Pressing Onward to Heaven
By Charlotte H. Chaffee
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel an increasing desire to press my way onward and upward to those mansions that our Saviour has gone to prepare for those that follow him. I do not feel discouraged because I have trials on the way. I expect to suffer with Christ if I would reign with him in glory. The Review is a welcome visitor to us, situated as we are, so far from any of like precious faith. My heart is often carried back to the little band with whom we have met and enjoyed precious seasons on account of the presence of the Lord. My feelings are most tender towards them, because with them I received the truth, and they have prayed for me and watched over me, and it is through their prayers, in union with mine, and the goodness of God, that I have been brought thus far on my journey. To them I would say, If we should never meet again upon the shores of time, may the Lord help us to be so faithful that we may meet with the saints of all ages in the kingdom of heaven, where all tears will be wiped away, and sighing, and sorrow, and parting, with friends, will be felt and feared no more. It cheers my heart to hear that the message is rising, and God's messengers are going free. May the Lord strengthen and prepare them for the conflicts just before them. We feel like pilgrims in a strange land, but the Lord meets with us around the family altar, and manifests himself unto us as he does not unto the world. We hope ever to be found in the way of duty, bearing the cross, despising the shame, and enduring temptations. Pray for us. Yours in hope of heaven.
CHARLOTTE H. CHAFFEE. Welshfield, O., Oct. 6th, 1858.