Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Chapter 4—Leaving the Methodist ChurchMy father’s family still occasionally attended the Methodist church,and also the class meetings held in private houses. One evening mybrother Robert and myself went to class meeting. The presiding elderwas present. When it came my brother’s turn, he spoke with greathumility, yet with clearness, of the necessity for a complete fitness tomeet our Saviour, when He should come in the clouds of heaven withpower and great glory. While my brother was speaking, a heavenlylight glowed upon his usually pale countenance. He seemed to becarried in spirit above present surroundings, and spoke as if in thepresence of Jesus. When I was called upon to speak, I arose, free inspirit, with a heart full of love and peace. I told the story of my greatsuffering under the conviction of sin, how I had at length received theblessing so long sought, an entire conformity to the will of God, andexpressed my joy in the tidings of the soon coming of my Redeemerto take His children home.In my simplicity I expected that my Methodist brethren and sisterswould understand my feelings and rejoice with me. But I wasdisappointed; several sisters groaned and moved their chairs noisily,turning their backs upon me. I could not think what had been said to [36]offend them, and spoke very briefly, feeling the chilling influence oftheir disapprobation. When I had ceased speaking, Elder B. askedme if it would not be more pleasant to live a long life of usefulness,doing others good, than to have Jesus come speedily and destroy poorsinners. I replied that I longed for the coming of Jesus. Then sin wouldhave an end, and we would enjoy sanctification forever, with no devilto tempt and lead us astray.He then inquired if I would not rather die peacefully upon my bedthan to pass through the pain of being changed, while living, frommortality to immortality. My answer was that I wished for Jesus tocome and take His children; that I was willing to live or die as Godwilled, and could easily endure all the pain that could be borne in amoment, in the twinkling of an eye; that I desired the wheels of time to37