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Chapter 75—A Solemn Dream
On the night of April 30, 1871, I retired to rest much depressed
in spirits. For three months I had been in a state of great discourage-
ment. I had frequently prayed in anguish of spirit for relief. I had
implored help and strength from God, that I might rise above the
heavy discouragements that were paralyzing my faith and hope, and
unfitting me for usefulness. That night I had a dream which made a
very happy impression upon my mind. I dreamed that I was attend-
ing an important meeting at which a large company were assembled.
Many were bowed before God in earnest prayer, and they seemed to
be burdened. They were importuning the Lord for special light. A
few seemed to be in agony of spirit; their feelings were intense; with
tears they were crying aloud for help and light. Our most prominent
brethren were engaged in this most impressive scene. Brother A
was prostrated upon the floor, apparently in deep distress. His wife
was sitting among a company of indifferent scorners. She looked
as though she desired all to understand that she scorned those who
were thus humiliating themselves.
I dreamed that the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and I arose
amid cries and prayers, and said: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon
me. I feel urged to say to you that you must commence to work
individually for yourselves. You are looking to God and desiring
Him to do the work for you which He has left for you to do. If
you will do the work for yourselves which you know that you ought
to do, then God will help you when you need help. You have left
undone the very things which God has left for you to do. You have
been calling upon God to do your work. Had you followed the
light which He has given you, then He would cause more light to
shine upon you; but while you neglect the counsels, warnings, and
reproofs that have been given, how can you expect God to give you
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more light and blessings to neglect and despise? God is not as man;
He will not be trifled with.
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