Ebook Why Another Sect

Twenty years ago, I sat in a little room in the village of Perry, Wyoming County, n.y., awaiting the verdict of the Genesee Conference of the M. E. Church, which was to sever me from religious associations which I had formed, as I supposed, for life. I was a Methodist from conviction and as a Methodist preacher I had endeavored to do my duty. My ministry had been successful; and my standing, both among the people, and in the Conference, was all that I could have desired. But issues came up, relating to the nature of the religion which we were to spread, and I felt called upon to take Sides with Methodism as we had received it from the fathers — with holiness and truth. But the ruling in?uence was against us, and its leaders were exasperated by their growing unpopularity with the people. While awaiting their decision — a decision which I had no doubt had been pre-determined upon before the trial begun, I was troubled most with the re?ection that now we Should have nothing to do in the blessed cause of God. But immediately I seemed to hear the voice of the Master saying, I will give you plenty todo. I opened my Bible to these words, which were applied to my heart with all the force of a direct revelation Therefore thus saith the lord, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them. And I will make thee unto this people a fenced bra zen wall: and they shall fight against thee,but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the lord. J er. Xv, 19, 20. These words have given us encouragement and strength ever since. The next evening, the large Baptist church Of the village was opened, and to a crowded, sympathizing audience, the expelled ministers set forth, at length, the issues on which we were thrust out. From that day to this, we have not lacked the sympathy and fellowship Of devout people of all denominations.