Extracts from Letters

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 17, 1857

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. I. Gardner writes from Vergennes, Mich., Dec. 5th, 1857: "Bro. Smith: I am still striving for the kingdom, still trying to hold fast that no man take my crown. Truly it is a trying time, a day of deception, a day of darkness. The love of many is waxed cold, darkness is covering the earth and gross darkness the people. The devil is come down in great wrath because he knows that he has but a short time; but in the midst of all this I am not discouraged. Why? for Jesus says, 'Look up.' Why look up?

Because our redemption is near. Glory be to God for his word, and for the light of present truth that shines upon my pathway. I feel more than ever to press my way on towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. We have come out before the world, and profess to keep all the Commandments of God and the Testimony of Jesus; the law and the gospel. It is a perfect work, and will prepare a people to enter in through the gates into the city of God."

Bro. J. Dorcas writes, Dec. 3d, 1857: "Bro. Smith: I am at this time at work, doing what I can for the spread of present truth. I find that it is up hill to the Mt. Zion, but I have no disposition to turn back. Sometimes my heart burns within me when I contemplate the greatness and glory of the soon coming kingdom of our God and of his Christ. I long to see the signs of this glorious event accumulate, and do not feel that we have anything to fear."