Extracts of Letters by Editor

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Mar 6, 1855

Extracts of Letters.

By Editor

WE have room for only a few short extracts from some of the many communications which we have on hand.

Sr. Averill of Rouse's Point, writes, Feb. 15th, 1855:—"The Review is needed every week to benefit the household of truth. I verily believe there are means enough among the brethren to have it issued as often. May each one ask himself the question, Am I a faithful steward of the Lord's treasury, and act in view of a speedy judgment?"

I think the cause is gaining ground in this section. Last Sabbath and First-day, brother Sperry was with us, to speak the word, and to break the bread of life. We had a profitable season, the Lord was with us by his Spirit to own and bless. Such seasons the church here know how to appreciate. We are few in number, but love and unity reign among us, the enemy as yet has not been able to break our ranks. May we continue in the unity of the faith, rooted and grounded in the truth, till Christ shall come, is the prayer of your unworthy sister in Christ."

Sr. Shoud writes from Birmingham, Feb. 18th, 1855:—"The signs of the times plainly show to us that some event is just upon us. In view of these things, 'What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness.' The nations of the earth are becoming angry with each other, and all seems to be confusion and opposed to truth. It is said, 'nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.' This is plainly exemplified at the east. It is not only one or two nations that are at variance, but almost every nation of the European continent. The war has commenced and when it will end is more than we are able to say. It may last until 'He whose right it is shall reign.'"

Bro. L. Kellogg, from Jackson, Mich., writes:—"I hope the time will soon come when the expenses of the Office will be met so that the Review will come weekly without fail. It comes laden with its rich fruits which is food indeed to the hungry soul. The Review we must have, and I believe there is heart enough in the cause to sustain it. I believe that the interest is increasing, as far as my acquaintance extends. I feel that it is a cause that we need not fear to invest all that we have in."

Bro. J. Hamilton writes from Marquette Co., Wis.:—"I left my home the 7th of Dec. to visit a brother in Wis., whom I had not seen for many years. Although I had labored hard to show him the importance of keeping all the commandments of God, and feeling that my labor was not altogether in vain, I started on this long journey to try to do him and others good; and I feel that the Spirit of the Lord has been with me and blessed my feeble efforts to do good. My dear brother and his companion, as I humbly trust, have seen the light and have felt the power of God's Word, and are rejoicing while they strive to keep all the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. I find here and there one of God's devoted, praying, humble, watching children. Oh how precious to the lonely pilgrim to meet such. He feels to thank God and take courage."

Bro. R. B. Kellogg writes from Dane Co., Wis.:—"There are quite a goodly number here that are keeping the commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. Of late four more have embraced the present truth by putting on Christ by baptism. We had a joyful season here last month with Bro. W. Phelps, and it has made a lasting impression on some others. The third angel's message is making its way in this benighted region, and I long for the time when we shall see our Lord coming on the white cloud to receive his dear children home. O let us prove faithful to the end of the race."

Bro. H. S. Giddings writes from Green Vale, Ill., Feb. 9th, 1855:—"A Methodist Minister, on his way to a small town about six miles from this place, to meet with his brethren on Sunday, called on us to attend our Sabbath evening meeting. At the close of our meeting he confessed that he saw some truth, and said that he should scan it closely. He stayed over night and spent the Sabbath with us, and at the close of our meeting he said it looked clearer to him than at first. He remained with us till evening, and in the prayer circle God poured out a blessing upon us all, and he frankly confessed that God's commandments were binding on us, the fourth not excepted, and that he should henceforth do and teach them. On Sunday morning instead of going to pay homage to the institution of the beast, he returned home rejoicing that whereas he was blind he could now see. His family are with him rejoicing in the present truth. There is an inquiry in the minds of the people concerning our present position. The way is open for the truth to be laid before them."

Bro. Jno. Harroun writes from Fond du Lac Co., Wis.:—"It has now been about one year since I commenced keeping the commandments of God, and I feel more determined than ever not to grow weary in well doing. I am scoffed and laughed at almost daily for commencing my labor on the first day of the week, and trying to keep the seventh, (called keeping Saturday for Sunday.) There are a great many spiritualists in this part of Wisconsin. They have very little regard for the Bible unless it is once in a while a passage that suits their notion of things. I believe that 1 Tim. iv, 1-3, and 2 Tim. iii, 1-8, is being fulfilled in these last days. In one of their meetings a few evenings since, their speaker said that all the miracles that were wrought by Christ and the apostles could be accounted for by or through the science of psychology, mesmerism, &c.; but we know if they speak not according to the word (the Bible) it is because there is no light in them."