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The Voice in Speech and Song
I went upon the stand in great weakness, talked one hour and a half,
and left the stand much stronger than I went upon it, and kept all the
strength that was given me on that occasion....
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I have just received an appeal from the most influential men of
Dunlap—bankers, ministers, and merchants—to repeat my discourse
given Sunday under the tent, on temperance, in the Congregational
church.—Lt 22, 1879.
Power by the Holy Spirit—When I have been expected to speak
to many people, at times I have felt that it was impossible for me to ap-
pear day after day before great congregations. But I have tried to place
myself physically in right relation to God. Then I have said to Him, “I
have done all I can do, Lord, using Thine own means, and now I ask
for the special blessing which Thou alone canst give to sustain me.”
With trembling steps I have walked into the desk to speak to assembled
thousands; but the moment I have stood before the congregation, the
Spirit of God has always come to me with strengthening power.
Often I said to my husband while he was with me, “If only I could
have the assurance beforehand, how much good it would do me.” He
would answer, “God has never failed to bless you the moment you rise
to speak; so whatever may be your feelings, you must put your trust in
Him, hanging your helpless soul on His promises.” This I have tried
to do. I have learned that we must act our part, cooperating with God.
He gives strength for every duty.—
Manuscript 8a, 1888
.
Voice Given Her of God—When I was only about eleven years
old, I heard a minister read the account of Peter’s imprisonment, as
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recorded in the book of Acts; and he read in so impressive a manner
that the details of the story in all their reality seemed to be passing
before my eyes. So deep was the impression made upon my mind that
I have never forgotten it.
When, a few years afterward, I was speaking in general meetings,
I met this man again, and at the close of my discourse he asked, “How
did you get that wonderful voice?” I told him that the Lord had given
it to me. When I began my public labors, I had no voice, except when
I stood before the congregations to speak. At other times I could not
speak above a whisper. “And,” I added, “I have often thought of what
you said to the people when someone asked you how you became a
minister. You told them that your friends said you could never be a
minister, because you could not speak properly; but that you went away