Extracts from Letters

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 20, 1858

Extracts from Letters.

Sister S. A. Hastings writes from New Ipswich, N. H., May 2d, 1858: "The past Winter has been a profitable season to me. I have had such an experience as I never had before. God has done a great work for me, and I have great reason to praise him. I have gained such victories in prayer, as once would have astonished me. I feel undeserving of such love as Jesus has bestowed upon me. But I do feel that in his strength I will go forward. We are living in a fearfully solemn time. I believe we have reached the time when God is spuing out the lukewarm. O, who shall be able to stand. My heart is weighed down with sorrow much of the time. I feel anguish of spirit that we as a people realize so little our awful danger. But I believe that the faithful ones are coming up, and going eternally free. God pities his people, and he will never leave them in the enemy's hand. But O, how much have we to learn and to do before we shall be fitted for translation. Satan has come down in great wrath. Hours have sister G. and I plead with the Lord before we could pierce through the darkness and get sight of Jesus. But the fullness of joy when the victory was gained was more than enough to reward us for the struggle. I see not how it is possible for any to overcome without pleading with all their strength. I can never thank the Lord enough for the privileges of the past Winter. I have had some of the richest blessings that I ever in my life enjoyed; and I have had also deep anguish of spirit. But joy and sorrow have both worked for my good. I am fully resolved that come life or death, I will live for Jesus. I have promised him my life to be devoted to his service, and I mean he shall have it. It is little that I can do, but I will do what I can.

"I expect to suffer, I would not ask to reign with Jesus and not be partaker of his sufferings. It is enough for me to know that I have his love. What is too much to do for the precious Saviour? O, how I long to see the people of God come up, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. When we are there we shall have power with us that will move the world. O, the reproach that has been heaped upon the suffering cause of God by our unfaithfulness. Why is it we are so slow to repent? How can we slight the solemn warning of the faithful Witness? Awful will be the doom of those who heed it not. May God help me to arouse, and shake off the works of darkness, and show to the world around me that I believe what I profess. He has borne with me beyond what I should have thought he could. O his matchless love! It cannot be expressed. Give me Jesus and I ask no more.

"It is through much tribulation we are to enter the kingdom of God. We must not expect rest here. Our rest is in heaven. Let us not despair, then, but press on with renewed courage. We have been sighing for home for many weary years, but we shall weep but little longer for its sweet repose. The shore is almost in sight. A few more conflicts, and the last is over. I expect soon to meet my own loved mother and sister in the glorious resurrection."