Marriage and United Labours
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every word, and watched every move to detect deception or mesmeric
influence. And I thank God for the opportunity I have had with others
to witness these things. I can now confidently speak for myself. I
believe the work is of God, and is given to comfort and strengthen His
‘scattered, torn, and peeled people,’ since the closing up of our work ...
in October, 1844.”
Fervent, Effectual Prayer
During the meeting at Topsham, I was shown that I would be much
afflicted, and that we would have a trial of our faith after our return to
Gorham, where my parents were then living.
On our return, I was taken very sick, and suffered extremely. My
parents, husband, and sisters united in prayer for me, but I suffered on
for three weeks. I often fainted like one dead, but in answer to prayer
revived again. My agony was so great that I pleaded with those around
me not to pray for me; for I thought their prayers were protracting my
sufferings. Our neighbors gave me up to die. For a time it pleased the
Lord to try our faith.
Brother and Sister Nichols, of Dorchester, Massachusetts, had
heard of my affliction, and their son Henry came to Gorham, bringing
things for my comfort. During his visit, my friends again united
in prayer for my recovery. After others had prayed, Brother Henry
Nichols began to pray most fervently; and with the power of God
resting upon him, he arose from his knees, came across the room,
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and laid his hands upon my head, saying, “Sister Ellen, Jesus Christ
maketh thee whole,” and fell back, prostrated by the power of God. I
believed that the work was of God, and the pain left me. My soul was
filled with gratitude and peace. The language of my heart was: “There
is no help for us but in God. We can be in peace only as we rest in
Him and wait for His salvation.”
Labors In Massachusetts
A few weeks after this, on our way to Boston, we took the steamer
at Portland. A violent storm came up, and we were in great peril. But
through the mercy of God we were all landed safe.