fears and despondency. My faith was so strong
1
See
Matthew 25:1-13
.