Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 71, 1874

Hall, Lucinda

Battle Creek, Michigan

October 14, 1874

Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 427-428; 10MR 32.

Dear Lucinda:

I wrote you from Indiana but I could not remember just where to address the letter, and sent [it] to West Brookfield when it should have been North Brookfield. We are now at home on the corner and we have just bought fifty yards of carpeting, just alike, to carpet the two rooms. The house was cleaned by some of the sisters when I was at the last camp meeting. We expect to get well settled this week. Upstairs is all prepared—in the upright part I mean—carpeted and well fixed for living. 2LtMs, Lt 71, 1874, par. 1

We want you to come home at once if possible. We want to care for you while you are poorly. We shall have the best girl that we can find to do our work and shall have a small family. Rosetta will stay here some weeks, and longer if it is your judgement. We wish to see you and consult with you, but we don’t want you to do a stroke of work but just be a nice lady for once in your life. When your father comes to Battle Creek, come with him by all means, if he has to bring you in his arms. There is so much going on there I know it is not the right place for you. Do come, Lucinda. Don’t let them hold on to you there at Brookfield. I have sent for my little girls to be brought by George. 2LtMs, Lt 71, 1874, par. 2

We cannot feel at home without you. You are linked to our souls in part and parcel of us. We have held most earnest seasons of prayer in your behalf, and we believe that the Lord has listened to our prayers. I have felt so anxious about you I could not sleep. We love you, and we can appreciate you as no others can but your own people, for we know what you sacrificed—and with what cheerfulness—for the truth’s sake. God is acquainted with every sacrifice you have made, and you will certainly be a sharer in the eternal reward given to the true, faithful workers. If we get any reward you will, most surely. My precious Lucinda, you are dearer to me than any earthly sister I have living. May the blessing of God and His peace abide upon you is my most earnest prayer. 2LtMs, Lt 71, 1874, par. 3

We had a most excellent camp meeting at Lapeer, Michigan. I have not attended a meeting with better results. I think it was the best we have had this season. The people seemed to be so much in need of help and were willing to be helped. Most of the young ministers were there and Brother John Corliss was ordained. He will make quite a successful minister. He is much liked by all who hear him, but is sometimes too rash. 2LtMs, Lt 71, 1874, par. 4

Seventy-five came forward for prayers and many were seeking the Lord for the first time. I spoke to three thousand people Sunday afternoon with great freedom. Monday I spoke one hour in forenoon and one hour in afternoon and then invited them forward. We had again seventy-five or more, about the number which came forward on Friday but of a different class. Friday many were believers but backslidden. Monday there were many young ladies and gentlemen who had never been converted. Quite a number were Sabbathkeepers who had never professed religion. One smart, intelligent young man—a Methodist—came to the meeting greatly prejudiced, but he was deeply convicted and took his stand firmly for the truth. He is one of those who will be firm as the hills. James was very free and bore an excellent testimony. The people were anxious to hear him and me, and we did most of the preaching. Great good was done. Many of those out to hear had embraced the truth recently and had never seen or heard us. 2LtMs, Lt 71, 1874, par. 5

Rosetta is a good child. She does all for us she can to make us happy and we appreciate her efforts. We shall keep her with us as long as she will stay. She has canned us much fruit and done well for us. We thank God for all His goodness and mercy to us. James is in good health and cheerful, and feels that he is just where the Lord wants us to be. 2LtMs, Lt 71, 1874, par. 6

Lucinda, we will have everything in readiness for you. Come just as soon as you can stand the journey. I so much want to talk with you and ask you some questions. 2LtMs, Lt 71, 1874, par. 7

Willie is with us; that is all in the family beside Arthur and Rosetta. We would love so much to come and visit you in your old New York home but this cannot be. Write us just how you are. 2LtMs, Lt 71, 1874, par. 8

In love to all. 2LtMs, Lt 71, 1874, par. 9