p. 87 | Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Aug 14, 1866

Extracts from Letters.

Sister S. A. Rowland writes from Wattsburg: Two years ago last winter, I embraced the present truth, since which time I have been endeavoring to keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus. I am alone in this faith in this part of the country; but in the Review I feel that I am holding converse with kindred ones; and though strangers in the flesh, we are brought nigh by the same precious faith, and our communion is sweet.

Bro. H. G. Buxton writes from Abington, Ct.: Like ancient Israel we were tested and sifted before we were fit for organization, of which report was made in the Review. Since then the Lord has put a new song into our mouth, and "begotten us again unto a lively hope" by the better order of things.

Now substantial faith takes the place of our doubting fears, and we feel to joy in God the "rock of our salvation." We have taken hold of the "Resolutions on dress," and in this direction are determined by the grace of God to win souls, and let our light shine.

And as we assemble on the holy Sabbath to exhort one another, and pray for God's people and cause to rise quickly, and the "latter rain" soon to be showered upon us, we seem almost to receive some of its first drops, and are loth to leave our Father's board. Particularly was this the case, Sabbath, July 28th, in which the good Spirit and blessing of the Lord seemed to melt down and blend our entire wills into our Father's will, and we were constrained with a degree of that love for one another, which would enable us even to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Praise the Lord for the way he has led us and established us in all the truth of the last message of mercy. We are determined to rise and walk obediently in all the light placed before us.

Brethren, let there be a universal coming up to the help of the Lord. Don't wait; and then the message will rise. "Shout your triumph as you go." In our hearts and prayers we are determined to stay up the hands of the leaders and messengers in the Lord's work; and honorably hold up, and live out the truth, until it places our feet in the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem.

Sister Jane B. Boyd writes from Brush Creek, Minn.: The hope of eternal life never looked so bright as at the present. I have passed through many deep trials but am persuaded that they are for my eternal good. I have leaned on the strong arm of Him who has promised to be a father to the fatherless and a widow's God, and have found him true to his word.

Oh that we could realize the responsibilities that rest upon us as Sabbath-keepers and parents. The tender plants that the Lord has entrusted in our care, do we do our duty to them, in training and bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?

Bro. E. G. Stevenson writes from Chicago, Ill.: Brethren, our hope is a good one. Let us press forward in the narrow way, elevating the standard of truth, that the name of the Lord may be glorified in us.

Bro. D. B. Welch writes from Canaseraga, N. Y.: I love the present truth, and am trying to obey it. There is much opposition to the truth here. People are crying peace and safety, and promising centuries yet to come before the end. But sudden destruction will come upon them. My desire and determination is to so live that I may stand in that day.

Bro. J. H. Warren writes from Faribault, Minn.: Although I have been wading through trials and afflictions deep and sore for the past ten months, yet I can say that my trust has been in God, and I have always found him a present help in time of trouble. I have been greatly strengthened and encouraged by attending our late State Conference at Pleasant Grove, and meeting with Brn. Loughborough and Ingraham. My heart was made to rejoice while hearing from them the cheering words of eternal life, and the encouraging testimonies of the dear saints who were there. I was made to rejoice also in the belief that the truth is about to rise here in Minnesota. Brethren and sisters, let us all arise and gird on the whole armor, and be prepared to stay up the hands of the messengers as they go forth to proclaim the last message of mercy to a perishing world.

Sister J. Stacy writes from Cass, Ohio: I was greatly encouraged in reading the article from Bro. Canright, in Vol. xxviii, No. 5, headed "Lonely Ones Take Courage." It made me feel like striving to live out the truth before my children, that they might be constrained to fall in with the last call of mercy before it is too late. Let us pray more for our children. It may be that the Lord will hear us, and save them from the wrath to come. I think if the truth was laid before the people of this place, some would embrace it.

Bro. Jas. Cornell writes from Parshallville, Mich.: I am still trying to travel in the narrow path that leads to life. I am not without temptation, and sometimes nearly ready to give up the pursuit. But when I look back and see how dark it is, then look ahead and see how light it is, I am stimulated to make greater efforts to clear myself from Satan, and gain a home with God's people. The church here is considerably scattered; but we have meetings every Sabbath, and are encouraged.

Sister M. C. Hammond writes from Orleans, Mich.: I have been trying to keep all of God's commandments about one year. I received the light by reading. I thank the Lord that I ever started in this cause. I have never felt to regret the stand that I have taken on the side of present truth; but the longer I am with this people, the more determined I am to go through with them to Mount Zion. I believe it is high time that we were up and doing. May we all work while it is day. I regard the health and dress reform as highly necessary for the remnant, that they may be prepared for translation at the appearing of Christ; and I long to see the message rise and go forth with power.

