Encouragement for Christian Perseverance
By James Adams
Bro. Smith: How cheering it is to read the testimonies week after week in the paper. When weak, by them I have been strengthened; when strong, I have been refreshed, and encouraged to make greater efforts for eternal life. I thank God that I have learned a little of the way of life, and that by his grace I am trying to walk in it. But oh! how hard it seems sometimes to make any progress; foes within and without to contend against. But I praise God that it is not in my own strength, nor yet by my own weapons, that I am to conquer, but all through Jesus. “My strength is sufficient for thee.” Often I have wished that I understood better how to use the weapons of my warfare, then I would be more successful in overcoming “the world, the flesh, and the Devil.” But I use them the best I know how, and, like the soldier in the tented field, the more I use them, the better I get acquainted with them. May I ever be enabled to use them aright. By the grace of God it is my intention to go the whole way to the end of the Christian life. Cheer up, brethren and sisters, don't give way to the temptations of Satan. Be faithful to-day, it may be all that God will ask of us. To-morrow is not ours. To-morrow's sun may shine on our lifeless bodies, and we be sleeping in Jesus. Then let us be faithful to-day, yea, this moment. Sometimes I think that temptations press uncommonly hard, afflictions and bereavement in my family, to weigh me down. But my trust is in my Father. My cup, although bitter, is not unmingled with heavenly joy. Praise his name. Last week our babe was called away; it suffered the consequence of original sin. But Jesus is the “Resurrection and the Life.” When he comes it will be raised with immortality; for “of such is the kingdom of Heaven.” About four years ago, our oldest died in Norwalk, O. Two links in the chain of God's providence to bind our hearts nearer to himself. With humility I say with Job, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Myself and companion have been striving to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, for about eight months. Neither of us have been baptized, but wish it very much, should a properly qualified person pass through this way. I have never heard more than two sermons preached. But we receive the REVIEW, and it always comes like a friend richly laden with precious blessings. Yours in hope of eternal life. JAMES ADAMS.
Chicago, Ill.