Extracts from Letters by Editor

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 12, 1857

Extracts from Letters.

By Editor

Sister Mary Borden writes from Townsend, Ohio: "It is a year, I think, since Bro. Dorcas first came here talking the Advent doctrine. I had been brought up to keep the Bible Sabbath, but for nineteen years, (except one,) had been separated from Sabbath and Sanctuary privileges, and was keeping the Lord's Sabbath as Sunday-keepers keep a man-made Sabbath, around us. I had never read or heard any thing on Adventism, except by hearsay, and of course I was prejudiced against it. When Bro. D. came here, I received him as a Sabbath-keeper, and not from any love to Adventism. He sent me books to read, which I read because I felt it my duty, and not because they interested me much. He was anxious that I should investigate the subject. I soon became interested, and now I cannot tell you how much I love Advent meetings, and Advent brethren and sisters. They have become very dear to me, but I feel as if I was too cold, or lukewarm, to be loved by them. But I feel an earnest desire to arise. I cannot see my way before me as clearly as I wish to, but I do most earnestly desire to repent and reform myself ere too late. I am glad the Lord's people are rising, and becoming what they profess to be, a peculiar people zealous of good works, and I pray that I may be one among them. I do not want a good theory merely, but I want the Spirit and power of the Lord to rest upon me, that I may know his will and obey it."

Bro. J. Byington writes from Madrid Depot, St. Law. Co. N. Y.: "The church here are trying to rise. Many have given themselves to much prayer and fasting. I think we are gaining some victory."

Bro. P. S. Thurston writes from Marquette, Wis., Feb. 22d, 1857: "I prize the Review and Herald much for the truths it advocates, and the cheering communications from brethren and sisters. How often, when my mind has been weary and faint, have I received strength and encouragement in reading your valuable paper. I feel a longing desire in my heart to be a partaker of the saints' inheritance. I want to go to glory and dwell with angels, hear their rapturous songs, and sing with them."

Sister Alpha Yorty writes from Brandon, Wis., Feb. 15th, 1857: "I am situated alone, as regards any of our faith and practice. The paper being all the teacher I have, is a welcome visitor. I take great satisfaction in reading the testimonies of the brethren and sisters. Cannot some of the preaching brethren come this way and present the truth to a dying people? It seems as though the time had come when people would lend a listening ear, and apply their hearts unto truth and wisdom."