Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 6, 1862

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. D. Price writes from Lynxville, Wis. : "It has been about two years and a half since I was led to see that all the ten commandments are binding, and set out to try to obey them. But when I look back on the progress that I have made, I feel to regret that I have made so little advancement in the cause of God. I feel determined to renew my diligence unto the Lord. I want to be found with the whole armor on when the Lord shall come. I believe we are living in the shak-ing, and all who do not strive to get the whole armor on, will soon be left behind."

Bro. R. Garrett writes from Lisbon, Iowa : "I praise the Lord and bless his holy name that whereas I was once blind now I see; that he has made his light to shine upon my pathway to guide my feet amid the per-ils of these last days.

"Dear brethren and sisters, may our faith grow stronger as the day of redemption draws nearer. We that have this hope within us should abound in the praises of God. We should abundantly utter the mem-ory of his great goodness. We should realize that it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleas-ant, and praise is comely; and though our poor praise is not worthy of his acceptance, yet he is pleased to say, 'Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me.' Let us improve upon every moment; for our probation is fast hastening to its close. The day of the Lord is evident-ly coming on. Distress with perplexity is upon the nations. How thankful should we be to God for the light of present truth in these dark and trying hours! But while we prize it highly, let us ask ourselves a few serious questions : Have we gladly received it? Do we know it to be the power of God to our salvation? Have we that faith in Jesus which works by love, and purifies the heart? which crucifies us to the world, and the world to us? Let us make heaven the con-stant object of our pursuit, and Christ our way, and holiness our walk, that we may have at last an abun-dant entrance into his everlasting kingdom. The little church here are striving for that rest which remains for the people of God."

Sister N. G. Sanders writes from Rush Lake, Wis. : "As time passes, my faith that the great day of the Lord is near and hasteth greatly, is much strengthened. As I see Satan marshaling his host under the ban-ner of Spiritualism, against the coming day, and ob-serve its peculiar features, I must think it well adapt-ed to ripening the harvest of the earth for the sickle of the reapers. And it is reasonable, judging by the past history of the church, that God should be found sus-taining a counter-work; that if Spiritualism is ripen-ing the tares to be burned, God's truths which are ap-plicable to the times should be ripening the wheat for the garner. I wish to be guided into all truth."

Sister D. Tripp writes from Oneida Center, Mich. : "How beautiful, how bright, clear, and harmonious are the Scriptures, if we read them with an unpreju-diced mind. I am happy to be able to say that there are about seventeen of us here who are keeping the sanctified Sabbath. Others are convinced of the truth, but think it not worth while to change the day of wor-ship. O may they become fully awakened. We have meetings Sabbaths and Tuesdays. Brethren meet with us from Delta and Benton to strengthen us in our en-deavors; and the Lord is with us.

"My father and mother, who are over 60 years of age, have embraced the third angel's message. We were much disappointed in not receiving a visit from Bro. and sister White, but hope they will meet with us as soon as may be."

Sister C. B. Fairchild writes from North Ridgeville, Ohio : "I am a lonely one, not having seen a Sabbath-keeper since I came to this place. But I find no trouble in keeping the Sabbath, although separated from the fellowship of kindred hearts, and church privileges, for I feel the presence of Him who ruleth the universe. He has promised to listen to the prayers of his chil-dren, and send his angels to lead us. May we not grieve them from us, but be willing to be led in the path that is narrow. Since I heard the third angel's message, I have been determined to place my eyes on the mark and follow on to know the Lord."

Bro. H. Miller writes from Oneida Mills, Ohio : "It rejoices my heart to hear of the progress of the pre-cious cause of present truth. It is about five years since I covenanted with my heavenly Father to keep his commandments instead of the commandments of men ; and in this resolve I have been blessed of God. I thank God to-day that my heart was ever made sus-ceptible of present truth."

Bro. L. W. Hastings writes from New Ipswich, N. H. : "I am still looking for the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. The prospect looks bright, the truth clear, and the way straight. I believe the time is not far distant when he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. I hope by divine help to arise and put on the whole armor of God, that I may be able to stand in these last days, and at last be numbered with the remnant that shall stand on mount Zion."

Bro. H. A. St. John, writes from Ayersville, Ohio : "The brethren and sisters here feel encouraged to press on. We want to rise with the message, to come up on to high ground with the remnant. I feel a longing desire in my heart for free and full salvation. It is the privilege of God's people to enjoy it. God has promised to draw nigh to us, only on condition that we draw nigh to him. I want to be engaged, to work while proba-tion lingers. How precious the moments! Time is fleeting! Jesus is soon coming! Prepare me dear Saviour for heaven my home."