Pressing Toward the Mark
By Eunice Church
BRO. WHITE: I have many times taken up my pen to write a few words to the dear brethren and sisters in the present truth, but feeling my inability, have laid it down, until I began to feel that I was ashamed of the talent which the Lord has given me. I do not wish to be like the slothful servant that hid his Lord's money, but I do desire to improve upon what is given me, that when our blessed Lord shall come he may receive his own with usury. Three years ago last winter I first heard Bro. Ingraham proclaim the precious truths of the third angel's message. I was a believer in all the commandments of God before, but have since seen the necessity of striving to live out the truth as I never did before. I am now striving to overcome all my faults, that I may be enabled to stand when Jesus comes to make up his jewels. I could never endure the thought of being left out. I feel that no sacrifice that God requires of us is too great. If we deny ourselves of all that he requires of us, it is very little in comparison with what Jesus has done for us. If we are not willing to suffer with him, we shall never be worthy to reign with him. Then let us leave the things that are behind, and press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. We have just received, through the Review, the report from the Minnesota Conference. My heart says, Praise the Lord for the gifts that are in the church! Praise his holy name that he is ever mindful of his erring children! May the Lord help us to be perfect overcomers. My daily prayer is that I may be willing to receive all the light that God is giving to his people, and may have grace and strength to live it out. Dear brethren and sisters, be faithful. There is no resting place for the Christian—no time to lose now. You that are bowed down with trials and privations, remember that Jesus knows it all. He knows every sorrow you suffer for his sake. He has been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. When we feel that our lot is hard, let us look at the garden of Gethsemane, the judgment hall, the crown of thorns, and the cross. I believe, if we would compare our sufferings with the sufferings of Jesus, it would always silence our complaints. I would say to the lonely ones, Cheer up. Jesus is soon coming. O what a meeting that will be to all the dear children of God! There will be no more lonely ones then; no widows nor orphans; and the Lamb will lead us unto living fountains of water, and God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. EUNICE CHURCH.
Monroe, Wis.