p. 63 | Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 20, 1863

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. W. Morse writes from Deerfield, Minn: Many horrible accounts of the massacre of whole families by the Indians, in this vicinity might be given and some in the most brutal and horrible manner that wicked men or devils could invent among savages. I would add that the extent of the massacre is not yet known. Only about four weeks since several dead bodies were found only 15 miles from New Ulm. One man was shot in his own house (Elijah Whiton) whose wife was a sister of sister Landon, from Connecticut formerly. It seems that the house had not been found or visited since the day of his death which was about the 25th of August, according to the testimony of a man who saw him shot but escaped.

It is true we have some six thousand armed men now upon our frontiers but the Indian forces are immense, especially the Sioux tribe with whom we are at war, to say nothing of the Chippewas or Winnebagoes, the smallest of which number near two thousand. And since hanging thirty-nine of the leading ones, they feel quite revengeful and throw out hard threats. Were it not that we feel that we are in the path of duty and that our trust is in God, we could not long remain here. We especially ask to be remembered in this far-off land.

Sister Hemenway writes from Mechanicsville, Vt. : I write hoping that what I say may fall under the eye of some messenger, who may feel it his duty to come this way to proclaim the words of life. There are many in this vicinity who call themselves Second Adventists, but who have never received the light of the third angel's message, or heard it proclaimed. It seems to me that the way might soon be prepared to raise up a church here which would honor the Lord. I love the cause of systematic benevolence, and trust the time is not far distant when I can systematically cast my mite into the treasury of the Lord. I still love the Review. The encouraging testimonies from those who style themselves lonely ones, cheer my heart. I have for some time felt that I needed a closer walk with God,—that nearness to my God that makes the hours glide sweetly away while leaning on his word. I do not feel so anxious to be delivered from afflictions, as to be sanctified through them. I know that I need the discipline of the Almighty, and O, for an understanding heart to discern his dealings with me,—a heart that will meekly submit to all his divine teachings, and that will ever say, Not my will, but thine, O God, be done.

I want to be delivered from every idol, every besetting sin, and be clothed with the whole armor of Christ's righteousness, stand complete in all his will, and run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of God. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession, for we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. And let us patiently endure as seeing Him who is invisible, till we lay down the cross, and take up the crown.

Sister A. M. Preston writes from Fitz Henry, Ills. : I know not how to express myself. My soul is full of glory, and my eyes are filled with tears, to think of God's goodness to a poor, worthless creature like me. O, how glad I am that Jesus planted my feet on the rock. The Review and Instructor are all the preaching I have had for over eight years. How it feeds my soul to read that the Lord is uniting the hearts of his children together.

Dear brethren and sisters, I am with you in all the present truth. Although alone here, I am bound for the kingdom. I rejoice to think of that happy meeting when we shall partake of the tree of life. How happy should I be to meet with the saints on earth. Those that have this privilege should prize it. But the Lord makes it up to me. He has said that his grace should be sufficient for us.