Striving to Overcome in Isolation
Bro. A. Pierce writes from Eldora, Iowa, Jan. 15th, 1858: "I am still striving to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony, which I want should ever be in favor of the truth. I was not in the first or second message, and have come into the third at the eleventh hour, but I feel the importance of living a holy and godly life. Situated as I am, I think I can sympathize with those who have not the privilege of meeting and associating with the dear brethren. Our associations are all with the world, and too often we have to hear their vain conversation. We are not in our Father's house, and our dearest and nearest relations, and those we love most are far, very far from us. Thus lonely and often dejected, I still try to urge my way onward, as it is certain death to go back, and I can but die if I go forward. My confidence and my trust is in the God of Israel, who has said, 'I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.' Blessed promise! I often feel as in conversation I recently told a preacher that I am situated theologically as Esau was politically, that is, my hand is against every man, and every man's hand is against me. But I bless the name of God that he has given me ears to hear the truth, and my daily prayer is that I may be kept from the errors which surround me. I also feel that I have much to do before I can be presented faultless before the throne of His glory. John says that those he saw were without fault before the throne. I want more patience, more humility, more faith, gold tried in the fire, white raiment and eye-salve. And finally my dear brethren and sisters, with you I want to overcome that I may be saved."