Extracts from Letters

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 22, 1857

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. L. Ashley writes from Ellington, N. Y.: "We know that laborers are few, and that the harvest is great, and we pray the Lord to send more laborers into the field. We wish some brother could come here, and preach the word of life. We think good might be done. Having seen none of the preaching brethren for three years, we should be glad of the privilege. We are encouraged to hear that they are doing so well in the West. The Lord is doing great things for them that love and serve him. Praise his holy name!"

Bro. J. F. Case writes from Monterey, Mich., Dec. 29th, 1856: "Bro. Smith, I thought perhaps you would like to hear from the brethren in Monterey, therefore I once more write to inform you of our condition. Last Sabbath Bro. Bates preached to us from the words, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." After informing us who the little flock are, he proceeded to inform us of the duties of the little flock at this point of time. The testimony was attended by the Spirit, and I trust had a good effect."

"In the afternoon the ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon us like the gentle dew, and we had a blessing from the presence of the Lord, which tended to revive the church as a body. In the evening, after the Sabbath, Bro. Bates spoke to us on the subject of the Seven Churches; and many resolved at that time to open the door of their hearts and let the Saviour in. I pray the Lord to help them in carrying out their resolutions. The church in Monterey appears to be rising. They are striving to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Although the ire of the dragon is manifested in numerous ways, yet they are longing to have the message go with power and great glory."

Sister E. Wilcox writes from Hubbard's Corners, N. Y., Dec. 26th, 1856: "As the year is drawing to its close it reminds me of the nearness of the Judgment, and the solemn events that are just before us, and causes me to search my heart and see whether I am in readiness to meet it, whether I am striving to live up to the light I have received, and striving to live out the principles I profess before the world, and to get the victory over every besetting sin. I confess that I have been (and still am) too lukewarm; that I have been rebuked and chastened. I feel that I will strive to be zealous and repent, and buy gold tried in the fire that I may be rich, and white raiment that I may be clothed, and eye-salve that I may see."

Sister Mary Burritt writes from Parma, Mich.:— "I sympathize with those that have borne the burden and heat of the day, and my heart is often sad that I shall see their faces no more in the flesh. But the hope that we shall soon meet in that home which Christ has gone to prepare for all his saints, and that Abraham and all the patriarchs, prophets and apostles, and to crown all, Jesus will be there, fills me with comfort and consolation."

"Under the First Angel's Message I was led out from the sects where I could read and understand the Bible more fully, and heartily embraced the belief that Christ's coming was near, even at the door, and tried to live out and manifest my faith to the world."

"The Second Message called me from those that rejected the Message and desired not the return of the Lord. I believe that we are now under the sounding of the Third Angel, the last message mixed with mercy that ever will be given to a guilty world. Seeing these things are so, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness. I have to mourn that these things do not nerve me up to more diligence and zeal for perishing souls around us. O may we heed the warning given to the Laodiceans to buy gold tried in the fire, white raiment, which is the righteousness of his saints, eye-salve, that we may have that anointing which will enable us to see more clearly the responsibility that rests upon us as individuals. I feel to say that I will arise and open the door of my heart and let the dear Saviour in, that he may sup with me and I with him."

Sister E. S. Tinney writes from Alto, Wis.: "I have seen the question in the Review, Why don't the brethren write? I feel myself quite inadequate to such a work, but this I can say, that the Review comes a welcome messenger to me. I believe if we are faithful a little longer we shall enter into the joys of our Lord."

How pleasing the thought, That Jesus can say you have done as you ought, Now enter the kingdom prepared for the bless'd, With me and the glorified ever to rest. The poor you have clothed, the needy relieved, The troubled have comforted, others have saved, A treasure in heaven laid up for you, Come bid all your troubles and trials adieu."