Of course we were aware that a single volume of the size contemplated could not describe a tithe of the interesting scenes of a faith-promoting nature with which the early history of the Church abounded, but not until we had started the compilation did we realize to the full extent the vastness of the field which we had entered upon. We gathered the incidents contained in the present volume at random (mostly from verbal narratives), compiled them very hastily, with too little regard perhaps for variety, and feel that we have hardly made a commencement at recounting the early scenes of which a record should be perpetuated.
In compiling this volume no effort has been made at selecting scenes of a marvelous or sensational character; the aim has rather been to mention such incidents as would tend to show how the power of God was manifested in behalf of the Saints in those early days, and thereby promote faith among the young, for whose benefit this Series is published. Nor is it to be supposed that such scenes as are herein described have been confined to any particular period of our Church's history. As wonderful incidents of special providence could be related of the present age as of that which is past. The power of God is as manifest now in shaping the destiny of His Saints, in preserving their lives and in answering their prayers as it ever has been. The faithful never had greater cause to rejoice nor the wicked to tremble than they have at the present time. That the perusal of this volume may cause those into whose hands it may come to be more faithful and devoted to the cause of God, is the earnest desire of
THE PUBLISHER.
CONTENTS.
["SHOW US A SIGN."]
My Sister's Hip Broken—No Hopes of Ever Being Able to Walk—Our Family Embrace the Gospel—Scoffers Demand as a Sign that my Sister be Healed—Elder Brackinbury's Designs—Caught in the Act of Robbing the Grave—My Brother's Death—My Sister Healed-The Healing Fails to Convince the Unbelievers.
[CONTEST WITH EVIL SPIRITS. ]
The Savior's Promise—Sent on a Mission When a Boy—Conference in Burke's Garden—A Girl Apparently Stricken With Death—My Fright at Being Asked to Administer to Her—Prompted by the Spirit to Cast the Devil Out of Her—The Evil Spirit Leaves Her and Enters Two Others—Six Elders Contend With the Evil Spirit for Thirty-Six Hours—Its Final Banishment.