Chapter 11—Fortitude In Affliction
[
Late in 1891, Ellen G. White, in response to a request from the
general conference, journeyed to Australia to assist in strengthening
the newly established work there. The sojourn extended to nine years.
Soon after her arrival she was overtaken by an extended and painful
illness. The citations in this section record her fortitude in this
affliction. See
Selected Messages 2:233-242
.]
During Prolonged Illness
Every mail has taken from one to two hundred pages from my
hand, and most of it has been written either as I am now propped up
on the bed by pillows, half lying or half sitting, or bolstered up sitting
in an uncomfortable chair.
It is very painful to my hip and to the lower part of my spine to
sit up. If such easy chairs were to be found in this country [Australia]
as you have at the sanitarium, one would be readily purchased by me,
if it cost thirty dollars.... It is with great weariness that I can sit erect
and hold up my head. I must rest it against the back of the chair on the
pillows, half reclining. This is my condition just now.
But I am not at all discouraged. I feel that I am sustained daily.
In the long weary hours of the night, when sleep has been out of the
question, I have devoted much time to prayer; and when every nerve
seemed to be shrieking with pain, when if I considered myself, it
seemed I should go frantic, the peace of Christ has come into my heart
in such measure that I have been filled with gratitude and thanksgiving.
I know that Jesus loves me, and I love Jesus. Some nights I have slept
three hours, a few nights four hours, and much of the time only two,
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and yet in these long Australian nights, in the darkness, all seems light
about me, and I enjoy sweet communion with God.
When I first found myself in a state of helplessness I deeply regret-
ted having crossed the broad waters. Why was I not in America? Why
at such expense was I in this country? Time and again I could have
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