Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

Chapter XI - Marriage and SubsequentLaborsAugust 30, 1846, I was united in marriage to Elder James White. Elder White hadenjoyed a deep experience in the advent movement, and his labors in proclaiming thetruth had been blessed of God. Our hearts were united in the great work, and togetherwe traveled and labored for the salvation of souls.We entered upon our work penniless, with few friends, and broken in health.My husband had inherited a powerful constitution, but his health had been seriouslyimpaired by close application to study at school, and in lecturing. I had sufferedill-health from a child, as I have related. In this condition, without means, with veryfew who sympathized with us in our views, without a paper, and without books, weentered upon our work. We had no houses of worship at that time. And the idea ofusing a tent had not then occurred to us. Most of our meetings were held in privatehouses. Our congregations were small. It was seldom that any came into our meetingsexcepting 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 I had confidence, itwas given me by the Holy Spirit. If I spoke with freedom and power, it was given me ofGod. Our meetings were usually conducted in such a manner that both of us took part.My husband would give a doctrinal discourse, then I would follow with an exhortationof considerable length, melting my way into the feelings of the congregation. Thus myhusband sowed and I watered the seed of truth, and God did give the increase.In the autumn of 1846 we began to observe the Bible Sabbath, and to teach anddefend it. My attention was first75