Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

Cold formality began to melt before the mighty influence of the Most High. Allwho had opposed me confessed that they had grieved the Holy Spirit by so doing, andthey united in sympathy with me and in love for the Saviour. My heart was glad thatdivine mercy had smoothed the path for my feet to tread, and rewarded my faith andtrust so bounteously. Unity and peace now dwelt among our people who were lookingfor the coming of the Lord.*****Chapter VI - Advent ExperienceWith carefulness and trembling we approached the time [The year 1843, Jewishtime, was believed to reach from March 21, 1843, to March 21, 1844. Those whoreceived the Advent faith looked for the coming of Christ during that year.] when ourSaviour was expected to appear. With solemn earnestness we sought, as a people, topurify our lives that we might be ready to meet Him at His coming. Notwithstandingthe opposition of ministers and churches, Beethoven Hall, in the city of Portland,was nightly crowded; especially was there a large congregation on Sundays. ElderStockman was a man of deep piety. He was in feeble health; yet when he stood beforethe people he seemed to be lifted above physical infirmity, and his face was lightedwith the consciousness that he was teaching the sacred truth of God.There was a solemn, searching power in his words that struck home to many hearts.He sometimes expressed a fervent desire to live until he should welcome the Saviourcoming in the clouds of heaven. Under his ministration the Spirit of God convictedmany sinners and brought them into the fold of Christ. Meetings were still held atprivate houses in different parts of the city with the best results. Believers48