LETTERS by Jemina E. French

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 8, 1862

LETTERS.

By Jemina E. French

“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”

From Sister French.

Bro. White: As it is cheering to us to hear from the brethren and sisters in different places, I thought some might be glad to know how we are getting along in Princeville. I can say that the brethren and sisters seem to be waking up to the work before them. The cry is, O Lord, arouse us from this lukewarm state into which we have fallen. And may God grant that this cry may ascend Zion's hill from every true believer in the land.

Last Sabbath was a precious season to the believers who meet here to worship. Having been turned out of the meeting-house which our hands and our money had helped to build, we secured a large hall in which to hold our meetings, but through a mistake, not however on the part of the owner, as it was not expected we would want it last Sabbath. However the brethren assembled at the hour of meeting, finding the hall without seats, it having been cleared out and fitted up for a ball. So we were thrown out upon the streets, just what the enemy had been striving for. We were a sad company, certainly. But man's extremity is God's opportunity. When Satan seemingly triumphs, then will God stand forth to the relief of his children. A place was provided. Sister Robinson opened her door, and kindly invited us in. And I must say, as did many of the brethren and sisters, I never enjoyed so good a meeting. Every one's cup seemed filled to overflowing. Young converts were ready to speak of the goodness of God, and of their determination to overcome. I never enjoyed so peaceful and happy a Sabbath in my life. I can almost pray, Lord, send us more persecution, for it drives us nearer Jesus. Though brethren Ingraham and Sanborn have had to wade through much persecution here, they have certainly, through the help of the Lord, done a great work for us in Princeville. When they came here they found scarcely half a dozen Sabbath-keepers who were united. When they went away they left a church of from thirty to forty members, with their idols thrown aside, and ready to move forward in union in this great and glorious cause. May the Lord bless his messengers, and enable them to do as much good everywhere they go as they have done here.

I have been a believer in the Advent doctrine for some time, but have only been a few weeks trying to obey the truth. I regret that so much of my time has run to waste. I could not receive sister White's visions at first, but I thank God that the scales are dropping from my eyes; and I feel ready and willing to move forward with the body as God gives them light.

O brethren and sisters, let us wake up, and live nearer to Jesus. Much persecution and trouble are just before us. Let us live thus, then, that when the day of trouble shall come, he will bear us above its dark and swelling tide, and when the sign of his coming is seen in the heavens, we can look up and say, Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him. Brethren, pray for us in Princeville. There is much persecution here, and many enemies to the cause.

Yours looking for the coming of our blessed Lord.

Jemina E. French.

Princeville, Ills.