Life Sketches Manuscript

Meeting in Randolph

We went to Randolph, and found a large room full of people who had gathered for a meeting, and among them were the very men who said they would be pleased to hear my message in Boston. As we entered, Robbins and Sargent looked at each other in surprise, and began to groan. They had promised to meet me in Boston, but thought they would disappoint us by going to Randolph, and would warn the brethren there against us. In the forenoon meeting they did not have much freedom. During intermission one of them remarked that good matter would be brought out in the afternoon. Robbins told my sister that I could not have a vision where he was. LSMS 158.2

In the afternoon, while we were pleading with God in prayer, the blessing of the Lord rested on me, and I was taken off in vision. I was again shown the errors of these deceived men and others united with them. I saw that they could not prosper, that their errors would confuse and distract; that some would be deceived by them, but that truth would triumph in the end, and error be brought down. I was shown that they were not honest. LSMS 158.3

Then the future was opened before me, and I saw that they would continue to despise the teachings of the Lord, that they would reject reproof and resist God's Spirit until their folly should be manifest to all, and they would finally be left in total darkness. A chain of truth was presented to me from the Scriptures, in contrast with their errors. LSMS 158.4

When I came out of vision, candles were burning. I had been in vision nearly four hours. As I was unconscious of all that transpired around me while in vision, I will copy from Brother Nichols’ description of that meeting. LSMS 159.1