Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 135, 1903

Establishing the Foundation of Our Faith

November 4, 1903 [typed]

Portions of this manuscript are published in 3MR 412-414.

My husband, Elder Joseph Bates, Father Pierce, Elder Edson, a man who was keen, noble, and true, and many others whose names I cannot now recall were among those who, after the passing of the time in 1844, searched for truth. At our important meetings, these men would meet together and search for the truth as for hidden treasure. 18LtMs, Ms 135, 1903, par. 1

I met with them, and we studied and prayed earnestly; for we felt that we must learn God’s truth. Often we remained together until late at night, and sometimes through the entire night, praying for light and studying the word. As we fasted and prayed, great power come upon us. But I could not understand the reasoning of the brethren. My mind was locked, as it were, and I could not comprehend what we were studying. Then the Spirit of God would come upon me, I would be taken off in vision, and a clear explanation of the passages we had been studying would be given me, with instruction as to the position we were to take regarding truth and duty. 18LtMs, Ms 135, 1903, par. 2

A line of truth extending from that time to the time when we shall enter the city of God was plainly marked out before me, and I gave my brethren and sisters the instruction that the Lord had given me. They knew that when not in vision I could not understand these matters, and they accepted as light direct from heaven the revelations given me. The leading points of our faith as we hold them today were firmly established. Point after point was clearly defined, and all the brethren came into harmony. 18LtMs, Ms 135, 1903, par. 3

The whole company of believers were united in the truth. There were those who came in with strange doctrines, but we were never afraid to meet them. Our experience was wonderfully established by the revelation of the Holy Spirit. 18LtMs, Ms 135, 1903, par. 4

For two or three years my mind continued to be locked to the Scriptures. In 1846 I was married to Elder James White. It was some time after my second son was born that we were in great perplexity regarding certain points of doctrine. I was asking the Lord to unlock my mind, that I might understand His Word. Suddenly I seemed to be enshrouded in clear, beautiful light, and ever since, the Scriptures have been an open book to me. 18LtMs, Ms 135, 1903, par. 5

I was at that time in Paris, Maine. Old Father Andrews was very sick. For some time he has been a great sufferer from inflammatory rheumatism. He could not move without intense pain. We prayed for him. I laid my hands on his head, and said, “Father Andrews, the Lord Jesus maketh thee whole.” He was healed instantly. He got up and walked about the room, praising God, and saying, “I never saw it on this wise. Angels of God are in this room.” The glory of God was revealed. Light seemed to shine all through the house, and an angel’s hand was laid upon my head. From that time to this, I have been enabled to understand the Word of God. 18LtMs, Ms 135, 1903, par. 6

After the passing of the time, we were opposed and cruelly falsified. Erroneous theories were pressed in upon us by men and women who had gone into fanaticism. I was directed to go to the places where these theories were being advocated, and as I went, the power of the Spirit was wonderfully displayed in rebuking the errors that were creeping in. 18LtMs, Ms 135, 1903, par. 7