Experience and Labors
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accompany me. When released from the immediate pressure of the
camp meeting, I realized that I was sick and had but little strength; yet
the cars were fast bearing us on to my appointment in Danvers. Here I
must stand before entire strangers, whose minds had been prejudiced
by false reports and wicked slander. I thought that if I could have
strength of lungs, clearness of voice, and freedom from pain of heart,
I would be very grateful to God. These thoughts and feelings were
kept to myself, and in great distress I silently called upon God. I was
too weary to arrange my thoughts in connected words; but I felt that I
must have help, and asked for it with my whole heart. Physical and
mental strength I must have if I spoke that night. I said over and over
again in my silent prayer: “I hang my helpless soul on Thee, O God,
my Deliverer. Forsake me not in this the hour of my need.”
As the time for the meeting drew on, my spirit wrestled in an agony
of prayer for strength and power from God. While the last hymn was
being sung, I went to the stand. I stood up in great weakness, knowing
that if any degree of success attended my labors it would be through
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the strength of the Mighty One. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon me
as I attempted to speak. Like a shock of electricity I felt it upon my
heart, and all pain was instantly removed. I had suffered great pain in
the nerves centering in the brain; this also was entirely removed. My
irritated throat and sore lungs were relieved. My left arm and hand had
become nearly useless in consequence of pain in my heart, but natural
feeling was now restored. My mind was clear; my soul was full of the
light and love of God. Angels of God seemed to be on every side, like
a wall of fire.
The tent was full, and about two hundred persons stood outside
the canvas, unable to find room inside. I spoke from the words of
Christ in answer to the question of the learned scribe as to which was
the great commandment in the law: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy
God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
Matthew 22:37
. The blessing of God rested upon me, and my pain and
feebleness left me. Before me were a people whom I might not meet
again until the judgment; and the desire for their salvation led me to
speak earnestly and in the fear of God, that I might be free from their
blood. Great freedom attended my effort, which occupied one hour
and ten minutes. Jesus was my helper, and His name shall have all the
glory. The audience was very attentive.