Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 8, 1864

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. L. H. Roberts writes from Deerfield, Mich.: I am a carpenter and joiner by trade. I found it necessary last summer to work away from home and went to the village of Croton. I worked five days in a week, and in the midst of scornful professors and indifferent sinners, I rested the seventh day according to the commandment. Luke xxiii, 56.

One man let me work on Sundays when I could without making too much noise. Many threats were made, but I found some that would defend me, so I was not arrested. May the Lord give me courage at all times to face the world.

Since last Spring I have stood alone, my wife observing one day and I another; but thank the Lord, through his goodness she has been convinced and we now keep the Sabbath together. I have often tried to quit smoking but did not succeed. I have indulged in the habit to great excess for nine years. My wife often told me that when I would quit smoking, she would quit drinking tea. So with the beginning of the new year we both made a firm resolve to use no more tea coffee or tobacco. Thank the Lord, we will come off victorious, triumphing over sin and temptation, and finally over death.

Sister M. W. Steere writes from E. McDonough, N. Y.: My way for many months has been dark and clouded, but of late the clouds have been dispersing and the sun of righteousness illuminates and warms up my heart with love to God. I feel that he leads me on and I want to cast all my care on him, and be sanctified through the truth. The Review is all the Christian communion I have, and it is very dear to me.

My only daughter Maryette, died last June but she died with the seal of God's law upon her, and I trust she is waiting to hear the voice of the Son of God. I am very lonely, but want to know no will but his. Pray for me that I may have a good title to the promised land.

Sister M. Debord writes from Arlington, Wis.: I feel to rejoice in the blessed hope. When I look back on my past life and see how I have lived, my heart is pained within me, but I feel like starting anew to serve my Lord and master. I want to live so that I may meet with joy the Saviour when he comes to make up his jewels.

Cannot some preacher come this way to open the eyes of the people. I think good might be done here. There are several anxious to hear the Adventists preach. This is a good neighborhood. Would be glad to have some one come and give a course of lectures. There are two Sabbath keepers here besides myself. We will help to bear the expenses if some one will come. My heart goes up to God in prayer. Oh may this be a place of true worship. The churches have fallen to a low state in this place. They are engaged in dancing festivals and every thing else that the world delights in.

Sister B. J. Carpenter writes from Des Moines, Iowa: I am still living in Des Moines. Though all alone in the faith, I can praise the Lord that his grace has been sufficient for me. I have tried to live close to the Lord, tell him all my troubles, and ask him for strength to stand that Satan might not get any advantage of my weakness, and I be lost at last. I do want to be a child of God, to endure unto the end, and be gathered with God's dear children at last.

Sister S. M. Greenman writes from Lockport, N. Y.: It is about six months since I began to keep the seventh day as a rest-day, believing it to be the day which God commands to be kept. I first heard the present truth presented by Bro. Cottrell, and thank God that my ears have been greeted with the sound of this message. I feel willing to suffer with Christ if I may but reign with him. When I look back upon the past and realize what great things the Lord has done for me, the language of my heart is, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name." Oh, the unspeakable love that fills the soul when we do the will of the Lord, and follow his footsteps! Oh, why do we cling to this sinful world so much! I feel to say, Lord wean my affections from it. And may we all get just right in his sight, be clothed with humility and have on the whole armor, for soon our Deliverer will appear.

Sister A. M. Preston writes from Fitz Henry, Ills.: I esteem it a great privilege to be numbered among the children of God, though unworthy. I rejoice in God because he has kept me in the love of the truth. It is my meditation by night and by day; and it is my greatest desire to know the will of God. Brethren and sisters let us beware and not fall into any snare that the enemy will set for us; but let us keep close to Jesus' bleeding side, and remember how he suffered for us, and how many precious promises he has made us. I will by the grace of God, live a Christian life.