104
Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
track, and was separated about one hundred feet from those before it.
The coupling had not been broken, but our car had been unfastened
from the one before it, as if an angel had separated them. The baggage
car was not much injured, and our large trunk of books was uninjured.
The second-class car was crushed, and the pieces, with the passengers,
were thrown on both sides of the track. The car in which we had tried
to get a seat was much broken, and one end was raised upon the heap
of ruins. Four were killed or mortally wounded, and many were much
injured. We could but feel that God had sent an angel to preserve our
lives.
We returned to the home of Brother Cyrenius Smith, near Jackson,
and the next day took the train for Wisconsin. Our visit to that State
was blessed of God. Souls were converted as the result of our efforts.
The Lord strengthened me to endure the tedious journey.
[149]
Return To Rochester
We returned from Wisconsin much worn, desiring rest, but were
distressed to find Sister Anna afflicted. Disease had fastened upon her,
and she was brought very low. Trials thickened around us. We had
much care. The office hands boarded with us, and our family numbered
from fifteen to twenty. The large conferences and the Sabbath meetings
were held at our house. We had no quiet Sabbaths; for some of the
sisters usually tarried all day with their children. Our brethren and
sisters generally did not consider the inconvenience and additional care
and expense brought upon us. As one after another of the office hands
would come home sick, needing extra attention, I was fearful that we
should sink beneath the anxiety and care. I often thought that we could
endure no more; yet trials increased, and with surprise I found that
we were not overwhelmed. We learned the lesson that much more
suffering and trial could be borne than we had once thought possible.
The watchful eye of the Lord was upon us, to see that we were not
destroyed.
August 29, 1854, another responsibility was added to our family
in the birth of Willie. He took my mind somewhat from the troubles
around me. About this time the first number of the paper falsely called