Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 12, 1866

Extracts from Letters.

Sister T. Gotfredson writes from Denmark, Wis.: I read the Review with great pleasure and interest. I could never find much time to learn the English language, but a hunger after truth and a deep interest in the last message of mercy constrains me, and opens my understanding. Those blessed truths, which the Lord from time to time has taught me through experience, I find here taught and illustrated. And those many brethren and sisters, though unknown to me, yet appear as though they were long known and well beloved. My whole heart is drawn out after them, and I long for the time when we shall all be united in the heavenly kingdom. I have great reason to thank our heavenly Father, who in great mercy caused his divine rays of light to penetrate the surrounding darkness, and hath revived and strengthened my faith. I look upon sin in a different light, and long to be cleansed from every sin. The dark clouds of danger hang heavy over us, and perils are thickening around us. The struggle is hard, and it is only through Jesus that we can conquer. I have gone through many fiery trials during the last year, but have been wonderfully sustained by the blessed Saviour, and have come off victorious. I have tried to heed the counsel of the true Witness, and to buy gold tried in the fire. I thank the Lord for the last message which was declared to us, not saying, Peace, peace, but pointing out the way of repentance, the way to Jesus, and to Heaven and glory.

We are four lonely souls in this place who are endeavoring to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Oh, that others may soon heed the last warning voice. I desire the prayers of all the friends of Jesus. I will pray for you, and hope that we may soon meet in the heavenly kingdom.

Bro. Obadiah Davis writes from North Berwick, Me.: I felt as though I wanted to say a word in behalf of the cause of present truth, and the efforts to adorn the gospel of our dear Redeemer. I think I never felt a deeper interest in the great work of preparation for the glorious and everlasting kingdom of God, soon to be given to the saints of the Most High. What a glorious truth we have! We have an advocate in the sanctuary, whose love for us, led him to lay down his own life in our behalf. Such a friend we have to plead our cause, and oh, may such love prompt us to plead for ourselves, and so afflict our souls, that the last and least remains of sin may be discovered and given up. May God help in the work. May God help me, I want to be received with the saints, and share in the inheritance.

I felt glad that the Com. appointed a season of fasting and prayer in behalf of the cause. I often think of the responsible position that the church of Christ occupies at this time, standing just upon the line between time and eternity,—the light of the world. May our light so shine as to reflect the image of Christ in the truth. I was very glad of the plan adopted in the Instructor of making comments, giving encouragement and advice in connection with the children's letters there published. I think it will encourage them to write, and at the same time, it affords excellent opportunity for profitable instruction.

May the Lord speed on his work, and prepare his people for the loud cry of the third angel, and for the things that are coming on the earth, and us to stand before the Son of man.

Sister M. Beach, writes from Port Byron, N. Y.: It is over three years since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. I rejoice that I ever saw the all-important truth. I had not heard any preaching on present truth, but was convinced by reading God's holy word. I have no desire to indulge in the use of tea or coffee. I am striving by God's grace to overcome in all things that I may stand in the evil day, having my feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, having the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. I am leaning on His strong arm, who is the widow's God. He gently leads me, and cheers my pathway with his blessed presence. Oh, how much I owe the Giver of all my mercies.

M. M. Sarchet, writes from Sumner, Ill.: I have learned since I last wrote you, that brother Blanchard's lectures in this vicinity have caused quite an excitement. I was not here at the time; but those who heard him are aroused to a sense of their duty. They are searching the Scriptures daily, to see if these things are so. Many say it is high time to be up and doing. They are not satisfied with what they have heard. They want to hear more, and learn the whole truth.

There has been good seed sown, and now it ought to be nurtured and not left to die.

Will Bro. Blanchard please come again and finish the work the Lord has for him here?

What books and papers I have here are loaned out. My pilgrimage in this place will not be long, as duty calls me away.

Bro. Treat writes from Searsport, Me.: Through the long suffering, mercy, and goodness of God, I am yet living. Although afflicted somewhat, yet I thank God for all past mercies and blessings, and also for a hope of soon being delivered from all these painful clogs of mortality, and of being translated from this world of sorrow, pain, and woe, to the world of endless joy and felicity. Glory to God in the highest for such a prospect, but oh, how unworthy!