Camp-Meeting Reflections on Self, Suffering, and Preparation
By Mary Martin
SISTER M. MARTIN writes from Blakeville, N. H. DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Our good camp-meeting has come and gone, and what has it done for us who attended it? Never before did self appear so miserable. If I could tell you so that you could see as I saw, you would with me think it one of the greatest miracles that Jesus could wash my sins away and bring me into his kingdom. But oh! I must be there! Imagination has often pictured the beauties and glories of the world to come; but when I see where I am, and what I have to do before I have a right there, how narrow the chances look. But the Lord is ready to help in the work of preparation. The process is very painful to the carnal heart. Oh! how much our rough natures have to be hewed and polished before we are fit for the Master's use. I have felt this and thought God was at work helping me. All along the way, in everything that has occurred so different from what I wished, and in every thwarted plan I can recognize God's hand, and feel to thank him every time, knowing he permitted it for my good, not because he loved to inflict pain. If we reach the better land we are to be like Jesus; for we shall see him as he is. He was “made perfect through suffering;” and shall we shrink from the same ordeal? “It is enough for the servant that he be as his Master.” He suffered for our sins and did not murmur. We suffer for our own transgressions, and shall we complain? We are told to have our treasure laid up in Heaven; but how few would do this, did they not learn by bitter experience the transitory nature of earthly treasures. If our wishes had all been gratified, and all our plans perfected, we should never come in meek submission to bow at “the low footstool of the Crucified.” So God allows events to transpire, a train of circumstances to occur, to bring us where he can teach us the needed lessons, and when we are sufficiently subdued, fully realizing the source of true happiness, making a proper use of the blessings already bestowed, if he sees it will not ruin us, it may be there will come such a blessing,—when and what we never dreamed of perhaps, but so rich and full “that our lips shall only tremble with the thanks they cannot speak.” I would not mark out the way I am to go, nor designate the blessings I am to receive, or the trials and afflictions I am to be spared. The will of the Lord, not mine, be done. If I can only gain the kingdom, it is enough. MARY MARTIN.
Blakeville, N. H.