p. 159 | Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 15, 1862

Extracts from Letters.

Sister A. Durfee writes from Millville, Ills.: "I rejoice that I have been permitted to see the light of present truth, notwithstanding when my companion embraced the doctrine (which he did nearly six months first) I fought valiantly for the enemy. My feelings were such that my tongue could not find language to express them; and I often wonder that the Lord did not leave me to grope my way in darkness. But, glory be to his holy name! he has led me in ways that I knew not. The patience and meekness with which my companion bore the scoffs and reproaches that I heaped upon him led me to think that he had found a religion that I knew nothing about, and I was constrained to search the Scriptures to see if these things were so. I desire to spend the remainder of my days in trying to serve my heavenly Father, not only because I am to receive a rich reward at the end of the race, but also because he first loved me in giving his only begotten Son to die a ransom for me."

Bro. Wm. Caviness writes from Fairfield, Iowa: "I believe if we are faithful a little longer we shall be permitted to range the bright fields of the earth made new, and sing the praises of our Redeemer forevermore. In that happy country there is no more sorrow, sickness, pain, nor death. I feel thankful that I have been permitted to live in these last days, and that God has spared my unprofitable life to hear the glorious tidings of the third angel's message, the last merciful message to fallen man. Thanks be to God for sending his servants this way to proclaim the truth to a dying world, and all glory to his holy name for permitting the glorious light of present truth to shine in upon my benighted understanding, to be a light upon my pathway as I journey home. I feel thankful that God is restoring the gifts among his people to bring us to the unity of the faith, and I hope and pray that we may be prepared for the latter rain—the refreshing from the presence of the Lord."

Sister M. A. Eaton writes from Grass Lake, Mich.: "I am fully confident from Bible prophecy and the history of the world, that Christ's literal coming hasteth greatly. I only feel to regret that I do not realize more fully the necessity of arising from this state of lukewarmness, and living out my belief in my every day life. I am a lonely one. Seldom do I see any one who fully believes these truths; but my heart is cheered with the weekly visits of the Review. I love to read the little epistles there. And when I read of one who says, I and my companion, or my family, are striving to keep the true Sabbath, my prayer is, O Lord, may I yet say the same. But be that as it may, it is my determination to stand for the truth, and strive, God's grace assisting me, to be more faithful, that I may receive a crown of life."

Bro. C. Seaward writes from Russiaville, Ind.: "We have been blest with the privilege of attending a few meetings held by Brn. Waggoner and Hull, which were cheering to the few commandment-keepers in and about Russiaville. I bought some books of them, among which were sister White's visions. I have been reading them, and it makes me see my short-comings in the cause I love so much. I pray the Lord that the time may soon come when we can see eye to eye, and I may know what the Lord requires of me; for I desire to do the will of my Father in heaven."

Bro. C. B. Deyarmond writes from Brady, Mich.: "I thank God that I have lived to hear the third angel's message. I have been of the belief for a number of years that the seventh day was the Sabbath; and when Bro. Hull was here a few weeks since, he confirmed my belief on that point beyond a doubt. I then resolved to keep the fourth commandment. After keeping the Sabbath for a short time, the question was impressed on my mind, What availeth it me to keep one commandment and not the rest? I then resolved to try to keep them all. I attended the conference at Parkville where we had a good time of refreshing from God, and my spiritual strength was renewed, and by the grace of God assisting me I am resolved to keep all the commandments, and do all his will."

Sister M. E. Armstrong writes from Waverly, Mich.: "I desire to be an overcomer, and be accounted worthy to escape all those things which are coming on the earth. I love to think of the peaceful kingdom so soon to be established, where wars and conflicts will be over. I love the Seventh-day Adventist people, and want a name among them, being determined to keep the commandments, that I may enter through the gates into the city, partake of the tree of life, and live forever."