g sinners, both
worldlings and church-members, to flee from the wrath to come. Like John
the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, the preachers laid the axe at the
root of the tree, and urged all to bring forth fruit meet for repentance.
Their stirring appeals were in marked contrast to the assurances of peace
and safety that were heard from popular pulpits; and wherever the message
was given, it moved the people. The simple, direct testimony of the
Scriptures, set home by the power of the Holy Spirit, brought a weight of
conviction which few were able wholly to resist. Professors of religion
were roused from their false security. They saw their backslidings, their
worldliness and unbelief, their pride and selfishness. Many sought the
Lord with repentance and humiliation. The affections that had so long
clung to earthly things they now fixed upon heaven. The Spirit of God
rested upon them, and with hearts softened and subdued they joined to
sound the cry, "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His
judgment is come."

Sinners inquired with weeping, "What must I do to be saved?" Those whose
lives had been marked with dishonesty were anxious to make restitution.
All who found peace in Christ longed to see others share the blessing. The
hearts of parents were turned to their children, and the hearts of
children to their parents. The barriers of pride and reserve were swept
away. Heartfelt confessions were made, and the members of the household
labored for the salvation of those who were nearest and dearest. Often was
heard the sound of earnest intercession. Everywhere were souls in deep
anguish, pleading with God. Many wrestled all night in prayer for the
assurance that their own sins were pardoned, or for the conversion of
their relatives or neighbors.

All classes flocked to the Adventist meetings. Rich and poor, high and
low, were, from various causes, anxious to hear for themselves the
doctrine of the second advent. The Lord held the spirit of opposition in
check while His servants explained the reasons of their faith. Sometimes
the instrument was feeble; but the Spirit of God gave power to His truth.
The presence of holy angels was felt in these assemblies, and many were
daily added to the believers. As the evidences of Christ's soon coming
were repeated, vast crowds listened in breathless silence to the solemn
words. Heaven and earth seemed to approach each other. The power of God
was felt upon old and young