Overcomers and Their Reward.
By Sarah E. Lindsley.
Who of us cannot say that we sincerely desire to overcome? An exceeding great reward is held out to overcomers. We think, talk, and pray, much about it. We feel that it is a great work, a work which must be speedily performed or it will be too late. But what is it to overcome? To subdue, conquer, or become victorious. See Webster. Next arises the question, What must we overcome? We are told to overcome evil. Our hearts are by a fallen nature “deceitful and desperately wicked.” Yet we are exhorted, yea commanded, to be perfect and holy. Jesus is our perfect pattern,—we can do nothing without him. He entreats us in persuasive words to learn of him, for he is meek and lowly in heart; and he can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, for he was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. Do we ask how we shall overcome? If we study carefully the word of God, which is as a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path, we shall find instruction. Yet, for all this, how often have we found ourselves doing those things which we would not. In spite of our best resolutions, how often when we would do good, evil is present with us. And when at evening we review the events of the day, how often we are stung with self-reproach and remorse, as we remember the careless and trifling words, or the impatient and hasty words, or perchance the murmuring and complaining words, which have escaped our lips. Alas! we have been overcome! Our hearts condemn us, and our confidence toward God is diminished; and with sighs and bitter tears we exclaim, oh, how shall I ever overcome? This has been my experience, and I doubt not that of others. But the Lord is merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, not willing that any should perish. To the little remnant who are preparing for translation, he condescends to give through the gifts of the Spirit, and the leaders in the church, special light on the great work of overcoming. Shall we suffer our hearts to rise up against it, because it crosses a perverted appetite and makes us peculiar? or shall we not rather accept it thankfully, and hail it as a beacon preparing the way for our deliverance? Oh, yes! I mean by the help of the Lord to faithfully walk in the light, and make it a matter of principle and of conscience to obey the physical, as well as the moral, laws of God. Blessed be his holy name for the light that shines upon our pathway. God is faithful! His arm is not shortened that it cannot save, nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear. Who ever trusted in him and was confounded? No one. Mark that deeply bereaved sister who has been so suddenly deprived of those dear ones who seemed necessary to her own existence. She is sustained. She has testimony for the Lord, and has a stronger hold on the immortal inheritance. She feels that she has a great interest in the resurrection morn, and that is not far distant. Whatever be our lot, whether lonely, persecuted, afflicted, or bereaved, if we are patient and submissive, casting not away our confidence in God, grace will be given to enable us to bear the trial, so long as it will be for our good, and deliverance will be ours at last. We have the sweet promise that “our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” And this is the overcomer’s reward. Our heavenly Father hath chosen us in the furnace of affliction; and when he can see reflected in us his own lovely image, then we shall have overcome. I fully believe that God is leading this people on to certain victory. Let me share in their sorrows and at last be partaker with them in their joys when Jesus comes, and I ask no more. Oh, let us take courage! Our Captain has gone before. He saith, “In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” And he will help us also. And to him that overcometh he will grant to sit down with him in his throne.