Many of the members and missionaries in Wales in the late 1840s worked in the mines. Accidents were all too frequent, and deaths were not uncommon. On one occasion, when William Howells was visiting his home country between missionary journeys to France, there was an explosion deep in a coal mine. Brother Howells accompanied other leaders of the church to investigate if any church members were involved. They found that only one brother had been working in that mine; he had escaped the explosion "without losing a hair off his head." He was found in the middle of some 55 bodies of his co-workers, almost all of whom had been hostile to Church members in the area.
Another mining accident resulted in a dramatic priesthood blessing. A miner was hit by a large lump of coal which fell on his back and broke his spine. He was carried home on a stretcher, and appeared to be dying.
A later biography recorded this of the accident victim:
"He had lately joined the Church but his wife had not. Great sympathy was felt for the man, and several doctors were sent for by various people. They held a consultation and came to the conclusion that the man would only be able to live a couple of hours at the most.
"But the injured man whispered to his wife to send for the 'Mormon' elders. Brother Howell[s], who was President of the branch, came with his counselors and they administered to the sick man and Brother Howell[s] commanded him in the name of Jesus Christ to arise from his bed. And those who stood around the bed heard the bones of the sick man's body crack as they slid back into their places and the man arose from his bed and gave thanks to God for his mercy."
(Compiled and written by David Kenison)
No comments:
Post a Comment