Beginning of Public Labors
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“Go free, Ellen,” said he; “return to your home trusting in Jesus, for
He will not withhold His love from any true seeker.” He then prayed
earnestly for me, and it seemed that God would certainly regard the
prayer of His saint, even if my humble petitions were unheard. My
mind was much relieved, and the wretched slavery of doubt and fear
departed as I listened to the wise and tender counsel of this teacher in
Israel. I left his presence comforted and encouraged.
During the few minutes in which I received instruction from Elder
Stockman, I had obtained more knowledge on the subject of God’s
love and pitying tenderness, than from all the sermons and exhortations
to which I had ever listened.
My First Public Prayer
I returned home, and again went before the Lord, promising to
do and suffer anything He might require of me, if only the smiles of
Jesus might cheer my heart. The same duty was again presented to me
that had troubled my mind before,—to take up my cross among the
assembled people of God. An opportunity was not long wanting; there
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was a prayer meeting that evening at my uncle’s, which I attended.
As the others knelt for prayer, I bowed with them, trembling, and
after a few had prayed, my voice arose in prayer before I was aware
of it. In that moment the promises of God appeared to me like so
many precious pearls that were to be received only for the asking. As
I prayed, the burden and agony of soul that I had so long endured, left
me, and the blessing of the Lord descended upon me like the gentle
dew. I praised God from the depths of my heart. Everything seemed
shut out from me but Jesus and His glory, and I lost consciousness of
what was passing around me.
The Spirit of God rested upon me with such power that I was un-
able to go home that night. When I awakened to realization, I found
myself cared for in the house of my uncle, where we had assembled
for the prayer meeting. Neither my uncle nor my aunt enjoyed reli-
gion, although the former had once made a profession, but had since
backslidden. I was told that he had been greatly disturbed while the
power of God rested upon me in so special a manner, and had walked
the floor, sorely troubled and distressed in his mind.