Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Leaving the Methodist Church 39our Saviour’s coming. We thought if they loved Jesus as they should,it would not be so great an annoyance to hear of His second advent,but, on the contrary, they would hail the news with joy.We were convinced that we ought no longer to attend the classmeeting. The hope of the glorious appearing of Christ filled our soulsand would find expression when we rose to speak. This seemed tokindle the ire of those present against the two humble children whodared, in the face of opposition, to speak of the faith that had filledtheir hearts with peace and happiness. It was evident that we could [38]have no freedom in the class meeting; for our testimony provokedsneers and taunts that reached our ears at the close of the meeting,from brethren and sisters whom we had respected and loved.The Adventists held meetings at this time in Beethoven Hall. Myfather, with his family, attended them quite regularly. The period of thesecond advent was thought to be in the year 1843. The time seemedso short in which souls could be saved that I resolved to do all thatwas in my power to lead sinners into the light of truth. But it seemedimpossible for one so young, and in feeble health, to do much in thegreat work.I had two sisters at home, Sarah, who was several years older, andmy twin sister, Elizabeth. We talked the matter over among ourselves,and decided to earn what money we could, and spend it in buyingbooks and tracts to be distributed gratuitously. This was the best wecould do, and we did this little gladly. I could earn only twenty-fivecents a day; but my dress was plain, nothing was spent for needlessornaments, for vain display appeared sinful in my eyes; so I had ever alittle fund in store with which to purchase suitable books. These wereplaced in the hands of experienced persons to send abroad.Every leaf of this printed matter seemed precious in my eyes, forit was as a messenger of light to the world, bidding them prepare forthe great event near at hand. Day after day I sat in bed propped upwith pillows, performing my allotted task with trembling fingers. Howcarefully would I lay aside the precious bits of silver taken in return,which were to be expended for reading matter to enlighten and arousethose who were in darkness. I had no temptation to spend my earningsfor my own personal gratification; the salvation of souls was the burdenof my mind, and my heart ached for those who flattered themselvesthat they were living in security, while the message of warning was [39]