EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE.
By S. M. I. H.
We are glad to publish the following encouraging word in regard to one whose name is on our list of those for whom special prayer is requested:— I am sure you will rejoice with me when I tell you that my husband goes to Sabbath-school and church every Sabbath now, and seems to enjoy the services. He seems in earnest, too. I am indeed thankful to God for his goodness and mercy. We are here in this isolated place. Why, I can not tell; but I must not murmur. I do long to do something for the Lord. It seems as if we are doing nothing. We are now studying the lessons of the Missionary Reading Circle, and it makes us long to go to some island of the sea and work. Why should you wish to go to the islands of the sea when you are already in such a needy field? Do not think of any other place in all the world; but apply right where you are the principles that you learn in the Missionary Reading Circle, and look upon the persons about you as the very persons to whom you are sent with the gospel message. Leave the islands of the sea for the Lord to take care of until you are unmistakably called to go to them. You can probably best satisfy this missionary longing by contributing of your substance until self-denial becomes a blessing such as you never knew before. It is possible that you may sometime be called there; but, while you are in one field, to have your heart and thoughts going out to another will hinder your work. I hope you will be able to see good results from the work you are doing where you are. I have never had my time and mind more fully occupied with other, and necessary, cares than for the last two or three months; but I am situated now so that I may have far more time to devote to the Master's work. I am glad that you are so situated that you are going to have more time for some special work; but you speak as if there could be some necessary work which was not to be devoted to the Lord himself. That is not according to the true principles, which teach us that “whatsoever we do in word or deed” should be done in his name. We need never be obliged to do anything that is not the Lord’s work, and that can not be done in his name. Do not look for other work, nor for more time to devote to the Lord’s work. The “more time” you will never have. The other work may come, but no other work can ever be more noble or better than that which you have just now in your home. All your work is to be the Lord’s, and to be done for him. A TELEGRAM just received from a sister in the East assures me that a home will be provided for the sister in a county poorhouse of whom mention was made in the Review of December 26. I have received several other inquiries and responses to this notice, but none quite so favorable in every way as this one. While it is a comfort to know that this sister is to have the benefit of a comfortable Christian home during the winter, there are others who are in just as needy a condition who appeal to me, and I would like to hear from any who have vacant places in their homes, which are waiting to be filled by some such needy ones. I would like to have a list, so that when such cases come to my notice, the proper correspondence can be begun, and homes obtained. I have at present in mind the case of a young man and his sister, living in Michigan, who are in very sad and distressing circumstances. In a recent letter received from him he says:— I have been for about nineteen years in constant pain. It seems as if I have had about all the diseases flesh is heir to. During this time my father died; a dear aunt living in the family was stricken down with paralysis, and lived only a few weeks; and two years ago my beloved mother died. My sister is not able to work and earn our living, and is often confined to her bed months at a time. Last winter she was sick three months; some time before that, four months; and at one time we did not see each other for six months, as she was in bed in one room, and I in another. I shall not endeavor to describe the position we once occupied, nor the darkness and loneliness, and at times almost despair, that threaten to overwhelm me. I am making an effort to do something for our living, and at the same time hope to be instrumental in God's hands of helping to spread the truth. I am trying to sell “The Coming King,” “Steps to Christ,” “Glorious Appearing,” and “Early Writings.” I know that a great many of our people have these books, but there is nothing better for a present for one's friends, and this helps to circulate our literature among people of different faith. It will be observed that these children of our Heavenly Father are practically helpless, and yet there may be some one to whom this notice will come who will hear a call from God to do something for their relief and comfort, either in the way of providing homes, or by financial help. If any wish to purchase these books, I shall be glad to give the name and address of this brother, so that they can be secured of him. These are only a few of many cases. In these last days we, as brethren and sisters in this precious truth, should certainly press close together, and share with those who are less fortunate in life the blessings that have come to us.
S. M. I. H.