Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 19, 1866

Extracts from Letters.

Sister D. L. Griggs writes from North Oxford, Mich.: Being separated from the people of my choice, I feel it a privilege to speak to you through the columns of the Review, and to hear from time to time your cheering testimonies. A little more than a year ago I knew nothing of this dear people. I had merely heard that there was a people who kept the seventh day, and believed in the soon coming of Christ. But they were denounced by the orthodox churches, therefore I denounced them with scarcely one serious thought upon the subject. But the Lord soon opened a way for me to learn more of them; and I thank him daily that he has given me a heart to embrace the truths preached by them, and the desire and prayer of my heart is, that I may be worthy of a name and a place with this poor, "despised company."

I look forward with delight to each returning Sabbath. I love its sacred hours. What am I that the great God of the universe should call after me? A mere speck in the immensity of God's creation, sin-polluted and fallen, with the Arch-enemy constantly working to deceive and draw me from the truth, how can I expect to obtain eternal life? Certainly not through any worthiness of my own. But through the worthiness of Jesus, I hope and expect to obtain it. I love God's people, and I love "present truth," and long to join in the loud cry.

Sister F. Freeman writes from Bethlehem Center, N. Y.: I still am striving to press my way onward toward Mount Zion. I feel a desire to have my name enrolled with those on whose banner is inscribed, "Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." I am alone here in keeping the Sabbath of the Lord; but it has been my aim and object since coming among friends here, to let my light so shine that they may be led to glorify our Father which is in Heaven. I have found much opposition against the Sabbath, but I feel to praise the Lord that he has brought me to see his precious truth, and given me a heart to walk therein. Oh that my heart may be enlarged in his commandments, and that my path may be that of the just that shall shine more and more unto the perfect day.

Sister R. Ashald writes from East Nassau, N. Y.: For fifty-nine years I have been trying to lay up treasure in Heaven, through many changing and trying scenes. I love and thank the Lord; for he has brought me through the deep waters; and I have been very unworthy of the great blessings received from his bountiful hand. I have always loved truth, and have sought for it, as for hid treasures. For about eleven years I have had no other preaching but the Review. My prospects are not much for this life. I am seventy-eight years old, lame, poor, with no home of my own, and alone in the faith. But I feel that all the brethren and sisters are nigh unto me through the blood of Christ. Pray for me that I may meet you where I may not have it to say that I am alone.