Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 8, 1866

Extracts from Letters.

Sister Price writes from Indianapolis, Ind.: I am often cheered by the encouraging words of those of like precious faith. I thought I might also encourage some one by writing a few words. I am all the Sabbath-keeper there is in this place or vicinity. My only instructors are my Bible and the Review, and I highly prize them, and spend my Sabbath hours in trying to get instruction from them. I realize that time in short, that probation must soon close, and that I must prepare to meet the Lord. Oh, that I and my little family may be among those that shall have it said to them, "Come ye blessed of my Father." Brethren, pray for me, that although I am alone in this world, I may live so as to meet you on Mount Zion, where we shall be separated and scoffed at no more. If any Sabbath-keeper should be coming this way we should be glad to have them give us a call. The place is No. 329 West Market-st.

Bro. Towle writes from Belgrade Mills, Maine: I am trying to keep all of God's commandments and the faith of Jesus. I have been a subscriber for the Crusis for eight or ten years, and still take it, but I prize the Review and Herald much, and could not well do without it. There are a few in this vicinity who are trying to keep God's holy Sabbath. Pray for us that we may be able to stand in the great day of the Lord.

Sr. Ballard, of Millersburg, Iowa, writes: I am still on the way to the kingdom, and am more determined than ever to go forward bearing the cross and despising the shame. I am willing to suffer with Jesus, "for if we suffer, we shall also reign with him." The Review is all the preacher I have, therefore I prize it very much; but how lonely I am without my husband, and without the church to meet with on the Sabbath for prayer and for mutual comfort. Though I have to stem the tide of opposition alone, I will humbly crave sustaining grace from an all-wise Creator; for he has promised to be with his children even to the end of the world.

Sr. Austin writes from Berkshire, Vt.: Bro. and Sr. White are not forgotten by us. I think much about them every day, and many times I see them in dreams. I expect that in a little way from this they will come forth free, and be able to take an active part in helping God's people to get ready for his coming and glorious kingdom.

I am glad that all the saints are soon to be gathered home, and if we are faithful a little longer, we shall meet with all the good of past ages, and with the dear ones that death has removed from our society here;—and though we parted from them in tears, we shall meet them with songs and everlasting joy upon our heads.

Bro. Wilber of Fair Grove writes: I feel to praise the Lord for the light of present truth, and for a heart to receive it. It never looked more precious to me than to-day. I believe the unmingled wrath of God will soon be poured out upon the wicked. Dear brethren and sisters, shall we be able to stand in that day? I feel to thank God that I have such a desire to believe the truth, and to try to do his will. I feel to thank God for what he has done for me. He has been merciful unto me, for he has spared my unprofitable life up to this time. I thank and praise his holy name that he has been so kind unto such a worm as I. I am trying to keep all the commandments, and the faith of Jesus, although some tell me that I will have to keep Sunday, if I keep the Sabbath; but I can't see it so, for God did not rest on that day, for Sunday is the first day of the week, and God says that "six days thou shalt labor and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." It has been about nine months since I received the third message. My prayer is that I may have his Holy Spirit to guide and help me at all times, to overcome all temptation and trials, and cares of this world. I desire to keep onward, with my heart fixed on Christ, through whom I hope at last to enter the blissful Haven with all the redeemed.

Bro. E. Jones writes from Linden, Mich. : I am not tired of traveling in the straight and narrow way, notwithstanding the finger of scorn, and the darts of the enemy are so frequently turned against me. Some time since I reviewed a discourse preached in this place by the circuit preacher on the subject of the Sabbath. The ire of the dragon was wonderfully stirred up in the person of the class leader. He arose, and the words of Christ were verified, that from "the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh," and such a torrent of abuse I never heard flow from the mouth of man. After calling me all the bad names he could think of, he then exclaimed, "In this dispensation we are to be governed by the Spirit which God has put into our hearts; we have nothing to do with any law except the law of the Spirit," thus walking side by side with the Spiritualist. Others take this position, saying, the nation recognizes Sunday, and they believe in living in strict obedience to the customs and laws of the land. Thus they set aside both the Old and New Testaments and take the State statute-book to be their Bible! How true are Christ's words to such, "In vain ye do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." When I look at such inconsistencies, I am ready to say to myself,

ONWARD AND UPWARD.

Press onward, with zeal, press thy way through, And stand for the right and prove thyself true; On the right and the left are many a foe, Who would draw us aside as onward we go. Onward and upward, in the bright shining way, Are glimmerings of light, if we travel by day, But in the gloom of tradition's dark night, The day-spring from on high will give us no light. Then "Onward and Upward," my motto shall be; From earthly enchantments I ever would flee, With Bethlehem's star and the Bible in hand, And Christ in my heart, I can gain the bright land. The maelstrom of ruin unperceptibly draws, To its merciless grasp all the foes of God's laws; But a life-boat is out, O sinner, now flee To the last hope of safety that lingers for thee.

Sister House writes from Jackson, Mich. : I have not grown weary in trying to walk in the "narrow path," but I am still striving against the world, the flesh, and the Devil; and I hope to overcome them all through the grace of God, and dwell in that world where there will be no such foes to contend with. The way looks bright to me; for I do not look down, but up, where it is always light. I think when we get right, and entirely submissive to the will of God, we shall find, as Christ has said, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." I find every obstacle in the way disappears when I look over to the "Promised Land." Yes! I feel that my treasures are in a safe place, where I hope soon to enjoy them; and though the way be rough, I want to rejoice in the "peace" of God's children all along the way, and soon, very soon, with you walk the smooth and shining streets of the Celestial City.

Bro. E. G. Rust of Cato, Mich., writes: We have no evil report to bring at this time. On the contrary, we believe that the cause is on the rise here, and that some will be found waiting for the Lord at his coming. We desire to be organized here as soon as possible. Some new ones have lately taken hold of the truth, making in all quite a goodly number that have started since last fall. Pray for us, that we may be faithful.