She Sleeps in Jesus by James White

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 27, 1872

She Sleeps in Jesus.

By James White

It becomes our painful duty to record the death of sister Elmina R. Fairfield, who fell asleep in Battle Creek, Mich., Feb. 1, 1872, aged twenty-four years. Her disease was consumption.

Sister Mina gave her heart to the Lord, to serve him, and keep his commandments, at the age of fifteen years, at the time her parents embraced the Advent faith, and the observance of the Sabbath. Her natural and acquired abilities were such that her services at this Office were obtained about four years since, where she, until her sickness, served faithfully as a compositor, proof-reader, and editor. Her example in this Office as a Christian, and a laborer in the cause of truth, has been good, and she won the esteem of fellow-laborers, and all who knew her.

Her last sickness was characterized by devotion, cheerfulness, and resignation. Her last days, notwithstanding her painful sickness, were full of hope and joy in view of the reward of the faithful at the soon coming of Christ. Her death was peaceful.

Her parents, brother, and sisters deeply feel the loss of one so intelligent, good and true, while all in the employ of the Publishing Association, and the church of which she was a worthy member, also feel the loss which they sustain in her death.

The funeral services were held on Sabbath, Feb. 3d. Our house of worship was crowded with mourning and sympathizing friends. Both the writer and Mrs. White spoke briefly on the occasion, and a very large procession followed the deceased to her resting place at Oak Hill Cemetery in this city. In the fullest sense, may the following precious words be applied to sister Mina: “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Rev. 14:13.

JAMES WHITE.