Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

of my uncle where we had assembled for the prayer-meeting. Neither my
uncle nor aunt enjoyed religion, although the former once made a profession
but had since backslidden. I was told that he had been greatly disturbed while
the power of God rested upon me in so special a manner, and had walked the
floor, sorely troubled and distressed in his mind. When I was first struck
down, some of those present were greatly alarmed, and were about to run for
a physician, thinking that some sudden and dangerous indisposition had
attacked me, but my mother bade them let me alone, for it was plain to her,
and to the other experienced Christians, that it was the wondrous power of
God that had prostrated me.
The next day I had recovered sufficiently to go home, but a great change
had taken place in my mind. It seemed to me that I could hardly be the same
person that left my father's house the previous evening. This passage was
continually in my thoughts: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." My
heart was full of happiness as I softly repeated these words.
Faith now took possession of my heart. I felt an inexpressible love for
God, and had the witness of his Spirit that my sins were pardoned. My views
of the Father were changed, I now looked upon him as a kind and tender
parent, rather than a stern tyrant compelling men to a blind obedience. My
heart went out towards him in a deep and fervent love. Obedience to his will
seemed a joy, it was a pleasure to be in his service. My path was radiant
before me, no shadow clouded the light that revealed to me the perfect will
of God. I felt the assurance of an indwelling Saviour, and realized the truth
of what Christ had said: "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,
but shall have the light of life."
Everything in nature seemed to possess a glory, and seemed to reflect
the loving smiles of God. My peace and happiness was in such marked
contrast with my former gloom and anguish that it seemed to me as if my
soul had been rescued from hell and transported to Heaven. I could even
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