At last the spirit of the invincible Prophet rallied from this blow, and rising up by the power of God he commenced going about healing the sick. Hundreds were so healed; and as the brethren were healed they would arise and follow the Prophet continuing the glorious work. There was a change from this very day. The general health of the people began to improve.
Lydia had managed to wait upon her own ailing child and those of her neighbors who were the most helpless, notwithstanding her health was far from being good. Pale and weak she ministered unto those around her until September, when, worn out with her heavy labors and her body weakened by over-exertion, disease fastened itself upon her and she was prostrated.
For several days and nights she lay in a raging, burning fever, until it almost seemed as though her very flesh would be consumed upon her bones.
One day she called her husband to her bed and said:
"Newel, go and ask the Prophet to send me a handkerchief with his blessing."
"My dear wife, I do not like to trouble Joseph. You have no idea how worn down he is. He has asked the brethren to spare him as much as possible, for these constant never-ceasing calls upon him are depriving him of all his strength. I hope, my dear, you will soon be better."
The night came and passed and morning brought no relief to the weary sufferer.
Again she called Newel to her and entreated him to go to the Prophet and get a handkerchief with his blessing.
Newel went out, and in about half an hour returned, tied a handkerchief over her head saying:
"There, Lydia, is a handkerchief."