Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 10, 1863

Extracts from Letters.

Sister E. H. Vanornum writes from Edwards, N. Y. I still love the Review and its precious instruction and am glad that order and organization are uniting Sabbath-keepers. I often feel to acclaim, O that I and my family had the privilege of assembling on God's holy day where the children are giving their hearts to the Lord. But I rejoice to know that the Lord is willing to hear the prayers of his people.

I solemnly believe we are living in the last days. I desire the eye-salve that I may see, and be zealous and repent. I desire to forsake every idol and cleave unto the Lord with all my heart.

Bro. T. Draper writes from McGregor, Iowa: I must expect soon to leave the things of time; but I wish to do what I can, before I sleep.

Your sending my paper without pay calls up my grateful acknowledgement of your kindness to me. The Lord bless you abundantly. If I live to want it after the six months is out I will let you know. Please insert a few lines in some corner of the paper that my brethren of my acquaintance may know that I am alive and love the truth. It may be that they will write, that others may know that they also live, and love him who loved us even unto death.

Bro. W. W. Wilson writes from Woodhull, Ind.: I wish to testify through the Review that I am still striving to live in obedience to all of the ten commandments and also the faith of Jesus. I am alone, and can sympathize with the lonely. I still retain pleasant memories of meeting with the brethren at Avon and Little Prairie. They are truly bright spots in my short experience. I ask an interest in the prayers of the faithful, that I may run with patience the race set before me, and at last meet with the redeemed on mount Zion.

Bro. B. Leach writes from Laporte City, Iowa: It is over two years since I, with my companion, embraced the Advent faith. Since then we have been striving to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. When I read the word of God, and see the promises there are in it, it strengthens me and 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.

Pray for me that I may be faithful to the end.

J. W. Landes writes from Lagrange, Iowa: I am still pressing onward for the kingdom, and realize daily that time is closing fast, and we have no time to lose in preparing ourselves for the coming of the Son of Man. I intend by the help of God to rid myself from every evil, that I may be prepared when my blessed Lord comes. Pray for me that I may live faithful and always keep in the path of duty.

Sister A. E. Perkins writes from Anamosa, Iowa: I am a deaf mute. I attended the Institution at Hartford, Ct., seven years. I left there in 1824 and came to Illinois where my parents then resided. I am very thankful that I can read and write. Before Bro. Cornell came to Anamosa in 1860, I kept Sunday as the Sabbath. While he was preaching in the Court House about the Sabbath and Bible, I was told about the true Sabbath. After investigating for myself by reading some religious tracts on the subject of the true Sabbath and other doctrines different from the popular denominations, I found the true Sabbath with joy and sweet peace, and determined to keep it holy. I hope to be faithful to the end by my kind Father's aid. It is nearly three years since I embraced the truth of the Sabbath. I believe it is God's true rest-day, and should be kept accordingly.

In May, 1860, Bro. Brinkerhoof baptized my husband and myself. I never shall forget that precious time. I was happy in the manifestation of Jesus Christ to my awakened soul. I hope that I am one of them that are truly God's children. I know that I have faults to grieve and lament over, and I often sigh with sorrow for my sins; but I trust that the precious blood of Jesus Christ can and will cleanse me from all my sins. I believe the soon coming of Christ and rejoice that it is near.

I am a child of afflictions; but God has kindly preserved me in them. It is my greatest affliction that I cannot hear preaching and singing and praying in the meetings; but I must be resigned to God's will. I hope that my deaf ears will soon be opened to hear glorious things in Heaven, and my dumb mouth be opened to sing praises to God and the Lamb who shall reign forever and ever.

Bro. L. Pinkerton writes from Blairstown, Benton Co., Iowa: The Review is my only preacher, and I welcome its weekly visits with delight. The only fault I find with it is that it does not come often enough. I trust that I shall profit by its teachings. I feel that time is short, and what is done in the way of preparation for another world must be done quickly. I see the gathering storms of Satan's wrath just ready to burst over the heads of God's dear saints; and who will be able to endure the fearful ordeal when we shall be hated and despised of all men, and even life itself be in danger? Will there be any that will faint and falter in the trying hour, and barter a life of endless joy for a few moments of safety here? I earnestly desire that I may be among the number who shall stand upon mount Zion with the Lamb of God. I have many difficulties to encounter, and much opposition; but my trust is in Him who has promised to be with his saints even to the end of the world. It gives me sincere pleasure to hear of the prosperous condition of the church abroad. Oh, when will Iowa be up and doing? When shall we awaken from our slumbers and press into the thickest of the fight?