When Sorrow Comes
211
Death of a Child
In a letter to Elder and Mrs. S. N. Haskell, Ellen White speaks of
the death of her great- grandchild
.
I have written many pages today. This morning I received a letter
from Mabel Workman [her granddaughter]. About two weeks ago she
gave birth to a ten-pound boy, but the little one died two days after
his birth. Mabel has passed through a severe experience, but we are
thankful that her life has been spared. Both father and mother have
felt the trial severely, but they have accepted it as Christians should.
Mabel’s husband has proved himself to be a true Christian in this time
of affliction, and the Lord has sustained them both. They feel that had
they not had Mrs. Kress with them at the time, Mabel also might have
lost her life. I feel thankful that Sister Kress could be with them; for
she has great tact and skill. Had the mother’s life been taken, all would
have felt the affliction keenly.
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We have been very anxious regarding Mabel for two weeks, for
until today no word had come to us since the telegram telling of the
death of the baby. I thank the Lord that Mabel’s life has been spared,
and I pray that she may live to be a blessing in the cause of God.—
Letter 120, 1909
.
Mrs. A. H. Robinson was an old friend in Michigan. Ellen White
wrote to her immediately upon receiving news of the death of her child,
sharing her own experience in the deaths of two of her sons.
My Dear Sister Robinson,
I have just received my American mail. My secretary has read me
my letters, many of which are of a very interesting character. I will
answer your letter first.
As you relate your experience in the death of your child, and how
you bowed in prayer, submitting your will to the will of your heavenly
Father, leaving the matter with Him, my mother heart is touched. I
have passed through an experience similar to the experience through
which you have just passed.
When my eldest son was sixteen years old, he was stricken down
in sickness. His case was considered critical, and he called us to his
bedside, and said, “Father, Mother, it will be hard for you to part with
your eldest son. If the Lord sees fit to spare my life, for your sake
I will be pleased. If it is for my good and His name’s glory for my