Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 9, 1866

Extracts from Letters.

Sister D. Chamberlain writes from Steele Co., Minn.: It is now about seven years since I started alone in my family to live out the third message. Many have been my trials and struggles through the mazes of sin. But I can say to the glory of God, that his grace and mercy have been sufficient for me so far; and I am determined by his assisting grace, as promised in his word, to struggle on and trust him for the future, hoping I shall not always have to go alone. Pray for me that I may come off conqueror, yea, more than conqueror, through Him who shall shortly come to set up his kingdom and reign King of kings, and Lord of lords. How often I have been cheered by the weekly visits of the Review, and the letters written by the dear brethren and sisters.

Sister E. F. Hunter, Belvidere, Ill., writes: We are striving to be overcomers and gain the kingdom. We mean to overcome all evil, God being our helper. We realize, in a measure, that we are living in a solemn time, and that we are near, very near, the closing scene of all things. We are firm believers in the visions. We see nothing in them contradictory to the word of God; but rather, his word teaches that they are right. They seem to unite God's people, when if they were from an evil source they would only divide. The resolutions on dress adopted by the church are good. God's people are a peculiar people, unlike the world in almost every respect. They will be a tried people. When I look upon my own heart wanderings, I fear and tremble lest I may fail. May I be able to stand and meet you all, and those dear ones we have laid in the silent grave, where parting will be no more.

Sister P. Smith, Hillsdale Co., Mich., writes: I have been trying to keep all the commandments, and the faith of Jesus, ever since Bro. Waggoner was here last fall. I was unable to attend the lectures, and only heard one; but kept hearing that he preached the truth, and understood the Bible. I began to search for myself, and I thank God for the light he has given me, and earnestly pray for more light on the Scriptures. I am one of the little number that have been waiting since May for the coming of a messenger this way that we might be buried with Christ in baptism. The time has seemed long, but I have tried to be patient. I have never belonged to a church, for, since I have arrived to years of understanding, I could not find a church that I could call Christ's true church; and I did not wish to join any other. When I became acquainted with Advent doctrine, I made up my mind that if an opportunity offered, this was the people for me to join. I do not attend meetings as often as I would like to, on account of ill-health. But I am not tired of the way, or weary of well-doing. I want to overcome and be found among that number who are worthy to enter the holy city, and partake of the tree of life, and to drink of the waters of life freely. I crave the prayers of the brethren and sisters.

Bro. E. G. Stevenson, Battle Creek, Mich., writes: I would like to say to the readers of the Review that I still love the truths of the third angel's message, and all its connections, especially the light that is being revealed on the health reform. I fully believe this to be in the order of the Lord, and designed to go with the third and last message of mercy. Then we must all take hold of the health reform, for we cannot accept one portion of God's truth and not another, when they are in connection with each other. I am glad that light is being given to us in this direction, and shall try to profit thereby. Let us take hold with all our hearts, and try to live out this new development of truth, that we may have the blessing of God to rest upon us.

I would say to the little company in Chicago, with whom I have met so often at the house appointed for prayer, and with whom I have enjoyed so many precious seasons in the name of Jesus, that I am not tired of the good way. It was not with any feelings of pleasure that I left that place; but though absent from you in body, I am present in spirit. And if we never meet again in this life, may we be an unbroken company in the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, which is soon to be set up.

When I look at my unworthiness, I am led to ask in wonder and amazement, Shall I be there in that blessed kingdom? I can say that by the grace and help of God, I intend to be there. Do we all realize the great work of preparation that lies before us? I fear we do not. Oh, let us awake out of this deep sleep, and put forth a greater effort to do the will of our Master, that his name may be honored and glorified in us.