for themselves, the advent
doctrine needed only to be compared with the Scriptures to establish its
divine authority.

Many were persecuted by their unbelieving brethren. In order to retain
their position in the church, some consented to be silent in regard to
their hope; but others felt that loyalty to God forbade them thus to hide
the truths which He had committed to their trust. Not a few were cut off
from the fellowship of the church for no other reason than expressing
their belief in the coming of Christ. Very precious to those who bore this
trial of their faith were the words of the prophet, "Your brethren that
hated you, that cast you out for My name's sake, said, Let the Lord be
glorified: but He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be
ashamed."(615)

Angels of God were watching with the deepest interest the result of the
warning. When there was a general rejection of the message by the
churches, angels turned away in sadness. But there were many who had not
yet been tested in regard to the advent truth. Many were misled by
husbands, wives, parents, or children, and were made to believe it a sin
even to listen to such heresies as were taught by the Adventists. Angels
were bidden to keep faithful watch over these souls; for another light was
yet to shine upon them from the throne of God.

With unspeakable desire those who had received the message watched for the
coming of their Saviour. The time when they expected to meet Him was at
hand. They approached this hour with a calm solemnity. They rested in
sweet communion with God, an earnest of the peace that was to be theirs in
the bright hereafter. None who experienced this hope and trust can forget
those precious hours of waiting. For some weeks preceding the time,
worldly business was for the most part laid aside. The sincere believers
carefully examined every thought and emotion of their hearts as if upon
their death-beds and in a few hours to close their eyes upon earthly
scenes. There was no making of "ascension robes;"(616) but all felt the
need of internal evidence that they were prepared to meet the Saviour;
their white robes were purity of soul,--characters cleansed from sin by the
atoning blood of Christ. Would that there was still with the professed
people of God the same spirit of heart-searching, the same earnest,
determined faith. Had they continued thus to humble themselves before the
Lord, and press their petitions at the mercy-seat, they woul