Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 31, 1866

Extracts from Letters.

Sister Mary Judson writes from Homer, Mich.: I wish to give my testimony in favor of this last message of mercy, which is being preached to dying man. It seems plainer every day, that we cannot live as we should for one day, no, not for one hour, without God's grace in our hearts. This world's history is fast drawing to a close, and soon we shall see our Saviour coming in the clouds of heaven. Even now it seems very near, for we see the signs fast fulfilling. Soon His voice will be heard saying, "He that is filthy, let him be filthy still; he that is holy, let him be holy still." I am determined to overcome and be numbered with God's people, that I may escape the coming storm of wrath.

I remember with pleasure many happy Sabbaths spent among Sabbath-keepers. These are bright spots, which point to that eternal rest that awaits every humble child of God. May the glad day soon come, when we shall hear the summons, "Child your Father calls, come home."

Sister Rogers writes from Mauston, Wis. : I would say to all the dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad that I still love the truth. I love the Review, laden with precious truths from week to week; just such truths as the remnant need.

I have been trying to draw nearer to God. The language of my heart has been, "Nearer my God to thee." I made up my mind to pray more, and blessed be God, and let the Rock of my salvation be praised, he deigns to hear the feeble voice of my supplication, and Jesus has revealed himself to me, the "chiefest among ten thousand, the one altogether lovely."

"Jesus, dear name, how sweet the sound, 'Tis music to my ear."

He is indeed a present help in every time of need. Peter says, to those who believe he is precious. Oh how precious is Jesus! He is a refuge; he is a shadow of a great rock in a weary land; he is a fortress, he is a high tower into which the righteous flee and are safe. He is the best friend man ever had. He laid aside the glory he had with the Father before the world was, and came down into this wicked world and became a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; he hungered and thirsted, and at last laid down his life for a race of rebels. Oh the matchless depths of a Saviour's love!

"Precious is thy name, sweet Jesus, Sweeter than an angel's dream, More melodious than the music Swelling from a seraph's hymn, Precious is thy love that brought thee From thy Father's throne above, To redeem a world in ruin, Bid its heavy curse remove."

Dear brethren and sisters let us gird anew the gospel armor. If faithful a little longer we shall see the King in his beauty. There is rest for the weary, even in this life, when we can cast all our cares on Jesus, knowing that he careth for us. Amid the cares and trials of this life how sweet it is to trust in God!

Oh glorious hope of the Christian; how it buoys the sinking spirits up, when the body is racked with pain, and disease is preying on the system! How comforting the thought that we shall ere long become citizens of that country where the inhabitants shall never say "I am sick." By the assisting grace of God I am determined to meet you on Mount Zion.

Yours, striving to overcome.

Charlotte McNeil writes from Hinsdale, N. H. : It cheers and comforts my heart to hear from the lone ones that are scattered up and down the earth, and I can but exclaim, Surely the Lord is preparing a people to meet him when he comes. May I be one of that number who shall be all ready to meet him in peace, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. I have been striving for an entire consecration and dedication of myself to God, and the Lord has manifested himself to me in a mysterious way, by placing me in the furnace, and I would say, Thy will, not mine be done, and with the poet exclaim—

"Nearer my God to thee Nearer to thee; E'en though it be a cross That raiseth me."

When we get so near the Lord that we have the assurance he hears our cries, and sweet answers of peace fill our waiting hearts, then we can rejoice in tribulation, knowing we have a great "High Priest who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, who was tempted in all points like as we are yet without sin." He can save all that come unto him. Blessed thought! He can save us from all sin. He died to redeem us, and whosoever will come, may come and partake of the waters of life freely.