Removal to Michigan
97
one care to another, one part of the work to another, and have but
little time to bring up our children? Many nights, while others were
sleeping, have been spent by me in bitter weeping.
I would plan some course more favorable for my children, then
objections would arise which would sweep away these plans. I was
keenly sensitive to faults in my children, and every wrong they com-
mitted brought on me such heartache as to affect my health. I have
wished that some mothers could be circumstanced for a short time as I
have been for years; then they would prize the blessings they enjoy,
and could better sympathize with me in my privations. We prayed and
labored for our children, and restrained them. We did not neglect the
rod, but before using it we first labored to have them see their faults,
and then prayed with them. We sought to have our children understand
that we would merit the displeasure of God if we excused them in sin.
And our efforts were blessed to their good. Their greatest pleasure was
to please us. They were not free from faults, but we believed that they
would yet be lambs of Christ’s fold.
In 1860 death stepped over our threshold, and broke the youngest
branch of our family tree. Little Herbert, born September 20, 1860,
[103]
died December 14 of the same year. When that tender branch was
broken, how our hearts did bleed none may know but those who have
followed their little ones of promise to the grave.
But oh, when our noble Henry died, [
The death of Henry N. White
occurred at topsham, Maine, December 8, 1863.
] at the age of sixteen;
when our sweet singer was borne to the grave, and we no more heard
his early song, ours was a lonely home. Both parents and the two
remaining sons felt the blow most keenly. But God comforted us in
our bereavements, and with faith and courage we pressed forward in
the work He had given us, in bright hope of meeting our children who
had been torn from us by death, in that world where sickness and death
will never come.
In August, 1865, my husband was suddenly stricken down by
paralysis. This was a heavy blow, not only to myself and my children,
but to the cause of God. The churches were deprived both of my
husband’s labors and of my own. Satan triumphed as he saw the work
of truth thus hindered. But, thank God! he was not permitted to destroy
us. After being cut off from all active labor for fifteen months, we
ventured out once more together to work among the churches.