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Chapter 15—Meeting Fanaticism In Maine

The Journey to Springfield

The next morning after our meeting at Brother Collier's, we started on our way to Springfield, NH. Elder James White, Sister Louise Foss, and several others were in the company. The roads were very bad, and our two teams had hard work. Part of the time we traveled over bare ground, and then at times through heavy snowdrifts that still remained. LSMS 125.1

At one place while we were crossing heavy drifts, and part of our company were walking, the wheels on one side broke through the drift, and I was thrown out of the wagon, severely injuring my side. After this I rode many miles in great pain, and was not able to walk into the house when we arrived at our destination. LSMS 125.2

During the night I could not sleep because of the pain in my side. Then Sister Foss united with me in pleading with God for His blessing and for relief from pain. About midnight the blessing of God rested upon me, and I was taken off in vision. Some of those sleeping in the house were awakened by my voice while in vision, as I spoke of the things that I saw. This was the first time I had heard the voice of God in connection with the time of trouble. LSMS 125.3

At this time I was shown that by the fanatical spirit, which some were cherishing, reproach was being brought upon the cause of God in Maine, and believers were being disheartened and scattered. I saw that some in whom we had placed great confidence, had been indulging in fanciful and dangerous theories, and under a cloak of godliness, were teaching heresies and were causing fear among the trembling, conscientious believers. I saw that it was my duty to return to Maine, and bear my testimony against the errors that were arising there. LSMS 125.4