Spiritual Gifts. Volume 2 

02.13.001 Opposition to our faith increased in Portland.

02.13.002 One evening as we were engaged in prayer, the window was broken in just above my head, and the glass came down upon me.

02.13.003 I continued praying.

02.13.004 One man in his blind rage was cursing and swearing while we continued to plead with God, that when his indignation should come upon the shelterless head of the poor sinner, we might be hid in the secret of his pavilion.

02.13.005 The man's voice hushed, and he was seen hastening from the place.

02.13.006 He could not endure the sound of prayer, or the thought of the judgment.

02.13.007 About this time Bro. Nichols visited us.

02.13.008 One afternoon we had a season of prayer.

02.13.009 While bowed before the Lord, two of our most wicked, profane neighbors, entered the door, and broke in upon our worship, saying, "Up! And off your knees! for in fifteen minutes the work-house-cart will be after you."

02.13.0010 We did not heed the interruption, but continued in prayer.

02.13.0011 In a few moments they entered again, repeating nearly the same words.

02.13.0012 A number of times we were thus broken in upon by these poor, wicked men.

02.13.0013 The same afternoon an officer was sent to visit us, while some of our neighbors raised their windows to hear the result.

02.13.0014 Father was away to his work, and mother stepped to the door.

02.13.0015 He told her that complaints had reached him that we disturbed the peace of the neighborhood by noisy praying, and sometimes praying in the night, and he was requested to attend to the matter.

02.13.0016 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, notwithstanding the king's decree.

02.13.0017 He said that he had no objection to prayer, and if there was more of it in the neighborhood, it would make them better.

02.13.0018 "But," said he, "they complain of your praying in the night."

02.13.0019 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.

02.13.0020 He was referred to our near neighbor who used strong drink.

02.13.0021 His voice was often heard cursing and blaspheming God.

02.13.0022 Why did not the neighbors send you to him, to still the disturbance he causes in the neighborhood?

02.13.0023 He serves his master, we serve the Lord our God.

02.13.0024 His curses and blasphemy seem not to disturb the neighbors while the voice of prayer greatly troubles them.

02.13.0025 "Well," said the officer, "what shall I tell them that you will do?"

02.13.0026 My mother replied, "Serve God, let the consequences be what they may."

02.13.0027 The officer left, and we had no further trouble from that quarter.

02.13.0028 In a few days while our family were quietly engaged at evening prayer, some young men, imitating the example of their parents, commenced making a noise around the house.

02.13.0029 At length they ran for an officer.

02.13.0030 He came, and

02.13.0031 the boys told him to listen.

02.13.0032 Said he, "Is this what you have called me out for?

02.13.0033 That family is doing what every family ought to do.

02.13.0034 They are making no disturbance; and if you call me for this purpose again, I will put you in the lock-up, for disturbing a peaceable family while attending to their religious duties."

02.13.0035 After this we were not molested.

02.13.0036 The neighbors' fears were often aroused by frequent thunder and lightning that summer.

02.13.0037 A number had been killed instantly.

02.13.0038 And if there was an appearance of a thunderstorm, some parents sent their children to our house inviting one of the family to visit them, and stay until the storm was over.

02.13.0039 The children innocently told the whole story: "for ma says the lightning will not strike a house where the advent people are."

02.13.0040 One night there was a fearful storm.

02.13.0041 The heavens presented a continual sheet of lightning.

02.13.0042 A few rushed from their beds into the street, calling upon God for mercy, saying, "The judgment day has come."

02.13.0043 My brother Robert was then living, and was very happy.

02.13.0044 He went out of the house and walked to the head of the street, praising the Lord.

02.13.0045 He said he never prized the hope of the Christian as he did that night, as he saw the terror and insecure position of those who had no hope in Christ.

02.13.0046 In 1846, on a visit to New Bedford, Mass., I became acquainted with Bro. Joseph Bates.

02.13.0047 He was keeping the Sabbath, and urged its importance.

02.13.0048 I did not feel its importance, and thought that Bro. B. erred in dwelling upon the fourth commandment more than the other nine.

02.13.0049 But the Lord gave me a vision.

02.13.0050 I was conducted to the second vail.

02.13.0051 It was lifted, and I beheld the ark, and on it the mercy-seat.

02.13.0052 Jesus raised the cover of the ark, and I beheld the tables of stone on which the ten commandments were written.

02.13.0053 I was amazed as I saw the fourth commandment.

02.13.0054 A halo of glory was all around it; for it was the only one of the ten which points out to man who the living God is, the maker of heaven and earth.

02.13.0055 August 30th, 1846 I was married to Elder James White.

02.13.0056 In a few months we attended a conference in Topsham, Me. Bro. J. Bates was present.

02.13.0057 He did not then fully believe that my visions were of God.

02.13.0058 It was a meeting of much interest.

02.13.0059 But I was suddenly taken ill and fainted.

02.13.0060 The brethren prayed for me, and I was restored to consciousness.

02.13.0061 The Spirit of God rested upon us in Bro. C.'s humble dwelling, and I was wrapt in a vision of God's glory, and for the first time had a view of other planets.

