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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 for the world in October, 1844.” [
From a Broadside, entitled, “A
Vision,” published in April, 1847 (press of Benjamin Lindsey, New
Bedford), and reprinted by Elder James White in
A Word to the Little
Flock, 21
, May, 1847.]
Fervent, Effectual Prayer
During the meeting at Topsham, I was shown that I would be much
affected, 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, Mass., 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
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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, 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.”