Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 7, 1866

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. R. Keck writes from Marengo, Iowa: Dear brethren and sisters, I have been reading your testimonies in the Review for many years, and feel happy in the hope that I shall one day see you with all the redeemed in the kingdom of the Lord; but I never wrote a single line for your encouragement. I thought I might also encourage some one by writing a few words. I am still on the way to Zion, and am more determined than ever to go forward bearing the cross, and despising the shame. I am willing to suffer with Jesus, for if we suffer we shall also reign with him. I am not discouraged, I believe that we shall have good times in Marengo in speaking of the goodness of the Lord, and our hopes of eternal life in glory.

Pray for us that we may do our Maker's will.

Sister S. Wells, writes from Clarendon, Mich.: I am still trying to live as becomes a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. I am one of the lonely ones, yet I am not discouraged, but I feel to thank God for what he has done for me. The Review is all the preaching I have, and I hail its weekly visits with delight.

Bro. T. E. Morey, writes from Princeville, Ill.: Dear brethren and sisters are we fully conscious of the great responsibilities that rest upon us as a people? Do we desire the promulgation of the great truths of which we are the living receptacles? Do we wish to see them disseminated far and wide? If so, then let us so far as in our power put our shoulders to the wheels, that the mighty car of truth may move onward. Let not this one or that one say, "There is nothing for me to do." Let them not think because they cannot do as much as others of greater abilities and talents, that they cannot do anything. God holds us responsible for the talents which we have be they one or ten. We are daily mingling and commingling with the unregenerated and uncircumcised in heart. Oh how necessary then that we breathe the sweet Spirit of our Saviour in our every word and act. May the Lord help us so to do, and prepare for the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Sister M. Dean, writes from Barton Landing, Vt.: I wish to speak through the Review a few words concerning the dealings of God with me. Previous to the days of fasting, I felt distressed about myself, and the church. I did not feel that I was rich and increased in goods, but miserable and poor; and I came to the decision that I must, and would get nearer the Lord; and as I was trying to humble myself and confess before the Lord, I saw the appointment for the fast, I was thankful for it; as it seemed to be just what would be good for us all as individuals. I did not meet with the brethren and sisters, but prayed much, and tried to get right before the Lord. Then it appeared that the enemy was all astir hurling his fiery darts, so that it seemed I was forsaken of the Lord. So great was the darkness, it reminded me of the long despair I was in previous to my embracing the Sabbath. But blessed be the name of the Lord, he brought me through, and so lovely did my Saviour appear, and such love for the brethren and sisters, and such a view of the straitness of the way, as I cannot express. I am trying in earnest to heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, and be ready to meet the Lord. Bible holiness is my object. I love God's word. I take delight in reading the Review, and Spiritual Gifts. I read with profit, and how is it that any one that ever had the light can do as some are doing, trying to pick and find fault with the visions? I think the light, if they ever had it, has become dark, and their feet have stumbled on the dark mountain where there is neither dew nor rain. God pity them. They know not what they do. Let us one and all try to have our work done, and do what our hands find to do with our might. The tried gold, white robe, and eye-salve, are what will fit us for usefulness and save us from falling out by the way. Time is short. Let us work with pen and voice as the way is opened before us to do good, and when the chief Shepherd shall appear we shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

“Sweet is the union true believers feel; Into one spirit they have drunk: the soul Of God is on their heart; and thus they see In such the features of one family. If one is suffering, all the rest are sad; If but the least is honored, all are glad. The grace of Jesus, which they all partake, Flows out in mutual kindness for his sake; Here he has left them for awhile to wait, And represent him in their suffering state; While he, though glorified, as yet alone, Still bears his church before the Father's throne.”