Sister J. E. Green writes from Hebron, Wis.: There are a few here in Bark Woods who are trying to gain the victory over all besetments. We live miles apart; but have this summer been able to meet together in prayer-meeting nearly every Sabbath, since the four days of fasting and prayer. I thank the Lord that my health has been such that I have been able to attend all these little gatherings, though I have had to walk four miles and back, usually, in order to do so. These meetings are precious privileges to me; I feel thankful for all the blessings I enjoy; and I pray that they may be sanctified to my eternal good.

We are anxiously hoping that some messenger may be sent this way; for we believe that there are some honest souls in this vicinity who would obey the truth.

Sister A. R. Penniman of Bloomfield, Ohio, writes: I desire to cast in my testimony with those who love the appearing of our Saviour. For awhile I have been thrown among those who still hold to the traditions of men, so that I am able to sympathize with the lonely ones; but I have been striving to let my light shine, that at least I might not be a stumbling-block to them.

The Lord has been very merciful to me in raising me up from a bed of languishing, in answer to prayer; and I feel under greater obligations than ever to serve him. I am thankful for the light which has been given to the children of God in these days of folly and wickedness, to prepare them for the days of tribulation coming upon the earth; and I hope through grace to stand at last among the overcomers, and with them dwell forever with the Lord.

Bro. J. F. Hammond writes from Providence, R. I.: While reading the Answers to the Objections against the Visions, I have been reminded of the warning given by Paul in 1 Cor. x, to God's people in the last days concerning the wicked course of the children of Israel in the days of Moses. In Numbers xvi, we read of the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram; and Paul says these were ensamples, and written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. How many I have known to acknowledge the visions of Sr. White to be of God, but when wrongs in them were shown, have denounced them as the work of Satan. In 1846, when one of the first visions was published, one Mrs. B. of Blue Hills, Conn., got hold of it, and received it, and, said she, I want you to read it, my friends, it is of God; it is the work of God; do read and believe it. I have the evidence in my heart that it is of God. A few years afterward Bro. and Sr. W. came to Connecticut. Mrs. B. got into a self-exalted condition which was shown in vision. As soon as this was known to Mrs. B., she cried out, It is no such thing. It is the work of the Devil. I don't believe a word of her visions.

So it was with one Mr. N. and wife, great snuff-takers, in Hartford, Conn. They had great confidence in the visions, and often said, we well know they are all the work of God. Soon it was shown in vision that holy hearts and tobacco and snuff could not dwell together. They then tried to quit it, but the temptation was so great that they went to using it again. I spoke to him about it, and he replied, I don't believe that vision; for the Lord showed me that I might use it, and when he wanted me to stop he would show me. A few months after, the poor man did not enjoy the Spirit of God, as he seemed to before his rejection of the visions. So it has always been. When the visions cross the views and feelings of certain ones, they call them the work of Satan.

I am glad that all God's dear children can discern the difference between those that hold up the light of the third angel's message, and the gifts of the church, and those who are striving to destroy this work. Truly the Devil has come down in great wrath, and will work through such agents as he can use best, to destroy the sweet influence of the third message. May the Lord help us, dear brethren and sisters, to hold fast whereunto we have attained lest any man take our crown.

Sister Lucy Winslow writes from Florence, Iowa: My faith grows stronger in God. For the last four years my lot has been cast among the lonely ones; but I believe the Lord is able and willing to bring me off conquerors, weak and frail as I am. I feel thankful for the gifts in the church, the health reform, and the resolutions on dress. I praise the Lord for the present truth. I am trying to do what good I can. My neighbors all seem willing to read my books and papers. To them that truth is a new thing; and they say the School-house is open for some of our preachers. I trust that the Lord may send some messenger this way. Oh, for a heart to pray more in secret, that the Lord may reward us openly.

Sister S. L. Irish writes from Rochester, Minn.: I was a believer in the Advent doctrine, with the exception of the messages and their connections, before hearing on present truth. But there seemed to be a lack somewhere, and I felt that I was waiting for something that would give more light; and to my great astonishment that lack was immediately supplied, as I had the privilege of hearing Bro. Sanborn, about eighteen months since, speak on the three messages. I felt as though the Lord, knowing all things, in his mercy had sent to me that necessary food, for which I waited. I have ever since kept the Sabbath, and have been trying to live out the truth; and I can say to-day that I feel the words of the prophet fulfilled, when he said that the way should grow brighter and brighter. I rejoice in the beauties there are in the doctrine of the third angel's message. It is a nail in a sure place.