Chapter 7—Marriage and United Labors
“August 30, 1846, I was married to Elder James White. In a few
months we attended a conference in Topsham, Maine. Elder Joseph
Bates was present. He did not then fully believe that my visions
were of God. It was a meeting of much interest; but I was suddenly
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taken ill and fainted. The brethren prayed for me, and I was restored
to consciousness. The Spirit of God rested upon us in Brother C.’s
humble dwelling, and I was wrapt in a vision of God’s glory, and for
the first time had a view of other planets. After I came out of vision I
related what I had seen. Elder B. then asked if I had studied astronomy.
I told him I had no recollection of ever looking into an astronomy. Said
he, ‘This is of the Lord.’ I never saw him as free and happy before.
His countenance shone with the light of heaven, and he exhorted the
church with power.
“I was shown that I would be much afflicted, and that we would
have a trial of our faith on our return to Gorham, where my parents had
moved. 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. Our neighbors thought I could not live. I often
fainted like one dead, but in answer to prayer revived again. My agony
was such that I plead with those around me not to pray for me, for
I thought their prayers were protracting my sufferings. Brother and
Sister Nichols, of Dorchester, Mass., heard of my afflictions, and their
son Henry visited us, bringing things for my comfort. My sufferings
increased until every breath came with a groan. The neighbors gave
me up to die. Many prayers had been offered to God in my behalf, yet
it pleased the Lord to try our faith. After others had prayed, Brother
Henry commenced praying, and seemed much burdened, and with the
power of God resting upon him, rose 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
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soul was filled with gratitude and peace. The language of my heart
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