Life sketches of ellen g. white

frightening them into subjection. In some cases this policy
brought about the desired result, and the favor of God was
sold for a place in the church. Many believed, but dared
not confess their faith, lest they should be turned out of
the synagogue. But some left soon afterward, and joined the
company of those who were looking for the Saviour. p. 53,
Para. 4, [LS15].
At this time the words of the prophet were exceedingly
precious: "Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out
for My name's sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but He
shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." Isa.
66:5. p. 53, Para. 5, [LS15].
Chapter VI
The Disappointment of 1843-44
With carefulness and trembling we approached the time when
our Saviour was expected to appear. With solemn earnestness
we sought, as a people, to purify our lives, that we might
be ready to meet Him at His coming. Meetings were still
held at private houses in different parts of the city, with
the best results. Believers were encouraged to work for
their friends and relatives, and conversions were
multiplying day by day. p. 54, Para. 1, [LS15].
Meetings in Beethoven Hall -- Notwithstanding the
opposition of ministers and churches, Beethoven Hall, in
the city of Portland, was nightly crowded; especially was
there a large congregation on Sundays. All classes flocked
to these meetings. Rich and poor, high and low, ministers
and laymen, were all, from various causes, anxious to hear
for themselves the doctrine of the second advent. Many came
who, finding no room to stand, went away disappointed. p.
54, Para. 2, [LS15].
The order of the meetings was simple. A short and pointed
discourse was usually given, then liberty was granted for
general exhortation. There was, as a rule, the most perfect
stillness possible for so large a crowd. The Lord held the
spirit of opposition in check while His servants explained
the reasons of their faith. Sometimes the instrument was
feeble, but the Spirit of God gave weight and power to His
truth. The presence of the holy angels was felt in the
assembly, and numbers were daily added to the little band
of believers. p. 54, Para. 3, [LS15].