p. 63 | Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 22, 1862

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. D. Chase writes from North Fairhaven, Mass.: "I rejoice greatly to hear through the Review of the increasing union and strength among the brethren that have been organized. May it go on unto perfection. It was the solid foundation of the unchangeable word of God that induced us to take the first angel's message, also the second and third. In the last we have the commandments of God and faith (or testimony) of Jesus. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, or spiritual gifts. Here my feet well nigh had slipped, but I thank the Lord that I have been led to see that it is an important part of God's immutable truth, that will test the remnant and lead them to forsake all their idols, such as tobacco, strong drink, opium, coffee, tea, jewelry, hoops, and all outward adorning except a meek and quiet spirit. In this may we increase more and more, till we all come to the unity of the faith."

Bro. O. Hoffer writes from Attica, Ohio: "I am still thankful to God for this glorious present truth. Of it I love to talk, for it is my hope. The Bible is to me a new and unsealed book. It is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I want to practice its precepts, be guided by its counsels while on the earth, and ultimately in the world to come, inherit everlasting life."

Sr. D. A. Eddy writes from Wethersfield, N. Y.: "I bless the name of the Lord for the light of his word. Surely it is a light to my path, and a lamp to my feet. It has been about three months since I commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord in sincerity of heart; and I find great comfort in trying to keep all the commandments of God. O who of us would wish to come short of eternal life! I have been stirred up in my mind to-day while reading the Review, to put forth more of an effort to be a daily, living Christian. I feel willing to be counted among that poor, and at present, despised, company who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus; for Christ says, In this world ye shall have tribulation, but in the world to come life everlasting. What great consolation that is to the followers of Christ. I know that I have many imperfections, and I have not so much of the Spirit of Christ as I desire to have; but I am trying to cultivate a right spirit. I find the only way for me is to watch and pray, and strive to live by the moment. I feel that it is good to trust in the Lord, and though all the world and our nearest and dearest friends on earth forsake us, we have a friend that never will forsake us, unless we forsake him. O let us be faithful to this one friend, knowing that he is to be our Judge in the last day. O that we might realize the responsibility resting upon us who profess to be commandment-keepers. May God help us to let our light so shine that those around us may take knowledge of us, and see that we have learned of Christ."