Extracts from Letters

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 12, 1856

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. J. D. Morton writes from Will Co., Ill.: "I attended a Baptist meeting a few weeks since and heard the Elder attempt to prove the change of the Sabbath. He said he did not believe the Sabbath was abolished, but believed it was binding now as much as it was when it was given on mount Sinai. He said he believed it was changed from the seventh to the first day of the week, and his proof for the change was most all from the Old Testament. He quoted ten or fifteen texts of scripture where it spoke of the eighth day; as Lev. xxiii, 36. On the first day shall be a Sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a Sabbath, &c. Num. vi, 10. And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles or two young pigeons, &c. Lev. xxii, 27. From the eighth day and forward, and thenceforth it shall be accepted, &c. Ps. cxviii, 23, 24. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made, &c.

"These with others Eld. F. said, were sufficient proof for the change of the Sabbath. These, he said, were types and shadows typifying the eighth or first day which was to be the Christian Sabbath. He said also that circumcision was a type shadowing forth the first day which was to be the Christian Sabbath. Eld. F. also stated that at the first advent of Christ there was a new creation. Christ made all things new. He [Christ] created a new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness, and that the old heavens and earth had passed away. He blessed the Lord that he had sanctified the first day of the week. And in closing up he said he believed only one seventh part of time was required.

"Should not such proof as this against the Sabbath of the Lord cause people to read and examine the holy Scriptures for themselves? to find out what is truth, and what they must do to gain everlasting life! I thank the Lord that I was ever permitted to hear the warning voice of the Third Angel, calling us to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. My prayer is that the cause of truth may be sustained, and that the messengers of the Lord may go forth with the glad tidings that Jesus is soon coming, and that when he comes we shall be made like him and shall receive a rich reward. We hope that some of the preachers will soon come this way and preach to us and the people that we may be strengthened and that others may be called from nature's darkness into the marvelous light of truth."

Bro. David Upson writes from Chemung Co., N. Y. "I think the paper a very important item in getting the truth before the world and giving the last warning of its approaching doom. I feel to praise the Lord that there are a few honest souls that are willing to obey the truth in the love of it, and worship him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters, [Rev. xiv, 9.] and no longer bow to the institution of Papacy. As we love life, so we should honor and obey that God who has given us life and being, and wishes to give us eternal life through Jesus Christ. I believe God will have a sanctified Church before Christ leaves the Sanctuary, and one that is prepared for translation, like Enoch and Elijah of old. Let us hold on by faith till our hope is carried into fruition. If any man draw back, saith the Lord, my soul shall have no pleasure in

him. Those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus I hope to live with and reign with. Those who endure unto the end shall be saved, is the promise of the Saviour.

The Age-to-come theory has always been a dark picture to my mind. I believe that when Christ comes, man's probation will be forever closed. He will then take vengeance on all them that know not God and obey not the gospel of the kingdom. I believe God will sift the Church till there will be none left but the pure in heart, and they will see God."

Bro. P. Folsom writes from Charlestown, Mass.:— "Like begets like; and we shall become assimilated to the same spirit that we submit to. If we let the enemy in, and submit to his suggestions, we are in trouble at once; but by the grace of God we will resist the enemy and he will flee from us.

"I am certain that if we all live out the truth, as well as we talk it, we shall be examples indeed."— May the Lord speed on the work of the Third Angel's Message until the loud cry shall be heard. I long to see the work go on with power. The time is coming when the truth of the Third Angel's Message will be proclaimed to the world and the ire of the two-horned beast will be stirred against those who are keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus; but the Lord will be the hope of his people and the strength of the children of Israel."

Sister E. Hutchins writes from Ballville, Ohio:— "I desire not the pleasures nor treasures of this failing world; but I want my treasure in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal. O for a closer walk with God! O for a deeper work of grace in my heart, to overcome every besetting sin, that I may be sealed with the seal of the living God. The Review is a welcome messenger to me. I love to read the communications from the scattered flock. I hope it will be sustained, and the cause of truth advanced till the honest are all brought in."

Sister N. M. Gray writes from Green Springs, Ill.,:— "This doctrine of the Third Angel's Message makes scriptures harmonize which I saw others could not do. I praise the Lord for revealing these glorious truths in these last days. We meet in Colville, one mile from here every Sabbath, if circumstances will admit; and we have times of rejoicing. The Lord meets with us and that to bless."

Sister Hannah Curtis writes from Easton, Mich.:— "I want to be guided by the true light in these last days. The Sabbath light is perfectly plain to me; therefore, God being my helper, I feel determined to keep it, let the case be as it may. I am alone here in regard to the present truth. I wish some one of the brethren would come this way and give a course of lectures. I believe there are some here that would embrace the truth, if they could hear for themselves. If any of the friends should come to Vergennes, we would be happy to have them come to this place."

Bro. F. C. Castle writes from Hadley, Ill.:— "I feel that it is high time that we should be awake and feel the demands of the cause of God. Do we realize that the last notes of warning are being given that the world will ever hear, and that shortly mercy will cease and the destiny of all will be forever sealed? I feel that we should make a united effort to become as bright and shining lights in the world; for darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people; and how needful it is for us to live out the teachings of the Bible in every word and move we make. If we so do we shall condemn the world and win souls to Christ. I earnestly desire an interest in the prayers of every child of God; for the time has come that we should earnestly pray one for another."

Sister B. E. Place writes from Copenhagen, N. Y.:— "I am satisfied that there are souls in this place who, if they could hear the reasons of our faith, the Third Angel's Message explained in a clear manner, would embrace it. The most that I can do is as opportunity offers to give them a reason of my hope with meekness and fear and tell them what the Lord has done for me, and give them such of our publications as I think may be a benefit to them.

"Dear brethren and sisters in the truth, as I am often affected to tears in reading communications from you I will not withhold my mite, which may be an encouragement to some. I know by experience something about the refining process which the Lord is bringing his Israel through, preparing a people to stand before him at his appearing, a peculiar people, zealous of good works. I understand, I think, something what it is to be baptized into the sufferings of Christ; yet I feel to say to you that I have not had one trial that I have not needed. They are all for my good. It seems to me there are those that the Lord has been chastening and disciplining, preparing them to go out into new places and work for the Lord, preparing them to stand as a beaten anvil to the strokes, to be as lights in dark places. For one I feel encouraged to go forward. I feel that we are well able to go up and possess the goodly land. O let us go forward trusting in the Lord, the God of Israel. Much depends on our being decided, whole-hearted laborers. Much depends on our daily walk and conversation, and the spirit which we possess under all circumstances. My prayer is that I may never in my life and actions contradict my profession, and thereby injure the precious cause which I love more than this mortal life."