Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Chapter 11—Marriage and Subsequent Labors[76]August 30, 1846, I was united in marriage to Elder James White.Elder White had enjoyed a deep experience in the advent movement,and his labors in proclaiming the truth had been blessed of God. Ourhearts were united in the great work, and together we traveled andlabored for the salvation of souls.We entered upon our work penniless, with few friends, and brokenin health. My husband had inherited a powerful constitution, but hishealth had been seriously impaired by close application to study atschool, and in lecturing. I had suffered ill-health from a child, as Ihave related. In this condition, without means, with very few whosympathized with us in our views, without a paper, and without books,we entered upon our work. We had no houses of worship at that time.And the idea of using a tent had not then occurred to us. Most of ourmeetings were held in private houses. Our congregations were small.It was seldom that any came into our meetings excepting Adventists,unless they were attracted by curiosity to hear a woman speak.At first I moved out timidly in the work of public speaking. If Ihad confidence, it was given me by the Holy Spirit. If I spoke withfreedom and power, it was given me of God. Our meetings wereusually conducted in such a manner that both of us took part. Myhusband would give a doctrinal discourse, then I would follow with anexhortation of considerable length, melting my way into the feelingsof the congregation. Thus my husband sowed and I watered the seedof truth, and God did give the increase.In the autumn of 1846 we began to observe the Bible Sabbath, andto teach and defend it. My attention was first called to the Sabbathwhile I was on a visit to New Bedford, Massachusetts, earlier in thesame year. I there became acquainted with Elder Joseph Bates, whohad early embraced the advent faith, and was an active laborer in thecause. Elder B. was keeping the Sabbath, and urged its importance. Idid not feel its importance, and thought that Elder B. erred in dwellingupon the fourth commandment more than upon the other nine. But the74