Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 28, 1866

Extracts from Letters.

Sister H. Clough writes from Springfield, Mass.: It is about twelve years since I first had my attention called to the third angel's message. I embraced it rather hastily, it was thought at the time, for I am usually slow to take hold of anything new. But as I look at it now, I did not step any too fast; and I am rejoicing to-day for what the message has done for me. And yet I feel that there is a great work still to be done to fit such a frail worm as I am, to dwell forever with the pure and the blessed in that glorious kingdom which is about to be set up under the whole heaven. My hope is that He that hath begun a good work in me will carry it on until the day of Jesus Christ.

Bro. A. D. Rust writes from Cato, Mich.: How very easy to understand the plain teaching of the Bible, that man is mortal, and that to obtain immortality he must seek by continuance in well-doing for eternal life.

Then let us live for God and work for eternal life, as those that must give account, that we may be brought again from the land of the enemy, and evermore have access to the tree of life.

Sister L. Conley writes from Owen Center, N. Y.: I am the only Sabbath-keeper in my family or neighborhood, and hence have not the privilege of meeting with others of like precious faith. But I love to read the cheering testimonies in the Review. Though the writers are all strangers to me, I love them, and long for the time to come when we shall, if faithful, meet to part no more. I thank the Lord that he at last gave me a heart to accept and obey the truth. Eight years I was willingly blind, determined not to be convinced that the Sabbath was binding. One year ago I decided to obey, but thought I could not be numbered with the “despised Advents,” I was so prejudiced against them as a class of people. Soon after I commenced keeping the Sabbath, I visited Lancaster, N. Y., and was present at the Monthly Meeting in July; I heard Eld. J. N. Fuller speak once. The Bro. and sisters then gave in their testimonies, and were so earnest and sincere, that I was completely won. But I lost a blessing even then, by being too proud to take part with them.

When I look at myself, I do not despair of any of my friends being given to go with me, if I ask in faith. I believe that I was brought to see the truth in answer to prayer. I had good friends praying for me. I wonder their faith did not fail, I was so bitter against them. I often exclaim with the Psalmist, “Bless the Lord, for he is good, his mercy endureth forever.” Pray for me, that I may lay aside, everything that keeps me from serving him with my whole heart, and go through with the remnant people to Mount Zion.

Sister E. Loop writes from Eldred, Pa.: I first heard the sound of the third angel's message six years ago. I thought it was the truth and embraced it as such, thinking I would never turn from it; but I found it to be true that the heart is prone to wander as the sparks are to fly upward. I turned away, and for two years I found no peace; but last summer I resolved, the Lord assisting me, that let what would come I would serve Him all the rest of my life. There are no words by which I can express the sorrow I have felt for my past disobedience; yet I have a hope, if I now prove faithful, of receiving eternal life when the Lord shall come to make up his jewels.

“How oft, alas! this wretched heart Has wandered from the Lord! How oft my roving thoughts depart, Forgetful of his word! “But sovereign mercy calls, return; Dear Lord, and may I come? My vile ingratitude I mourn; O, take the wanderer home.”