Letters | AdventAI

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 16, 1863

Letters.

"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."

From Bro. Sanders.

BRO. WHITE: Cheerfully I take my pen to inform you and the brethren scattered abroad of what the Lord has done, and is doing, for us here in Allegany. The Lord is good, bless his holy name. We have just passed another Conference season, and have been greatly blessed, revived, and strengthened. Our meeting commenced Sabbath evening May 9. by a good spirited prayer and Conference meeting in which many participated. We met again Sabbath morning by 9 o'clock and resumed our meeting where we left off the night before. Many came in from abroad and cheerfully took hold with us. One dear sister who had been very sick, but by the prayer of faith had been measurably restored to health so as to come to our meeting, came, and full of the spirit of the Lord gave us a testimony that seemed to run through all the congregation. There was no holding back upon that occasion. The fire once kindled seemed as if shut up in the house, and that it must find vent. Two or three on the floor at a time ready to give in their testimony. At about 11. o'clock the meeting took another turn. After a short intermission, we all listened to a timely discourse from our beloved Bro. Fuller from Ulysses, Pa., from the words of Peter "Lord save me." This subject was very applicable to the time in which we live. It was set home by the spirit and power of God. May the Lord ever bless Bro. F. After an intermission of one hour we listened to a continuation of the same subject. We had an ordinance meeting evening after the Sabbath in which many participated for the first time. It was a solemn and also a joyful waiting before God. Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed promise, God help us all to be of that number is my prayer.

We came together first-day morning at 8 o'clock for business and also to pay our monthly donation into the S. B. fund. Bless the Lord for system in all things. We adopted S. B. last Oct. Since that time nearly $60, has been paid in, from our little church. At nine o'clock conference season commenced again with a deep, heart-felt interest. After a short discourse from Bro. Fuller, we repaired to the water where five were ready and willing to follow the example of their blessed Lord by being buried with him in baptism to arise to newness of life. Among these there was an old Methodist sister nearly seventy years of age who has but lately seen the light of present truth, and stepped out on the commands of God and the faith of Jesus.

O, what joy lighted up her countenance when she saw the commandments that had been so long hushed up by the traditions of men. But another severe trial came. She saw the necessity of becoming pure and holy to be ready for coming of her blessed Master. In order to do this, her tea, coffee and tobacco, must be laid aside. This she tried some two or three weeks before our conference and when the time arrived she was ready to place all on the altar and go forward trusting in the living God for help and when she came to the water's edge she stepped in with a look of heaven upon her countenance, and with a shout of triumph arose from the liquid grave. She is now happy in her little cottage, having great joy, peace, and love that casteth out all fear, ready and waiting the return of the Coming One.

Dear Bro. and sisters, you who have not cleansed yourselves from those worthless habits, take example from this aged sister and never say you can't. Go about it in the name of the Lord and you will gain the victory. There were twelve added to the church at this conference. Since our organization last August our numbers here almost trebled. Bless the Lord for perfect order. The cause in Allegany is on the rise.

We have not had any great excitement here but a general growth in grace moving on gradually, all the while. Prejudice in the minds of the honest is giving away and many are coming out to hear. May the Lord help us to rise with the message, and go forward and be ready to be presented a glorious church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, is the prayer of your humble Bro. striving to overcome.

J. G. SANDERS.

Wellsville, N. Y.

From Sister Crandall.

BRO. WHITE: It has been some over two years since I started to serve the Lord; and I can say that I am truly thankful to him for his goodness and loving-kindness and that although unworthy I can feel that his watchful care is over me. I know that he has blessed me many times; and it is my greatest desire to walk worthily before him. That I may by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory, honor, and eternal life in the kingdom of God. I want to have a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. I ask the prayers of the brethren and sisters scattered abroad, that I may be prepared to stand through the time of trouble, and that I with you all may eat of the fruit of the tree of life, and walk the golden streets of the New Jerusalem.

Your sister striving, to overcome.

M. A. CRANDALL.

Woodland, Wis.,

From Bro. Kent.

BRO. WHITE: With pleasure I seat myself to pen a few lines to inform you that I am trying to keep the commandments of God. I commenced keeping the true Sabbath last March. The Bible taught me long ago that the seventh day was the Sabbath of the Lord; but I did not then understand that I could come out

alone and keep that day. It often troubled me to think that man changed the day. I felt that man had no right to alter God's law.

