Letters from Ohio and Vermont
SR. STACY writes from Hancock Co., O.: I feel lonely having no prayer meetings; our little church in Cassis al most broken up; some have moved away, and what are left are in a lukewarm state; no life nor energy left; not life enough to meet together on the Sabbath to pray. If some of the preachers would come this way and preach the glorious news of Jesus' soon coming, I think there might be some good done. I have been scattering my books around; some read with interest. I was glad when I heard there was some hope of Bro. and Sr. White visiting Ohio. I am striving to meet God's remnant people upon Mount Zion. I have ever felt grateful to my blessed Saviour for calling me, and snatching me from evil influences which seemed closing around me. There was a Methodist preacher said the Lord would not come for six thousand years; he had books with him to teach men that they were all immortal. SR. C. R. AUSTIN writes from Berkshire, Vt.: I find myself safe in our Vermont home, (having enjoyed the faithful watchcare and protection of our Father in Heaven through all our journey,) with stronger ties to bind me to the cause of God and his faithful servants that labor in Battle Creek than I ever before felt. Many of their names have long been as familiar as household words, and since our short stay there, their faces seem quite as familiar. And I hope so to overcome my wrongs in this life, that I shall be permitted a place with all the ransomed ones, when they shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads. On my way home I called to see a lonely sister who has never heard a sermon on present truth, and has never seen the faces of but very few Sabbath-keepers; her health being so poor that she cannot ride. Soon after I went in she said, "How glad I am you have called; now you will write to the Review Office for me, and tell them that I am so thankful that they have sent the paper to me, for what could I do without it? it is more to me than my daily food, and excepting my Bible, I feel that it is the greatest blessing of my life; the instruction and comfort I get from it, far outweigh any earthly good. I have earned by the labor of my feeble hands two dollars for the Review, and I am sorry that I have not got there to send them." You will find her $2.00 enclosed, and please give her all the credit that you can, for she is above 70 years old, and troubled with bleeding at the lungs; with no one near her that loves the truths we prize so highly; and all the earthly help she has is her paper. SISTER DR. LAMSON, writing from Florence Heights, New Jersey, where she has been attending Dr. Trall's medical lectures for some months past, to Bro. Amadon, of this Office, speaks thus encouragingly of Present Truth and Health Reform;— "Truth shines brighter and brighter. I am more and more charmed with its beauty and harmony. Who can express the worth of eternal life. Who can comprehend the immeasurable love of Christ? The teachings of true science and the Testimonies of the Spirit of prophecy, perfectly agree. I would not be deprived of the light that is shining upon Health Reform for a million of money. No mention should be made of the precious onyx, or sapphire, coral, or pearls, for the price of it is above rubies. "Yours, hoping for access to the tree of life." Bro. D. MARSH writes: I still feel determined to try to live out the principles of the gospel of Christ in sincerity and truth. I am now seventy years old, and I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. I feel that my work is almost done, but not so well as I wish it had been; but my heart is wholly stayed on God. Pray for me that my last days may be filled with usefulness in God's holy cause. DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel very unworthy to speak through the Review, yet I wish to say I am a lonely one; none of like faith in the county in which I reside that I know of. I have not had the privilege of hearing a sermon on the present truth for more than three years, except through the Review, and this I have not had for some months, on the account of our moving from Iowa to Missouri, and it has not been sent to my office here for more than one year. I have been deeply under the impression that it was my duty to be baptized, but know not where to go to meet with the opportunity; and not having the means to spare to go any distance if I did. Brethren and sisters, remember one of the weakest in your prayers, that I may be a true Israelite, an overcomer. How merciful, and gracious, and long-suffering, has the Lord been to me in sparing my unprofitable life thus long. I hope to be found at my post, having on the whole armor of God. Oh! that I may be one of his jewels, having on the white robe. This shall be my prayer without ceasing, the Lord being my helper. MARGARET SIMMONS.
Adair Co., Mo. Bro. C. JENSON writes from Waushara County, Wis.: I have often felt a desire to say a word for the cause, through the Review. It seems to me I owe it as a duty to God and my brethren and sisters, to throw in my testimony in behalf of the goodness of God and his precious truth which I love. But I am a native of Denmark, and never went to an English school; so it is no small matter to express my feelings in the English language. I am a member of the Poysippi church, and I am thankful to my merciful Heavenly Father for the blessed and sanctifying influence of the third angel's message on my sin-polluted heart. But I have taken many crooked steps which I bitterly regret. I thank God that I ever learned to read and understand as much of the English language as I have. I appreciate the publications, and I think I have read the most of them. I feel thankful for Testimonies Nos. 12 and 13, which I appreciate as a gracious gift from Heaven, to arouse us from our lukewarmness and prepare us for the coming of Jesus; for the glorious meeting in the beautiful mansions of the ever-blessed and eternal home. Pray for me, that I may be able to stand, and meet you there. SISTER MARY HAYES writes from Eaton Co., Mich.: I thank God for his care for me and mine, for I feel that he cares for us. All the company and comfort I have is what I derive from the word of God, and the Review; they are all the reading I have. I ask the prayers of you all that I may walk humbly before God and show myself worthy of his kind care. SISTER WALTER writes from Knox Co., Ohio: Allow me to thank some unknown friend through the Review, for continuing my paper up to the present, as I should not know how to do without it, for it is all the instructor I have. It is one year this month since I have heard any preaching except one sermon. Now I thank the donor sincerely, and also my Lord and Master, for his goodness toward me. When I think of the last verse of St. John xvi, it fills my heart with gratitude. I am striving day by day to be an humble follower of my Master. Pray for me that I may have part in the first resurrection. It is my hope and daily prayer. It is a theme I love to dwell upon. SISTER S. A. ROGERS writes from Daviess Co., Mo.: May the Lord help us to realize as we ought the times in which we live. Are we living to please and glorify God? or are we living to please self, to gratify a perverted appetite, seeking for pleasure in the things of the world? We must learn to be temperate in all things. We must cleanse our hearts, put away the idols that have found a place there, then it will be for the glory of God to prosper us in this good work. God is fitting up his people to stand on Mount Zion. I often feel my weakness and unworthiness, but am striving to overcome, that I may be of that number. I can truly thank the Lord for the health reform. I believe it to be part of present truth.