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Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
Brother Howland answered, “The Lord has healed her,” and the
reader resumed his chapter where he had been interrupted: “Is any sick
among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray
over him.”
James 5:14
. The doctor listened with a curious expression
of mingled wonder and incredulity upon his face, nodded, and hastily
left the room.
The same day Sister Frances rode three miles, returning home in
the evening, and although it was rainy, she sustained no injury, and
continued to improve rapidly in health. In a few days, at her request,
she was led down into the water and baptized. Although the weather
and the water were very cold, she received no injury, but from that time
was free from the disease, and in the enjoyment of her usual health.
At this time Brother Wm. H. Hyde was very sick with dysentery.
His symptoms were alarming, and the physician pronounced his case
almost hopeless. We visited him and prayed with him, but he had come
under the influence of certain fanatical persons, who were bringing
dishonor upon our cause. We wished to remove him from among them,
and petitioned the Lord to give him strength to leave that place. He
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was strengthened and blessed in answer to our prayers, and rode four
miles to the house of Brother Patten, but after arriving there he seemed
to be rapidly sinking.
The fanaticism and errors into which he had fallen through an evil
influence seemed to hinder the exercise of his faith, but he gratefully
received the plain testimony borne him, made humble confession of
his fault, and took his position firmly for the truth.
Only a few who were strong in faith were permitted to enter the
sickroom. The fanatics whose influence over him had been so in-
jurious, and who had persistently followed him to Brother Patten’s,
were positively forbidden to come into his presence, while we prayed
fervently for his restoration to health. I have seldom known such a
reaching out to claim the promises of God. The salvation of the Holy
Spirit was revealed, and power from on high rested upon our sick
brother and upon all present.
Brother Hyde immediately dressed and walked out of the room,
praising God, and with the light of heaven shining upon his counte-
nance. A farmer’s dinner was ready upon the table. Said he, “If I were
well, I should partake of this food; and as I believe God has healed me,