Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 13, 1862

Extracts from Letters.

Sister E. Richmond, writes from Vernon, Vt.: I greatly rejoice that God has a few on the earth that are striving to serve him and are coming into the unity of the faith. I believe the time is not far distant when the children of God will be of one heart and of one mind, and will triumph over the powers of darkness. I rejoice that the gifts are being restored to the church, I hope we shall not any of us reject the light that is shining in our pathway. God has been very merciful to us in pointing out our wrongs. My prayer is that he will enable us to lay aside all our idols and overcome through the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony. Truly we live in a solemn time, when God is proving his people. I realize that we are in danger of being overcome by the enemy; but Jesus has promised to be with us, and if he is for us who can

be against us, O how many blessed promises he has left to comfort and encourage our hearts while here in this world of trial and temptation. I want to so live from day to day that I may know that my ways are pleasing to my heavenly Father. We must give all for the sake of Jesus, and be found without fault before the throne of God. I hope we shall prove all things and hold fast that which is good, and be prepared to meet on Mount Zion where parting will be no more."

A. S. Olmstead writes from Elmore, Vt.: "I feel to bless and praise the name of the Lord that he has seen fit to give me a willing heart to comply with his commandment to keep his holy Sabbath. I believe we are living in the last days, and that we should be careful how we live; and my daily prayer is that I may be found watching and waiting when my Lord shall come, that my lamp may be trimmed and burning, the oil of grace in my heart, and be I prepared to say, Lo this is our God we have waited for him, and he will save us. I long for that faith which works by love and which purifies the heart and overcomes the world."

Sister S. Robinson writes from Girard, Mich.: "I cannot do without the Review. It is all the preaching I have. I am alone here; but the Lord is my stay and support, a very present help in time of trouble. The Lord is near, Jesus is soon coming. The signs of the times indicate his near approach. May we be ready, and be overcomers."

Sister C. Stockwell writes from Yates, N. Y.: "I have often felt a desire to let the readers of the Review know what my determinations are. I was converted under the preaching of Bro. Hull, and was by him baptized, in July, 1861, and have ever since been truly thankful that I was led to see the light of present truth. I have ever felt to rejoice that I was not left to my own ways, until it was too late to secure my eternal welfare. I find that to live in a manner to please God, requires every effort that lies in our power, and I also find that the words of Bro. H. have proved true, in my case at least, that when we commence serving God, we commence a perpetual warfare upon this earth. We cannot expect to please God and man. I am willing to bear the persecutions of this world, if I can only have the assurance of God's love, and it is my desire to live acceptably in his sight. I think I can safely say, I have no desire for the things of this world. But God knows our hearts better than we do; and it is my earnest prayer that he will cleanse and purify my heart though it be through trials and persecutions. I am determined, by the grace of God, to live the remainder of my days in such a manner that I may at last be pronounced a good and faithful servant and be received into God's everlasting kingdom. I fully believe that we are in the last days, and that those who live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution. I feel a deep interest in the welfare of my brethren and sisters in this truth, and love to read their letters, which so often meet my eye in the Review. We are many of us strangers now; but I live in joyful expectation of a time when we shall know each other face to face. I ask an interest in your prayers, that I may discharge every duty faithfully, put all my trust in One who is able to save, and at last be prepared to meet him with joy."