Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 6, 1863

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. L. R. Chapel writes from E. Palermo, N. Y.: We are still striving for the victory over the works of the enemy; but it seems as though it was almost impossible for him to leave the ground he has had so much to do with; but by the help of the Lord, I think we can overcome in this place as well as in other places. I think the Lord has been working for us of late. We have reason to believe the Lord sent Bro. Andrews here; and the strait testimony that he bore has had the effect to wake up the church, and there seems to be more taking hold of the work than has been manifested for some time; and I have reasons to believe that the work will continue till the church is brought into the unity of the faith, until all the people of God shall be of one mind and judgment, until they shall all speak the same things, until the prayer of Christ shall be answered as far as the last church is concerned; that is, that they may be one, as he and his Father are one. I hope this may speedily be the case.

It appears that the time has nearly or quite come when God is about to shake his people, when the chaff is to be sifted out; and the question is, Who will be able to stand? I think there will be something to test us all the way through, and I hope that I shall have grace to stand every test, and go through to the kingdom of God. I have been much afflicted in body for the past year, and I think that it has been for my good, and I have tried to let it have the designed effect upon my heart.

Bro. C. Woodruff writes from Zanesville, Ohio: Although a sincere seeker after truth, I am one of the many millions that have been imposed upon by the traditional theology that was introduced in the dark ages, when the great apostasy prophesied of, led the church into the wilderness, and changed times, laws, and ordinances. But having obtained help from God I am enabled to assume the ground of a true Protestant, believing that the Holy Ghost has adopted the word of God to the common capacity and understanding of man, authorizing no man to preach anything else. No prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation; and the way is so plain that the wayfaring man need not err therein. But if we are moved by the Spirit of God to search for truth in view of walking therein to the honor of God, comparing scripture with scripture on the literal principle, in connection with history, it will make truth shine like a diamond on every subject that is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Since the help above mentioned, and the adoption of the true Protestant principle, I have had much to do to correct my own faith to make it correspond with the faith which was once delivered to the saints, as recorded in the word of God. I am pained to see the Protestant world following after the beast, and neglecting the faith of Jesus and the law of God. Do all you can to show the world its prophetic whereabouts.

Bro. T. B. Dewing writes from Cambria, N. Y.: It is about eleven months since I and my wife embraced the present truth. We have recently moved to Cambria, and have been endeavoring to get some knowledge of the truths of the third angel's message to our friends and neighbors. One sister has commenced anew to keep the Sabbath. Two more sisters have been led to see their error in keeping the first day of the week, and are now striving to keep all the commandments of God. Pray for us, that we may set such examples before the world that God will approbate us, and that we may be enabled to discharge every known duty in the love and fear of God.

Sister E. J. Paine writes from Johnson's Creek, N. Y.: The Review is the only means I have of hearing from the dear saints scattered abroad, and of learning of the advancement of the precious cause of present truth. I feel an increasing desire to be more heavenly-minded, more like Jesus. I think it is time the remnant of God's people should let go of the little, petty trials and cares of earth, and begin to reflect the lovely image of Jesus. O, for holiness of heart, and a firm reliance on God every hour. I want to walk humbly before God, daily striving for the victory over every sin.

How to be Miserable.—Think about yourself, about what you want, what you like, what respect people ought to pay you, what people think of you; and then to you nothing will be pure. You will spoil everything you touch; you will make sin and misery for yourself out of everything which God sends you; you will be as wretched as you choose on earth or in heaven either.—Kingsley's Sermons.