(Contributed by Jeri Moon Lott. This letter was mailed to Loyd Moon by his Grandfather, Abinadi Tolman, while Loyd was serving in the Eastern States Mission in 1967).
Written by Abinadi Tolman
December 14, 1966
A most remarkable experience I, Abinadi Tolman, had while laboring as a missionary in the Southern States in the summer of 1904.
My companion, Ezra Hatch, and I had been invited to visit a Mr. Ball who lived about 30 miles South of Avera or Red Hill, Green County, Mississippi. It was Sunday and Mr. Ball had secured the meeting house for us to preach in. I said, “Elder, will you speak first and take what time you want?” He spoke about 6 or 7 minutes. I arose and with confidence commenced to speak and after a few moments my mind was blank. I thought, if only the earth could open up and annihilate me. I don’t think our meeting was over one half hour.
That evening about 11:00 p.m., I whispered to my companion and said, “Elder, you carry on. I am going into the woods.” I went west about 2 blocks and I prayed very earnestly. After 10 or 15 minutes the Spirit of God rested upon me. I arose and as I did so everything was as light as or brighter than the sun at noon day. I saw a person on horseback approaching me about 300 feet. Immediately I knew he was an evil spirit. I also noticed quite in detail his apparel, saddle, bridle and the steed he was riding. He was dressed very similar to a high officer of the U. S. Army. He was the best dressed man I have ever seen. His saddle was a little different. The tree or horn was built different. I could not detect any metal, only the stirrups which seemed to be of pure silver. The bridle was very similar to all bridles but the constructions of saddle and bridle was superior to anything earthly I have ever seen. The horse he was riding wasn’t as slender or as tall as some riding horses. The color was gray. I called him a dappled gray, well fed, and a most beautiful animal to look at.
I was given the power to understand his thoughts and when he discovered that I saw him he nudged his horse with his spur and the horse went from a trot or single foot into a gallop. He said to himself, “A Servant of God holding the Priesthood.” I was standing near the road and expected him to pass close by but about three rods the road forked and gradually ran north and just before the vision closed he turned in his saddle and eyed me very closely. One cannot describe the terror or horror one experiences in an encounter of this kind.
In this experience a number of truths were given to me. One I will relate. The light of Christ fills the immensity of space and God has said that the past, present and future is eternally before him (when necessary). One is always in his presence, he knows our every thought. Read what the Lord said to Oliver Cowdery. D&C 6 verses 15 & 16.
Sincerely,
Abinadi Tolman
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