The Overcomer by R. F. Cottrell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 13, 1866

The Overcomer.

By R. F. Cottrell

GrEAT promises are made to him that overcomes. The very idea of overcoming is suggestive that there are obstacles and enemies to be overcome. Let not those who meet no losses and crosses, no pressing and burdensome labors, no severe conflicts and trials, imagine that they are overcoming, while they are floating down the current, instead of rowing against it, and dreaming of being carried to Heaven on flowery beds of ease. No! There is a battle to be fought, the enemy must be met and overcome; and it will cost a struggle, an earnest and persevering struggle, to conquer. It is the conqueror in this warfare that will wear the victor's crown. And there are trials in the way. It is the sufferer with Jesus, that has the promise of reigning with him.

"There is suffering ere the glory, There's a cross before the crown."

But he that denies his suffering Saviour, and is not willing to follow in his footsteps, will be denied by him.

Let us willingly bear the toil, before we talk of entering into rest. Let us run with patience the race, before we dream of claiming the prize. Let us willingly meet our foes and overcome, before we think of inheriting all those things which are promised to the overcomer. Then we may overcome, not of ourselves alone, but by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony—the sure word of God's promises, which strengthens us for the endurance of every trial, and enables us by faith to look beyond the raging conflict to the certain and everlasting victory—the word which assures us that the faithful, valiant soldier shall conquer, and that the conqueror shall reign.

R. F. COTTRELL.