Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 24, 1861

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. C. H. Anderson writes from Little Valley, N. Y.: "Bro. White—You and I are strangers, yet made nigh by the blood of Christ. I am but a young convert, lately enlisted under the glorious banner of those who are keeping God's commandments. For eight years I have been a Methodist, and have labored for the good of the church as much as I could. About two months ago, I started for the East (my home is in Wisconsin) to make my friends a visit. Not many years ago the family circle was broken and the members were scattered; but I was early taught by my parents the path of life, the road that leads to immortal joys. While journeying to see my friends, a young man with whom I was traveling, invited me to stop with him and see his friends in Jackson, Mich. I did so. I soon got into conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Gurney, and found that they were Adventists. I did not agree with them even on one point of doctrine. I finally stayed over the Sabbath, and went to meeting with them. I stayed there four days. I saw that they enjoyed something that I had not enjoyed since I was converted. When I left them they gave me some books on the Sabbath, &c. I took them and read them faithfully and prayerfully. Then I took the Bible and there I read, "Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy." I read again, "If you offend in one point, you are guilty of the whole." I saw that I had been trampling on one of God's holy commandments, and had been teaching men to disobey God. I thank the Lord that I have now found the narrow way. I am alone and among strangers, and though the finger of scorn may be pointed at me, I care not. I am trying to keep God's commandments that I may have right to the tree of life, and enjoy that rest which remains to such, and such alone. I hope and pray that the time may not be distant when the light from the new watch tower will be seen by thousands, and the lamps of its sanctuaries dispel the darkness of this sin-beclouded world."

S. W. Griffith writes from Amboy, Ohio: "EDITOR OF THE ADVENT REVIEW—Dear Sir: I am, or was, a Spiritualist, and a medium for the last eight years; and though many things have come up to overthrow the teachings of the Bible, yet I could not wholly give it up; but my confidence in it was becoming less and less, until I was led to read the Third Angel's Message. As it spoke of the Sabbath and the mark of the beast, it seemed to let a new flood of light into my mind, and as one that is willing to obey God's law, I have resolved to keep the Sabbath-day, by his grace, holy unto the Lord. As a lover of truth, I am perusing either of your works and papers to know where we stand, and on what foundation we are building, for truth is what I want. For one I am resolved to take the Bible as my guide to the future. And here I would say a few words to my Spiritualist friends, for I am known by many, having been a public speaker for the last five years. It is time that we tried the spirits by the rule that has been given us, to know of whom they speak, and what testimony they bear. It may astonish many when they read this, but not more than it has me. The chain of evidence that has been brought to my mind, and the force of those things, have seemed to break the spell by which I have been held; and matters have come in a new light to my understanding. I can not as yet wholly give up the idea of a conscious life after death; but I am resolved to leave no stone unturned until I am satisfied in this matter. Let truth prevail, if my foundation crumbles beneath my feet!"

Bro. A. S. Hutchins writes from South Troy, Vt. : "I am truly thankful that we have the light set before us in so clear and consistent a manner as in the Address of the Battle Creek conference. If the caution be used that should be in receiving members to church fellowship, God will be glorified, I doubt not in the least, in our covenanting to keep his commandments and the faith of Jesus. In the cause of our divine Master we are called to labor with men of clean hands and pure hearts. Let us not then be unequally yoked together, but perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

"Some weeks since the Sabbath-keeping brethren in Irasburgh and Charleston met for organization All present were agreed in associating ourselves together as a church, taking the name of Seventh-day Adventists, covenanting to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. In this step my mind is greatly relieved, as the church will be freed from some of its clogs, either by humble confessions and hearty repentance from some who have professed to be with us, or by their leaving the church free from their influence. May the Lord help us not to be of those who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."

Bro. Albert M. Smith writes from Bloomfield, Cal. : "We are deprived of all religious privileges in this place, as there are none of like faith that we know of in this State; and the Review is all the preaching we have. When we read of the trials and enjoyments of the dear saints scattered abroad, we are made to rejoice in hope that if we are never permitted to meet and enjoy each other's society in this life, there is a time not far distant when, if we prove faithful, we shall meet to part no more forever."

Bro. I. N. Cahoon writes from Winona, Minn. : "There are no Sabbath-keepers, except my companion and myself, within twenty-five miles of Winona, that we are aware of. We are striving to do the will of God and keep his holy commandments, but there are none near to bid us God speed, or give us a helping hand. On the contrary, we are looked upon as heretics. Yet we feel that we have the blessing of God, and with his smile upon us we care not for the world's frown. We expect soon to be gathered home, where there will be no more diversity of thought or opinion. My heart bleeds when I look around and see men walking blindly to perdition, and our prayer is daily, that he will send a messenger of truth this way, that the light may shine in this dark place. We have a few tracts to distribute, and as soon as circumstances will permit, we intend to take the Review, but we have to struggle with poverty, and discouragements of many kinds. I hope the brethren and sisters will pray for us that we may be kept in the midst of the perils of these last days."

Bro. E. F. Debord writes from Peoria, Ills. : "The church here came together yesterday for the purpose of worship. There was a general attendance, some members coming nine miles. The Spirit of the Lord was with us. We all want to be in union with the body; and hence we desire to have some of the ministering brethren come and set things in order; for as David says, 'How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.' Is there not some one of the preachers that can come this way?"