Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 20, 1866

Extracts from Letters.

Sister Mary J. McCallum writes from Saugatuck, Mich.: I have been trying to keep the commandments of God for about three years, and can truly say that I am not tired of the way. I love present truth. The Lord has done very much indeed for me. I feel to rejoice and praise God that we have a prayer-hearing and a prayer-answering God. I prayed much for my absent husband while he was in the Rocky Mountains, that the Lord would spare him to return to his little family once more, and see God's truth, and willingly receive it, and be a Sabbath-keeper with me. Praise the Lord, he is a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God. The fourth day of last March, my husband reached home, after an absence of six years; and about three months ago, he commenced to keep the Sabbath. May the Lord help us to bear the cross and not be stumbling-blocks to either saint or sinner. I ask the prayers of the scattered brethren and sisters, that we may come forth and be bright, shining lights before the world, having our lamps trimmed, and oil in our vessels, waiting for the Lord.

Bro. S. Myers writes from Decatur, Nebraska: I stopped over the Sabbath at Marion, Iowa. The rebellion has produced its sad results. It is truly painful to see what amount of evil two men can do; but there is one gratifying reflection: it will rid the church of much dross, and cause the rest to feel more dependence on the Lord, and will probably have a purifying influence on them.

There are some few here that are prepared to receive the present truth if they could hear it, I think, by what I learn in private conversation.

Sister C. Rice writes from Folsomdale, N. Y.: I am often cheered by reading in the Review, letters from dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad, and often wonder what has become of those whose names I have been wont to see in the Review. As this is the only way many of us can speak to each other, should we not speak oftener? And although we at times feel discouraged, would it not cheer us up to speak even in this way? I still love the truths we have embraced, believing them to be Bible truths. I wish to live them out and at last be gathered with the saints.

Bro. A. B. Williams writes from Clinton, Wis.: As I have not the privilege of meeting often with those of like faith, I wish to let my brethren and sisters know that I am still living in hope of a better country. I am not discouraged, but expect in due time to reap if I faint not. I was talking a few days ago with a man in regard to our faith. He asked me how I disposed of that passage which says, "These shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal, and this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." I asked him where it was. He did not know, but he had read it a good many times. I took the Bible and showed him that they were two different texts. He was not satisfied until he took the Bible and read them himself. This man afterward told me that he had been driven to disbelieve the Bible by Orthodox preaching, and the practice of their church members.

Sister M. M. Moody writes from Chatham, Ohio: I love the Sabbath, and all those who are striving to keep all God's commandments. I am deprived of the privilege of meeting with any of like precious faith; but I am weekly cheered by the testimonies given in the Review. I am determined to take new courage and try harder to overcome, that I may be numbered at last with God's remnant people.

Bro. J. Iden writes from St. Louisville, Ohio: I believe that the time has come when all our actions should tell for our profession. I love the cause of Christ, and would not sacrifice the truth for all the treasures of earth. I want my treasure in Heaven, that it may not be a corruptible one. Time is short, and what is done, must be done quickly.