Overcoming Sin Through Trials
By Electa Richmond
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS;—Scattered as we are in this dark world of sin and sorrow, and called to pass through many trying scenes, many things that are calculated to draw our minds away from God and the truth of the soon coming Saviour, I would say, Let us strive with energy to overcome and gain the victory over all our sins. My prayer is, Search me, O God and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. I have been a believer in the truth of the soon coming of Jesus ever since 1843, and '44; and though I then thought that the burning of the earth would be the cleansing of the Sanctuary, yet I feel to thank the Lord that his ways are not our ways and his thoughts are not our thoughts. God's people are to be purified made white and tried. O let us endure the trial of our faith which is more precious than the gold that periseth. We are living in a time when we need to have on the whole armor. I believe that grace will be given to the humble followers of Jesus to sustain them in whatever trials they may be called to pass through and they will be led to rejoice that they are counted worthy to suffer for the cross of Christ. When I look back on my past life, and see how the Lord has led me, step by step, and has carried me through many dangers in which the enemy would fain have drawn me away. I feel to praise his holy name and regret that I have not lived more to his honor and glory. I mean by the help of the Lord to strive against every evil and live in obedience to all the requirements of the holy law of God and the testimony of Jesus. I want to live so near the Saviour that he can shed increasing light on my pathway and feel the evidence from day to day that my ways please him; that I may be found without fault before the throne of God. We truly live in a time when we need to watch and pray that we enter not into temptation and stand alone upon the promises of God; and though earthly friends may fail, yet he never will leave those that put their trust in him; but they will be like mount Zion which cannot be removed but abideth forever. We have the sure promise that if we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all things shall be added, O let us seek meekness that we may be hid in the day of his anger; for he says the meek he will guide in judgment and the meek he will teach his ways. O may the Lord hasten the time when his people will be one; when the loud voice of the Third Angel's Message will be heard. I desire an interest in the prayers of all the saints. Your sister striving to overcome that I may meet you in the kingdom. ELECTA RICHMOND.