02.13.0062 After I came out of vision I related what I had seen. Bro. Bates asked if I had studied astronomy.

02.13.0063 I told him I had no recollection of ever looking into an astronomy.

02.13.0064 Said he, "This is of the Lord." I never saw Bro. Bates so free and happy before.

02.13.0065 His countenance shone with the light of Heaven, and he exhorted the church with power.

02.13.0066 On that journey I was shown that I should be much afflicted, and that we should have a trial of our faith on our return to Gorham, where my parents had moved.

02.13.0067 On our return I was taken very sick, and suffered extremely.

02.13.0068 My parents, husband and sister, united in prayer for me; but still I suffered on for three weeks.

02.13.0069 Our neighbors thought I could not live.

02.13.0070 I often fainted like one dead; but in answer to prayer, revived again.

02.13.0071 My agony was such that I plead with those around me not to pray for me, for I thought their prayers were protracting my sufferings.

02.13.0072 Bro. and Sr. Nichols heard of my afflictions, and their son Henry visited us, bringing things for my comfort.

02.13.0073 My sufferings increased until every breath came with a groan.

02.13.0074 The neighbors gave me up to die.

02.13.0075 Many prayers had been offered to God in my behalf, yet it pleased the Lord to try our faith.

02.13.0076 After others had prayed, Bro. Henry commenced praying, and seemed much burdened, and with the power of God resting upon him, rose from his knees, came across the room, and laid his hands upon my head, saying, "Sister Ellen, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole," and fell back prostrated by the power of God.

02.13.0077 I believed that the work was of God, and the pain left me. My heart was filled with gratitude and peace.

02.13.0078 The language of my heart was, There is no help for us but in God; we cannot be in peace only as we rest in him and wait for his salvation.

02.13.0079 The next day there was a severe storm, and none of the neighbors came to our house.

02.13.0080 I was able to be up in the sitting room.

02.13.0081 And as some saw the windows of my room raised they supposed I was not living.

02.13.0082 They knew not that the great Physician had graciously entered the dwelling, and had rebuked disease and set me free.

02.13.0083 The next day we rode thirty-eight miles to Topsham.

02.13.0084 Inquiries were made of my father, at what time the funeral would be.

02.13.0085 Father asked, "What funeral?"

02.13.0086 "Why the funeral of your daughter."

02.13.0087 Father replied that she was healed by the prayer of faith, and was on her way to Topsham.

02.13.0088 Soon we took passage in the steamboat at Portland for Boston.

02.13.0089 The boat rolled fearfully, and the waves dashed into the cabin windows.

02.13.0090 The large chandelier fell to the floor with a crash.

02.13.0091 The table was prepared for breakfast, but the dishes were thrown upon the floor.

02.13.0092 There was great fear in the ladies' cabin.

02.13.0093 Some were confessing their sins, and crying to God for mercy.

02.13.0094 Some were calling upon the Virgin Mary to keep them.

02.13.0095 Others were making solemn vows to God that if they reached land they would devote their lives to God.

02.13.0096 It was a scene of terror and confusion.

02.13.0097 One lady in the berth above me, as the boat rocked, fell out of her berth to the floor, crying out at the top of her voice.

02.13.0098 Another turned to me and asked, "Are you not terrified?

02.13.0099 I suppose it is a fact that we may never reach land."

02.13.00100 I told her I had made Christ my refuge, and if my work was done, I might as well lie in the bottom of the ocean as in any other place; but if my work was not done, all the waters of the ocean could not drown me.

02.13.00101 My trust was in God, that he would bring us safe to land if it was for his glory.

02.13.00102 At this time I prized the Christian's hope.

02.13.00103 This scene brought vividly to my mind the day of the Lord's fierce anger, when the storm of his wrath will come upon the poor sinner.

02.13.00104 Then there will be bitter cries and tears, and confession of sin, and pleading for mercy; but all too late.

02.13.00105 "Because I have called and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also will laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your fear cometh.

02.13.00106 Through the mercy of God we were all landed safe.

02.13.00107 But some of the passengers who manifested so much fear in the storm, made no reference to it, only to make light of their fears.

02.13.00108 The one who had so solemnly promised that if she was preserved to see land she would be a Christian, as she left the boat mockingly cried out, "Glory to God, I am glad to step on land again."

02.13.00109 I asked her to go back a few hours, and remember her vows to God.

02.13.00110 She turned from me with a sneer.

02.13.00111 I was forcibly reminded of death-bed repentance.

02.13.00112 Some who serve themselves and Satan all their life, as sickness subdues them, and a fearful uncertainty is before them, manifest some sorrow for sin, and perhaps say they are willing to die, and their friends make themselves believe they were converted and fitted for heaven.

