Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 12, 1864

Extracts from Letters.

Sister J. E. Green writes from Wis.: I am often filled with wonder to think I should ever offend so good a being as God; but the blessed words, “If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous,” and, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” come to my heart with cheering power, and I am encouraged to plead for pardon, and strengthened to try hard to be more watchful and prayerful, that I may be among those who shall be cleansed from all unrighteousness. Oh, blessed thought! that the time will surely come when we shall sin no more. I have, of late, passed through some (to me) severe trials; for it is foreign to our nature to be despised and sneered at by friends and relatives on account of our opinions. But in the midst of it, I could not help rejoicing that I was counted worthy to suffer even a little for his sake, who suffered so much for me. Oh, how little and insignificant do such trials appear, in view of the great reward at the end of the race. All I ask is, that they may have a humbling and sanctifying effect upon me, that I may be an overcomer through the blood of the dear Saviour. My daily prayer is, “O, for a closer walk with God.” When I see those around me shrinking from a view of short crops, caused by the drouth now prevailing, and borrowing trouble about the future, the beautiful words of David, in the 91st Psalm, come to my heart like oil upon the troubled waters, “Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation, there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” How many precious promises there seem to be written on purpose for those living just before Christ’s second coming. I am truly thankful that we have the word of God to lighten us in these last days, and I desire to be among those who shall take it as the man of their counsel, that it may indeed be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, and I may be guided aright, and at last worship with the overcomers around the throne of God in Heaven.

Sister E. F. Rood writes from Alamo, Mich.: When Bro. Cornell was lecturing at Otsego, one year ago, I listened to two discourses by him, and afterward attended the tent meeting one day, at the same place, and heard Bro. and Sr. White exhort and encourage the people in this glorious truth. This encouraged and led me to a careful investigation of the Scriptures, where I have not found the seventh-day Sabbath abolished, nor any other truth that I have heard preached or seen advocated in the Review. The paper is all the preaching I have, and I hail it with delight. I do not feel disheartened at the lonely path, but will try to press my way onward and upward, relying upon the strong arm of my Redeemer, who will in nowise cast out any who sincerely call upon his holy name.

Sister L. Risinger writes from Enterprise, Minn.: I have just returned from the quarterly meeting, held at Pleasant Grove by Bro. Sanborn, thirty-five miles from my home. I there heard things that have brought my life up to the test. I cannot be neutral. I must take my stand upon this glorious platform of love, purity, and truth. I must consecrate myself to God, and make my body a fit temple for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. “I will make haste, and delay not, to obey thy righteous commandments, O, my God,” lest the tempter come and snatch away the precious influence made upon my heart. I love the people that live up to this beautiful standard of truth. Like Ruth of old, I feel like saying, “Entreat me not to leave thee; for thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.”

Sister E. Wood writes from Bellaire, Iowa: One year ago last February I commenced keeping the Sabbath. I feel to thank the Lord that I was ever led to hear his precious truth, and had a willing heart to obey it. I am trying to heed the warning voice of the last message of mercy, by keeping all God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus, that I may have a right to the tree of life, and enter through the gates into the city. I feel very unworthy to be numbered among God’s servants, but Jesus is worthy, and it is through him I expect to be saved.

Bro. J. Hebner writes from Pottersburg, Mich.: Had it not been for the Bible, and the Review that advocates the doctrines of that book, I should probably have made shipwreck of my faith; but I can truly say to-day that my heart beats in unison with all the dear saints. Brethren and sisters, I rejoice with you that ever my ear was saluted with the third angel’s message, the last message of mercy that will ever go to the world to warn the inhabitants thereof of the coming of the Saviour.

Bro. F. C. Castle writes from Buck’s Bridge, N. Y.: Our quarterly meeting, at this place, has just closed. It was quite well attended. Bro. H. W. Lawrence was with us, related some of his experience, and exhorted us to arise and gird on the whole armor, and be awake to our responsibility. There was good freedom during the entire meeting. Bro. Whitney gave two discourses on first-day, after which one was baptized by Bro. Lawrence. The brethren then parted for their homes, encouraged to be more faithful.

Bro. H. Harlow, who appears to be going forward in the good work, writes from Decatur, Nebraska: I would like to say to my dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad that I am in full sympathy with the Seventh-day Adventists. I embraced the third angel’s message nine years ago this month. Five years ago I bid good-by to tobacco. The 6th day of the present month I bid good-by to tea and coffee. I would like to say to my friends that it is my determination to keep all the commands of God and the faith of Jesus.

Sister F. Winchel writes from Cooleyville, Minn.: I know that Jesus lives, and I also know something of what it is to suffer for the testimony of Jesus, and for keeping the seventh day. But I found it all in the Bible some years since. I love to hear of the near coming of our Saviour. And when I read the comforting letters in the Review, I have often felt that I would be glad to be a witness for God.

Sister M. L. Sutherland writes from Newton, Mich.: The Lord has bestowed great blessings on me in answer to prayer, and I would acknowledge it to all of like precious faith, to incite them to prayer and faithfulness; for unto us is the promise given, “And whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”

Sister E. Carmichael writes from Springville, Iowa: I have cause to rejoice and praise the Lord for being so merciful to me. I esteem the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord; and I rejoice that he has left on record so many precious promises to those who are trying to keep his commandments.

Sister L. J. Shaw writes from Strykersville, N. Y., June 5, 1864: I never before in my life felt the sacredness of the Sabbath as I do and have of late, and the beauty there is in the commandments of God, and the great and precious promises to those that obey his will. Praise the Lord!

Sister C. Ruiter writes from Dunham, Vt.: My companion and children are keeping the Sabbath. We commenced soon after the tent-meeting in North Sutton, last summer. It is not a yoke of bondage to us, but a delight.

Bro. E. Jones writes from Dryden, Mich.: May it be mine to have that fellowship of which the apostle speaks, with both the Father and the Son, by keeping his commandments and the faith of Jesus.