Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 27, 1866

Extracts from Letters.

Sister M. J. Keefer writes from Arcadia, Mich. I thank God for ever sending his messengers this way to give us the last notes of warning, and giving us hearts to receive and believe the truth, while thousands shut their eyes and hearts to it. We are living in perilous times. Oh for the grace of God to help us to stand. Let us put on the whole armor of God and be up and doing while the light shines; for soon the night will come when no man can work. I know it is a great thing to be a Christian; to be cleansed from all sin and be prepared to stand before that God who cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. When I think of this I feel my weakness; but I mean to strive to overcome that I may be one of the chosen people. Oh the blessed hope of the Christian. Oh the blessings that are in store for God's children. I mean by the help of God to be one of them.

Sister E. Wilcox writes from Hubbardsville, N. Y.: I desire not only a name and place among the people of God, but, to be in deed and in truth, one of them; one in sentiment, one in feeling, and one in practise; and, to strive for the unity of the faith, and Spirit. I am striving by the grace of God, to overcome all my besetments, and lay aside every weight, and run the race with patience, looking unto Jesus, the author of our faith, realizing that without help from him, I can do nothing acceptable in his sight; also knowing that he will help all that really put their trust in him, and look to him for help. I hope I may see clearly every duty, and be enabled to overcome all my errors, and get a complete victory over every fault. If I am not deceived, I have made some progress in this direction. It seems to me that the enemy of all righteousness is let loose, and is in a hurry to do up his last work. And it becomes necessary for us to watch and pray continually that we may be kept in this hour of temptation, that is to try all that dwell on the face of the whole earth. It is my earnest desire, that all that are looking for the appearing of Jesus, may be kept, be preserved blameless, and when he comes, hear the welcome, Come ye blessed, inherit the kingdom prepared for you.

Bro. Wm. Rogers writes from Altovista, Mo.: Being one among the first in Daviess Co., Mo., who embraced the Sabbath, I still have a lively interest in the advancement of the cause of present truth. I am very anxious that a messenger should come into this part of the country, there being many here desirous of hearing, and some wishing to be baptized, and the church needing to be set in order. I think much good might be done here in setting the truth before the people.

I feel desirous of moving forward with the body in every good word and work, that I may meet all the faithful in the kingdom of God.

Bro. P. Strong writes from Orleans, Mich.: We are holding meetings in Orleans, with a good congregation, and a growing interest.

Bro. T. Gardner writes from E. Jeffrey, N. H.: The little church that is in our house is looking for the kingdom to come, and mean by the grace of God to be ready and in patient waiting for the Lord from Heaven. We believe we are in the patience of the saints, and are striving to keep the commandments with the faith of Jesus.

Sister C. Rich writes from South Bend, Ind.: It has been about a year and a half since I embraced the third angel's message. I can say to-day that I thank God that the present truth was ever sent to me, and that he gave me a heart and mind to receive and obey it. How it cheers my heart after going through the toils and troubles of a week to take up a new number of our excellent paper and there find the rich thoughts and feelings of some ready writer. No matter what the state of my feelings is, there is always something that seems to be written especially for me. How I prize the Review, and how thankful I am to all that contribute to its columns. I thank God for the blessings of life, and for the hope of eternal life. Though I am poor in this world's goods yet I would not exchange my hope of an inheritance in the kingdom of God for all the treasures of this world. Though I may have to stem the tide of opposition alone I will humbly crave sustaining grace from an all-wise Creator, knowing that I have a blessed Saviour pleading for me. I know I am an erring creature, but in him I have a place of refuge. I love present truth; and how thankful I am that I ever heard the last warning message. I love the commandments of God. His laws are not grievous. So, thank God, we hail the Sabbath with delight. We would be glad to see one of the messengers back here. Our little company here are still striving to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.