Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Chapter 5—Opposition of Formal BrethrenFor six months not a cloud intervened between me and my Saviour.Whenever there was a proper opportunity, I bore my testimony, andwas greatly blessed. At times the Spirit of the Lord rested upon mewith such power that my strength was taken from me. This was a trialto some who had come out from the formal churches, and remarkswere often made that grieved me much. Many could not believe thatone could be so overpowered by the Spirit of God as to lose all strength.My position was exceedingly painful. I began to reason with myselfwhether I was not justified in withholding my testimony in meeting,and thus restraining my feelings, when there was such an oppositionin the hearts of some who were older in years and experience thanmyself.I adopted this plan of silence for a time, trying to convince myselfthat to repress my testimony would not hinder me from faithfully livingout my religion. I often felt strongly impressed that it was my dutyto speak in meeting, but refrained from doing so, and was sensible ofhaving thereby grieved the Spirit of God. I even remained away frommeetings sometimes because they were to be attended by those whommy testimony annoyed. I shrank from offending my brethren, and inthis allowed the fear of man to break up that uninterrupted communionwith God which had blessed my heart for so many months.We had appointed evening prayer meetings in different localitiesof the city to accommodate all who wished to attend them. The family [45]that had been most forward in opposing me attended one of these.Upon this occasion, while those assembled were engaged in prayer,the Spirit of the Lord came upon the meeting, and one of the membersof this family was prostrated as one dead. His relatives stood weepingaround him, rubbing his hands and applying restoratives. At lengthhe gained sufficient strength to praise God, and quieted their fears byshouting with triumph over the marked evidence he had received ofthe power of the Lord upon him. The young man was unable to returnhome that night.45