Life sketches of ellen g. white

salvation. p. 78, Para. 2, [LS15].
A Lack of True Godliness-- It was difficult to accomplish
much good in New Hamsphire. 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 lost their moorings and did not know
where we were in prophetic time; they were fast uniting
with the spirit of the world. p. 78, Para. 3, [LS15].
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. p. 79, Para. 1, [LS15].
These men wore excellent clothes, and had an air of ease
and comfort. While we were talking with them, a little boy,
about eight years old, and literally clad in dirty rags,
entered the room in which we were sitting. We were
surprised to find that this child was the son of one of
these men. The mother looked exceedingly ashamed and
annoyed; but the father, utterly unconcerned, continued to
talk about his high spiritual attainments, without the
slightest recognition of his little son. p. 79, Para. 2,
[LS15].
His sanctification had suddenly lost its charm in my eyes.
Wrapped in prayer and meditation, throwing off all the toil
and responsibilities of life, this man had failed to
provide for the actual wants of his family or to give his
children fatherly attention. He seemed to forget that the
greater our love for God, the stronger should be our love
and care for those whom He has given us. The Saviour never
taught idleness and abstract devotion, to the neglect of