Life Sketches Manuscript

Exhortation of Elder Brown

He then arose, his face still pale, but shining with light from the Sun of Righteousness and gave a very impressive testimony. He seemed to receive holy unction from above. He was usually slow of speech, with an earnest manner, entirely free from excitement. On this occasion his solemn, measured words carried with them a new power, as he warned sinners and his brother ministers to put away unbelief, prejudice, and cold formality, and like the noble Bereans, search the Sacred Writings, comparing scripture with scripture, to ascertain if these things were not true. He entreated the ministers present not to feel themselves injured by the direct and searching manner in which Elder Stockman had presented the solemn subject that interested all minds. Said he: “We want to reach the people; we want sinners to be convicted and become truly repentant before it is too late for them to be saved, lest they shall take up the lamentation, ‘The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.’ Brethren in the ministry say that our arrows hit them; will they please stand aside from between us and the people, and let us reach the hearts of sinners? If they make themselves a target for our aim, they have no reason to complain of the wounds they receive. Stand aside, brethren, and you will not get hit!” LSMS 70.1

He related his own experience with such simplicity and candor that many who had been greatly prejudiced were moved to tears. The Spirit of God was felt in his words and this shone from his countenance. With a holy exaltation he boldly declared that he had taken the word of God as his counselor; that his doubts had been swept away and his faith confirmed. With earnestness he invited his brother ministers, church members, sinners, and infidels to examine the Bible for themselves, and charged them to let no man turn them from the purpose of ascertaining what is the truth. LSMS 70.2

When he had finished speaking, those who desired the prayers of the people of God were invited to rise. Hundreds responded to the call. The Holy Spirit rested upon the assembly. Heaven and earth seemed to approach each other until a late hour of the night. The power of the Lord was felt upon young, old, and middle aged. LSMS 71.1

Elder Brown did not either then or afterward sever his connection with the Christian church, but he was looked upon with great respect by his people. LSMS 71.2

As we returned to our homes by various ways, voices would reach us from different directions, one praising God, and as if in response, another and still another shouting, “Glory to God, the Lord reigneth.” Men sought their homes with praises upon their lips, and the glad sound rang out upon the still night air. No one who attended those meetings can ever forget those scenes of deepest interest. LSMS 71.3