Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 28, 1863

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. T. Demmon writes from Kickapoo, Wis.: "I cannot do without the Review; I prize it above all the newspapers of the day, and I believe I have never read its columns without shedding tears of heartfelt joy, and feeling a determination in my own heart to try to live out the doctrine therein taught, and be prepared for the coming of the just One, whom I verily believe to be near, even at the door. I want my heart cleansed from all sin, being obedient to all the commandments of God, and living out the faith of Jesus. We earnestly long for an elder to come here to organize us, so that we may be said to belong to the remnant that are journeying toward mount Zion."

Sister Mary Alexander writes from Osceola, Clark Co., Iowa: "I still am on the Lord's side. I feel more encouraged to press my way onward, and am determined to be more faithful until I reach the land of rest. I believe it will not be long before our dear Saviour will come for his people. O, may the Lord help me to be ready. I feel to rejoice that the Adventists are getting on higher ground. I believe the Lord will bring his people into unity. May he hasten the good time."

Bro. D. W. Crandall writes from Marquette, Wis. I would say through the Review to the brethren and sisters scattered abroad, that I am striving to live out the truths of the third angel's message; and as perils thicken around us, we feel the importance of girding on the whole armor, and searching the Scriptures which are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Christ. Myself and companion are thankful for the Review and Testimonies to the church, and are endeavoring to profit by their teaching.

Bro. M. B. Odell writes from South Bend: "I am much encouraged by reading the testimonies of those of like precious faith, in the Review. I find a daily warfare, and sometimes am almost discouraged, but I cannot give up as long as I see the crown ahead. It rejoices my heart to hear of the prosperity of the cause, and that the work of the Lord is still moving onward, and honest souls are brought into the knowledge of the truth."

Sister Juliana Hoffer writes from Attica, Ohio: "I have not become weary in well doing. I do delight in the law of the Lord, and I can call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable.

"I thank God for the light of present truth. I see and feel that we are living in a time when Satan is going to and fro in the earth, often transforming himself into an angel of light, whereby he may deceive the world. But the Lord is a strong hold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them that trust in him, and he will save them. I want to be a humble follower of the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. I want to keep all the commandments of God; for in keeping them there is great reward. If I should give up the Sabbath and turn from the narrow way, what could I expect but a 'fearful looking for of judgment'—no hope in this life, and no home in the 'New Earth.' O, may I be ready to meet the Lord in the air, when he shall appear, and so ever be with the Lord."

THE BOOK OF JOB.

Biblical critics seem agreed that our own book of Job was written in the East. I call that, apart from all theories about it, one of the grandest things ever written with pen. A noble book! all men's book! It is our first, oldest statement of the problem—man's destiny, and God's ways with him here on this earth. And all in such free, flowing outlines; grand in its sincerity, in its simplicity, in its epic melody, and repose of reconciliation.

There is the seeing eye, the mildly understanding heart. So true every way; true eyesight and vision for all things; material things no less than spiritual; the horse, "hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? he laughs at the shaking of the spear! Such living likenesses were never since drawn. Sublime sorrow, sublime reconciliation; oldest choral melody, as of the heart of mankind; so soft, and great—as the summer midnight, as the world with its seas and stars!—Carlyle.