Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 28, 1865

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. J. Messersmith, writing from Victory and sending $3, for a years' subscription to Review says: I find it cheap at that price, and were it twice that amount, I feel that I could not do without it, as long as it were possible to take it. I have been much instructed from the reading of its pages, and although I have not been one of its contributors heretofore, yet it has not been because my heart was not in union with the people of God. Since a year ago last Oct., I have been earnestly trying to keep all the commandments of God, and though in my efforts to keep in the narrow way, I have made some crooked steps, yet I have had no desire to lay down the cross. I thank God that my lot has been cast among the number who are walking in the light of the third angel's message. I believe this message is gathering the true people of God, to unite them in one heart, and one mind, to fit them for translation to Heaven. I have had some trials to endure, and temptations to overcome, in striving to live out the truth; but, I would not wish to enter Heaven in any other way than the one pointed out by our Saviour. God is merciful to me in showing me my faults, and through his assisting grace I have overcome many of my besetments. I long to have some of the preachers come this way, and proclaim the truth I so much love to hear. I have never heard any of them excepting Bro. Ingraham in debate on the immortality question. The earnestness and zeal he manifested in the cause convinced me that he strove not for a corruptible, but the crown that fadeth not away. Dear brethren and sisters pray for me, that I show a like zeal in my master's cause, and point others to the way to God.

Bro. P. E. Ferrin writes from Crane's Grove, Ills.: I thought perhaps it might not be amiss to say a word about the season of prayer in this place. We had a refreshing season. The Lord was with us by his Spirit, and our meetings increased in interest to the close. We can truly say it was one of the best seasons we ever enjoyed; and we all took a long step toward the better land. Last Sabbath and first-day we enjoyed the labors of, and an excellent visit from, Brn. Ingraham and Snook. Truly the Lord is good to us and we feel like pressing onward, believing that if faithful we shall soon enjoy the society of all the redeemed with our glorious Redeemer in the better land.

Sister R. A. Whysong writes from Salem, Ind.: My love for present truth is stronger than ever. I feel to thank the Lord that I ever heard the third angel's message, and that I had a heart willing to submit to its warning voice. It has been some time since I have been permitted to hear God's people give in their testimony personally, but it makes my heart rejoice to read their cheering testimonies in the paper. I too can say with others, that I thank God for this privilege. I am glad to be numbered with that class of people, who are keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, and looking for his coming. Pray for me, that I may ever be faithful until his appearing.

Bro. D. E. Gibson writes from Melrose, Wis.: Present truth finds a better reception in our hearts than ever before. We long for the time to come when some of the Lord's messengers will come this way. We are striving to come to the unity of the faith, and we trust that the present meetings will be the means of great good to us.

Bro. W. Potter writes from Rochester, Mich.: I trust in the Lord that the Lord has a care for his people, and that in his wisdom he is leading us into his truth. I feel to rejoice greatly for what the Lord has done for me. I have enjoyed the meetings very much that were held in accordance with the proclamation. It has been a heart-searching time with those that are trying to go through to the kingdom; and my prayer is that the Lord will still work for us, that we may see all our faults and confess them, and try to get into a position that we may shine as lights in the world, and be ready to meet our Saviour in peace.

Bro. H. L. Doty writes from Turkey Creek, Ind.: The appointment for a season of prayer was observed by the church in Salem, Ind., and we trust it has been one of profit. We felt, as we tried to humble ourselves before God, that his ear was open to hear the united cry of his people. One of the good results of these meetings is, that they lead us to realize more fully the solemn time in which we are living, and we earnestly desire that preparation of heart that is necessary before we can participate in the blessings of the latter rain, or stand where God designs his people shall, while he "finishes the work and cuts it short in righteousness."

May the Lord arouse us from our lethargy is our earnest prayer.

Bro. H. Abbott writes from Wakeman, Ohio: The stirring and heart-cheering testimonies of the dear brethren and sisters, often cause me to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. I am glad the Review stands up for Jesus, and holds out as a beacon light to the benighted world, the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus. I am glad that it will not compromise the truth for error; but is waging an unceasing warfare against error, and sin in all its deformities; that it is a restorer of the old paths, and a repairer of the breach; and that it shuns not to declare the whole counsel of God. May God speed and give success to this little messenger of light, until its glory shall be lost in the refulgent glory of the coming of the Lord Jesus.