Were These Men Arrested?

The same afternoon an officer was sent to visit us, while some of our neighbors raised their windows to hear the result. Father was away to his work, and mother stepped to the door. He told her that complaints had reached him that we disturbed the peace by noisy praying, and sometimes praying in the night, and he was requested to attend to the matter.LASW 15.1

Mother answered that we prayed morning and night, and sometimes at noon, and should continue to do so; that Daniel prayed to his God three times a day.LASW 15.2

He said that he had no objection to prayer, and if there was more of it it would make them better. “But,” said he, “they complain of your praying in the night.”LASW 15.3

He was told that if any of the family were sick, or were in distress of mind in the night, it was our custom to call upon God for help, and we found relief. He was referred to our near neighbor who used strong drink. His voice was often heard cursing God. Why did not the neighbors send you to him? His curses seem not to disturb the neighbors, while the voice of prayer greatly troubles them.LASW 15.4

“Well,” said the officer, “what shall I tell them that you will do?” My mother replied, “Serve God.” The officer left, and we had no further trouble from that quarter. ^{16Spiritual Gifts 2:80, 81.}LASW 15.5