Overcoming Through Christ
By N. G. Sanders
BRO. SMITH: I have of late enjoyed some precious foretastes of Jesus' love, and the joy in reserve for the servant in the Master's house; but never have I so sensibly felt the power of the world, the flesh and the devil. I think of the language of the poet, "I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek more earnestly his face,
Instead of this, he made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry powers of hell
Assault my soul at every part." But He who in childhood led me to choose his love and approbation, and has led me so far, will not forsake me now. Pray for me that I may have grace to work out my own salvation, knowing that it is God that worketh in me to will and to do of his good pleasure. I know that in my heart and life there is much yet to overcome; and I should be discouraged, but the past faithfulness of Jesus forbids it. He does not forsake me, though oft times I forget or doubt his care. I find at times that it is trying to nature, and humiliating to pride, to bear the cross; but the hope of that eternal weight of glory lightens the burden. Should I be ashamed to appear in deep earnest to secure the salvation that Jesus has purchased, even with the sacrifice of life? O, for the honor of owning such a Saviour! Yours in the hope of the gospel.
N. G. SANDERS.
Rush Lake, Wis., July, 1858.