Blanche Thompson's Miraculous Healing through Priesthood Administration, Temple Attendance, and Fasting

“I feel prompted to add my humble testimony to those already recorded on the pages of the Young Woman's Journal and to speak of the goodness of the Lord towards me. I have been a member of the Church for some time, and have always tried to live my religion, but I never realized the power of the Priesthood as I have during the past year. A year ago last June I was taken very sick. After one week had passed and I did not improve, we sent for the elders who came and blessed me; I felt much better and enjoyed a good rest that night; but the next morning (which was Monday) I was suddenly seized with such intense pain that it seemed almost unbearable. The doctor was called, and he said I was suffering from inflammation and all of its complications. He did all he could for me, but after a few days he told my friends that he could do no more, and that I was in a very critical condition. Several times through the week elders came and administered to me, which strengthened me, but the destroyer was not satisfied and would not depart. Our dear president, Marie Willardson called and asked if I would like the Young Ladies to fast for me, and I answered in the affirmative. They did so, and from that day my strength slowly but surely increased, and I was soon able to be around again. I felt that the Lord had heard their prayers and mine, and had spared my life for some wise purpose. But in October following I was again sorely afflicted. The doctor pronounced my trouble chronic, and said I would have to be under his care for months. I felt that I could not endure such a long time of suffering, and I went to Manti with Sister Christena Willardson, who had spoken to me about going to the Temple first. I felt that if I could only get there I would be healed. From the time I entered that holy edifice, until I was through and ready to descend the stairs, two powers were at work with me; the good, inspiring me with faith and dependence on the Lord, the evil, prompting me to put my trust in man and I would be safe. I was anointed and blessed, and received my endowments, and from that day to this I have not had a return of my trouble. I did not take a drop of medicine, but used the consecrated oil freely and continued to ask the Lord to bless and strengthen me, which He did. I know that the Lord hears and answers the prayers of the faithful, and that the Priesthood is a power given to man for the healing of the sick, and I bear this testimony to the glory of God.”

— Blanche Thompson, The Young Woman's Journal