EXTRACTS OF LETTERS

Publishing Committee · Saratoga Springs, N. Y. · Aug 19, 1851

EXTRACTS OF LETTERS.

Bro. J. B. Sweet of Milan, (Ohio,) writes July 24, 1851: "I take the liberty after a long time to write you a few lines. The note you sent to us from Bro. Belden was thankfully received in the name of the Lord. I was out in Michigan when it was received; but it came in a good time. I should have written to you before this time, but as I do not like to use the Lord's money for the benefit of my family when I am able to work, laboring with my hands "the thing that is good," and as harvesting was near, I thought I would not write until it had past, and then I should have some money to send to you again. And I feel very thankful that it is so. When harvest came on I had a chance to work, so I have ten dollars, and I send you six to dispose of as you see fit.

"We live in a remote corner, and need the prayers of all the children of God. Our love to all of the dear children of the Lord. Yours, waiting for eternal life."

Bro. George Smith of Norwalk, (Ohio,) writes June 26, 1851: "I feel truly that I am a stranger and a pilgrim on the earth, looking for a better country, even an heavenly. I live in the midst of the most extravagant fable preaching of these last days, where the doctrines and commandments of men are substituted for those of Almighty God, Jesus and the Apostles. But glory be to God, his

holy commandments will be kept, and the pure doctrines of the Bible will prevail. I feel to praise God for what he has been doing for us in this part of the world. The Lord sent some of his faithful servants here with the third angel's message, which a few of us received with willing hearts. We were made glad by the pure doctrines of the holy advent cause, in reviewing our past experience. The "Review and Herald" is a great comfort to me.

"The Lord is truly reviving his dear people, and preparing them for the last great conflict with the powers of darkness. How important it is for us to be pure in heart, to have pure hearts and clean hands before God, that we may stand. I feel to praise God for his goodness to me, for showing me his holy commandments, notwithstanding the Nominal Advent Teachers have done all in their power to captivate my poor soul. And as one said to me, 'I had rather see you put under the sod than to see you embrace this doctrine.' O God, spare thy dear people.

"I love the commandments, and in keeping them there is great reward. Said David, [Psa. cxix, 97, 98,] 'O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.' My soul is full, praise the Lord. You may expect some help from me as soon as the Lord shall open the way. Farewell, be of good cheer, and the God of peace will be with you. Pray for me. Your unworthy companion in the blessed hope."

Bro. Leander Kellogg, of Saline, (Mich.,) writes Aug. 4, 1851: "I have received your paper since about the first of January. It is our bread and our meat. I believe that it brings to us the truth as it is in Jesus. I received the Extra a short time since, with joy and gladness. Bro. Case brought the truth to us last fall, and we rejoice in God that he in his goodness sent his truth to us. We are alone in the present truth, as there are no others nearer than Jackson. But God giving us strength, we are able to stand, and we cannot be moved from it. With the strength of Jesus we can move forward.

"God has done great things for us, whereof we rejoice. My wife has enjoyed very poor health since the winter of 1841; much of the time confined to her bed. We have expended a great deal of money that she might regain her health, but all in vain. The skill of man could not reach her case. She felt from the time that we became settled in the present truth, that if she could get to Jackson she should be healed. In May we went to Jackson, feeling strong in God's promises, and she was healed. Glory to his name. The Lord heard the prayers of his faithful children there. God is holding out every inducement for his children to trust in him. I have received your paper for some time, and have not sent one farthing to help defray the expense of it till now. I have felt guilty for not doing something for you. My means has been very limited."

Br. Holt writes from Sutton, (Vt.,) Aug. 6, 1851: "I embrace this opportunity to write you a few lines. I left the little company in East Bethel in a good place, standing in the clear light, on the commandments of God, and not on time. Such will be able to stand in the time of trouble. I found the brethren in Johnson in a tried state. I spent the last Sabbath in that place, and had a free time in speaking on the truths connected with the third angel's message. Those who stand on the true position are free. Their eyes are open wide to the position of time, and they have seen its fruits in that place to their sorrow. They now stand united as the heart of one man. O praise the Lord for his sweet Spirit that fell upon us.

"Dear brother, fear not, the Lord is working for the salvation of Israel in Vermont. The crooked will be made straight, and the rough places plain; the mountains and hills will be made low, and the valleys will be exalted. The Lord has set his hand to the work, and truth will prevail, and Israel will triumph. He will suffer 'no man to do them wrong; yea, he reproved kings for their sakes, saying, 'Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.' His word will stand fast forever. Amen.

"I stepped with Bro. Barrows one night, and then came to this place. There has been a blighting influence here, but the Lord has begun to work, and I believe he will sweep it all away. Arrangements are made for a conference at Irasburg next Sabbath and first-day. The next Sabbath and first-day following at Melbourne, (C. E.)"