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Extracts from Letters

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 5, 1861

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 18, No. 23.

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Extracts from Letters.

Bro. D. Upson writes from Catlin Center, N. Y.:
"It is now about ten years since I began to keep God's holy Sabbath. I have never been sorry I began when I did, nor that I embraced the Advent movement. It destroyed my faith in what is called the orthodoxy of the present day; and I began to study the Bible and pray to God that he would guide me to a right understanding of his word. The Bible has not only become a new book, but my heavenly Father another being to me. All his works are done in truth and righteousness. Though our hope has been deferred, I feel that we have no occasion to relax our zeal in the cause, but let our works correspond with our faith, and co-operate with the providence of God.
"We cannot give too strict heed to the faithful and true Witness, and get the gold tried in the fire, the white raiment, and eye-salve. I believe we have got to pass one of the greatest conflicts with the world, the flesh, the Devil, and a formal church, that the servants of God have ever passed since the creation; but his grace and truth will be sufficient for us if we trust in him. We must have the same faith in the second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that Noah had in regard to the flood, or that all the worthies have had in the promises of God when they have been tested on any point of truth or doctrine.
"The church here in Catlin have organized themselves into a religious body, adopting the name, Seventh-day Adventists, and covenanting to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The church is now in a flourishing state. Seven have lately commenced keeping God's holy Sabbath, five of whom have received the ordinance of baptism, and the other two we expect will soon. Order I believe to be heaven's first law, and its eternal law. A name will not hurt any church if the church does not hurt its name. God grant that this may not be the case with those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus.
"P. S. Since writing the preceding there has been a meeting held here by Bro. Fuller, and five more have joined the church. God is adding to us almost daily of such as shall be saved."
Bro. H. J. Bonifield, writes from Osceola, Iowa:
"Allow me to say a few words to the saints scattered abroad, of like precious faith. I am still on the Lord's side, trying to make my way through to the kingdom. I have many evils to contend with, and many difficulties and trials to encounter, yet I do not feel discouraged, but feel to praise the Lord that I am making some progress.
"I think the brethren and sisters are all, with but few exceptions, in this vicinity, trying to rise with the message, and overcome by the blood of the Lamb.
"We have our Sabbath meetings regularly, and I am happy to say that the good Spirit of the Lord is with us. O how good it is to meet on the Sabbath, and spend the hours in worshiping God in singing, and exhorting one another in these last days.
"We feel cheered and encouraged by the late visit we received from Bro. Waggoner. His visit was timely, and his cutting testimony much needed by us. We feel the assurance already that the Lord did much for us through him. May the blessings of the Lord rest upon him, and success attend his labors. We are weak, and need the assistance and prayers of the brethren and sisters.
"Of myself I can say that I desire ever to be found humble before God, and trying to walk in obedience to his will. I am trying to make preparation to meet Jesus at his coming, for soon, I believe, the work of mercy will be closed, and the fiat go forth, He that is filthy, let him be filthy still, and he that is holy, let him be holy still. I mean to hold out faithful to the end, and at last meet with the redeemed in the everlasting kingdom of God."
Bro. B. Stiles writes from Cedar Springs, Mich.:
"It is with pleasure I inform you that there are a few in this remote place who are striving to inherit the kingdom. We meet every Sabbath, some five or six of us, and enjoy the approbation of our great Redeemer. We all fully agree with the church at Battle Creek on church organization. The name given to the church we believe to be both becoming and appropriate."