MARTHA C. STILES by Martha C. Stiles

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 10, 1859

MARTHA C. STILES

By Martha C. Stiles

From Sister Stiles.

BRO. SMITH: While reading the counsel of our blessed Master to the Laodicean church, "To him that overcometh, will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne," I was led to enquire, How did Christ overcome, and must we not follow in his footsteps, and overcome the world, the flesh, the Devil, as he did to receive the promise in his coming kingdom? I conceive the subject to be of vast importance to the remnant; for Jesus is to present to the Father a church without spot, or wrinkle, one that shall come behind in no gift. We read, The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us; for verily he took not on him the nature of angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham. For in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him. It became him for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through suffering. The import of these Scriptures, and many others, to my mind is clear, that Jesus, the Son of the living and true God, the beginning of God's creation; by whom he (God) made the worlds; the rich exalted Jesus; the first in the multitude of heaven; condescended even to take our nature, and face the enemy. He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. Read his life. What suffering, what humiliation, all for us fallen creatures doomed to eternal death! After a life of deprivation and suffering, last and most cruel, he suffered a most ignominious death upon the cross, before that heaven-daring multitude. And while bearing our sins he cries out, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? He lived our example, and died our sacrifice. Without that example where should we look for a pattern of Christian perfection? Without that sacrifice we are lost for ever. Christ overcame. He kept his Father's commandments, and they are exceeding broad. They cover a vast field. The law of God was perfect, in David's day, converting the soul. But the carnal mind is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be; therefore we must crucify the carnal mind, by obedience, and this is the way we overcome.

Dear brethren and sisters, can we be made free indeed? Is there no force to these words, "Then said Jesus to those Jews that believed on him, If ye

continue in my word then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any. How sayest thou, ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Another, The God of all grace who hath called us unto his eternal glory, by Jesus Christ, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Dear brethren and sisters, let us not deceive ourselves. We must overcome. We must be made pure. It will cost us much, but we can have perfect victory. Jesus says, Exept a man deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me, he cannot be my disciple. How many are pleasing themselves with a vain hope I know not; this one thing is sure, God's word defines a strait and narrow way that leads to eternal life, and declares that though many shall seek to enter there be few that find it. This is the victory that overcometh the world, even your faith. Without faith it is impossible to advance one step in favor with God. We must have a living faith to overcome this wicked world. Satan is powerful. He will seek to destroy us, but God is mightier than he. Our God will deliver. He has promised an hundred fold in this life with persecution, and in the world to come life eternal. Is not this enough to induce us to forsake all for Jesus? to count not even our own lives dear unto us, that we may win the prize at the end of the journey? Thank God, there is no uncertainty. The prize is sure to every one that runs the race with patience.

MARTHA C. STILES

Portland, Me., Jan. 1859.