“I'd Like To Ask Sister White ...”

Were You Nervous When You Had To Travel Through Storms?

August 11, 1885.—En route to Europe. The sea is boisterous. The waves rise high in green and blue and white spray, mingled, and dash with force against the porthole. If the porthole were open, bucketfuls of water would dash in upon us. The boat rocks fearfully, and every timber seems to be strained and shocked. There are but few upon deck. The deck is wet. Chairs are tied with ropes. Ropes are stretched from point to point, that those who walk on deck may take hold of the ropes to keep from falling. There is indeed a heavy roll. I cannot lie on the sofa. Trunks are rolling about in the staterooms. Everything that is not secured by ropes is dancing about. I have precious seasons of silent prayer. The Lord Jesus seems very near to me. I am so thankful that I can trust in my Saviour at all times. LASW 110.1

August 12.—We all rested well last night. None were seasick. I was glad to see the light of day. The water is much calmer. It is foggy, and the fog whistle is bellowing out its warning signal that vibrates through every nerve of the body. LASW 110.2

August 17.—I slept but little last night. The fog whistle kept up its mournful warning all night. I thought of ourselves being on the broad water. A little atom! How easy for us to be swallowed up in the hungry waters. I can only look to God and trust in Him. LASW 110.3

[Arrived Liverpool, England] August 18, 1885.—It is a beautiful day. We arose from our berths, leaving them, not to enter them again. We have spent many pleasant days and nights in our stateroom. It seems like home. ¹⁰ LASW 110.4

More About Travel

In the autumn of 1846, Sister White could spend a few months at home. God had sent to her and her husband, James, a tiny bundle, at that moment warmly wrapped, sleeping in his cradle. Ellen thanked God for her precious baby. When little Henry was older she would travel again among the churches. LASW 111.1

But Henry became sick, then rapidly worse. She and James on either side of the cradle, listened fearfully to his quick, heavy breathing. They prayed, but saw no change. They feared for his life. LASW 111.2

Then Ellen remembered the promise she had made to God, that nothing would ever come between her and her work. Again she and James knelt, this time promising God that if little Henry recovered they would trust Him and go wherever they were sent. For hours they prayed, then rested while a neighbor watched over the baby. LASW 111.3

Next morning the young mother and father hurried to little Henry’s bedside. Ellen felt his forehead. It was cool! She listened to his breathing. It was normal! She gave him water. He drank! With tears of joy she and James thanked God, who had answered their prayer. LASW 111.4

Immediately they dusted off their battered trunk and packed it for a journey. Ellen patched the patches on her husband’s old overcoat, James bought their tickets with nearly all the money he had in the world, and they were off—messengers in the service of God. LASW 111.5