Extracts from Letters

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 29, 1860

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. M. W. Porter writes from Mantorville, Minn.: "We are beginning to see the truth work in our country, and we are resolved to keep pace with it. O brother Smith, how glad I feel for the truth. If we love and obey it, it makes us free; it makes us love one another so well. As one of those who embraced the truth here a short time since said, He wished the members of the church of which he had been a member, knew just how well Adventists loved each other. How much good the love that was manifested last fall by the brethren and sisters has done me! It speaks louder than words. It tells the pleasing story that the God of Israel is in the camp of his people. It seems as though we all belong to our Father's family. I think we know the meaning of the apostle when he says, 'Love one another with pure hearts fervently.'"

Sister L. I. Belnap writes from Iriquois, Ills.: "In the year 1845 I commenced to serve the Lord. The time of the great expectation of the Lord's coming and judgment being past, and our hopes not realized, I, with others, began to wander from my faith, and soon the cares of life wore off all my enjoyment. I found no peace again until the Sabbath truth came up. As soon as I was convinced that it was the true Sabbath, I commenced observing it as the same. In this I again found peace and enjoyment, such as the world knows not of. Since that time I have been striving to get the victory, and trust I am now on my journey to the city above, and I am determined to conquer though I die. I have had great crosses to bear, even in the congregation of those that profess to be followers of Christ, but by their daily walk and conversation and dress deny him. I am satisfied that God cannot do any more for the churches until they humble themselves and take his laws and commandments for their rule of faith and practice. Their preaching and laboring for the salvation of immortal souls, as they call them, is useless in the condition they are now in. I attended a protracted meeting held by the Methodists, last week, which continued over two weeks. There were no conversions, but seven were taken in on trial. The minister said if they could not get religion in the church, they could not out of it. Oh how much they need the eye-salve, the white raiment, and the gold, before they can accomplish anything in the honor and glory of God. My prayer is, Lord open their eyes that they may see themselves speedily."