Life sketches of ellen g. white

to sustain me through all. p. 69, Para. 1, [LS15].
After I came out of this vision I was exceedingly
troubled, for it pointed out my duty to go out among the
people and present the truth. My health was so poor that I
was in constant bodily suffering, and to all appearance had
but a short time to live. I was only seventeen years of
age, small and frail, unused to society, and naturally so
timid and retiring that it was painful for me to meet
strangers. p. 69, Para. 2, [LS15].
For several days, and far into the night, I prayed that
this burden might be removed from me, and laid upon some
one more capable of bearing it. But the light of duty did
not change, and the words of the angel sounded continually
in my ears, "Make known to others what I have revealed to
you." p. 69, Para. 3, [LS15].
Hitherto when the Spirit of God had urged me to duty, I
had risen above myself, forgetting all fear and timidity in
the thought of Jesus' love and the wonderful work He had
done for me. p. 69, Para. 4, [LS15].
But it seemed impossible for me to perform this work that
was presented before me; to attempt it seemed certain
failure. The trials attending it appeared more than I could
endure. How could I, a child in years, go forth from place
to place, unfolding to the people the holy truths of God?
My heart shrank in terror from the thought. My brother
Robert, but two years older than myself, could not
accompany me, for he was feeble in health, and his timidity
was greater than mine; nothing could have induced him to
take such a step. My father had a family to support, and
could not leave his business; but he repeatedly assured me
that if God had called me to labor in other places, He
would not fail to open the way for me. But these words of
encouragement brought little comfort to my desponding
heart; the path before me seemed hedged in with
difficulties that I was unable to overcome. p. 69, Para.
5, [LS15].
I coveted death as a release from the responsibilities
that were crowding upon me. At length the sweet peace I had
so long enjoyed left me, and despair again pressed upon my
soul. p. 70, Para. 1, [LS15].
Encouragement from the Brethren -- The company of