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    April 23, 1914

    Early Counsels on Medical Work—No. 4

    Blessings Through Prayer

    EGW

    December 4, 1865, my husband passed a restless night of suffering. I prayed by his bedside as usual, but the Lord was not pleased to send relief. My husband was troubled in mind. He thought that he might go down into the grave. He stated that death had no terrors for him....RH April 23, 1914, par. 1

    I felt intensely over the matter. I did not believe for a moment that my husband would die. But how was he to be inspired with faith to feel and say, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord”? That night was the most distressing I had experienced during his illness. I did not sleep, but pondered in regard to our future course. Previous to this night I had not thought of immediately leaving Dansville.RH April 23, 1914, par. 2

    I saw that the courage, hope, and buoyancy of spirit which had sustained my husband were failing. I had been remarkably enabled to endure anxiety, and the care of him during his sickness. He was considerate of my health and strength; yet his case required constant care. I knew that no one at Dansville could take my place; and I had so long had the burden and care of his case that I could not leave for others that which I had regarded not only a duty but a privilege to do for my afflicted husband. I did not consider this a task; it was to me a privilege. I had been nearly all my life an invalid, and tenderly and patiently had my husband sympathized with, watched over, and cared for me when I was suffering. Now my turn had come to repay in a small measure the attention and kind offices I had received from him. And, again, I felt such a degree of the peace of God, and the consolation of his Spirit in the happy performance of my duty, that I could say from the heart that I would not exchange the blessings and the experience I had obtained during the past six months for those of the same length of time in any former period of my life.RH April 23, 1914, par. 3

    I feared that I could not long endure being so much deprived of sleep. Taking treatment was an additional tax upon my strength; and if I failed, where would my husband drop? Who would care for him as I had done? ...RH April 23, 1914, par. 4

    My husband was losing flesh and strength every day. I thought of our large and convenient house at Battle Creek, with its high and airy rooms, and I asked myself, Would we not make more rapid progress toward health were we in our own home? I thought of the large reservoir of hot water upon our stove, ready for use at any time; of our immense cistern of soft water; our filter in the cellar, and our bathroom. But all these conveniences had but little weight in my mind compared with my anxiety to get my husband, while I could, among his tried brethren, who knew him, who had been benefited by his labors, and who were acquainted with the perseverance and zeal with which he had toiled to do the work of God, that he might be found at his post. His faithful brethren could sympathize with him, and help him by their prayers and faith.RH April 23, 1914, par. 5

    I prayed God to guide me, and not suffer me to take one wrong step, but to give me wisdom to choose the right course. The more earnestly I prayed, the stronger was my conviction that I must take my husband among his brethren, even if we should again return to Dansville. It seemed advisable to take him to Rochester, thus trying the effect of the journey, and if this proved beneficial, to go still farther, even to Battle Creek, after a short stay at Rochester....RH April 23, 1914, par. 6

    In the morning Dr. Lay called, and I told him that unless there should be a decided improvement in the case of my husband in two or three weeks, at most, I should take him home. He answered, “You cannot take him home; he is not able to endure such a journey.” I answered, “I shall go; I shall take my husband by faith, relying upon God, and shall make Rochester my first point, tarry there a few days, and then go on to Detroit, and, if necessary, tarry there a few days to rest, and then go on to Battle Creek.” This is the first intimation my husband had of my intentions. He said not a word.... That evening we packed our trunks, and before nine o'clock were all ready for an early start the next morning....RH April 23, 1914, par. 7

    During the three weeks that we were in Rochester, much of the time was spent in prayer. My husband proposed sending to Maine for Elder J. N. Andrews, to Olcott for Brother and Sister Lindsay, and to Roosevelt, requesting those who had faith in God and felt it their duty, to come and pray for him. These friends came in answer to his call, and for ten days we had special and earnest seasons of prayer. All who engaged in these seasons of prayer were greatly blessed. They felt a burden of prayer, not only for my husband, but in their own behalf. With brokenness of spirit, with their faces bathed in tears, these servants of God entreated that a deep work of grace might be wrought in their own hearts. Shouts of victory and praise to God ascended to heaven for a token of love and acceptance. I never enjoyed greater freedom in prayer. We had the assurance that our petitions were heard. We were often so refreshed with heavenly showers of grace that we could say, “My cup runneth over.” We could weep and praise God for his rich salvation....RH April 23, 1914, par. 8

    Those who came from Roosevelt were soon obliged to return to their homes. Brother Andrews and Brother and Sister Lindsay remained. We continued our earnest supplications to Heaven. It seemed to be a struggle with the powers of darkness. Sometimes the trembling faith of my husband would grasp the promises of God, and sweet and precious was the victory then enjoyed. Then again his mind seemed depressed, and too weak to hold the victory he had gained.RH April 23, 1914, par. 9

    Each season of prayer increased in interest, and all who took part felt blessed in their efforts to draw near to God, and to pray for my husband. Brother Andrews especially felt the burden of the case, and labored earnestly in faith, while the power of the Holy Spirit seemed to indite prayer. Every member of our family consecrated himself anew to God. Our dear children united with us in this work of consecration.... I felt the assurance that we should come forth purified from the furnace of affliction.RH April 23, 1914, par. 10

    Once, at the house of Brother Andrews, while engaged in a season of prayer, I felt like presenting my case to the Lord, entreating him to give me health of body and strength of mind. All present made my case a special; subject of prayer. I felt a sweet peace and rest in God. A heavenly atmosphere pervaded the room. The Lord heard prayer in my behalf, and I found relief from physical ailments.RH April 23, 1914, par. 11

    Christmas evening, as we were humbling ourselves before God and earnestly pleading for deliverance, the light of Heaven seemed to shine upon us, and I was wrapt in a vision of God's glory. It seemed that I was borne quickly from earth to heaven, where all was health, beauty, and glory. Strains of music fell upon my ear, melodious, perfect, and entrancing. I was permitted to enjoy this scene awhile before my attention was called to this dark world. Then my attention was called to things taking place upon this earth. [A portion of the instruction given during this memorable vision, urging the establishment of a health institution by the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, will be given in succeeding articles.]...RH April 23, 1914, par. 12

    My husband then proposed our returning to Battle Creek the next week.... We were prospered on our journey... On the arrival of the train at Battle Creek, we were met by several of our faithful brethren, who received us gladly.... My husband rested well through the night. The next Sabbath, although feeble, he walked to the meetinghouse and spoke for about three quarters of an hour. We also attended the communion season in the evening. The Lord strengthened him as he walked out upon faith....RH April 23, 1914, par. 13

    I believed, without a doubt, in the perfect and entire restoration of my husband to health. The Lord is for us, praise his holy name! Although Satan tried to press us sore, yet help has been laid upon One that is mightier than he, and in the name of Jesus, our great Deliverer, we knew we should come off conquerors.RH April 23, 1914, par. 14

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