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Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
the narrow stairs, praising the Lord, and telling all whom I met where
they could find Jesus.
This dream gave me hope. The green cord represented faith to my
mind, and the beauty and simplicity of trusting in God began to dawn
upon my soul.
Friendly Sympathy and Counsel
I now confided all my sorrows and perplexities to my mother. She
tenderly sympathized with and encouraged me, advising me to go for
counsel to Elder Stockman, who then preached the advent doctrine in
Portland. I had great confidence in him, for he was a devoted servant
of Christ. Upon hearing my story, he placed his hand affectionately
upon my head, saying with tears in his eyes: “Ellen, you are only a
child. Yours is a most singular experience for one of your tender age.
Jesus must be preparing you for some special work.”
He then told me that even if I were a person of mature years and
thus harassed by doubt and despair, he would tell me that he knew
there was hope for me through the love of Jesus. The very agony of
mind I had suffered was positive evidence that the Spirit of the Lord
was striving with me. He said that when the sinner becomes hardened
in guilt, he does not realize the enormity of his transgression, but
flatters himself that he is about right, and in no particular danger. The
Spirit of the Lord leaves him, and he becomes careless and indifferent
or recklessly defiant. This good man told me of the love of God for
His erring children; that instead of rejoicing in their destruction, He
longed to draw them to Himself in simple faith and trust. He dwelt
upon the great love of Christ and the plan of redemption.
[37]
Elder Stockman spoke of my early misfortune, and said it was
indeed a grievous affliction, but he bade me believe that the hand of
a loving Father had not been withdrawn from me; that in the future
life, when the mist that then darkened my mind had vanished, I would
discern the wisdom of the providence which had seemed so cruel and
mysterious. Jesus said to His disciples, “What I do thou knowest not
now; but thou shalt know hereafter.”
John 13:7
. In the great future we
should no longer see as through a glass darkly, but come face to face
with the mysteries of divine love.