Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 6, 1866

Extracts from Letters.

Sister M. M. Cook writes from Mound City, Kansas: Our journey to this State being ended, with thankful hearts we meet a few kind relatives, with whom we have not mingled much since our childhood days. But they, like their neighbors, know but little of the third angel's message. Our religious sentiments are a wonder to them. We find a beautiful country, with prairies large and pleasant, dotted with farms and thrifty orchards. Then the mounds, the valleys, the timber, the rivers and rivulets. As we view the romantic scenery we can but exclaim, How beautiful! Thus we admire the handiwork of the Great Creator. But ah, how lonely, so far separated from the fond associations of the dear brethren and sisters in the Lord. We miss so much the means of grace we there enjoyed. Yet the special blessing of God rests at times upon us, and we feel the sanctifying influence of his Holy Spirit. Holy angels guarded us all along our journey. Still they protect us. How rich such blessings. Yes, how sweetly the poor weary pilgrim feeds on such heavenly food as the Lord provides. We pray the Lord to turn the hearts of some of the friends this way that here we may raise a standard of the gospel. We beg the brethren and sisters to remember us in their devotions, that we may be humble, pure in heart, living for Christ alone.

Sister H. M. Zenar writes from Taylorville, Cal.: I wish to request my brethren and sisters to remember the scattered sheep who have no earthly shepherd. You may not know where they all are, yet the great Shepherd knows them, and he will hear the effectual and fervent prayer. I read Bro. R. F. Cottrell's piece in the Review to the Scattered Sheep. Tears nearly blinded my eyes while reading it. Little do you know our loneliness, who have the privilege of meeting on the Sabbath, and on other occasions, to pray with and comfort each other. While iniquity abounds, and evil men and seducers are waxing worse and worse, think of those who have not one of like faith to converse with upon these all-important and solemn truths. Remember that parent who bows with the little ones morning and evening to worship God, while the other parent is engaged in the things of this life, and is blinded in sin. I am the only one at this fireside, or in this town, who keeps the Sabbath of the Lord, and I never have seen one in this State who keeps the true Sabbath. The Bible and the Review are my companions. When the Review comes, I read, and weep, and pray. I am resolved to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus until I hear the blessed sound, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom. I have been praying for a year that God would send some of his servants to California to sound the last merciful warning to this wicked people. I believe God wills that this people should hear the truth before he comes to execute his judgments. I believe the Lord will plead his own cause in California. My prayer is that I may be crucified to the world, and be prepared for the last great conflict.

"O God, mine inmost soul convert, And deeply on my thoughtful heart, Eternal things impress. Give me to feel the solemn weight, And tremble on the brink of fate, And wake to righteousness."

Sister C. M. Shepard writes from Beaver Dam, Wis.: Those who know me, have seen me in deep trials, when there was no prospect of deliverance. Now I can praise God who has delivered me out of all my afflictions; and I can see that "goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life."

All the suffering that I have passed through has been necessary to subdue my heart. I love the narrow pathway more and more, and can plainly see that all our sufferings are necessary to refine and purify the affections and desires. I have not the privilege of meeting from Sabbath to Sabbath with those of like precious faith, yet I know that the lonely ones have an interest in the prayers of those who are so blessed. I hope that when the earth is lightened with the glory of the third angel's message, there will be a company gathered out here in Beaver Dam, who will receive the seal of the living God. I am striving to live so as to have a gathering influence, yet I see my failings fully.

My trust is in Him who has said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." With joy I behold every token of his soon-coming kingdom, and hope soon to be gathered with all the faithful.

Bro. D. W. Eldridge writes from Providence, Feb., 1866: There are a few at Middle Grove who have not forgotten the assembling of themselves together to thank the Lord for the many blessings that he is bestowing upon us, especially in the light of present truth. Though laboring under some discouragements, we are striving to overcome, and with the remnant go through to Mt. Zion.