Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 24, 1863

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. J. W. Sawyer writes from Gaines, Tioga Co., Pa.: I have great reason to thank the Lord for his goodness to me, in sending his messengers this way, and giving me light on his blessed commandments. About three years ago Brn. Fuller and Baker came into this place, bringing the truth of the Lord with them. As they labored the light of present truth reached me. I was forced to give up my old-school Baptist doctrine, and embrace the doctrine taught by our blessed Saviour. Since that time I have been trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

We are organized here. We are glad that we are living in the time that the prophet Joel speaks of; for without the Testimonies we should have been in darkness in some things. I am thankful that I have been able to see my idols and get rid of them. We are striving to overcome, that we may be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Pray for us.

Bro. E. R. Whitcomb writes from Olivet, Mich.: I am often led to thank God and take courage that I enjoy the blessings of the society of those who love God and keep his commandments. When I read the word of God, and see the promises there are in it, it gives me courage. It is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I want to practice its precepts, be guided by its counsels while on the earth, and in the world to come inherit everlasting life. Praise the Lord for the glorious hope we have in the holy Scriptures, the word of God. Jesus yet pleads. Angels wait. Mercy lingers. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his mercy endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord!

I can say in the language of David, He brought me also out of the horrible pit, out of the mire and clay, and set my feet upon the rock, and ordered my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth.

Bro. J. Iden writes from St. Louisville, Licking Co., Ohio: We never have doubted the reality of the truth since we first heard it, although it was a great cross, and we have had to make many sacrifices, and renounce many errors. The truth shone so brilliant when contrasted with error, that we were constrained to yield to its claims, and let error return to the founder of it.

Some months ago we moved and located in a place where the truth had never been proclaimed; and although we have lived here some months, and many of the people have become partially acquainted with our views, there does not seem to be any prejudice against them.

Many are very eager to know our views entire, and desire that I send for a messenger. They have a house that they will open as long as any one will occupy it. The house once belonged to the Methodist church, but the church went into fragments some years ago, and the house went back into individuals' hands. I think that the truth would have some effect here. Cannot Bro. Waggoner or some other brother heed this call for help? We are all alone here in the truth, and see many thirsty souls that are perishing for the want of it. We feel very anxious that it be set before them. If the way should open for a messenger to heed this call, he will come to Mansfield, Ohio, and then take the south road, and stop at St. Louisville, Licking Co., Ohio, about forty-two miles distant.

Bro. G. W. Sutherland writes from Readstown, Wis.: For two years past I have been trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The Lord is very precious to me. He has sustained me in sickness and in health. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Although I have waded through sorrow and afflictions, I can put my trust in the Lord. There are a few here who meet every Sabbath, and the Lord meets with us. We very much need the aid of a messenger, and the prayers of God's people, to help us on our journey toward the kingdom.

Sister L. J. Waters writes from Muskegan Co., Mich.: I believe we are truly living in perilous times. We need God's Spirit to guide us and lead us on in the narrow way. I feel the need of a deeper work of grace in my heart. O how I wish the truth could be presented here. I think I should not be alone in keeping the commandments if the people could hear the truth proclaimed. I have a few books which I lend them to read, and some seem quite interested.

We live about fifty miles north-west of Grand Rapids, in the county of Muskegan. Any one coming should come to Muskegan Village, and there inquire for the Wright Settlement.