Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

peace and happiness. It was evident that we could have no freedom in the classmeeting; for our testimony provoked sneers and taunts that reached our ears at theclose of the meeting, from brethren and sisters whom we had respected and loved.The Adventists held meetings at this time in Beethoven Hall. My father, with hisfamily, attended them quite regularly. The period of the second advent was thoughtto be in the year 1843. The time seemed so short in which souls could be saved thatI resolved to do all that was in my power to lead sinners into the light of truth. Butit seemed impossible for one so young, and in feeble health, to do much in the greatwork.I had two sisters at home, Sarah, who was several years older, and my twin sister,Elizabeth. We talked the matter over among ourselves, and decided to earn what moneywe could, and spend it in buying books and tracts to be distributed gratuitously. Thiswas the best we could do, and we did this little gladly. I could earn only twenty-fivecents a day; but my dress was plain, nothing was spent for needless ornaments, forvain display appeared sinful in my eyes; so I had ever a little fund in store with whichto purchase suitable books. These were placed in the hands of experienced persons tosend abroad.Every leaf of this printed matter seemed precious in my eyes, for it was as amessenger of light to the world, bidding them prepare for the great event near at hand.Day after day I sat in bed propped up with pillows, performing my allotted task withtrembling fingers. How carefully would I lay aside the precious bits of silver taken inreturn, which were to be expended for reading matter to enlighten and arouse thosewho were in darkness. I had no temptation to spend my earnings for my own personalgratification; the salvation of souls was the burden of my mind, and my heart ached forthose who flattered themselves that they were living38