p. 63 | Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Jan 19, 1864

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. Alvarez Pierce writes from Eldora, Hardin Co., Iowa: It is now almost nine years since I first heard the doctrine of the second Advent preached. After investigating it, I found it to be the pure doctrine of the Bible. I most heartily endorse these most heart-cheering and soul-reviving truths as taught by the Review. The doctrine of the seventh-day is so evident that it is a wonder to me how any one can reject it, there is such a beauty in it, and it is so reasonable that we should remember God's holy rest-day. I am still trying to live the life of the Christian and to be an overcomer. I have heard no Advent preaching for over eight years, and I should be exceedingly glad if some of our preachers could come this way. For a new field it might be as profitable as any other. One man told me not long since, that if I could get one of our preachers here he would help bear his expenses. Cannot Bro. Snook come this way some time when he is at Waterloo? We are 40 miles west of there. I think I can guarantee a good congregation and the court-house to speak in.

Sister M. M. Burt writes from Matherton, Mich.: My husband and myself became acquainted with Bro. L. Kellogg and family about one year and half ago, and were induced to look into their belief. We then found what we had been looking for, for years. We could not believe in endless misery. My husband was nearer a Universalist than anything else. We commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord last July and are trying to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and to live up to the light that God hath given. Verily the law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul. We enjoy sweet consolation in trying to serve God acceptably. We have never heard but one discourse preached. Bro. Byington preached in this state last fall. We would like very much to have one of the messengers come this way.

Bro. J. H. Holt writes from Yankee Ridge, Ohio: Bro. White as we have a great desire to have the truth spread, if you could send a messenger here we would do all that we could to pay his expenses. We have not had any preaching here since T. J. Butler was here two years ago last May. There are ten or a dozen within 6 miles of me that keep the Sabbath; but some of them differ from us on other points. I think if we could have a messenger, we would all come together and speak the same thing. May the Lord help us to watch and strive to fulfill our part that we may hear it said to us, Well done.

Sister J. F. Klase writes from Dayton, Wis.: I with eight others commenced to keep the Sabbath last March. I feel very thankful that God ever sent a messenger with the truth this way. I mean to live out the truth contained in the third angel's message, that I may have a right to the tree of life and enter through the gates into the city. I have had the privilege of reading your paper the "Review," the past summer. I think every Adventist ought to take it.

Bro. Geo. Adair writes from St. Charles, Mich.: I would say in regard to the church here that we are trying to arise with the message and get ready to meet the Lord when he comes to gather his faithful followers.

Bro. C. Drew writes: I think I can truly say I feel like urging my way on through to the kingdom. My faith grows stronger and stronger and I feel to thank the Lord for the light I have, and for the love of the truth that I feel. It rejoices my heart to read the earnest and cheering testimonies of my dear Brn. and sisters, some of whom I never expect to see in the flesh, but I say to all, Be faithful a little longer. We need to be stronger and stronger as we near the closing scenes of this world.

Bro. J. Althouse writes from Hastings, Mich.: We are trying to keep all the commandments of God, and through his assisting grace, we are endeavoring to live so that we may not be a stumbling block to any. Prejudice is now giving away, and inquiry is often made, when some of our preachers are coming this way. A good school-house can be had for meetings when not in use for the school.

Bro. A. Seymour writes from Bridgewater, Mich.: We, as a little band here, are still holding on to the truth. We meet together on the Sabbath as often as our health and the weather will permit. We are very much scattered, living from five to nine miles apart; but we have good meetings; and I believe we are all striving to gain the kingdom. I would say to the believers in the third angel's message, was there ever such a glorious message as this, given to the people of this earth? It brings the glad news to us that Jesus is soon coming. Oh! what blessed news! We have the assurance, if we keep God's commands and the faith of Jesus, that we shall in a little while, enter with him through the pearly gates into the city. O brethren and sisters, be faithful a little longer, and we shall gain the victory, and partake of the tree of life, and live forever.

Bro. N. Ward writes from Durand, Wis.: It is now two years since I became a reader of the Review. It is a welcome messenger to us. It is about a year since Bro. Ingraham delivered a course of lectures here, on present truth, and I and my companion were brought to see the need we had of a Saviour. We then resolved to try to keep the commandments of God. There are a few of us that meet every Sabbath for the worship of God and to talk of his goodness. I feel to praise the Lord that he has been so merciful to me, as to open my eyes as to where I was, and to give me a desire to search after truth. By the grace of God I am in hopes to overcome the world and at last sit down in the kingdom with all the redeemed.