Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 17, 1865

Extracts from Letters.

Sister E. Wilcox writes from Hubbardsville, N. Y.: As we commence another year, I feel under renewed obligations to strive to get nearer to the Lord, and live out his truth more fully, and dedicate myself unreservedly to the Lord. I want to enjoy more of his presence, and more of his sweet Spirit. I want to feel assured that he is mine, and I am his from day to day, and feel that I am growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.

Sister C. Baker writes from Raymond, Pa.: I bless God for the light of his glorious truth, which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path while traveling this weary pilgrimage. Dear brethren and sisters, if we are only faithful, I am satisfied we are near the haven of our eternal rest. And though we have trials and temptations, as most of us do in this dreadful time of war, the blessed Lord has promised to deliver those that put their trust in him. Pray for me that my faith fail not, but that I may be enabled to keep all God's commandments, and have right to the tree of life and enter into the beloved city when Jesus comes.

O. A. Heath writes from Elk Horn Grove, Ills.: I am still trying to obey God by keeping all his commandments and the faith of Jesus. My love for the truth is growing stronger. It cheers my heart when I read the testimonies which are given to us from time to time. How good the Lord is to us. I long for the coming of my blessed Saviour. I am striving to overcome that I may be prepared for an entrance through the pearly gates into the city. I long to be there. I love to hear about the coming of the Lord; for then our sorrows will have an end, and he will receive his faithful people to himself.

Sister R. A. Whysong writes from Indiana: I humbly thank God for the light and knowledge that I have received of the present truth from Brn. Canright and Doty, although I have many persecutions, trials, and temptations to encounter as a consequence. I have been turned away from my father's house for keeping the fourth commandment. But I read, "Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." When I think of this promise, and many others, I feel strengthened and encouraged. If I am cast out as a pilgrim and stranger in the earth, God will take care of those who diligently love and serve him. For Christ says that whosoever shall leave father, or mother, or sister, or brother, or houses and lands, for my sake and the gospel's, he shall have an hundred fold now in this time, fathers, mothers, houses and lands, with persecutions; and in the end eternal life. Oh, what a promise is this to those that love the truth and desire to walk therein. Again Christ says, they that love father or mother more than me, are not worthy of me. The Lord help me ever to be faithful, and be at last numbered with that little company of Sabbath-keepers who are patiently waiting for the coming of the Lord when he shall appear.

Sister R. F. Phippeny writes from North Star, Mich.: We have just had a time of refreshing from the hand of the Lord. We have been strengthened by hearing the precious truths of God's holy word preached unto us for a few days past, by Brn. Van Horn and Canright. We were also gratified by being visited by some of the brethren and sisters from St. Charles, last Sabbath and first-day. It seemed pleasant indeed to meet with those of like precious faith; God grant that we may meet in the Eden home of the earth restored, to its original purity and beauty.

We entered into organization at Ithaca, and are now a band of thirty-six, having our names attached to the church-covenant of S. D. Adventists. There are others that were absent on the day of organization, who will probably be added to our number. And now that we are organized into one body, we want the prayers of the brethren and sisters, that we may walk worthily in the sight of God and man, and that we may never falter by the way, but keep God's holy law in all respects.

My faith has grown stronger in hearing the truths of the inspired word of God, as presented by the servants of the Lord. I can indeed believe that holy angels were by their side, guiding and directing them in the work of portraying the thrilling truths that concern us now. It seemed as if we had a foretaste of the joys that will be ours, when we are made immortal. May the Lord be with all those who are engaged in spreading the truth.

Take courage, dear brethren and sisters, for the time is near when we shall see our King in all his glory, and when we shall receive that glittering crown promised to the faithful. Is it not a crown worth striving for? It is a crown that fadeth not away. My heart rises in gratitude to God, when I contemplate the glories he has in store for all his people. And all he requires of us is, obedience to his holy law, and a willingness to do his will. I want to be an overcomer of all evil, and be ready to meet our Lord in the air. Let us be ready that we may have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of God.

Sister C. J. Pearce writes from Richmond, Iowa: I rejoice that I still have a desire to overcome and go through with the remnant to mount Zion. For a year past I have had to strive very hard to keep my mind upon heavenly things. It almost seemed that I should be overpowered; but praise the Lord, I begin to feel free in this once more. I attended the Pilot Grove Quarterly Meeting, and heard Bro. Brinkerhoff give four discourses, which were meat in due season to all. I have renewed my covenant with the Lord, as Jacob of old. Sabbath afternoon we had a refreshing social meeting, in which, seventy-four, in about 60 or 70 minutes, bore testimony to the love of God, and told their determinations to live nearer to the Lord in this coming year, than in the past, and to pay their vows to the Most High. The Spirit of God was there. At night Bro. B. gave a short discourse, and then we attended to the ordinances. We felt the power of the Lord in our midst. May we all keep our vows. I desire to be among the number that shall have their robes washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb, and be waiting for the Lord's appearing.