p. 86 | Letters | AdventAI

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 13, 1866

Letters.

"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."

This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.

From Sister More.

Sister H. More, of Africa, writes to friends in Mass., from which we make the following extract:

I was necessarily delayed in writing to you last month, as I was ill, and with difficulty able to write my sister, and English correspondents. They regret my Sabbath views, and say that as the first day has been kept so many centuries, it is strange I should be doubting on that point. They say it was kept by the apostles, and quote Paul's sermon on the first day of the week as proof conclusive.

I wrote them how futile seemed their arguments and that instead of proof, it was doubtless a Saturday evening meeting, and that Paul set out on his journey Sunday morning. They desired to see the book which I spoke of on the Sabbath, and I forwarded it to them, hoping and praying it might prove a blessing to them, and requesting them when they had read it, to forward it to Rev. Geo. Muller of Bristol Orphan Houses. If the blessing of the Lord goes with it to open blind eyes, it will avail, otherwise not.

They do not allow me here to alter any of their old arrangements as to first-day keeping among the orphans; but do not forbid my doing so myself. They however deem it expedient to send a principal to fill the position I now occupy. So, D. V., I may visit America next Spring, unless there should in the providence of God, be a special opening for me. Will you unite with me in praying there may be such an opening, and my health also allow me to take it.

I feel the need of much grace to make me able to live up to keeping aright the commandments of God, and exercising the faith of Jesus. In my singularity in the keeping of the seventh day, it is a consolation

that whoso putteth his trust in the Lord is safe, while the fear of man only ensnares its votaries. Prov. xxix, 25. And while I am the patient follower of that which is good, nothing can harm me.

The faith of Jesus leads me to look beyond this vale to that happy home above where all is joy and love. There the wicked cease to trouble and the weary find rest. Till then, he it mine to toil on, to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Oh, how I long for his appearing and kingdom which I trust is near at the doors. Then we may reap our reward, and rest from our labor. Oh the happiness to be there where all will see eye to eye, where no dissensions exist,

“Where faith is sweetly lost in sight, And love in full supreme delight.”

Then we can look back on our pilgrimage and say, Hitherto the Lord hath led me and upheld me by his potent arm. It will doubtless be a pleasure to recount our toils, our many trials of earth, where nought can make us fear more.

May we be faithful, wise and true, Trusting God in all we do; Meekly looking for his aid, Patient, following what he said.

I know not what is before me, but will trust in the Lord, and do good, so I shall dwell in the land and be fed. Of Jesus it may truly be said,

“His way was much darker and rougher than mine; Did he thus suffer and shall I repine?”

Oh, how important to do our whole duty.

“I’ll not spare myself of aught I possess, But offer all up in a service so blest.”

I am suffering still from my late illness, and may perhaps find it necessary to have a change of climate ere long. Still I would much rather remain at the post of duty till called for by the Master.

I wish to be useful while I live, then whenever God has done serving himself with me, I shall joy to go. Oh, how good to be permitted to labor in the vineyard. My times are in the hand of God, and his will is my law. At least I desire it may be.