Chapter 32—A Solemn Dream
On the night of April 30, 1871, I retired to rest much depressed in
spirits. For three months I had been in a state of great discouragement.
I had frequently prayed in anguish of spirit for relief. I had implored
help and strength from God, that I might rise above the heavy discour-
agements that were paralyzing my faith and hope, and unfitting me for
usefulness.
That night I had a dream which made a very happy impression
upon my mind. I dreamed that I was attending an important meeting,
at which a large company were assembled. Many were bowed before
God in earnest prayer, and they seemed to be burdened. They were
importuning the Lord for special light. A few seemed to be in agony of
spirit; their feelings were intense; with tears they were crying aloud for
help and light. Our most prominent brethren were engaged in this most
impressive scene. Brother A. was prostrated upon the floor, apparently
in deep distress. His wife was sitting among a company of indifferent
scorners. She looked as though she desired all to understand that she
scorned those who were thus humiliating themselves.
I dreamed that the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and I arose
amid cries and prayers, and said: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon
me. I feel urged to say to you that you must commence to work
individually for yourselves. You are looking to God and desiring Him
to do the work for you which He has left for you to do. If you will do
the work for yourselves which you know that you ought to do, then
God will help you when you need help. You have left undone the very
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things which God has left for you to do. You have been calling upon
God to do your work. Had you followed the light which He has given
you, then He would cause more light to shine upon you; but while you
neglect the counsels, warnings, and reproofs that have been given, how
can you expect God to give you more light and blessings to neglect
and despise? God is not as man; He will not be trifled with.”
I took the precious Bible, and surrounded it with the several “Tes-
timonies for the Church,” given for the people of God. “Here,” said I,
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