p. 39 | Striving to Overcome by John A. Eldred

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 2, 1866

Striving to Overcome

By John A. Eldred

From Bro. Eldred.

BRO. WHITE: I still am striving to live near to God' that he may be near to me. My desire is to be an overcomer. I expect that the once-despised Saviour will soon come and claim his despised children. I believe that the time is short, and that we must be up and doing, having on the whole armor, that we may be able to stand in the evil day.

The pathway that lies before the remnant is truly a narrow and rugged one, and were it not that Israel's God is able to save and to deliver even to the uttermost, our hearts would indeed fail us as we view the great storm that is coming on this sin-cursed earth. Although we may be called to pass through deep tribulations, and the world cast out our names, and scoff because we believe that Jesus is soon coming to take his faithful waiting ones home, yet let us ever remember that Jesus says, "Fear not, little flock; it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

I feel truly to praise Him for his long suffering in sparing me until I saw the light of the third angel's message. I love the precious truth and wish all could see it; but this I cannot expect; for the time has come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but choose to go in the broad road while few go in the narrow way.

Let us strive to be of that little company that will be permitted to meet in that kingdom where there will be no war nor blood shed, no sorrow nor dying groans but where the redeemed will be, and sorrow and sighing flee away. I want to be ready when Jesus comes. I cannot think of staying back in the city of destruction. I want an inheritance with the saints of God in the earth made new.

Yours waiting for Jesus. JOHN A. ELDRED. Victor, N. Y., Dec., 1865.