02.13.00113 But if they should recover, would they not be as rebellious as ever?

02.13.00114 I am reminded of Prov. i, 27, 28. "When your fear cometh as desolation and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you, then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me."

02.13.00115 August 26th, 1847, our eldest son, Henry Nichols White, was born. In October Bro. and Sr. Howland kindly offered us a part of their dwelling, which we gladly accepted, and commenced housekeeping with borrowed articles.

02.13.00116 We were poor and saw close times.

02.13.00117 My husband worked at handling stone on the Rail-road, which wore the skin on his fingers through, and the blood started in many places.

02.13.00118 We had resolved not to be dependent, but support ourselves, and have wherewith to help others.

02.13.00119 But we were not prospered. My husband worked very hard, but could not get what was due him for his labor.

02.13.00120 Bro. and Sr. H. freely divided with us whenever they could; but they were in close circumstances.

02.13.00121 They fully believed the first and second messages, and they generously imparted of their substance to forward the work, until they were dependent on their daily labor.

02.13.00122 My husband changed his labor, and with his axe went into the woods to chop.

02.13.00123 He worked from early morning till dark, with a continual pain in his side, to earn about fifty cents a day.

02.13.00124 He was prevented from sleeping nights by severe pain.

02.13.00125 We endeavored to keep up good courage and trust in the Lord.

02.13.00126 I did not murmur. In the morning I felt grateful to God that he had preserved me through another night, and at night I was thankful that he had kept me through another day.

02.13.00127 Our provisions were gone, and husband went to his employer to get money or provisions. It was a stormy day.

02.13.00128 He walked three miles and back, passed through the village of Brunswick where he had often lectured, with a bag of provisions on his back, tied in different apartments.

02.13.00129 As he entered the house very weary, my heart sunk within me.

02.13.00130 My first feelings were that God had forsaken us.

02.13.00131 I said to my husband, Have we come to this?

02.13.00132 Has the Lord left us?

02.13.00133 I could not restrain my tears, and wept aloud for hours, until I fainted.

02.13.00134 Prayer was offered in my behalf.

02.13.00135 When I breathed again, I felt the cheering influence of the Spirit of God.

02.13.00136 I regretted that I had sunk under discouragement.

02.13.00137 We desire to follow Christ and be like him; but we shun trials and remain at a distance from him.

02.13.00138 Suffering and trials bring us nigh to Jesus.

02.13.00139 The furnace consumes the dross and brightens the gold.

02.13.00140 At this time I was shown that the Lord had been trying us for our good, and to prepare us to labor for others; that he had been stirring up our nest, lest we should settle down in ease; that our work was to labor for souls, and if we had been prospered, home would be so pleasant that we should be unwilling to leave it to travel, that we had been suffering trial to prepare us for still greater conflicts that we should endure in our travels.

02.13.00141 We soon received letters from brethren in different States, inviting us to come and visit them.

02.13.00142 We had not means to take us out of the State.

02.13.00143 Our reply was that the way was not open before us; I thought that it would be impossible for me to travel with my child.

02.13.00144 We did not wish to be dependent, and were careful to live within our means.

02.13.00145 We were resolved to suffer rather than get into debt.

02.13.00146 I allowed myself and child one pint of milk each day.

02.13.00147 In the morning before my husband went to his work, he left me nine cents to buy milk for three mornings.

02.13.00148 It was quite a study with me whether to deny myself and child of milk, or get an apron for him.

02.13.00149 I gave up the milk, and purchased the cloth for an apron to cover the bare arms of my child.

02.13.00150 But little Henry was soon taken very sick, and grew worse so fast that we were much alarmed.

02.13.00151 He lay in a stupid state. His breathing was quick and heavy

02.13.00152 We gave remedies with no success.

02.13.00153 We called in one of experience, who said he was a very sick child, and thought his recovery doubtful.

02.13.00154 We had prayed for him, but there was no change.

02.13.00155 We had made the child an excuse for not traveling and laboring for the good of others, and we feared the Lord was about to remove him.

02.13.00156 Once more we went before the Lord, praying that he would have compassion upon us, and if the child was to be taken from us in wrath, because we had not been willing to travel, to spare the life of the child, and we would go forth trusting in him wherever he might send us.

02.13.00157 Our petitions were fervent and agonizing.

02.13.00158 By faith we claimed the promises of God.

02.13.00159 We believed the child would recover.

02.13.00160 From that hour he began to amend.

02.13.00161 Light from heaven was breaking through the clouds, and shining upon us again.

02.13.00162 Hope revived.

02.13.00163 Our prayers were graciously answered.

02.13.00164 Sister Frances Howland offered to take care of the child, while we should lie down for an hour's rest.

02.13.00165 It was daylight when we awoke.

02.13.00166 The child had slept sweetly through the night, and was fast recovering.