Overcoming Harmful Habits
By Eleanor Overton
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I can truly say that it cheers my heart to see the signs thickening around that portend Jesus' coming. It seems to me that the time is nearing when "He that shall come, will come, and will not tarry;" and in contemplation of these things my heart is made to rejoice in the God of my salvation. Brethren and sisters let us lift up our heads and rejoice that our redemption draweth nigh. I feel strengthened each day of my life to go on to know the Lord, whom to know aright will be eternal life. I feel that God is good to me, and has been in days past, while I was bowed down in darkness, in weakness of body and mind, holding on to idols for which I had formed the habit, and to which I had become very much attached; such as smoking, drinking tea, &c., going contrary to the laws of my being, not knowing that I was sinning in so doing. After the visions reproved me for these habits I had no peace of mind until I went with a will to work to break off from them. And as fast as I obtained the victory over these idols, light broke into my mind, and I feel stronger in body and mind to-day. My head is clearer; I can study the Bible now; it looks plainer; and these glorious truths that are being proclaimed, I can look into them, and my head is not confused as it used to be. If I had clung to these idols I never could have studied, nor could I have received the light of present truth. Oh, I feel thankful to the Lord for giving me overcoming grace. I feel that I can put my trust in the Lord; in him is my strength. Now if there is any sister who is troubled with these habits, I would say to her, Break away from them; you may think you can't, but I say you can! Make up your mind that it is a sin; believe the visions; they are to purify the church. How can we expect to make any progress in the divine life while we indulge in such things? O sisters, break away from them. We can't go to God in prayer, and be forgiven and blessed while we are going against so much light. I thank the Lord that he has enabled me to overcome thus far, I want to overcome all sin, and be ready and waiting for the coming of the Lord. Oh the hope of the Christian! the joys that are in store for those that overcome! Time seems short; it seems but a little while in the future, when if faithful we shall see Jesus, yes, glorious thought! *Oh happy day, oh blessed hope,
It buoys our drooping spirits up;
When Christ our living head shall come,
To take his weary children home.* Yes, a home with Jesus. I can say, away with the world; away with idols—with everything that shall hinder me from having a home in Heaven. Brethren and sisters, let us get on higher ground, where the Lord can bless us, where he can pour out his Spirit upon us. Let us press together, be of one heart and one mind; then we shall see the message go with power. I believe it, and I want to be faithful in all that the Lord would have me do, that I with all my brethren and sisters may have a home in the earth made new. Yours, in hope.
ELEANOR OVERTON.