Labors in the Middle West—1856-58
133
Early Writings, 145-295
(new edition). A portion of the volume, as
enlarged in later years, is now published separately under the general
title, “The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan.”] I was then
as well as usual.
On the arrival of the train at Jackson, we went to Brother Palmer’s.
We had been in the house but a short time, when, as I was conversing
with Sister Palmer, my tongue refused to utter what I wished to say,
and seemed large and numb. A strange, cold sensation struck my
heart, passed over my head, and down my right side. For a time I was
insensible, but was aroused by the voice of earnest prayer. I tried to
use my left limbs, but they were perfectly useless. For a short time I
did not expect to live. It was my third shock of paralysis; and although
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within fifty miles of home, I did not expect to see my children again. I
called to mind the triumphant season I had enjoyed at Lovett’s Grove,
and thought it was my last testimony, and felt reconciled to die.
Still the earnest prayers of my friends were ascending to heaven
for me, and soon a prickling sensation was felt in my limbs, and
I praised the Lord that I could use them a little. The Lord heard
and answered the faithful prayers of His children, and the power of
Satan was broken. That night I suffered much, but the next day I was
sufficiently strengthened to return home.
For several weeks I could not feel the pressure of the hand or
the coldest water poured upon my head. In rising to walk, I often
staggered, and sometimes fell to the floor. In this afflicted condition I
began to write on the great controversy. At first I could write but one
page a day, and then rest three days; but as I progressed, my strength
increased. The numbness in my head did not seem to becloud my
mind, and before I closed that work [“Spiritual Gifts,” Vol. 1], the
effect of the shock had entirely left me.
At the time of the conference at Battle Creek, in June, 1858, I was
shown in vision that in the sudden attack at Jackson, Satan intended
to take my life, in order to hinder the work I was about to write; but
angels of God were sent to my rescue. I also saw, among other things,
that I should be blessed with better health than before the attack.
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