CHARLOTTE WEBSTER by Charlotte Webster

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 20, 1870

CHARLOTTE WEBSTER

By Charlotte Webster

From Sister Webster.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Amid trials and discouragements I am still striving to overcome all my besetments. I have been keeping the Sabbath alone in my family six years. I rejoice that the light of present truth ever shone upon my pathway, and that God gave me a mind to obey the truth, and to try to live it out, although I do not live as perfectly as I desire. I am thankful that I feel no spirit of rebellion within me. I would be glad to live out the reforms introduced by our people, but circumstances prevent me from enjoying their benefit as I should be glad to. I feel to exclaim, Must I always live thus, making such slow progress in the work of overcoming! Oh! I would arise and run, were it within my power. I would enter into the work with zeal and energy; and although I do plead for deliverance from surrounding circumstances that hinder me in this glorious work, as yet no ray of light appears in that direction; but my Heavenly Father's smiles are freely bestowed upon me. He bids me be of good cheer. He owns me as his child. He pours the oil of consolation into my wounded heart. And I will be content. The prayer of my heart is that we all may be humble, satisfied to fill any place the Lord may appoint. How short is time! and how long is eternity! yet how many are exchanging their hope of eternal life for a few fleeting moments of time. The allurements of this world, with its bewitching smiles, are too strong for their fame-aspiring minds. They cannot bear the reproach of Christ, forgetting that it is for us to go forth without the camp bearing the reproach. While we are in the camp with our friends, there is no reproach for us to bear! but when we go where we are assailed by our enemies, it is then that we must be armed and equipped, ready to defend the truth; and though it may be a severe trial for us to do this, let us show ourselves worthy of the name whereby we are called. My heart aches when I hear of one giving up the thrilling, soul-inspiring truth of the third angel's message. I often ask myself the question, Shall I ever turn away from this glorious light, and go back crying, Lions in the way? God forbid! Let me struggle on a little longer. Though for months at a time I am deprived of the privilege of meeting with the church of which I am a member, I will cling to the promises of the Lord, which are for me if I am faithful. Aid me by your prayers to wisely improve the remaining moments of time, and I hope with you to sing the victor's song.

CHARLOTTE WEBSTER

Gratiot Co., Mich.