From California to Switzerland
July 13, 1885, in company with W. C. White and his wife, and
Sister Sarah McEnterfer, I left California on my long-contemplated
journey to Europe. For months I had looked forward to this journey
with anything but pleasure. To travel across the continent in the heat of
summer and in my feeble state of health, seemed almost presumptuous.
Since attending the State camp-meetings in 1884, I had suffered great
mental weariness and physical debility. For months at a time I had
been able to write but very little. As the appointed time for us to go
drew near, my faith was severely tested. I so much desired some one
of experience upon whom I could rely for counsel and encouragement.
My courage was gone, and I longed for human help, one who had a
firm hold from above, and whose faith would stimulate mine. By day
and by night my prayers ascended to heaven that I might know the will
of God and have perfect submission to it. Still my way was not made
clear; I had no special evidence that I was in the path of duty or that
my prayers had been heard.
About this time my son William visited Healdsburg, and his words
were full of courage and faith. He bade me look to the past, when,
under the most forbidding circumstances, I had moved out in faith,
according to the best light I had, and the Lord had strengthened and
supported. I did so; and decided to act on the judgment of the General
Conference, and start on the journey, trusting in God. Bidding farewell
to the friends in Healdsburg, I returned with my son to Oakland. Here
I was invited to speak to the church Sabbath afternoon. I hesitated;
but these words came to me with power, “My grace is sufficient for
you,” and I consented. I then felt that I must seek God most earnestly,
I knew that he was able to deliver in a manner that I could not discern.
In thus trusting, my fears were removed, but not my weakness. I rode
to the church and entered the desk, believing that the Lord would help
me. While speaking, I felt that the everlasting arms were about me,
imparting physical strength and mental clearness to speak the word
with power. The love and blessing of God filled my heart, and from
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