The Overcomer by L. E. Miller

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 10, 1866

The Overcomer.

By L. E. Miller

How often have I been cheered and encouraged as I have read the sweet and precious promises made to those that will overcome; and often has the inquiry arisen in my mind, Shall I be an overcomer? Shall I be among that radiant throng that come singing up the golden streets of the New Jerusalem, clothed in shining garments, with glittering crowns upon their heads, waving their palms of victory, as with one united voice, they sing unto Him that hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, to him be glory forever and ever?

Then I hear a voice whispering in my ear, "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out, and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of Heaven from my God, and I will write upon him my new name." Oh, to be a pillar in that beautiful temple which is garnished all over with the diamonds and gems of love! How enrapturing the thought! The prospect how bright, how glorious! While contemplating the glories that await those that will overcome, I am often led to exclaim, I must be an overcomer.

"I must be there, I must be there, And in those glories have a share; Farewell, farewell, vain world, good-bye, For Heaven, I long, I pant, I sigh."

The invitation is extended to all. Whosoever will let him come. Oh, who would refuse to listen to the cheering words of our blessed Saviour, Him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his throne.

The question is often asked, How shall I be an overcomer? We may overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. We must forsake the vain allurements of this world, and walk in the narrow way that our Saviour has marked out for his meek and humble followers. Though the way is narrow, it is a bright and shining way, and leads to a glorious immortality beyond this vale of tears.

O ye weary, way-worn pilgrims who are coming up out of great tribulation, the Lord your God will wipe away all tears from your eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the inhabitants of that radiant clime shall never more say, I am sick. Soon our blest Saviour will come to gather his faithful ones home, where we shall dwell with the King in his beauty. We shall drink of the streams that make glad the city of our God, and shall eat of the fruits of life's fair tree, and forever bask in the smiles of our lovely Saviour. Oh let us lift up our heads and rejoice for our redemption draweth nigh.

"Signs are fulfilling, Earth's pillars groan."

These are perilous times. What we do must be done quickly. Oh let us accept the offers of salvation before it is too late. The Spirit and the bride say, Come; and let him that heareth say, Come; and let him that is athirst, come; and whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely. And he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

L. E. MILLNE.

Shabbona, Ill.