Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 48, 1879

Stillman, Brother and Sister

June 1879

Previously unpublished.

Dear Brother and Sister Stillman:

Last Monday afternoon [June 23, 1879] upon the Minneapolis campground, after speaking to the people with earnestness, I called for those who were seeking the Lord to come forward. Many responded to the invitation. As usual, we bowed down to pray. Elder Babcock led in prayer. I tried to pray. I felt greatly distressed. My burden was for the ministers as well as the people. 3LtMs, Lt 48, 1879, par. 1

I began to cry to God most earnestly, when I was lost for a time to all around me. There appeared before me a dark cloud in the shape of a wing; in appearance it was like steel. It seemed to be stretched over the ministers, and appeared to be between them and the people. I heard the voice of the ministers in an indistinct murmuring, as though a mile off. 3LtMs, Lt 48, 1879, par. 2

I then heard a voice, very musical, saying, “And why doest thou question God, thou presumptuous child? Will He answer thee? God has a right to do what He will with His own. It is the unbelief of thine own heart which can be found alone in thy Redeemer. If thou wilt believe the promise of God, thou shalt be made free indeed. Poor wandering sheep from the fold of the Good Shepherd, seeking for rest and peace but not finding it. In Me is peace, in Me is rest. Wilt thou still doubt My love? Wilt thou come unto Me, the fountain of life? I gave My life for thee. What hast thou done for Me? Shall I come again and die the second time to make you believe? 3LtMs, Lt 48, 1879, par. 3

“What greater evidence can I give you of My love than that which I have given? I died for you. If thou wilt believe in Me and in My power to save you, Satan’s power shall have no dominion over you.” 3LtMs, Lt 48, 1879, par. 4

I looked to see to whom these words were address, and Lo! it was you, my sister. You were looking beseechingly, saying, “Help me, Lord, and I will do anything.” 3LtMs, Lt 48, 1879, par. 5

The answer came, “Only believe and thou shalt see of the salvation of God.” 3LtMs, Lt 48, 1879, par. 6

The scene passed away. The burden was still upon me and I was bowed in the attitude of prayer. 3LtMs, Lt 48, 1879, par. 7

I wish to add no words to that I have written. 3LtMs, Lt 48, 1879, par. 8

Your sister in love. 3LtMs, Lt 48, 1879, par. 9