Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 3, 1866

Extracts from Letters.

Sister N. Gibbs writes: I am thinking of the time when all the saints will go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts from Sabbath to Sabbath, and from one new moon to another, to eat of the fruit of the tree of life, that beautiful tree; and not only to eat its fruit, but to sit under its shadows, and gaze on the beauties of the new earth, and view that city of God, which Abraham looked for, and to go in and out through its gates, and walk its golden streets, and see that river of water of life, which makes glad the city of our God. There they will build houses and inhabit them, plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build and another inhabit, and plant and another eat; for God's people shall long enjoy the work of their hands. Praise God, all his saints, even now. I do not wonder that David said, "Let everything that hath breath, praise God." There we shall see Jesus who loved us and washed us in his own blood, that lovely Jesus who healeth all our diseases, who forgiveth all our sins; and who died that we might live. There we shall see him in all his glory and majesty, King of kings, and Lord of lords. There we shall cast our crowns at his feet crying, Worthy, worthy, is the Lamb that was slain to receive glory, and honor, and power, and blessings forever.

"Oh what are all our sufferings here, If Lord thou count us meet, With that enraptured host to appear, And worship at thy feet."

Sister M. A. Eaton writes from Sharon, Mich.: I think sometimes that my work here on earth is nearly done, but when I think that we are nearing the time when the last message of mercy is to go forth with a loud cry, to gather the remnant, the honest ones from the various churches and the world into the true fold of Christ, I have a longing desire to see that great and glorious time; the time when the remnant shall be gathered into the unity of the faith, the Gifts to be more fully restored, and each true child of God prepared for redemption. Then, oh how glorious to await the coming of our Saviour. The thought then arises, Shall I be able to stand when trials thicken? I shall not in my own strength, but if spared, I truly desire, and am determined, God's grace assisting me, to strive, looking daily to my Saviour for strength,

that I may be enabled to withstand every temptation, bear every trial with patience, and overcome every besetting sin, that I may be counted worthy through Christ, of an inheritance in the earth made new. I praise the Lord that I was ever made to see, and had strength to strive to keep, the true Sabbath of the Lord, and also to believe its kindred truths. How plain to the student of prophecy, that signs portend Christ's coming near. My prayer is, Lord prepare the way for the last message of mercy to be sounded here. I feel that there must be some of the Lord's chosen ones here. I long to have the privilege of meeting from Sabbath to Sabbath with those that understand and love these precious truths.

It was truly a refreshing season to me, the first Sabbath in April, to meet with a few that loved present truth, at Bro. Palmer's in Jackson, also to hear two discourses, and to commemorate the sufferings and death of our dear Redeemer.

I have in the year that is past, been sorely afflicted. The last day of last May, my eldest daughter, aged 22 years, was laid in the silent tomb, after four months' sickness of consumption. My own health has failed since. But blessed be God that I have hope in her case, that she will have part in the first resurrection. I wish to be remembered at the throne of grace, that my afflictions may be sanctified, that I may have grace to live out these truths in my every-day life, and be prepared for whatever is before me.

Bro. I. D. Cramer writes from Kingsboro, Fulton Co., N. Y.: We have heard no Advent preaching since 1859; still we are refreshed by the word of God, and the weekly return of the faithful Review which is refreshing to us. Myself and wife are entirely alone in this region, trying to live out the third angel's message. We have felt very sad because of the afflictions of the preaching brethren; but we are thankful for the blessings the Lord has granted in answer to prayer and fasting, in which we have tried to unite with the body. We are glad to hear that the brethren are able to return to their respective fields of labor. Our prayer is that the Lord will bless abundantly, and speed the message. Oh how glad we should be to see one of the dear messengers in this place. We think it would result in good; but the will of the Lord be done.

Sister M. E. Morse writes from Tuscola Co., Mich.: It has been but about eight months, since, through the mercy of God I received the last warning message from Brn. Van Horn and Canright. They taught us by example as well as precept that the word of God must be our guide, and Christ our pattern. We are now studying the Bible, and find many precious promises to those that separate themselves from the world, and live that same self-denying life that our Saviour did while here. I am greatly encouraged also while reading Spiritual Gifts. Although I find everything to do to become a true child of God, yet I am trying to live out the truth. I mean to make one for the kingdom of glory. I know we must have faith to do the will of God in these last days, when Satan is going about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. We must be faithful, watching and praying that we enter into temptation; for we know that He that shall come, will come and will not tarry.