Pressing Toward the Celestial City
By Louisa M. Morton
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I write at this time to assure you and the readers of the Review, that I am striving to overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of my testimony. The path shines more and more. The truth is a jewel that few possess; but how bright it shines when freed from the rubbish and dross of this polluted world. How pure it is, and how pure should those be who profess to own this inestimable jewel. Dear brethren and sisters, are any of you getting weary on your journey to the celestial city? Are any sighing for the fruits in the land of bondage? Look not back! we are able to go up and possess that heavenly country. There is a rich reward for those who endure unto the end. Hear the Saviour's cheering words: "Fear not little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." When I contemplate the glorious prospects and the many precious promises that the Christian has presented to him in God's word, I am surprised that so many are content with the corroding joys of this transient life; but I am more surprised that any who have had a foretaste of those true joys could ever exchange them for the husks and vanities of earth. We are passing the last waymarks before we enter the time of trouble; but are we ready for that event? Are our lamps trimmed and burning brightly? A few more conflicts and we shall be in the haven of eternal rest. O, blessed thought! They that endure to the end shall be saved. For one I am determined to gird on the whole armor, and by the assistance of divine grace never to lay it off till I am beyond the reach of a tempting world. Let us be united and firm in the truth. I am aware that there are some who read the Review that are not established in the truth of the third angel's message. To such I would say, God's word is an everlasting rock: by it we shall be judged. Do not therefore throw away the truth, but search for it as for hid treasures. I am now in Warren Co., Pa. There is not a Sabbath-keeper in the town I am in, and only two families who are professors of religion. I often think of the Sabbath-keepers at Nile, and wish I was near them again. I am very lonely and long for the time to come when the saints will all get home to their Father's house. I have not seen the Review for five long weeks. I feel like a pilgrim and stranger in the world, but my trust is in God, and his word which says, "When my father and my mother forsake me then the Lord will take me up." Yours in love of the whole truth, Warren Co., Dec. 30th, 1854.