A Sister’s Exhortation to Faithfulness
By Sarah A. Jessup
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—It is with pleasure that I address a few lines to you, to let you know that I am still trying to press my way onward for the prize of the high calling which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. We must overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony; for it is through much tribulation we are to enter the kingdom. I feel to bless God that he has called me from darkness into his marvelous light. Yes, thank the Lord, I am accounted worthy to suffer reproach for his name's sake; yes, praise his holy name, if we are faithful a little longer we shall receive the promises. Dear brethren and sisters, let us not sleep as do others; but let us work while the day lasts. Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil; for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places; stand fast, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked, and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. Yes it is the Word of God we want, and study it diligently, that with it we may be able to put our enemies to silence. Dear brother, I feel truly thankful for the paper. I read it with interest. It is a great comfort to me in my lonely pilgrimage here. Situated as I am, I can seldom attend meetings with those of like precious faith. I hope your meetings in the West may prove a blessing unto many, and that souls may be sanctified through the truth. I am still trying to keep the commandments and have the faith of Jesus, and can say with the Psalmist: O how love I thy law, it is my comfort by day and my meditation by night. Yes, the law of God is perfect converting the soul, and making wise the simple. I will now close with a brief exhortation to all of like precious faith, to be strong in the Lord. Continue faithful a little longer and the victory will be ours. Yes, we shall soon see our great High Priest coming in the clouds of heaven to reward the faithful, and set us poor captives free. O I hope to be one of that happy number. I hope you will all pray for me, that I may continue faithful, and at last meet you all in the kingdom, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Your unworthy sister, SARAH A. JESSUP.
Olena, Huron Co., Ohio, June 3d, 1854.