Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 2, 1861

Extracts from Letters.

Sister J. Hoffer writes from Attica, Ohio: "It is about two months since I, with a number of brethren and sisters in this place, commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. I feel thankful to God for the light of present truth. Although I have been a professor of religion for twenty-five years, I never saw the way so clearly as I now do. We meet every Sabbath for prayer and social meeting. We meet with much opposition from those that were once our brethren; but we know that we have the truth, and feel that God is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. I rejoice that the Lord has spared us to hear his holy truth."

Bro. G. G. Green writes from Hartsville, N. Y.: "I have been a subscriber for the Review for nearly one year, and have been cheered many times by the encouraging letters from the saints scattered abroad. It has been a little over a year since I embraced the Advent doctrine and the solemn truths contained in the three angels' messages of Rev. xiv. I have had many seasons of rejoicing since that period, with brethren of like faith. I am now living where I do not have the privilege of meeting with them. I believe we are nearing that time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. Our own nation is in commotion. Signs are fast fulfilling. The Saviour is very near. I desire so to live from day to day that when he shall appear, I may share the lot of the redeemed."

Bro. O. Hoffer writes from Attica, Ohio: "It is with feelings of joy that I read those cheering and encouraging testimonies that have, from time to time, been presented in the Review. Many of the brethren I never yet have seen, and perhaps never shall in this life; but I have strong hope and confidence, that, if faithful, we shall before long meet with all the saints in the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Let us not forget, then, to speak often one to another; for it is encouraging to hear from those of like precious faith. I feel to praise God for the light of present truth. How bright it shines! And we believe it will continue to grow brighter and brighter, even to the perfect day."

Bro. W. Caviness writes from Fairfield, Iowa: "I am still endeavoring to serve God by keeping all his commandments and the testimony of Jesus. I am not yet tired of serving the Lord. I embraced the present truth just one year ago under the labors of Brn. Hull and Snook. I thank the Lord that he ever sent them this way, and permitted me to hear the glorious truths of the third angel's message, the last warning that will ever be given to a wicked world. I am glad I ever had a heart to fall in with the overtures of mercy, and go with the remnant to mount Zion. I am tired of living on this dreary earth; for here we have troubles and trials, sickness, pain, and death, which beset on every hand. O how I long to be in the paradise of God where no evil can come. I can say with the poet, > "A few more days, or years at most, > My troubles will be o'er; > Then I shall meet the heavenly host > On that celestial shore." O, what a glorious hope, to think that we soon shall meet to part no more forever and ever, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb."

Bro. R. Baker writes from Markford, Wis.: "During my short experience in the third angel's message, of a little over three years, I can testify to the fact that it is not a vain thing to serve the Lord; for I have received many rich blessings since identifying myself with the Seventh-day Advent people, and have gained some victories, and expect through the grace of God to gain more; to him be all the glory. The path of the just will shine more and more, unto the perfect day. The longer the humble child of God walks in that path, the brighter it will shine; and as the word of God is to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, let me urge the necessity of carefully studying those sacred pages, and treasuring up their solemn truths; for they will light us through this dark world of sin and sorrow, and finally prepare us for an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour."

"When I contemplate the glories of that kingdom, and realize that so soon the saints of God will be delivered from this dark world, and be permitted to enter in through the pearly gates into the city where they will receive the fruition of their hopes, and be forever free from the cares, perplexities and anxieties of this present life, I feel as though I must be there; and by the grace of God I will go through with this people. It is our Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom. Yet I realize that in order to be an heir to that inheritance which will soon be given to the children of promise, we must be pure and holy, and free from the effects of sin; for Jesus will have, when he comes, a church to present to his Father without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing."

"Let me say then, dear brethren and sisters, press together. Let us seek to be of one mind and one judgment, that we may with one mouth glorify God; for where there is union, there is strength. Let us try to conform our lives to the perfect law of God, and live in obedience to the testimonies of Jesus. On this company the dragon is soon to make war. The nations of earth are already preparing for war, and waking up their mighty men, and will soon be gathered through the influence of unclean spirits to the valley of Jehoshaphat, where the great battle will be fought. In view of these things, let us put on the whole armor and press forward to certain victory, realizing that Jesus, the Captain of our salvation, is King of kings, and Lord of lords, and we shall yet come off victorious conquerors over the beast and his image, and stand with the Lamb's company on mount Zion."