Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 2, 1864

Extracts from Letters.

Sister M. J. Cocogene writes, for the first time, from Oronoco, Minn. : I love the Lord and I love his commandments. They are holy, just and good. I am glad that Bro. Sanborn came to preach the message here. When I heard that there were preachers coming to Oronoco, I walked there six miles from home, stopped with a friend, and attended all the meetings. I was convinced that I must turn from my ways, or be forever lost. I esteem it a privilege to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and I am glad that I have joined the little company that have started for Mt. Zion. Though rough be the pathway and dangers surround us on every hand, we can trust in the Lord ; for he says, My grace is sufficient for you. I want my lamp trimmed and burning. I mean by the grace of God to overcome every besetting sin.

Bro. E. Calkins writes from Melrose, Wis. ; We are still striving to obey God's law, and we intend by the assisting grace of God to make Heaven our home. We have no preaching except the Review, the weekly visits of which we highly prize. We should be glad to have some one of the messengers come this way and instruct us in the way of life more perfectly. There are ten or twelve Sabbath-keepers here, and we have not heard an Advent sermon for over two years.

Bro. J. L. Locke writes from Salem, Ind. : I have been striving to walk the narrow path some over ten years, and I have been led to rejoice as I have seen many take a stand on the side of truth ; and again I have been made to mourn when seeing some fall away from the love of God ; but these things remind me of the words of the Saviour in Matt. xxiv, 12. And because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold. Now, dear brethren, let each of us so live that we may not cause any to stumble by our waywardness, but let us be helps one to another and daily be growing up into Christ, our living head. I feel to thank God for the many blessings he is daily conferring upon me, and especially for the present truth. I feel an earnest desire to make a wise improvement upon them, that they may prove a savor of life with me. The church here in Salem would be pleased to have Bro. and sister Byington come and spend a few days with them. There is a brother that wishes to be baptized, and we think there might be some good done.

Bro. L. R. Chapel writes from Roosevelt, N. Y. : There was a meeting at our house last evening and I think the Lord granted us a portion of his Spirit. I thought of former years when the power of the Lord rested on his children. I believe as soon as the testimony of the faithful and true Witness is fully heeded we shall see those who are honest in heart coming into our ranks. We have I think, evidence to believe that day is not far distant. I think I can see tokens for good even in Roosevelt, and my prayer is that we may speedily get into that place where it is not only a privilege but a duty to stand having the perfect approbation of God and sweet communion with his Holy Spirit and the angels of God continually.