Untitled article

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · February 11, 1868

SISTER R. WHITEIS writes from Brenton Co., Iowa: I embraced the Advent faith when the tent was in Vinton, Iowa, in 1860. Many received the word with gladness, but soon got weary in well doing, and turned back to the weak and beggarly elements of this world. The next year the tent was set in Marysville and quite a number received the truth there. But now they are all scattered. Two of them went with the defection in this State. They liked that way so much better as they do not have to lay aside their idols. I was in Marysville a short time ago and found a preacher there by the name of Buck. He calls himself an apostle, keeps the seventh day, says he can heal the sick, and do many mighty works, but says there is no resurrection of the wicked. The two persons I spoke of above, are now going with Mr. B. They both lead very inconsistent lives, and still call themselves Seventh-day Adventists. I feel sorry that such things do exist, but will not be discouraged by it. My desire is to lead a holy life. Oh! that I may have grace to help in every time of need. I want more of that love that casteth out all fear. I pray that God may send some true servants of his into this neighborhood. I believe that great good might be done. The people all seem to be asleep. Apparently all they care for is fun, fashion, and money.

BRO. M. PEPPER writes from Alton, Ill.: My sister and myself are the only Sabbath-keepers here, and we are looked upon as holding very strange views; but we are striving to so live that we may, if possible, influence others to search into these blessed truths which we profess. I have scattered a good many papers and tracts, and pray that they may be the means of converting, and turning some from the error of their ways. It will soon be two years since I was led into the light of present truth. I thank the Lord that I may be counted as one of those who are keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I can look back to the time when with hearts filled with gratitude and love to God. I made the vow that I would henceforth forsake the ways of sin and serve the Lord. But, alas! how often have I come short of fulfilling that vow. How often have I suffered unguarded and foolish words to pass my lips, and many other things not calculated to glorify God. The spirit is willing, but the flesh, how weak! still I am not discouraged. With God's assisting grace I must overcome. I view with longing desire the reward that awaits the overcomer.

SISTER S. MEANS writes from Warren Co., Pa.: Often while reading the cheering testimonies from the dear brethren and sisters, I have felt that it would be a privilege and perhaps a duty to cast in my mite in favor of this glorious yet solemn truth; and I am thankful I have the privilege of thus numbering myself with the little company who are trying to keep the commandments of God and are obeying the testimonies of Jesus Christ. I love the Testimonies that have led out into such marvelous light. As I read them from time to time in connection with the Bible, they often cause the silent tear of heartfelt repentance to fall at the discovery of some subtle sin. My heart has often thrilled with joy as I have seen the beauties of the great plan of salvation pointed out as they are in the Testimonies. Pray for me, a lonely one, that I may yet be able to come to a more perfect knowledge of the truth as it is in Christ Jesus, and more than all, that I may be willing to do his will in all things.