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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
Shall we refuse obedience to the Source of all power, whose law
even the sea and the waves obey? Shall I fear to trust myself to the
protection of Him who has said that not a sparrow falleth to the ground
without the notice of our heavenly Father?
When nearly all had left for their staterooms, I continued on deck.
The captain had provided me a reclining cane chair, and blankets to
serve as a protection from the chilly air. I knew that if I went into the
cabin I should be sick. Night came on, darkness covered the sea, and
the plunging waves were pitching our ship fearfully. This great vessel
was as a mere chip upon the merciless waters; but she was guarded
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and protected on her course by the heavenly angels, commissioned
of God to do His bidding. Had it not been for this, we might have
been swallowed up in a moment, leaving not a trace of that splendid
ship. But that God who feeds the ravens, who numbers the hairs of our
heads, will not forget us.
The captain thought it was too cool for me to remain on deck.
I told him that so far as my safety was concerned, I would rather
remain there all night than go into my stateroom, where two ladies
were seasick, and where I should be deprived of pure air. Said he:
“You will not be required to occupy your stateroom. I will see that you
have a good place to sleep.” I was assisted by the stewardess into the
upper saloon, and a hair mattress was laid upon the floor. Although
this was accomplished in the quickest time possible, I had become
very sick. I lay down upon my bed, and did not arise from it until
the next Thursday morning. During that time I ate only once, a few
spoonfuls of beef tea and crackers.
During that four days’ voyage, one and another would occasionally
venture to leave their rooms, pale, feeble, and tottering, and make their
way on deck. Wretchedness was written on every countenance. Life
itself did not seem desirable. We all longed for the rest we could not
find, and to see something that would stand still. Personal importance
was not much regarded then. We may here learn a lesson on the
littleness of man.
Our passage continued to be very rough until we passed the bar
and entered the Columbia River, which was as smooth as glass. I
was assisted to go upon the deck. It was a beautiful morning, and the
passengers poured out on deck like a swarm of bees. They were a very
sorry-looking company at first; but the invigorating air and the glad