THE FRENCH by J. E. Morin

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 22, 1876

THE FRENCH.

By J. E. Morin

Having enjoyed for a month the generous hospitality accorded me at Battle Creek by Bro. White, I left on the 17th of April, after a precious season of prayer, with Brn. White and U. Smith. I was fortunate and pleased to make the acquaintance of Bro. White and several other brethren whom I met for the first time at the General Conference.

My first visit was to the French at Serena, Ill., whom I had not yet visited. Bro. G. Bernard placed at my disposal his horses, carriage, and himself, notwithstanding the great amount of work which occupied him on his farm. We visited thirty families, and invited them to participate in a meeting on the following Sunday at the Seventh-day Adventist church. A large number responded to the call, and I had great liberty in addressing them. I could not continue the meetings at this place, as the farmers were too much occupied with their work, and I was sick myself. After a few days' repose at Bro. A. C. Morell's, I left for

WATSEKA.

This is a small city, eighty miles from Serena, where I had held some meetings before my departure for Battle Creek in the month of March. My meetings have been attended with much interest, and have borne some fruit. I thank the Lord for having sent me here to save some souls. My task was difficult. I had to convince Roman Catholics, and, with the aid of the Lord, success has crowned my efforts. A small church has been partially organized, composed at present of twelve firm and devoted members, who await the camp-meeting in September for an opportunity for burial in the waters of baptism.

All are joyous in the expectation of seeing and hearing sister White; for almost all understand the English language. A Sabbath-school has been established. They have all accepted with joy the plan of Systematic Benevolence; they understand that it is the duty of the Christian to aid the cause of God; and they have formed the good resolution of consecrating a tenth of their income to this object. Each week they will lay something aside, according to the prosperity which God shall grant them, and every month that which has been laid aside will be placed in the hands of the treasurer of the church, and every three months remitted to the secretary of the conference.

The French church at Watseka consists, as I have said, of twelve members, three of whom belonged to the Church of Rome. The six others will soon join, I hope, five of whom were Catholics. They acknowledge that I announce to them “the religion of Christ,” but they have not yet enough love for God to accept the Sabbath.

My last meeting here, on the 14th of June, was very interesting. The power of God manifested itself, and I felt great liberty. At the close of the meeting, I made an appeal to the sinners and those who were seeking Jesus to come forward for prayers, and twenty arose, of whom fourteen were Catholics.

I have received a very encouraging letter, inviting me to go and preach at a place seven miles from Ottawa, Ill., among the French Catholics from France. A Catholic who occupies an honorable position has offered me hospitality at his house, and the use of the school-house for my meetings. I shall leave soon for this new field, and I invite my brethren to pray the Lord to continue to protect and bless me.

J. E. MORIN.

Watseka, Iroquois Co., Ill., June 15, 1876.