p. 199 | Striving to Overcome by Agnes W. Court

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 17, 1863

Striving to Overcome

By Agnes W. Court

From Sister Court.

Bro. WHITE: I thank the Lord for what he has done, and is still doing, for me. It is nearly two years since I commenced keeping the commandments of God. I have never for once been sorry, but have often rejoiced. I can say of the commandments in the language of the poet, They are holy, just and true. I thank the Lord that I ever saw the light of present truth. I believe this to be the last message of warning to this sinful world. I want to live out the truths contained in the third angel's message. I want to keep all God's commandments, that I may have a right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city of the living God.

I have just been much strengthened by attending one of our monthly meetings here at Little Prairie. It is truly cheering to hear the testimonies of brethren and sisters, and hear them tell of the goodness of the Lord and of their determinations to go through to the kingdom.

I can say that I am still seeking an inheritance in that kingdom. I feel that I have a great many things to overcome before I get there; but by the grace of God I am still striving to overcome. My daily prayer is that God may give me overcoming grace. I want to lay aside every weight and the sin that doth so easily beset me, and run with patience the race set before me, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

I believe we have not long to stay here on this earth. A few more monthly meetings will bring us home, where we shall have the privilege of worshiping God in the holy city. I feel more determined than ever to do the whole will of the Lord. I want to be a humble follower of the blessed Saviour who has done so much for me. I want to take up my daily cross and follow him. I am willing to confess him before the world, that he may confess me before my Father which is in Heaven, and before the holy angels.

Dear brethren and sisters, I rejoice in the light of present truth. The nearer I live to God, the brighter the truth shines before me. I feel that nothing but a close walk with God, will keep us from the attacks of the enemy. I want to put on the whole armor of God, that I may be able to withstand all the fiery darts of the enemy.

I thank the Lord that he has so blessed his remnant people as to set the gifts in the church. They are the very thing we need in these last days. I have often wondered how any one can doubt in regard to this subject. It was by reading Spiritual Gifts, Vols. 1 and 2, that I and my household were led to see that we were breaking God's commandments. I rejoice that my children are willing to obey God and keep his commandments, and go with their parents to the kingdom. We want to be an unbroken family in the kingdom of Heaven. Oh, how I want to have my lamp trimmed and burning when the Bridegroom shall come, that I may be able to go in with him to the marriage supper. Oh what a cheering thought, that if we prove faithful a little longer, we shall have our reward. Christ says, Behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me. My desire is that I may have the reward of the faithful.

Your sister striving to overcome.

AGNES W. COURT.

Little Prairie, Walworth Co., Wis.