Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 23, 1863

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. H. G. Washburn writes from Waterloo, Iowa : I must say before closing that I believe our little society of commandment-keepers all stand firm in the third message, and in the unity of the faith and harmony with each other, striving to show our faith by our works, and to live as becomes a people who are waiting for the coming of their Lord, that when he returns from the wedding we may be accounted worthy to be his guests, having on the wedding garment. What a blessed prospect there is in view for those who are able to overcome all the besetting sins of this world, holding fast their confidence to the end. May I be of the happy number, is my daily prayer and determination, though I wade through great tribulation. O, that the Lord would strengthen and assist me through every trial, and grant that I may bring my family along with me.

M. A. Robinson writes from Princeville, Ills. : I would like to speak a few words of encouragement to the many readers of the Review, especially the lonely ones. My heart is often made to rejoice when I read the cheering letters from the brethren and sisters. I would say, Go on; for in the strength of Israel's God we are able to go up and possess the heavenly Canaan. It has been about three years since I received the truth on the Sabbath. I feel truly thankful that I was ever brought to see the obligation that I am under to God, to keep his whole law ; to keep his commandments and the faith of Jesus. I can say that the Sabbath is my delight. O, that I could keep it holy unto the Lord. I look forward to the time when we shall enjoy an unending Sabbath of joy and peace, where we can praise God undisturbed by the sound of the busy throng, where we shall not hear the clash of the weapons of death, or the shrieks and groans of the wounded and dying, where the lame shall leap for joy, where the blind man shall see, and the mourner shall rejoice. There the widow's and orphan's tears shall be wiped away, and sorrow shall be banished from all hearts. Then we shall be done praying for ungodly companions and neighbors. No more shall we hear the holy name of God blasphemed, or see his holy Sabbath trampled under the feet of fallen man. What is man that he should raise the puny arm of rebellion against the great Jehovah ? O, that man could see his frailty. I desire to lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset, and ever be found saying, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?

Dear brethren and sisters, though we are strangers here, we have the same Father, the same elder Brother, and are journeying to the same land. May we all live so that when the changing scenes of life are past, we shall reign with Christ above.

Bro. J. H. Rogers writes from Victoria, Mo. : Our church, though small, are aiming to come into gospel order. We have some S. B. money on hand, and are desiring to bestow it on some messenger, whom we pray the Lord in his providence to send this way. Our call for help is urgent. We desire to rise with the message. Pray for us.

Bro. M. H. Bates writes from Nashua, Chickasaw Co., Iowa : Having moved to Iowa, I find none near with whom I can meet on the Sabbath. I realize what it is to be a lonely one. My heart's sympathy is with those who are in such a situation. I truly feel the responsibility upon me, of living out the truth in all its bearings, before this people. As they have never heard it proclaimed, they are ignorant of the requirements of God upon them. Could the message be proclaimed here, I think some would embrace it. Should any of the brethren come this way, they will find me in the village of Nashua. Some are willing to read the publications which I have.

Bro. W. P. McCormack writes from Burke Centre, Wis. : The Review is a welcome visitor in our neighborhood. Mine is the only one taken here ; consequently it is read by a great many. I hope to send you a good list of subscribers this fall.