BRO. SMITH:—I have recently received precious letters from dear brethren and sisters, from which I give the following extracts for the Review:
Bro. Dexter Daniels writes from New Boston, Mass., that he has of late been to Norfolk, Conn. “One sister was all that kept the Sabbath in that vicinity when I first went there, but now there are five others decided to keep the true Sabbath under the Third Angel’s Message. They seem to be happy in the truth. I wish that there was some good messenger here that would do justice to the message; but I will do what I can in the name of Jesus.
“The whole community seem to be in commotion about the Sabbath. I will try to live more to the glory of God in future. I want the Spirit. I know without it I am nothing. I am too easily overcome. I pray for strength to overcome all my besetments. I know it is those that overcome the world and the flesh, that are to inherit all things. No others are to enter the holy City.”
Bro. Elmer writes from Ashfield:—“I do praise the Lord that in this time of great deception of the enemy, we have a test-book, the Bible, with which to try the spirits. I believe that the cause of God is about to rise, and I mean by the grace of God to rise with it, and show by my daily walk and conversation that I believe what I profess, that Jesus is soon coming.”
Sister P. M. Bates, of Fairhaven, writes:—“I find I am quite too low in interest and feeling, and have drunk too deeply of that apathy and indifference which I fear has been so prevalent among the remnant. O that we may all heed the warning from the holy Sanctuary and repent in dust and ashes; be found “seeking meekness and righteousness,” knowing there is a possibility that we may be hid in the day of his anger.
“How good the Lord is to admonish and correct us. Why not let us (with the multitude around us) go on groping our way in darkness? The reason is obvious: We have the truth. He is leading a people, he will guide and guard. Though unworthy, I do hope to be found among that people. I feel very much confirmed in the belief that God is working for us. Praise his holy name. While we are scattered abroad, let us pray for each other and wrestle with God.”
Sister Frances Howland of Topsham, Me., writes: “I do not feel like giving up the truth, or going back to the world. I know that we are the Lord’s people, and the only ones that have the truth, and I desire so to live here that I may enjoy their presence in the new earth. I fear many times lest I fall out by the way, and miss heaven at last; yet I will strive anew to serve the Lord and have a closer walk with God.”
Bro. J. F. Byington writes from Lisbon Centre: “I have thought perhaps you might think that of late my love for the truth had grown cold, and that the world was finding a large place in my heart; and after having started in the narrow way I had not love
enough for the salvation of my soul to finish the christian course. I have a great many fears for myself; but my daily prayer is that I may be kept in the path of truth and be found in the way of my duty.
“When I think of the past blessings I have enjoyed, in being brought into the truth, I sometimes think I feel thankful for the past; yet again I feel to reproach myself that my time has not been better improved. But the past is past. What now concerns me is the present and future. I want to strive for a home in the kingdom. It is the prayer of my soul daily that the Lord will direct my goings, and that I may be a faithful servant.
“I have watched the movements of things which have concerned the truth, and have had a feeling heart for those who have taken an active part to labor in this work. And when I have known that that trial, severe indeed, had to be borne by those of worn out bodies, I have felt to say, Let me share a part too. I know I am but a mere speck, but if I am only faithful to my heavenly Father, I may be instrumental of a little good. While I have seen the cause rather decline, I have thought of the prayers you have offered, of the groans and sighs you have uttered, and of the hope that has encouraged you on, and have known that indeed you must have much to bear in this trying time. I hope and pray that you may have strength for every time of need.
“I am this Winter teaching school. It is a question with me daily; am I in the way of my duty? If I am, it is enough. If not, my prayer is that I may know it, and find the right path. If I were seeking the world, and a good name in it, I should enjoy myself this Winter where I am. But every week there is a sign to show to what class I belong. I can say I am thankful for the Sabbath, and that I have no desire to go with the multitude in the broad way. The blessed hope too is good to me.”
Sister Drew of South Pultney, N. Y., writes:—“Last Sabbath we had a very good, free time. The Lord blest us. We were much encouraged to press our way through the trials and opposition we are called to pass through. My trust is in the Lord. Bro. Loughborough has been here and given us some light on the commencement of the Sabbath. I believe that it is true. I think the Lord has somewhat revived his people in this place. I hope we shall yet see better days. We are passing through fiery trials. I earnestly desire to do the will of God in all things, and keep his commandments, that I may be found without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, at the appearing of Christ. We will hold on to the arm of God a little longer, and we shall meet in the kingdom of God.”
Sister Locke writes from Salem:—“There is an increasing desire among the Brn. here, to obtain full salvation from sin. We have had a good meeting on the Sabbath that is now passed, praised be the Lord. Truly, Jesus was in our midst by his Spirit. Dear Sister, pray for the little few in Salem, that we may become perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect. We are striving for the kingdom.”
