Extracts from Letters

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 26, 1858

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. D. W. Johnson writes from Kirby, Wyandot Co., O.: "The Review is the only preaching I expect to have here for some time. The nearest Sabbath-keeper is twenty-six miles from me; but I can praise the Lord; for I find him faithful to all his promises. I believe that the Lord's coming is near, even at the door, in view of the deception practiced by the devil, and by the signs of the times. The dragon is wroth in Ohio with those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. I never thought that professors of religion could spurn the Commandments of God as they do here. I had some talk with a Methodist preacher that I had been acquainted with for years, and one that I highly esteemed; but when he could not find any scripture for keeping Sunday, he became angry and said that we were false prophets, and were on the road to hell. We expect to stand at last, however, on mount Zion."

Bro. J. P. Fletcher writes from Winnebago City, Min.: "Bro. Smith, For the first time I address a few lines to you. One year ago last Spring I had the privilege of hearing Bro. J. Steward lecture on the prophecies of Daniel, and was thereby led to a more thorough study of the Bible, by which I found that I had embraced the traditions of men instead of the truth of the Bible. I then embraced the Advent belief, and I am still trying to keep the commandments of God.

"I moved from Juneau Co., Wis., last Spring. I have not found any in this vicinity of like precious faith. The Third Angel's Message has not been proclaimed here, and my prayer is that the Lord would send some Advent speaker this way."

Bro. H. Grover of Green Creek, Ohio, wishes to enter his protest against the use of tobacco. Having become thoroughly cured of the habit, himself, he offers the following recipe for all those who may be still under its influence:

Take about equal proportions of Ambition, Resolution and Determination; mix them thoroughly; and partake freely of this mixture three times a day, to regulate the mind. Then take of Love to God, and Faith, in equal quantities, as much as the soul can contain. Keep it full continually. The more you have of this, the less effect the appetite for tobacco will have. If these directions are followed, a thorough cure in three months is warranted.

Bro. Wm. T. Davis, a Welshman, writes from Malta, Ills., narrating his experience in the reception of the present truth. On his way from Iowa to Minnesota, it appears, he fell in with Bro. McLaughlin of Dodgeville, Wis., with Bro. Stanley, at Baraboo, and heard Bro. Steward preach at Mauston. He returned to Harvard, McHenry Co., Ills. There Bro. Phelps came to preach, and by him he was baptized June, 29th, 1858.

Sister L. Locke writes from Ayersville, Ohio, Aug. 1858: "When I moved to this part of the State I brought Wm. Miller's Lectures, and some other Advent books, and lent them to those who would read; and some saw the truth, but we did not meet with much opposition until Bro. Rhodes came here last Spring and left some books on the Sabbath, and some of us saw the light, and began to keep the true Sabbath. Then the church was in trouble; (for we all belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church;) and they wished us to withdraw; but we told them that we had nothing in particular against the church; and I told them that I would keep both days. But they brought a charge against me, not for violating their Sabbath, but for keeping the true Sabbath, and lending the books that taught it; and they turned me out. There were about twelve altogether that withdrew, or were dropped; so that there are about twelve of us here now, that are keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. We can truly say the Sabbath is a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable. We should like very much to have some preaching brethren come this way. There are some that wish to be baptized. We live about six miles from Defiance, Ohio."

NOTE.—The church to which our sister refers seems to be rather in advance of others in the spirit of intolerance. People would usually be allowed to keep the Sabbath, unmolested, provided they would also bow down to the Sunday institution, with all due reverence. But to take the position that a person shall keep Sunday, and shall not keep any other day in addition to it, is taking a step in bigotry beyond anything we have ever yet seen.—Ed.

Sister C. Gazin writes from Indian River, N. Y., Aug. 11th, 1858: "I feel, and have felt for some time past, more of a determination to put my whole trust in God, and strive by his grace to rise above the transitory things of earth, and meet the remnant upon mount Zion. I want to say to the messengers of Christ, Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; for there may yet be some poor souls starving as I was for the bread of life, with no one to administer it to me until those dear brethren came here.

"You doubtless have many trials and discouragements to pass through, caused by those you are striving to save from everlasting death; but do not falter, for Jesus is your friend, and he says, Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Bro. Edson and his companion stayed with us last night, and through their words of encouragement I feel very much strengthened. May the Lord bless them, with all who are trying to serve their heavenly Master. Pray for my companion that he may see that he must have the Faith of Jesus in order to keep the Commandments of God acceptably, and for me that I may have grace and wisdom to live blameless before all, that may be saved in his kingdom with the redeemed."

Bro. J. L. Hakes writes from East Granville, Vt., Aug. 14th, 1858: "Although buffeted by Satan, and at times almost overcome by him, I am yet determined to persevere to the end. Says Jesus, He that endures to the end shall be saved. I am thankful for the light that has shown upon my pathway since I embraced the present truth. I am very lonely at times. I feel that this world is not my home, that I am a pilgrim and a stranger here; but I am looking for an inheritance which is incorruptible and fadeth not away.

"It cheers my heart to hear the testimonies which are given through The Review. It seems as though I could not do without it, separated as I am from the people of God."