Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 15, 1864

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. J. Matteson writes from Poysippi, Wis.: Since I commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, in August, 1863, six more in this neighborhood have come out from Babylon, and are striving to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This makes me feel thankful to the Lord, and especially so, because my wife is one of that number. She had a hard struggle, but overcame at last by the grace of God. She does now feel thankful for the light of present truth.

On the 12th of Jan. I went to the town of Saxville, according to agreement, and delivered ten lectures. Seven determined to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord was evidently working upon the hearts, in spite of all their deep-rooted prejudice, and some sinners were disturbed in their carnal slumber. May the Lord carry on the work begun. As soon as I had left the place, the Baptists commenced to preach no-lawism and Sunday worship with all their strength, and went around and warned people against this great and terrible error. But I believe Michael stands on our side, and therefore I am not much frightened by the dragon.

On the 23d of January I went to another place in the north-east part of this town, and had meetings on Sabbath, first day, and two evenings following. I lectured on the third angel's message, the law and the Sabbath. The Lord was with us. All hearts were moved, and tears flowed freely. When I had spoken about the law, a man came up to me, wiped his eyes, shook my hand, and said, "I thank you; I have never heard that before, but it is the truth of the Lord, and I desire to live it out." Twelve persons determined to keep the Sabbath, and some desired baptism.

The persons spoken of are all Danes, and most of them cannot understand English.

Bro. W. P. Squiers writes from Lansing, Mich.: We have been under the cloud for some time past, the enemy having come very near carrying us captive at his will. But thank the Lord, he aroused us before it was too late, and we have again emerged into the sunlight of his most glorious truth, and are striving to press our way onward to the kingdom.

I think this would be a good place for a messenger. There are some now who are almost persuaded, and I think if a few lectures could be given here, some would turn their feet unto the testimonies of the Lord. There is one unoccupied church here, belonging to the United Brethren, and one of the trustees informed me last Sunday that we could have the house. I will also make arrangements for board, so that a preacher will be to no expense on that account. I think the time is propitious for the ingathering of souls here. If a messenger can come I would like to be notified through the Review a short time previous.

Bro. E. P. Wilkins writes from Wilson's Grove, Iowa: I am still trying to live out the truths contained in the third angel's message, although I realize my weakness, and am confident that there must be a great work done for me in order that I may be prepared to stand with the remnant on mount Zion. I feel willing to have my name cast out as evil. It is not the scoffs nor the frowns of the world that disturb me, but a view of what I have to overcome. But I will not despair; for I know that the grace of God is sufficient to carry me through. There are only two of us here at the Grove, and we feel rather lonely. Although we belong to the church at West Union, the distance is so great that it is impossible for us to meet very often. I can say of a truth that I love my brethren more and more. I want a name among them.