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and counsel His people. When we see our reproofs slighted and are
repaid with hatred instead of sympathy, then we have frequently let
go our faith and trust in the God of Israel; and, like Elijah, we have
yielded to despondency and despair. Here has been the great error
in the life of my husband—his becoming discouraged because his
brethren have brought trials upon him instead of helping him. And
when his brethren see, in the sadness and despondency of my husband,
the effect of their unbelief and lack of sympathy, some are prepared
to triumph over him and take advantage of his discouraged state, and
feel that, after all, God cannot be with Brother White or he would
not manifest weakness in this direction. I refer such to the work of
Elijah and to his despondency and discouragements. Elijah, although
a prophet of God, was a man subject to like passions as we are. We
have the frailties of mortal feelings to contend with. But if we trust
in God, He will never leave nor forsake us. Under all circumstances
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we may have firm trust in God, that He will never leave nor forsake us
while we preserve our integrity.
My husband may take courage in his affliction, that he has a pitying
heavenly Father who reads the motives and understands the purposes
of the soul. Those who stand in the front of the conflict, and who
are reined up by the Spirit of God to do a special work for Him,
will frequently feel a reaction when the pressure is removed, and
despondency may sometimes press them hard and shake the most
heroic faith and weaken the most steadfast minds. God understands
all our weaknesses. He can pity and love when the hearts of men may
be as hard as flint. To wait patiently and trust in God when everything
looks dark is the lesson that my husband must learn more fully. God
will not fail him in his integrity.
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