Healing of William Jones through the Ministration of Shining Beings

“"Last Tuesday, I was taken ill at work, in such a way that I knew nothing of myself; and I came to my senses when elder D. Thomas was praying with his hands on my head. I was so restored at that time that I was able to go to work Wednesday and Thursday, though I was not feeling very well. Thursday afternoon, I was struck very ill again, so that I had to stay in bed. At this time I felt as if some eruption was rising in my belly, somewhere close to my stomach, which was very painful and insufferable. That also caused a pain in my head. Meanwhile my excretia contained blood and other mixtures, which troubled me often. I continued like this until yesterday afternoon, Sunday. A little before two o'clock, I urged my wife to go to the Saints' meeting, so that I could have the afternoon in peace to myself to pray and meditate. I succeeded in persuading her, and she locked the door after her. When she had gone, I soon felt myself getting worse, until I thought I was going to die. Thereupon, I found the strength to pray, and I had a great desire to do so; and having gone on this way until about three o'clock, I would think, I found a very strange scene before me. While I was between sitting and lying in bed, I saw near me four shining beings, two on the right, two on the left, as if standing or kneeling before me on the bed. Their attire was flowing; and the attire of those on the right appeared black, while the others were white. Their size appeared from two to three feet; but I was not sure whether they were kneeling on the bed or not, because I directed my gaze at their faces rather than at any other part, because they looked so contented and glorious. A sort of brilliant light surrounded them, which light shone over the bed, and on me too. I felt no sort of terror at the time, and yet I was still in great pain. Soon, one of the two on my right asked me if I had oil in the house; and without answering them, I reached a bottle of oil which I had under the edge of the bed, which happened to be there for my service. Then I was commanded to drink it; and about that time, I thought I could see the one nearest to me bowing his head, as if he was doing something for the eruption in my belly; and I could almost say that I felt him as if touching that spot. Then, they came closer to my head, and all four laid their hands upon me, rebuking the illness to leave, and praying to God to give the blessing. Their prayer was in Welsh, and in the manner used by the elders generally; except that their language was much purer and more concise, and they appeared to be administering with more authority and decisiveness. The moment they prayed, I felt the pain disappear immediately, and the eruption as if subsiding. Then they retreated to the same spot, and they stood there staring fervently at my face, which caused me considerable pleasure, since their company so pleased me. They told me that there was much imperfection in the church or branch I belonged to, and that it was required to improve, as well as myself, because it was a great hindrance on the road to the truth in this place. I would think they could have been present with me for over half or three quarters of an hour; and while they were gazing like this at my face, I soon fell asleep. But before long I awoke to relieve myself, when I got rid of a great deal of blood and other things; and I got rid of them so completely this time that only the usual excretion came the second time. Since then I have not felt any sort of pain, except that I am still quite weak, because of all the blood I lost. I shall never forget the sight and the deliverance I got. I am now 35 years old, and have been a member with the Saints for about six months, for which honor I am grateful to God." — Udgorn Seion (Zion's Trumpet), No. 11 (November 1849) (English translation by Ronald D. Dennis)”