Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

My Childhood 15three weeks. No one but herself thought it possible for me to recover;but for some reason she felt that I would live. A kind neighbor, whohad been very much interested in my behalf, at one time thought me tobe dying. She wished to purchase a burial robe for me, but my mothersaid, Not yet; for something told her that I would not die.When I again aroused to consciousness, it seemed to me that I hadbeen asleep. I did not remember the accident, and was ignorant of thecause of my illness. As I began to gain a little strength, my curiositywas aroused by overhearing those who came to visit me say: “What apity!” “I should not have known her,” etc. I asked for a looking glass,and upon gazing into it, was shocked at the change in my appearance.Every feature of my face seemed changed. The bones of my nose hadbeen broken, which caused this disfigurement.The thought of carrying my misfortune through life was insupportable.I could see no pleasure in my existence. I did not wish to live,and yet feared to die, for I was unprepared. Friends who visited uslooked with pity upon me, and advised my parents to prosecute thefather of the girl who had, as they said, ruined me. But my motherwas for peace; she said that if such a course would bring me back my [11]health and natural looks, there would be something gained; but as thiswas impossible, it was best not to make enemies by following suchadvice.Physicians thought that a silver wire might be put in my nose tohold it in shape. This would have been very painful, and they feared itwould be of little use, as I had lost so much blood and sustained such anervous shock, that my recovery was very doubtful. Even if I revived,it was their opinion that I could live but a short time. I was reducedalmost to a skeleton.At this time I began to pray the Lord to prepare me for death. WhenChristian friends visited the family, they would ask my mother if shehad talked to me about dying. I overheard this, and it roused me. Idesired to become a Christian, and prayed earnestly for the forgivenessof my sins. I felt a peace of mind resulting, and loved everyone, feelingdesirous that all should have their sins forgiven and love Jesus as I did.I well remember one night in winter when the snow was on theground, the heavens were lighted up, the sky looked red and angry,and seemed to open and shut, while the snow looked like blood. Theneighbors were very much frightened. Mother took me out of bed in