Basic HTML Version
34
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
From the first our work was aggressive. Our numbers were few,
and mostly from the poorer class. Our views were almost unknown
to the world. We had no houses of worship, but few publications,
and very limited facilities for carrying forward our work. The sheep
were scattered in the highways and byways, in cities, in towns, in
forests. The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus was our
message.
Unity in Faith and Doctrine
My husband, with Elders Joseph Bates, Stephen Pierce, Hiram
Edson, and others who were keen, noble, and true, was among those
who, after the passing of the time in 1844, searched for the truth as
for hidden treasure.
We would come together burdened in soul, praying that we
might be one in faith and doctrine; for we knew that Christ is not
divided. One point at a time was made the subject of investigation.
The Scriptures were opened with a sense of awe. Often we fasted,
that we might be better fitted to understand the truth. After earnest
[25]
prayer, if any point was not understood it was discussed, and each
one expressed his opinion freely; then we would again bow in prayer,
and earnest supplications went up to heaven that God would help us
to see eye to eye, that we might be one as Christ and the Father are
one. Many tears were shed.
We spent many hours in this way. Sometimes the entire night
was spent in solemn investigation of the Scriptures, that we might
understand the truth for our time. On some occasions the Spirit of
God would come upon me, and difficult portions were made clear
through God’s appointed way, and then there was perfect harmony.
We were all of one mind and one spirit.
We sought most earnestly that the Scriptures should not be
wrested to suit any man’s opinions. We tried to make our differences
as slight as possible by not dwelling on points that were of minor
importance, upon which there were varying opinions. But the burden
of every soul was to bring about a condition among the brethren
which would answer the prayer of Christ that His disciples might be
one as He and the Father are one.