Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 5, 1864

Extracts from Letters.

Sister E. S. Tenny writes from Alto: I wish to say to the brethren and sisters that through the agency of some kind friends, I have just received the Review: a very acceptable present. Though I do not know who the donor is, yet I feel very thankful for so great a favor. I feel very lonely; for I cannot meet with the dear brethren and sisters often; living at some distance from them. Yet I ought not to feel lonely; for the blessed Saviour is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. The Lord has seen fit to try me, as well as others, in this terrible war. Two of my sons are now drafted, and one has been in the army nearly two years. My husband, aged and infirm; being in his 71st year, seems to feel the stroke heavier, if possible, than I do, as it takes from us, the one with whom we live, and leaned upon, for support. Brethren and sisters pray for me, that while tried in the furnace of affliction, I may sustain no loss.

Sister A. Baily writes from Vernon, Iowa: I am still trying to obey God and do his will, and can truly say that I feel more than ever resolved by the grace of God to be more faithful; and although I am suffering afflictions, my whole trust is in my kind and Heavenly Father. Dear brethren and sisters, this may be the last that you will ever hear from me, and I would that I could say something to the lonely ones that would encourage them. Through your lonely pilgrimage look up; for your redemption is drawing near. The Saviour is soon coming to gather his ransomed ones home. I have often thought I would like to live till my Saviour comes, but I read some precious promises for those that sleep in him. Oh glorious promise! I hear him saying, I am the resurrection and the life. They that believe on me, though they were dead, yet shall they live again. Thank God, brethren and sisters, the grave cannot hold us, nor death's cold chains bind us forever. The saints then immortal in glory will reign. "Death will be banished, his sceptre be gone." We are truly living in perilous times. It is a time when we have need of grace to arm us for the conflict and prepare us for the troubles that are just before us. In view of these things let us watch and pray, that we may be made holy and pure and enter into the marriage supper of the Lamb.