Extracts from Letters

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 27, 1865

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. J. Philbrick writes from Wilton, N. H.: How good the Lord is, that in his merciful providence, he has revealed solemn and important truths for this the last generation, in the third angel’s message. How great is my indebtedness to him for his great mercy shown me through his light and truth.

I desire above everything else, to realize that except we are living out those truths, and they are being interwoven all through our being we are not having that work accomplished for us that was designed to fit us up to honor him here, that he might keep us “from the hour of temptation” and gather us to Mt. Zion. I realize in some degree that the Lord requires of me, as he did of righteous Abel, to offer his sacrifice in full faith. In contemplating this wonderful work of redeeming grace, I am often led to exclaim, Oh, matchless grace! Oh, the unbounded fullness of a Saviour’s love! And as my heart is captivated with the thought, I am sometimes led to praise him here, and hope to help swell the song of redeeming love above. Oh all ye tried messengers of the Lord, and tempted, and afflicted saints, fresh courage take, the land is nearing! “Hark! the choral strains are ringing, wafted on the balmy air.” Bless God’s holy name. “No chilling winds or poisonous breath, can reach that healthful shore.” No tempting enemy, no sickness, no pain no sorrow, no death there. Eden’s bowers bloom forever. I want to be there.

Bro. L. D. Santee writes from Mackinaw, Ill.: My father’s family are all the Sabbath-keepers in this place. The prevailing religion, is Campbellite, or as they call themselves Christians. They hold that the law of God is abolished, and some of them discard the writings of the Old Testament altogether. They have been holding a series of meetings and thirty-six have been added to their church. One thing seemed strange: they did not have a prayer meeting during the time. There would be preaching, then an invitation given for any to come forward that wanted to join. Some would come forward, and they would ask one question; namely, “Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?” The answer would be, “1 do.” That was sufficient. The next day they would baptize them. They are expecting that the reign of righteousness is about here; that slavery and war is done away. We can but pity the deluded followers of blind guides, as we see the storm of wrath about to descend and sweep away their refuge of lies.

I attended Bro. Sanborn’s meetings at Gridley, about forty miles from here, which are the only meetings of commandment keepers in the State, that I have attended. It was a season long to be remembered; for there I had the blessed privilege of following my Master in the ordinance of baptism; and I shall strive to keep all the commandments, that I may have his approbation and hear him say at last, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Sister L. H. Eastman writes from Corinth, Vt.: I feel very thankful for the goodness of God to me, and I feel determined to go with the people of God to Mt. Zion. Blessed be God that there is a people coming up whose God is the Lord, and I give you my heart and hand to go with you. I have been trying to keep the Sabbath of the Lord almost two years, and I feel that I am blessed in so doing. Although I am one of the lonely ones, yet I feel that God is for me, and if he slay me I will trust in him. It will be but a little while we shall have to face the storm. Praise the Lord.