Extracts from Letters

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

Extracts from Letters.

Sister N. G. Sanders writes from Rush Lake, Wis.:

I have been reviewing carefully the great truths on which our faith rests and I find that I am encompassed on every side with truths which lead to the solemn conclusion that the great day of the Lord is near and hasteth greatly; that the two thousand three hundred days did verily end in 1844; that the message of the first angel was given then, announcing the judgment hour come; that Jesus did then enter the sanctuary to cleanse it; and it must follow that his work there must soon close, and the reapers be comissioned to gather the harvest of the earth.

I turn my eyes to the world and find all things working in proof of these things: troubles, wars, commotions, fear and perilous times. I hear men who a few years ago were professors of religion, and seemingly had tasted of the good things of the world to come, denying the Lord that bought them, counting the blood of the covenant where-with they were sanctified an unholy thing, ridiculing the atonement calling it the night of paganism, &c. Surely Satan is preparing his best for the last conflict.

These considerations suggest to me the question, where am I? I have professed to believe these things about nine years, and yet I am conscious that I do not stand as fair in view of them now, as I did several years ago. By shunning the cross I have fallen under the power of temptation and have done and said many things which I ought not. But I thank God that he has not left me entirely to myself, and that I may yet find grace to help in time of need. I have been making some efforts of late to fulfill duty long neglected, and the blessing of God has witnessed to his willingness to be found of those that seek him. If I am not deceived in myself, I do desire wherever I am wrong to be set right. A half hearted religion does not pay; as those who have it neither enjoy the world nor the love of God. Such I would no longer be; for I have tasted of the fruits of that better land, and I long, O I long, for the clime where faith shall be lost in sight, hope be turned to glad fruition, conflicts, temptation and trials end in eternal triumph, where clouds shall never again hide from a sorrowing heart the rays of the Sun of righteousness,

"Where we shall see his face, And never never sin, And from the rivers of his grace, Drink endless pleasures in."

Sister C. Lamberton writes from Marshfield, Vt.:

Perhaps some who labored here with the tent last fall would like to hear a word from me. I feel that I am a pilgrim and a stranger here, and one alone, yet not alone; for Jesus has promised to go with us to the end. Last fall while Elds. Hutchins and Bourdeau were here, I became convinced of the truth of the Sabbath and the third angel's message; and I feel thankful for the light of truth, which is more precious to me than silver or gold, and I desire to be sanctified through the truth, and be wholly the Lord's. I have great reason to thank the Lord for his goodness to me. I have been a believer in the Advent truth over ten years. When I first heard the sound of Jesus' coming it was a blessed sound to me. I still feel that I can "wait till Jesus comes."

I sometimes feel almost discouraged when I look at the things of the world, foes without, and foes within, and such perilous times. I can meet with none of like precious faith. I have none of whom to ask advice when tempted, tried, or in trouble, none to worship with at the feet of Jesus; but when I read the Review it seems like having a little meeting.

I am thankful that I have a Friend to go to who is better than any earthly friend—one who is able to give more than I can think or ask. Many times my faith has been strengthened while reading the Review, and I feel thankful to those kind friends who have sent it to me. My faith is strong in the truth of the Sabbath, and I feel to thank the Lord that he ever showed me by his faithful servants the truth, that I no longer should break his holy law. But I realize that it is a great work to be a Christian. It is a very easy matter to talk it out, but a great work to live it out. But by the help of God strengthening us, I believe that we can do all that he requires of us.