When I asked the why and wherefore, I was told that if we gave to God one seventh part of our time, it was sufficient; but I could not reconcile it. The first light I received on the subject was obtained by conversing with Bro. G. F. Richmond. He also let me have books to read which pointed out the true way, which together with his example gave me courage to step out upon the promises of God, regardless of circumstances, I embraced the truth, and with God's grace assisting me I am determined to press my way on to the haven of eternal rest.

O that I might stand upon Mount Zion with the 144,000, to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. O, I want to be an overcomer, it is my heart's desire to be a true Christian. O, that God would revive his work here in the East, and elsewhere, until every honest heart shall flock to the standard of truth. O, for a clean heart and a right spirit. For this I pray.

Yours striving for the truth.

L. B. KENT.

Brattleboro, Vt.

From Bro. Morey.

BRO. WHITE: I have been thinking that perhaps a word from a lover of truth from these remote parts is due the great and glorious cause in which we are engaged. One year ago the unadulterated truths of the third message were presented to my mind in a clear and pointed manner by Brn. Ingraham and Sanborn; and being an earnest inquirer after truth, I had tried to never suffer prejudice to gain the ascendancy. Such was my determination, that during the four weeks which they lectured, I attended almost constantly, even though it was a very busy time of year to me, being a farmer. Seeing it was truth I was bound to accept it. I feel thankful to God that I have been ushered into this glorious light, and that the fog of mysticism which characterizes the doctrines of the sectarian world has been blown away by the breath of truth.

The next thing in order was for me to live out the truth, and be sanctified through it, which I have been trying to do. I belonged to the Methodist church for three years before I heard the truth, but was not satisfied in regard to the doctrine. The great question of my mind was, What is truth?

I realize truly now that the dragon is wroth and making war against the remnant of the woman's seed that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. His power is manifest among the flock of Sabbath-keepers here. Some cling to their idols like Ephraim of old, thereby virtually trampling the first great commandment of our Saviour in the dust. While such is the character of some, there are others who have renounced their idols, and are battling the enemy while waves of opposition dash against them. Yet we hope, by trusting in God, to be guided and gathered with the remnant to mount Zion.

T. E. MOREY.

Elmwood, Peoria Co., Ills.

From Sister Priest.

BRO. WHITE: I have been thinking for a few days past, I would like to speak through the Review of the goodness of God to me, also try to exhort and encourage others.

Last winter I had another attack of lung difficulty. My health failed rapidly. Myself and friends were satisfied it would soon end my days, unless I had speedy relief. I was impressed, it was the will of the Lord I should be raised up. In answer to prayer, I was strengthened to attend the meeting at Peterboro, when Bro. Hutchins and Bordeaux were laboring there. We laid the case before the Lord, I was anointed and fervent prayers were offered, but the blessing was withheld until Bro. D. T. Bourdeau, moved out according to the word, "These signs shall follow them that believe, they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Then prayer was answered. The healing power came from the Son of God. I want like the one anciently to return and give him glory. My health is better than for three years past. Surely what God is like our God! I am glad that I am among a people that believe the word of God. He has promised that the gifts should be in the church until the end. His word can never fail, no it will stand fast forever.

We met with the brethren in New Ipswich and vicinity, last Sabbath. I believe there are twelve, who manifest a determination to go forward, added to that little company, as the fruit of the labor in Peterboro. This cheers the hearts of the old pilgrims in that section and still they find inquirers after truth.

For one I thank the Lord that he has directed Bro. Loughborough and Hull to New England, but their labors will be crippled, unless the church work too. Brethren and sisters we must come up to their help. Holy living, fervent prayers, and means are wanted. I am satisfied we hinder the work of God. You know, anciently, Israel could not move when there was one Achan in the camp. Would it not be well for us to read over and see how particular God was with reference to obedience. It is more acceptable than sacrifice. It is an individual work. Moses and Aaron and the elders of Israel might be obedient and yet for complaining Miriam the whole camp of Israel was stayed. If we will walk up to the light, keep the commandments of God fully, and have the faith of Jesus, we shall see the work move on in power.

How important that we have order, especially here in the East where the cause has so long languished. God is bringing out a people here that will stand forth clear as the sun, and fair as the moon, and terrible as an army with banners. How can it be without order?

Dear friends in the East, let us examine our hearts, put away everything that will be a clog, lay aside every weight, and work while we have help. Every one can, and must work or lose their reward. While the angel of mercy hovers over us, and the servants of God try to strengthen the things that remain, let every true-hearted soldier of the cross, be at his post. May the Lord help us to gird on the whole armor.

Yours desiring to be faithful.

M. L. PRIEST.

Clinton, Mass.