Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Jul 29, 1862

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. M. B. Smith writes from Marion, Iowa: "I have long hoped to see uniformity among the brethren and sisters in Iowa in regard to the observance of the Sabbath; but I yet see a wide difference. Some are very strict, perhaps too much so, in some things, while others are very slack. Some farmers have a good many chores to do after the Sabbath commences that might have been done before if proper pains had been taken; while some of the sisters are behind with their work, and after the Sabbath commences are washing dishes, sweeping, and perhaps baking, &c., &c. Now I have always had my doubts about these things' being in accordance with the fourth commandment. We find that under the former dispensation they were required to boil and bake all their food on the "preparation-day." Now the question is, Has there been any change in the manner of observing the Sabbath? Acts of mercy and necessity were always allowable, but how about acts that might be done before? Yes, how about boiling, and frying, and baking, and choring, on God's holy day when it is not really necessary?"

Sister Mary E. Darling writes from Beaver, Minn.: "I desire to be prepared to stand in the day of the Lord's fierce anger. I want to be wholly given up to the will of the Lord. By his help I am trying to overcome day by day. I want to come up where I can be in full sympathy with the children of God, and with them partake of his blessings, and the refreshing of the latter rain. O for faith to lay hold upon the promises of God. O for humility and meekness. Pray for me, that I may have strength to endure to the end. There is but one family of us here who are keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. We of late have a Bible-class and meeting among ourselves, and trust, though our number is small, that God is with us to bless. Brethren and sisters, remember us to God. It seems as though good might be done in this place if the truth could be proclaimed to the people."

Bro. P. Robinson writes from Catlin, N. Y.: "I am still determined to live out the truth before the world in such a way that they may fall in love with it. I want to be just what the Lord would have me be in all things. I want to forsake every idol, and everything that is wrong in his sight. The Lord seems to be working in the hearts of the people in this place. There is a great deal of inquiry about the way.

"When I read the word of God and see the promises there are in it, it strengthens me and gives me courage. Our Saviour says, Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Now, brethren and sisters, let us not be discouraged while we have so much in his word to encourage us on our way. Pray for me, that I may be faithful to the end."

Sister A. M. Preston writes from Fitz Henry, Ills.: "The Review is all the preaching I have. I feel very lonely many times, having no one to meet with on the Sabbath; but Jesus is better than all earthly friends. Blessed Jesus! He meets with me. I bless his name, that I can believe that there is hope in my case, and that I may be permitted at last to partake of the tree of life. By the grace of God I am bound for the kingdom. I want to overcome all my sins, so that I may meet you all in that beautiful world. Time is short, and the Devil is come down with great wrath."