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Show r Todays Story A Day Of God's Power " A Ghurch History Story BY W1LF0RD WOODRUFF - (The following article, writ-teby Wilford Woodruff iu one of the 1868, describes most dramatic and impressive events in our Church history. It was a day of ' Gods power, as "manifested through the Prophet Joseph "Smith. The handkerchief referred to in this story has been and is among the exhibits in the 'museum on the Temple Block in Salt Lake City. It was kept "by President Woodruff until his ileath in 1898. Afterwards it came into the possession of Mrs. Joseph J. Baynes, a daughter of President . Wopd: ruff and was presented to d the museum by her n pre-serve- d' . P.N.) ' aS.1l that lay sick upon the bank of the river as far as the stone house, fie called upon Elder Kimball and some others to accompany' him across the river to Visit the sick at klontrose, Iowa. Many of the Saints were living at the old Military Bar racks. Among the number were several of the Twelve. On his arrival, the first house he visih ed was that occupied by Elder Brigham Young, the President of the "Qubrumof the Twelve, who lay sick. Joseph heaed him, when he. arose and accompanied the Prophet on his v isit to others who were in the same Eltier conditiohJhey-v5aleI Wilford Woodruff, also Elders Orson Pratt and John Taylor, all-whom were- living in - . Cf - They also aceomp- - - , Then etpI.ioeJth e yTTs if cd Baynes. was the home of Elijah Ford-hawho was supposed to be about breathing his last. When the company entered the room the Prophet of God walked tip to the dying man, and took hold of his right hand and spoke to him; but Brother ordham uasuu.tbie to peukT, and his ej es were set in his head like glass, and he seem-e- d N consequence of the persecu- tions of the Saints ip Mis-- . to souri, and the exposures Which they were subjected, many of them were taken sick soon after their arrival at Com- merce, afterwards called - Nan-vo- o; and, as there were but a small number of dwellings for I -- FOR Montrose. nied him. her-an- husband,-- Joseph-J- r Uouth PACE -- them to occupy1; President Jcf seph Smith had filled his house and tents with them, and through constantly attending to their wants, he soon fell sick himself. After being confined to his house several days, and while meditating upon his situation, he had a great desire to attend to the duties of his office. On the morning of the 22nd cf July, 1839, he arose from his bed and commenced to administer to the sick in his own house and dooryard, and he commanded them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to ..arise and be made whole, and the sick were entirely J. BAYNES, a daughter of Pres. Wilford Woodruff, holds in her hands the identical handkerchief, which was given by the Prophet to Wilford Woodruff as described in the MRS. JOSEPH story. healed upon every side of him. Many lay sick along the banks of the river, and Joseph walked along up to the lower stone house, occupied by Sidney Rig-doand he healed all the sick that lay in his path. Among the number was Henry G. Sherwood, w ho was nigh unto death. Joseph stood in the open ing of his tent and commanded him in the name of Jesus Christ to arise and come out of his tent, and he obeyed him and was healed, toother Benjamin Brown and his family also lay sick, the former appearing to be in a dying condition, Joseph healed them in the name of IheLordT After heallng all u neonseteus-of-all-arou- a feeble voice, 1 do. Joseph then stood erect, still hoi ding his hand in silence several moments, then he spoke in a voice, very loud sajing, Brother Fordham- ,- I Command you in the name of Jesus Christ to arise from this bed and he made whole. His voice was like the voire of God and not of mah. It seemed as thoughjlhe Jionse shook to its very foundation. Brother Fordham acose from his bed, and was immediately made whole. His -- feet were bound in poulth'eswhhh he kicked off, then putting on his clothes he ale a bowl of bread and milk, and followed the Prophet Into the street. The company next vMted-BrothJoseph Bates Noble, who lay very sick. lie also W'as healed by the Prophet. By this time the wicked became alaim ed, and followed the company into Brother Nobles houe.. After Brother Noble was healed, all kneeled down to pray. Bi other Fordham was mouth, and while praying, he fell to the floor. The Piophet jaiose and looking-around- , er he?awqwHea-numher-o- f -- unbelievers whom he in the-hous- ordered out. nd him. Joseph held his hand and looked in his ejes in silence for a length of time. A change in the countenance of Brother Fordham was soon perceptible to all present. His sight returned, and upon Joseph asking him if he knew him, he, in a low whisper, answered Yes. Joseph asked if he had faith to I be healed. He answered, fear it is too late, if jou had come sooner I think I could have been healed. The Prophet said, Bo you not believe in Jesus Christ? He answ ered In the wicked, Brother Fordham came to and finnhed his player. I SEXBS JHAXDKERCHIEF After healing the sick in Montrose, all the company followed Joseph to the bank of the Tiver, where he was going to take the boat to return home. While wajtr ing for the boat, 'a nian fiom the West, who had seen that the sick and dying were healed, asked Joseph if he would not go to his home and heal two children, who were very tick; ofis (Continued on Page Twelcel clltctuvc gtovtcs fMm the fitMC Moy 13, 1944 Pose 11 |
