Extracts from Letters

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

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. A. Pierce writes from Eldora, Hardin Co., Iowa: "I am still trying to hold on to the truth as it is proclaimed under the third angel's message. I have not heard a lecture in almost seven years, so all the preaching that I have comes through the Review, and what few books I am able to obtain from the Office. But I am often led to mourn my coldness, my unprofitableness, and my want of energy in so good a cause. Here we are, just on the threshold of the kingdom of eternal glory, and still so cold and formal that I am often a wonder to myself. But we are surely living in perilous times. I also often feel that I need patience to endure the trials and temptations that I am called upon to pass through. Being in a situation where I cannot hear the word, O how I feel for the lonely ones; but, brethren, it will not always be so. We shall soon be beyond the scenes of woe and strife, on the fair banks of everlasting deliverance. We would be glad if some of the messengers could come and give us a course of lectures."

Bro. J. C. Sutton writes from Osceola, Pa.: "Although we may be encompassed about by trials, troubles, and tribulations, though our sky may be overcast with clouds and darkness, and though our minds may at times be distressed with doubts and fears, still as long as we keep our eye on the leadings of Jesus, and follow in his footsteps, keeping all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, then can we exclaim, If God be for us who can be against us? The prize for which we strive is no less than a crown of eternal life. There are a few of us associated together here as a church. Brethren and sisters, pray for us that we may stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and that there be no divisions among us."

Bro. C. L. Gould writes from Ludlow, Vt.: "It is over eleven years since I began to read, and try to practice, the doctrines taught in the Review. I believe them to be the doctrines of the Bible. From the time I first embraced the Advent faith until now, I have felt a deep interest for the welfare of those that labor to sustain the cause. My determination is still to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I know this will ensure us a home in that land where sickness, disappointment, and poverty will never be known. I feel that I can truly say I love the Lord, and I love his blessed cause. I love the straight testimony. O may the Lord grant that I may be able to abide by it in all things. I want to be more like the pattern in all things. It is a great work to be pure in heart; and yet without it we have no promise of eternal life; and with it all things shall be ours to enjoy. I feel that we are living in a time of darkness and trial, when God's people are being tried; when the enemy is doing his utmost to draw away all he can from the work. He knows his time is short. O that I had a deeper work wrought in my heart. I am resolved to arise from this lukewarm state and come up to the work more fully. I want to be just what the Lord would have me. I want my heart cleansed from all sin. And though tribulation and sorrow is our lot here, yet I can say with the poet,

"When tempests arise and stormy winds blow, And all the deep future is darkness and woe, I have a pavilion to which I repair, And rest in my closet—my temple of prayer."

Sister H. M. Grant writes from Three Rivers' Point, N. Y.: "Regarding the Sabbath, I can truly say that I love it with my whole heart as it comes to us after 'the six working-days,' bringing refreshment and repose, and an opportunity to read and meditate upon the glorious works of God, and of his goodness and mercy in giving us a rest-day. Next to my Bible I love the Review. I hope I shall not, while time lasts, be obliged to do without it. I have not heard a lecture since 1852. In 1854 my father's family moved to Wisconsin; and from that time until 1859 I did not see the face of an Adventist, nor have a book or a paper, except the Signs of the Times. But blessed be the Lord, who kept me all this time and enabled me to keep the Sabbath and trust in him, I feel that I am founded on a rock, and I am determined to stand stiffly for the truth, and to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty."

Bro. R. Peck writes from Montgomery, Vt.: "I am thankful for the mercy God has bestowed on me in giving me light on the present truth. It was by Brn. A. C., and D. T. Bourdeau that I was first made aware that I was polluting his holy Sabbath. I conferred not with flesh and blood, but ever since have endeavoured to keep it holy, and to let my light shine. The apostle Peter has directed us to give all diligence to add to our faith, virtue, and to virtue, knowledge, &c. In doing these things, we have the promise that we shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Thank the Lord for this holy, heart-cheering, and sanctifying promise. O brethren, I am thankful that my unworthy name is found with those that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus."

Sister Emeline Barnes writes from North Branch, Mich.: "I wish to tell the dear friends of the truth that but a short time ago I exchanged my error for light and truth, which has caused me to rejoice in God my Saviour. I am still striving for victory in hope of the reward that awaits the faithful. It is my determination to take God's law as the rule of my life, and the governing principle of my conduct. I desire to arise in this good cause, and continue in the faith."

Bro. H. W. Lawrence writes from West Bangor, N. Y.: "I would like to say that I sympathize with the advance being made by the Seventh-day Adventists since organization has been introduced among us. Not less than six in three towns have embraced the truth this winter, whose names are not yet recorded, besides as many more who seem just ready to obey, having seen that we have the truth. The opposition increases. Yet if we who have longer professed the message were right, the halting ones would doubtless unite without much delay. I hope to share more fully in the refining process, and simply fill the retired position required of me without going beyond my measure."

Bro. A. W. Smith writes from Colton, St. Law. Co., N. Y.: "I have lately become interested in the cause of present truth; and I venture to address a few lines to the readers of the Review, hoping the means by which I became acquainted with the truth may stimulate others to make a like effort. My attention was first directed to the subject by receiving a letter a few months since from a friend who then resided in one of the western States. The subject was an entirely new one to me, but I immediately commenced to investigate for myself, and after diligent study I became convinced of the fact that there is no authority for the change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week."

Bro. D. T. Bourdeau writes from West Enosburgh, Vt.: "I believe the time has fully come for us to take a bold and decided stand on the testimony of Jesus. By some the spirit of prophecy has been neglected. Those who have undervalued the gifts would do well to remember that the remnant have the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy. Rev. xii, 17; xix, 10. They would also do well to bear in mind that the third angel's message and the gifts are inseparably connected, and that those who do not believe in the gifts of the Spirit, do not fully comprehend the last message of mercy. All should have time and opportunity to investigate the subject of spiritual gifts; but we should not lower the standard. Our confidence in the gifts is proportionate to the confidence we have in the Bible. If we fully believe the Bible we shall believe in the gifts; for the Bible establishes the perpetuity of the gifts. O may we, as a people, have an increase of confidence in God's word, and in the preparation work for Christ's coming."