Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 8, 1862

Extracts from Letters.

Sister C. Hemenway writes from Mechanicsville, Vt.: "I have enjoyed but one Sabbath in this place; and although I am alone in trying to keep the commandments, having no one of like precious faith to associate with, and miss the dear company of those with whom I have been accustomed to meet for worship, for nearly two years, in Ludlow and Andover, yet I feel that the Lord is with me in a measure, and I can rejoice in his mercy. I hail the sacred hours of the Sabbath with delight, when I can rest from worldly labor and hold communion with God, and read and contemplate his word, even if I cannot hear it preached. I have read the Review for two years, and I heartily believe the doctrine it teaches to be Bible doctrine. The gifts I highly prize. I feel somewhat my responsibility as I return among my former acquaintances, to walk carefully, and so live out present truth that I may have a saving influence. I think there are honest souls here who, if the truth could be presented in a clear light, would embrace it."

Bro. S. Myers writes from Yankee Hollow, Ills.: "It rejoices us greatly to hear of the success of the tent enterprise in the different States, and also to hear that the Publishing Association is being sustained, and that the cause of present truth is looking up generally. Our prayers are with those who are laboring to spread the truth and light. God speed the message, is our constant prayer. We wish to encourage the brethren that are with the tents to report often, as the success of the tents indicates, in a measure, how the truth is prospering."

Bro. H. Moffet writes from Huntsburgh, Ohio: "I am a full believer in spiritual gifts, and desire to have all the testimonies to the church, as fast as I can obtain them; for I feel that we have need of all the light we can get in these dark and troublesome times. I am alone in the truth in this place, yet I believe there are honest souls here, who, if they could hear the truth preached, would embrace it with all their hearts. There are some who are quite anxious to hear on the all-important subject of the prophecies. There is but little, if any, prejudice against us, and I think it would be a good field for labor. The Disciple church could be obtained for lectures, but if the tent could be pitched here, I think it would be far better, for the town is thickly settled, and the congregation would no doubt be large.

"I trust that the time is not far distant when their ears will be greeted and they blessed by hearing the truth preached in all clearness and beauty. May the Lord speed this time, is my prayer."

Bro. Wm. Caviness writes from Fairfield, Iowa: "Bro. WHITE: Permit me to say that I love God and his people, and love to keep all his commandments and the testimony of Jesus; for in so doing I realize that there is great reward. I am still striving to overcome all the temptations of the enemy, and the sin that doth so easily beset me, and run with patience the race that is set before me.

"I received Testimony for the Church No. 8, and I can truly say that it is meat in due season. How grateful we ought to be to God for all the blessings and privileges we enjoy. O how I long to see the time when sin and iniquity and all manner of wickedness shall forever cease, and God's holy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I can truly say, in the language of the poet, that,

" 'I long to see the day When the redeemed shall come To Zion clad in bright aray, Their blissful, happy home.' "

Sister Loretta Dunn writes from Morrison, Ill.: "It is a little more than three years since I commenced to keep the true Sabbath. I am still striving to keep all the commandments of God. I feel very unworthy of the mercies and blessing of God in giving me the light of present truth, and permitting me to hear the last message of mercy, for I have been slow to learn, and I feel that I have much to learn and overcome. But as I learn the truth it seems more precious to me, and I earnestly desire to have my heart purified in obeying the whole truth, that I may be numbered with the remnant people of God, and receive at last with them a crown of life.

My lot is cast among strangers, separated from all of like precious faith, except one beloved sister who has kept the Sabbath only about two months. She has never heard any of the messengers preach, and has attended meetings only a few times, she is deeply interested, and her earnestness to learn the truth encourages me much. The Review is a welcome messenger bearing precious treasures to our longing hearts."