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As for Hidden Treasure, November 4
They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the
scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Acts 17:11
.
My husband, Elder Joseph Bates, Father Pierce, Elder Edson, a man who
was keen, noble, and true, and many others whose names I cannot now recall,
were among those who, after the passing of the time in 1844 [October 22],
searched for truth. At our important meetings these men would meet together
and search for the truth as for hidden treasure.
I met with them, and we studied and prayed earnestly, for we felt that
we must learn God’s truth. Often we remained together until late at night,
and sometimes through the entire night, praying for light, and studying the
Word. As we fasted and prayed, great power came upon us. But I could not
understand the reasoning of the brethren. My mind was locked, as it were,
and I could not comprehend what we were studying. Then the Spirit of God
would come upon me, I would be taken off in vision, and a clear explanation
of the passages we had been studying would be given me, with instruction as
to the position we were to take regarding truth and duty.
A line of truth extending from that time to the time when we shall enter
the city of God, was plainly marked out before me, and I gave my brethren
and sisters the instruction that the Lord had given me. They knew that, when
not in vision, I could not understand these matters, and they accepted as light
direct from Heaven the revelations given me. The leading points of our faith
as we hold them today were firmly established. Point after point was clearly
defined, and all the brethren came into harmony.
The whole company of believers were united in the truth. There were
those who came in with strange doctrines, but we were never afraid to meet
them. Our experience was wonderfully established by the revelation of the
Holy Spirit....
It was some time after my second son was born [1849] that we were in
great perplexity regarding certain points of doctrine. I was asking the Lord to
unlock my mind, that I might understand His Word. Suddenly I seemed to be
enshrouded in clear, beautiful light, and ever since, the Scriptures have been
an open book to me—
Manuscript 135, November 4, 1903
, “Establishing the
Foundation of Our Faith.”
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