Extracts of Letters by Editor

Publishing Committee · Saratoga Springs, N. Y. · Dec 23, 1851

Extracts of Letters.

By Editor

Bro. H. O. Nichols writes from Dorchester, (Mass.), Dec. 7th, 1851: The cause here is evidently rising. The great work begun at the conference is still fresh in the minds of many; and it has been progressing. The saints see the necessity of being united in faith, in feeling and in sentiment; and are fast coming up to the help of the Lord.

Our meetings are truly interesting and profitable. The sweet spirit seems to hover around, and I esteem it a privilege to heed the injunction of the Apostle—"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together . . . but exhorting one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching." And the burden of the testimonies given, is concerning the ten immutable laws of Jehovah, which he engraved with his own finger on tables of stone, and which now in these last days, since the temple of God in heaven is opened, shine out so clearly on the pages of inspiration, even unto the end when Jesus speaks by an angel unto John his servant, saying, "Blessed are they that do his [God the Father's] commandments that they may have right to the tree of life," &c. This is a glorious reward to the "doers of the law." And no wonder the sweet Singer of Israel thought that in keeping the commandments "there is great reward."

I feel thankful that I am with those that have the Ark of God with them, and I am determined by the help of the Lord to continue with them unto the end; for they are as surely destined to triumph over their foes as did ancient Israel.

Sister P. M. Bates writes from Fairhaven, (Mass.), Dec. 12th, 1851: "I feel an increasing desire to be filled with all the fullness of God. And the more I strive for this, the more I see my own unworthiness. Sometimes I feel almost discouraged; and were it not that the cloud breaks away, and a sunbeam of glory illumines my pathway, and I can claim some precious promise, I should despair.

"Since the Medford Conference, I have felt more sensibly, then ever before, the need of entire consecration to God, and realize, in some degree, how pure and holy we must be to stand before him without a Mediator. O, how I tremble and weep before him, when I think what a poor unworthy creature I am. Then, how precious is Jesus to me. He is my only hope.

"I rejoice for the success that attended the conferences, and that the Lord is doing so much for the remnant. How sweet the union. Truly, it calls for love, praise and gratitude to God for his condescending goodness. I will praise him, though so unworthy.

"I love the Holy Sabbath better and better, and pray that it may be sanctified to all the dear children who are trying to keep it. I want to be sanctified by obedience to the truth, to be more holy, have a pure heart and clean hands. Pray for me that I may be enabled to overcome, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony."