Extracts from Letters

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 8, 1857

Extracts from Letters.

BRO. E. M. L. Cory writes from Meridian, Ing. Co., Mich.: "I believe that pure and undefiled religion does not entirely consist in that ecstasy of joy so frequently expressed by young converts in times of religious excitement, though, doubtless, it is the privilege of saints to feel joyous and happy, at times; but I conceive religion to be something to do as well as something to have. We are to do the will of God. 'For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.' Rom. ii, 13. 'But whosoever shall do and teach them, (the commandments,) the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.' Matt. v, 19. 'Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.' James i, 27. See also verse 26. Faith and works are requisite in order to the possession of true religion. For one I feel determined to 'do his commandments, that I may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.' Rev. xxii, 14.

"We are in want of preaching. We trust that if present truth should be proclaimed here in our vicinity, some honest souls would receive, and be benefited by it. We are but a feeble band, either in point of numbers, or pecuniary means; but I have no doubt that if some one or two of the messengers should come and give us a course of lectures, much good might be the result, and that they would be sustained. We desire it, both on our own account and that of our neighbors. May the Lord send by whom he will."