48
Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
singular restoration was repeated. I felt a constant assurance that I was
doing the will of God, and saw marked results attending my efforts.
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The way providentially opened for me to go to the eastern part of
Maine. Brother William Jordan was going on business to Orrington,
accompanied by his sister, and I was urged to go with them. As I had
promised the Lord to walk in the path He opened before me, I dared
not refuse. The spirit of God attended the message I bore at this place;
hearts were made glad in the truth, and the desponding ones were
cheered and encouraged to renew their faith.
At Orrington I met Elder James White. He was acquainted with my
friends, and was himself engaged in work for the salvation of souls.
I also visited Garland, where a large number collected from differ-
ent quarters to hear my message.
Soon after this I went to Exeter, a small village not far from Gar-
land. Here a heavy burden rested upon me, from which I could not
be free until I had related what had been shown me in regard to some
fanatical persons who were present. I declared that they were deceived
in thinking that they were actuated by the Spirit of God. My testimony
was very displeasing to these persons and their sympathizers.
Soon after this I returned to Portland, having borne the testimony
that God had given me, and experiencing His approbation at every
step.
An Answer To Prayer
In the spring of 1845 I made a visit to Topsham, Maine. On one
occasion quite a number of us were assembled at the house of Brother
Stockbridge Howland. His eldest daughter, Miss Frances Howland, a
very dear friend of mine, was sick with the rheumatic fever, and under
the doctor’s care. Her hands were so badly swollen that the joints
could not be distinguished. As we sat together speaking of her case,
Brother Howland was asked if he had faith that his daughter could be
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healed in answer to prayer. He answered that he would try to believe
that she might, and presently declared that he did believe it possible.
We all knelt in earnest prayer to God in her behalf. We claimed
the promise, “Ask, and ye shall receive.”
John 16:24
. The blessing
of God attended our prayers, and we had the assurance that God was
willing to heal the afflicted one. One of the brethren present cried out,