Extracts from Letters

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 4, 1860

Extracts from Letters.

Sister N. Guider writes from Cincinnati, Ohio: "I still am trying to hold on my way. Pray for me that the grace of God may be sufficient for me; for I stand alone, as it were, in this city. My greatest desire is that I may attain to that hope which fired the apostles with such zeal, namely, the resurrection of the just. I am weak, but the Lord is all-sufficient."

Sister M. Bean writes from E. Brookfield, Vt.: "Let me speak a little on the past and present dealings of God with me. When I heard on the coming of the Lord, although trying to be faithful in his service, I felt that there was much to be done for me, to fit me for the change, and make me ready to meet the Lord in the air so as to be ever with him. At once I cut loose from the world, and made a full surrender of all to God. Previous to hearing this first message, I often heard of one and another afflicted with poverty and misfortune, and wished I was rich so I could relieve them; but I felt I was poor myself and what had I to give? But when the message came, and especially in 1844, I felt as though I could divide my last morsel if need be. How truly Bro. White describes that movement when he says, 'Those who were not in the movement know nothing of the deep searching of heart, consecration of all to God;' and when he says, 'Those who were in that movement are aware that language would fail to describe that state of brotherly love.'"

All this, and more, is true to the very letter; and I think we must be as fully given up and consecrated to God as we were then, before we shall be prepared for his coming. We must again feel our

"—brother's woe, Nor ever once repine; But every selfish thought forego, And have his heart near mine."

Well, in '49, as many already know, I should have come out on the Sabbath, but as I some time ago gave the reason, I will only add that a long dark night of despair was my portion. When delivered from that, which was in answer to the prayers of those who kept the commandments, I embraced the Sabbath. Then all was wonder, love and praise to my heavenly Father. It was three years last winter since I embraced the truth. Within the two past years I have felt that the message to the Laodiceans would well apply to me at times. Early last Spring I was in earnest to be wholly given up to God. I knew many things would depress my spirit which, if I was what I should be, would be easily overcome. I sought with my whole heart, was brought into a state of perfect peace, could trust God wholly. I strove to watch my heart every moment, as it were; I saw trials ahead, but felt I would stand however much I had to encounter. The trials came, and for three weeks or so, I was enabled to hold on to God, but at length lost ground. It must be gained again, and for a few weeks past the burden of my prayer has been that no guile be found in my mouth, no deception in my heart. I have felt that I was really getting awake to the subject of holiness. Our theory of present truth, though ever so correct, will not save us without Bible holiness; and it seems to me it is not realized by the remnant as it should be. In sister Steward's experience in No. 11, I read much of my own. I am beginning to learn the way of faith more perfectly, praise the Lord. And then what Bro. White has said to the Laodiceans; I feel it is enough to stir up every soul. If this does not stir us up, I don't know what will. If we don't profit by these things we of course shall be spued out. The Lord has long waited for us to get ready. Are we not some like ancient Israel after they came out of bondage and started for the promised Land? They made a long journey, when if they had obeyed God, they would much sooner have accomplished their journey. But they murmured, were unbelieving, and fell in the wilderness. Only two reached the promised land, of those that came out of Egypt. I hope we shall not murmur as they did, nor be guilty of any of those things which were the cause of their overthrow. And if we think we stand, the Lord help us to take heed lest we fall. I feel that now I have given God my heart, my all I trust is on the altar. I feel it to be a momentary work to keep our hearts with all diligence. It is an individual work. It is over against our own home. And when this work is done the church will be in a state where the Holy Spirit, the pure baptism, will go through the body as the blood circulates through the veins of a healthy person. Then the message will rise with us and we with the message. Then we shall have the eye-salve. Then will Jesus sup with us and we with him. I have been abundantly blessed within a few days, and hope to grow in grace, and walk softly before the Lord. I must go through. For a lot among the blessed I give up all."