Sister Frances Bragg writes from Lake Mills, Wis.: “We were settled in our little room here just as the Sabbath commenced. We had a very peaceful time through the entire day. Felt the sweet blessing of God resting upon us. We felt some freedom the evening we left you, and my strength of body and peace of mind increased all the way. On our way from Battle Creek we felt some little increase of confidence in God. Felt the need of a deeper work wrought in the soul, and some thirsting after righteousness. I want that love which casteth out all fear, save that of offending my heavenly Father and his children. The Lord has been very good to us. He has a tender care for us, the weakest of his people. Our stay with you and family was blest to us. I felt encouraged to trust my heavenly Father, who has done so much for, and still has a tender regard for, us. I will believe he will lead us all the way through. I need more strength of body to act my part in life. Why not ask him for it? I do sometimes believe he will impart strength of body and clearness of mind, that I may serve him acceptably. But very many times my spirit sinks. I desire your prayers in my behalf that I may enter more fully into the work of the Lord, and throw myself upon his mercy.”
Bro. J. T. Orton, of Rochester, N. Y., writes:—“It was refreshing to hear that the Lord has set you free. While the Lord is working for you there, he is working for us here. We have been trying to get into the work of God, where we could ask for the things we wanted and believe we should receive them.
“I think I can say the Lord is truly working for us in Rochester. We have had sweet seasons. Our136numbers are few, yet the Lord heard our prayers and sent down his Holy Spirit. I hope you will remember us at the throne of grace, that our faith fail not. I am satisfied that if ever I go through the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem, I must live more of a guarded, watchful, holy life. I hope to have grace and strength from on high to help me overcome. We were glad to hear you had so good a time at the Conference, and that you were agreed as to the commencement of the Sabbath. It looks clear to me.”
Sister Ashley, of Dartmouth, Mass., writes:—“I have not forgotten the many precious seasons we have had when the Lord heard and answered your prayers for me, and we were blest and comforted together. Those precious seasons come up fresh to my mind of late. I am now keeping house in the same quiet dwelling where I used to, years ago, where the Lord magnified his goodness and mercy in taking care of me and my children; and I trust the same providential care has been, and still is, over us. But the Lord’s arm is not shortened that he cannot save, nor his ear heavy that he cannot hear.
“God hears and answers prayer. He knoweth the wants of all his creatures, and I will trust him, for his goodness is great. I will trust him for his goodness and mercy to his people. He has not forsaken and left them in darkness, but is still giving them light and truth. I thank the Lord for the light on the time for commencing the Sabbath. To my mind it harmonizes perfectly with the Bible. Receiving this light and truth brings a rich blessing to my soul, for which I praise the name of the Lord.
“I love the Review. To me it is a precious sheet, filled with precious food. I am glad we can have it every week. I am glad too that it is better established, and that you are relieved from the too heavy burdens that you have had to bear. May the Lord indeed bless you abundantly, and sustain you under every trial, is my desire.”
Sister Collins of Dartmouth, Mass., writes:—“I love my fellow-soldiers of the cross of Christ traveling to a better world than this, “where the wicked will cease from troubling, and the weary be at rest.” I expect if faithful we soon shall be there. The signs of the times tell us that Christ is coming. He says, Now learn a parable of the fig-tree. We are to know it as plain as we are to know that Summer is nigh. O I thank the Lord for the truth. It shines more and more, and it will. Praise the Lord, there is no mistake about it. I have thought much of late where it says, This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.
“I think we are to know that we are very nigh the end of all things. I thank and praise my heavenly Father for the time to commence the Sabbath. I praise the Lord that his power is manifested in his church among his saints. I stand unmoved by what is going on around me. The way of the Lord is a straight forward course. I am glad the Lord has had such a special care for me, so unworthy. He has saved me out of many snares that Satan has laid.
“I have been able by the grace of God to receive the light of truth as it comes. None in this place have given up the Sabbath. But some I hope will not and feel the need of more consecration. I hope and pray that God will work and bring them up on high and holy ground. This world has no charms for me. I am a stranger, weary sometimes of my Master’s so long delay; but I expect that the wheels of time will soon roll round, when our Saviour will appear. I hope to meet you on mount Zion with all the redeemed.”
Cheering communications from the scattered flock, breathing the spirit of Jesus, help to make the Review interesting to the remnant. God is reviving his fainting people, and it will cheer the hearts of the waiting ones everywhere to read in the Review the testimonies of many witnesses, who may freely speak of their conflicts, their victories, their joys and hopes of future glory. We hope the liberty we have taken with letters from dear friends will not afflict any.