JT-12-Supplementary: From Sister Christiania Thomas
Supplementary: From Sister Christiania Thomas From sister Christiania Thomas, Grassy Point,
Madison co., Ohio, March 27, 1835.
BROTHER BADGER:--I never have seen your face, but your name has long stood high and valuable in my estimation, both as Editor of the Palladium and a minister of that gospel which makes free from sin and from the bondage of a proud and tyrannical clergy. More recently you have gained a place in my heart, and Christian affection which I cannot easily describe.
Since my husband has taken his long tour to your country, New York, and left me here to take care of the "stuff," for some time I felt easy for his sake, fearing that while among strangers and in all extremely cold climate, he might not meet a kind reception among his strange brethren, and be neglected and left to suffer in a strange land. But by your unexpected and truly gratifying letter to me; by the notice taken of him in the Palladium, and by his own letters, I am truly happy to learn that he is universally and kindly received, and that his labors are blest among you. When I joined with him in matrimony I agreed never to stand in his way in preaching the gospel, and I have reason to be thankful that God has to this day enabled me with all cheerfulness not only to submit, but to aid him by my prayers, industry, and economy to continue and extend his itinerant labors over the world. He has suffered much for Jesus’ sake, for the salvation of perishing sinners he has sacrificed the world. My soul has always gone with him in his arduous and distant travels, has panted high for the prosperity of the cause, has participated in his griefs and trials. Anxieties and solicitude have often spread a gloom over many solitary and lonesome nights. But the success with which God has often attended his labors, has so often been to me like a morning without a cloud, and as the brilliant sunshine to in soul. I have gladly suffered with him for the sake of Jesus, and I strongly hope I shall be a sharer of his reward in heaven. My condition in life confines me at home, but even here Jesus is precious; my soul is often happy and elevated with the news of the Palladium, to hear that my Savior has an humble, free people in the cold and distant state of New York, and that many precious souls are still embracing the gospel there. Our church is not very large, about forty-five in number, not very popular and wealthy, but I trust they are humble, pious, faithful, relying on God. We have had many happy little meetings, and some refreshing seasons, and a few added to the Lord among us since the absence of Elder Thomas.
I wish you and all the dear brethren in New York, who have administered comfort to my husband, to receive the grateful acknowledgments and warmest thanks from her who intends by the grace of God to meet you in heaven. Let all the sisters who have preaching husbands, whose hearts burn with the holy fire of the ancient evangelist, give them up to God, and be willing to partake of their sufferings that they may share their reward. I remain the Pilgrim’s wife, and your sister in the Lord.