Removal to Michigan
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are expressed in the following extracts from a letter I wrote to Sister
Howland:
“I feel thankful that I can now have my children with me, under
my own watchcare. [
When returning from an Eastern tour to their
Rochester home, in the fall of 1853, Elder and Mrs. White brought with
them their eldest child, Henry, who for five years had been tenderly
cared for by Brother and Sister Howland.
] For weeks I have felt a
hungering and thirsting for salvation, and we have enjoyed almost
uninterrupted communion with God. Why do we stay away from the
fountain, when we can come and drink? Why do we die for bread,
when there is a storehouse full? It is rich and free. O my soul, feast
upon it, and daily drink in heavenly joys! I will not hold my peace.
The praise of God is in my heart and upon my lips. We can rejoice
in the fullness of our saviour’s love. We can feast upon his excellent
glory. My soul testifies to this. My gloom has been dispersed by this
precious light, and I can never forget it. Lord, help me to keep it in
lively remembrance. Awake, all the energies of my soul! Awake, and
adore thy redeemer for his wondrous love!
“Our enemies may triumph. They may speak bitter words, and
their tongue frame slander, deceit, and falsehood; yet will we not be
moved. We know in whom we have believed. We have not run in vain,
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neither labored in vain. A reckoning day is coming, when all will be
judged according to the deeds done in the body. It is true the world
is dark. Opposition may wax strong. The trifler and the scorner may
grow bold in their iniquity. Yet for all this we will not be moved, but
lean upon the arm of the Mighty One for strength.”
Captivity Turned
From the time we moved to Battle Creek, the Lord began to turn our
captivity. We found sympathizing friends in Michigan, who were ready
to share our burdens and supply our wants. Old, tried friends in central
New York and New England, especially in Vermont, sympathized with
us in our afflictions, and were ready to assist us in time of distress. At
the conference at Battle Creek in November, 1856, God wrought for
us. New life was given to the cause, and success attended the labors of
our preachers.