p. 199 | Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 17, 1863

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. J. Banks writes from Oakfield, Mich.: I would say that I am glad that I ever heard the sound of the third angel's message. It is a little over three years since I heard Brn. Lawrence and Frisbie with the tent at Greenville, and I and my wife commenced to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. For two years previous we had been members of the M. E. church. While with them I enjoyed much of the goodness of God as I tried to live up to all the light I had. But since I embraced the truth, many times my peace has been like a river. I have been called through scenes of affliction and trouble, but I can rejoice that these shall work a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, if I only hold out faithful.

I have often thought I had a hard lot; but while hearing Bro. Byington speak of a Daniel and a Jeremiah and John, and many others, my mouth is stopped, and I am led to see that I have been highly favored. I find it will be through much tribulation that we shall enter through the gates into the city.

Nearly a year ago Brn. White, Loughborough, and Byington organized us into a church, called the West Plains church, numbering ten members. Death and other causes have reduced our numbers to seven; but I can now give a good report of this little vine. It is flourishing. We are trying to get on higher grounds. I hope we shall not wound the cause we love, and that we shall let our light shine, by doing those things that are pleasing to God. Pray for us, that we as a church though few in numbers may walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called. It is a high calling to be prepared to meet God and Jesus, and holy angels, and the good and blest of every age.

Dear brethren and sisters, may the Lord help us to be faithful, and at last have a home in the earth made new, a country undefiled by sin, and an inheritance that fadeth not away.

Bro. J. Fishell, jr., writes: I would like to say to the brethren and sisters that I am still striving to be an overcomer. I believe that time is very short, and that God is now preparing the hearts of the people to receive the last message, and that the loud cry will soon go forth. I realize the narrowness of the way more than ever, and am bound by God's assisting grace to go through. Our hearts have been greatly encouraged of late by Bro. and sister Byington. They are truly a father and mother in Israel. My prayer is, Lord, bless their labors of love, that we may all be benefited, and at last stand together on mount Zion with all the redeemed.

Bro. J. Hiestand writes from Palestine, Ills.: It is now about one year since my wife and myself commenced observing the Sabbath of the Lord. We never heard a sermon preached on the subject of present truth, but we have examined the Bible, and, with the assistance of those little silent messengers printed at Battle Creek, we have been able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Therefore we remember the Sabbath-day, that is, to prepare for it and to keep it with delight.

Sister E. Warner writes from Woodhull, Mich.: There is a small church of S. D. Adventists here, who are still striving to overcome the powers of darkness and are struggling toward the light. We deeply feel the need of help from on high. We love the cause of truth much, and wish to meet at last with the true Israel on Mt. Zion.