Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 15, 1861

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. J. Tillotson writes from Milan, Ohio, Sept. 29, 1861: "Bro. Baker was here a few days since, and he said it seemed as though the Lord had gone before and opened the way for his labors. He seemed to be very zealous in the work. He thinks a conference ought to be held at Green Springs; but may the Lord direct. I would like to see Bro. White, and other brethren who have labored here. My desire is to arise in the cause, although I am very weak."

Sister M. M. Nelson writes from Markesan, Wis.: "I would say that I am trying by the grace of God to live out the great truths of the third angel's message and the straight testimony. I look forward with much anxiety to the time when God's people will be more united; when the watchmen will see eye to eye, and the Lord will bring again Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads. I feel like asking the forgiveness of Bro. White for feelings I entertained toward him when at Marquette. I was one of Bro. and sister Steward's sympathizers there. I had been acquainted with them some time, and thought they were such sincere, honest Christians that the Lord would not suffer them to be deceived in such a manner. I thought you were very harsh and severe. I became much prejudiced against you, but I see now that they were greatly deceived, and that you had reason to denounce the work as you did. It was a great trial to my faith, but I thank God he has opened my eyes to see and receive the testimonies through sister White. I wish to be found united with the remnant when Jesus comes."

Bro. Wm. W. Giles writes from Maumee, Ohio: "Myself and companion have commenced to keep the Sabbath. I have no doubt whatever that we are right in so doing. In my examination of the subject, I have become entirely convinced that Saturday is the original Sabbath, and that there is no divine commandment for Sunday. I have long believed in the non-immortality of the soul, and the final location of Christ's kingdom on this earth. We are here alone, probably fifty miles from any other Sabbath-keepers."

Bro. L. D. Ireland writes from Newark, N. Y.: "Having been desirous for some time past of writing to you, I at last have taken up my cross. I say cross; for it has been a cross for me to acknowledge the blessed truth of keeping the whole law. My companion has been striving with me for the last four years. I have had the privilege of reading the Review, and many other publications from your press, but notwithstanding, I honestly thought the work of redemption greater than that of creation.

"I have made a profession of religion for nearly twenty years, and came out in the Advent doctrine in 1843, and have fully believed in all the leading doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventists, yet could not reconcile myself to think it was essential to keep God's holy Sabbath, till I read the Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1-4, and Bro. Waggoner on the Law of God; which, bless God, has completely convinced me; and I now, by the grace of God, can keep the holy Sabbath, and am blest in the deed. I feel, dear brother, like doing all I can for the cause. I have proposed to give readings from Bible Tracts, and Bro. Waggoner on the Law, in the district school-houses in this section. Any way to spread the truth and awaken the people from their slumber in the nominal churches, until some of the brethren can come and visit us, and preach the everlasting gospel to the benighted people.

"My companion and myself are alone, so far as I know, in keeping the commandments in this part of the vineyard, and I pray the Lord that we may have an increase in this part of the country."

Sister E. Ireland writes from Newark, N. Y.: "It has been some six years since I commenced trying to keep all the commandments of God. I have felt it my duty many times to bear testimony on the side of the Lord. Then I have felt I could not write until I had something cheering to send abroad. I have felt that troubles and trials have been prevalent with the remnant, and I have been trying to bear my part with patience and resignation. My companion has been telling you above of his victory over the beast and his image. This is one great thing which I have been wrestling and praying for the past four years. Some of you, my dear sisters, may say you would have given up in despair ere this. At times my faith has well nigh failed. Then again I would take hold with new life and vigor. Our God, dear sisters, is a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God. Continue in faith and your prayers shall be heard and answered."

Sister J. Higley writes from Lapeer, Mich.: "I would say that we as a church are still trying to keep all the commandments. We all feel that we have much to overcome. Satan makes use of various means to draw us from the right path. We have often to mourn over our short-comings, and earthly desires and affections. We feel the necessity of a more entire consecration to the will of God. O that we might resign all into his hands. I feel that we are truly living in perilous times, in the last days; for we see that iniquity abounds, and the love of many is waxing cold. I feel that here our danger lies.

"Far more the treacherous calm I dread, Than tempests bursting o'er my head."

"When I look into my own heart and see how cold and indifferent I am, I tremble, and feel the call is to me, Arise, call upon thy God. Let me ask, Are we living as if we expected our Saviour soon to leave the mediatorial seat, when the fiat will go forth, Let him that is filthy be filthy still? Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. O let us consider what we must be before we can enter the gates of the celestial city. Without holiness no one can enter there. Pray for us, that we may be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed when Christ shall come."