p. 47 | Extracts from Letters

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 29, 1856

Extracts from Letters.

Sister Ann Marett Rathbun writes from Marquette Co., Wis.:—"It is my painful duty to inform you of the death of my dear mother, who departed this life on the eve of March 23d. She sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, and now rests in hope, while we are left to mourn her loss; yet while I sorrow, my heart is greatly comforted in hope of soon being with her in the resurrected morn. She has been a firm believer in the present truth for nearly two years. She left her dying testimony in favor of the precious truths she had professed and so ardently loved. She died in full faith of the Saviour's soon coming to awake the sleeping saints, and change the living, and gather them home to rest forever. I was enabled to realize the worth of the Christian's hope as I never did before, as I stood beside the dying bed of my dear mother, and saw and felt for myself that support that nothing but the blessed hope could afford.

"I read the Review with pleasure, and it would seem hard to be deprived of it. Amidst my afflictions it is a great comfort to me to hear from the brethren and sisters scattered abroad; for I am now left alone and none of like precious faith around me."

Sister Harrison Smith writes from Barre, N. Y.:—"I feel anxious to do all I can as soon as possible; for I believe our time of doing will soon be past. I believe the work of redemption will soon be closed up, and I want to be in the work, and be ready to help swell the 'loud cry' of the Third Angel's Message. The Lord has done great things for me whereof I am glad. Bless his holy name! He has heard the prayer of faith in my behalf. He has raised me up from a sick bed, when going into the grave. God can do what earthly physicians cannot. He is the great Physician, that never lost a case. It is safe trusting in Him.

It is now a little more than three years since myself and companion began to keep all the commandments of God; and I can say with David, "How love I thy law, it is my meditation all the day." I mean to keep striving for perfect holiness, without which no man can see God. I want to see the inside of the New Jerusalem, walk its street of gold, and dwell forever with the redeemed."

Sister Elvira Sanford writes from Jo Daviess Co., Ill., May 9th, 1856:—"I wish to say a few words through the Review to the saints scattered abroad. Be encouraged, dear brethren and sisters, knowing that if we endure unto the end, we shall receive the promised inheritance. I with you have to pass through deep trials; but I pray that they may so try me that I may come out as gold tried in the fire. It is my desire that I may be made holy, daily consecrated to God. Holiness of heart! O the priceless treasure! which the saints must have to be prepared for the kingdom.

"It gives me much encouragement to read the letters from the dear saints, and though I feel the weakest of you all, I wish to contribute my mite in this glorious cause. There is still some interest here. Two families came out decided to keep the Sabbath of the Bible, in April, while Bro. Bates was here; and others appear to be searching for the truth."

Bro. Burt Hall writes from Lapeer Co., Mich.:—"Let us wake up to a new engagedness, and put on the whole armor of God. The time is coming when we shall need the whole armor if we expect to stand. O that we might realize the age in which we live, and the shortness of time. I believe that Jesus is soon to take his seat on the white cloud, and descend again to this wicked world. Jesus has been a friend to us and still is pleading for us. He is not willing that any should perish. He has done and is doing all he can for us. He so loved us that he left his Father's home and the company of angels, and came to this unfriendly and sinful world and suffered and died that we might through him have life. O brethren, will we have life when it has been purchased so dearly for us? or will we have death rather than so suffer persecution here for a little while? O give me life! give me Jesus! that precious Saviour who is worthy of all praise; who suffered and died the shameful death of the cross; and then let persecution and tribulation come: I can bear all the world's hate with my blessed Saviour by my side. I love Jesus and his cause, and I am determined by the assisting grace of God to press my way onward and upward for the City whose maker and builder is God. What a happy place where sickness, pain and sorrow are felt and feared no more.

Praise the Lord for the precious promises we read in the inspired volume. How they buoy the spirits up and cheer the lonely hearts when all earthly friends depart. Brethren let us put our trust in God, and he will deliver us from every hour of temptation, and lead us in the path of peace to heaven.

"I feel encouraged more and more, as I think that Jesus is soon to come and take us home. O that we may have our lamps trimmed and burning and be as men waiting for their Lord when he shall return from the wedding?"