Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 26, 1864

Extracts from Letters.

Sister A. Johnson writes from Southampton, Ills. : Death is abroad in the land. Quite a number of my acquaintances have lately fallen asleep in death. The thought comes to my mind, Who will be called to go next? Should I be the one, am I prepared? Have I always set that godly example before my young associates that I ought? Alas! I fear I have come far short of my privilege. I realize that Satan is working with all deceivableness, knowing that his time is short. Then let us put on the whole armor, that we may be able to resist all his snares and come off conqueror, through Jesus, who has loved us. I have a great desire to live to see Jesus come; but whether I wake or sleep, may I be prepared to meet him, and be permitted to enter through the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem.

Oh! how my heart is filled with holy joy in contemplation of the happiness that awaits the faithful. There will be such ravishing music as never was heard by mortal ears; and everlasting flowers shall bloom to charm the eye; and there will be no more sickness or death. And more than all these, we shall behold our lovely Saviour, and bask in his presence, and feel his approving smile upon us forever. I would say to the dear youth who have enlisted under the glorious banner of present truth, Be faithful in all things; remember that the recording angel notes down all our actions; and ministering angels are anxiously waiting the result. Never neglect secret prayer; for "prayer is appointed to convey the blessings God designs to give." How can we expect his blessings unless we ask him for them. Shun every appearance of evil, and remember that it is only by bearing the cross that we receive the crown. Let us adopt those beautiful lines of the poet: *"Now, in our earlier days, Teach us thy will to know; O, God, thy sanctifying grace Betimes on us bestow."`

Sister S. J. Wakeling writes from Memphis, Mich. : I am still striving to live out the present truth and come up to the stature of a perfect Christian. I praise the Lord for what he has done for me, and for his kindness in permitting me to hear the third angel's message, and of receiving with the church here the labors of the messengers from time to time. Oh that we might be more thankful for the many blessings we have already enjoyed, and may we learn to prize them as we ought, and have our daily life and conversation in accordance with our profession, that our example may exert a gathering influence upon those who do not believe these truths, or at least have not openly professed them. Let us search our own hearts diligently, and ask the Lord to lead us by his Holy Spirit in the narrow way, that others may see our good works and be led to glorify our Father in Heaven. Let us strive to get free from all dross, and cleave to the commandments of God and testimony of Jesus. Let us be up and doing, and not sleep as do others; but be among the waiting ones, looking for the appearing of our Deliverer, and be ready to exclaim, *"Lo this is our God! we have waited for him, and he will save us."`

Sister H. Clough writes from Windsor, Vt. : How solemn the thought that we are living amid the perils of the last days! Do we realize it as we ought? How many are living without God and without hope in the world; and how many more have the form of godliness without the power; and others still, live under the excitement of false reformation. In looking at the world and the nominal churches, how painful the view! But thank the Lord, there is a little company coming up here, with the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus on their banner, that will obtain the final victory over the world the flesh and the Devil. It is therefore of great consequence to us whether we belong to that company or not. It may be essential to good order here to have our names enrolled in a church book, but we need more than that. We need a living faith that unites us to Christ the head of the Church. Brethren and sisters, let us continue to pray and struggle on. The great reward is just ahead, and those that endure to the end shall be saved.

Bro. S. R. Twist writes from Rockport, Mo. : As we are exhorted to speak often one to another; and as many of us are so scattered that we can do so only through the columns of the Review, I would say that I am trying to keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus, that I may finally be prepared to meet the Lord in peace when he shall come. Oh that we could realize more vividly the times in which we live. We regret to see some turning back to the beggarly elements of the world, saying, My Lord delayeth his coming. To such we would say, Beware of the consequences. We have need of patience, says the apostle, that after we have done the will of God, we may receive the promise. Let us be patient unto the coming of the Lord. He will come at the appointed time. He will come, and will not tarry. The latter rain will be poured out as soon as we are prepared to receive it.

Bro. J. A. Strong writes from Brady, Mich. : I deeply feel the necessity of faithfulness and prayer, and of laying aside all joking and jesting, that I may not bring reproach upon the cause of Christ. The tongue is an unruly evil full of deadly poison. It seems that here is a point on which we need watchfulness. Many times in my past life have I been led to think that there was no reality in religion by the actions of those belonging to the church. I once told a minister who came to converse with me, that if I were to judge by the actions of those professing to be Christians, I did not think I should be much better if I should be a Christian. But those who profess present truth, at least, should so conduct themselves as to be living witnesses to the truth.

Sister R. G. Allen writes from Middletown, R. I. : I trust by God's assisting grace, I may ever keep his commandments, and do his will. I have felt greatly encouraged while reading my paper. I have ever felt thankful to my Lord and Master for sending me the light of present truth.

I felt to rejoice when I read that the Brn. had visited Block Island, and Peace Dale, R. I. I expect they will visit Middletown yet. Here are people enough, buildings enough, and wickedness enough.

If a contrary wind should at any time hinder the Brn. from going to Block Island, tell them to inquire for William C. Allen, in Middletown, two miles from the court house, on Honyman Hill, east road.

An aged pilgrim, Bro. T. Draper, writes from McGregor, Iowa : Having in possession a trifle of that which you must have a great deal of to carry out and carry on the blessed work you are engaged in, I direct it to you before it shall drift some other way. Although money is plenty, I am too old, feeble and poor, to get it, being nearly eighty-five. I go to the Post-office once a week, about a mile, for my paper, which is of more importance to me since it became a gift; and I mourn that I am not able to help to enlarge it; for the last page and column come too soon.

Bro. W. H. Wild writes from Brooklyn, N. Y. : We are undoubtedly soon coming into a period of time when we shall appreciate this blessed hope of ours more than we do now. We are rapidly approaching the hour of temptation that is to try all that dwell upon the earth. It will be even as Daniel describes it, a time of trouble such as never was, since there was a nation, from which none will be delivered but those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Bro. J. H. Mallory writes from Victoria, Mo. : How cheering to read the kind and interesting letters of the brethren and sisters, in which they make known to each other their hopes and determinations. We love to hear about the soon appearing of our Saviour. The little church here is trying to rise with the message, and by the help of God, we hope to overcome, and at last to stand with the 144,000 upon the sea of glass, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Pray for us that we may hold out faithful.

Sister M. J. Owen writes from West Newton : I am trying to search out truth and be on the Lord's side, hoping to prove faithful, and when these dark storms are over, receive the crown he has prepared for his ransomed people, and come up with the remnant to sing his praise on mount Zion: We know of no Sabbath keepers near us. The Review is more than a welcome messenger to me.

Sister E. P. Warren writes from Medford, Minn. : Oh for strength to stand amid the trials of these last days! I think I realize in a measure something of the shortness of time. Let us hasten to improve the precious moments as they pass, before it is too late. May the Lord help us to watch ourselves more closely, and let not the straitness of the way turn us from the truth.