R. C. BAKER by R. C. Baker

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 23, 1872

R. C. BAKER

By R. C. Baker

Experience.

I HAVE just returned from the camp-meeting at Lodi, weary in body, but refreshed in spirit. I feel very grateful to God for the benefits of this meeting. I hope that from this time forward I may steadily advance in the heavenward way. I want to get out of this lukewarm state that is so distasteful to my Heavenly Father, and have that consecration to the work, that humility and contrition of spirit, that will bring me near to the high and lofty One, whose name is Holy.

I was very forcibly impressed by a passage quoted from the writings of John Bunyan. It was to this effect: “The valley of humility is a difficult place to get into, but a delightful place to travel in, when you once get down into it. Our Lord walked much through this valley in the days of his flesh. And this valley is so low that the shafts of hate, of malice, and of

scorn, fly high over our heads and do not hurt us.”

Brethren and sisters, shall we think it hard to follow in the path where Jesus has trod? When we trace his bleeding footsteps down into the valley of humiliation, will it not sweeten the bitter cup we are sometimes called to drink? I earnestly desire to take the yoke of Christ upon me and learn of Him who was meek and lowly in heart. I have professed to wear the yoke of Christ for many years, but I have sometimes thought it heavy, and the cross hard to bear. I want to sit at Jesus’ feet and learn of Him, till I can count the cross of Christ my greatest joy, till I shall find that rest my weary soul has so long desired. Thank God! I do feel some of his blessing—some of that peace that passeth all understanding.

It rejoices my heart to see the cause advancing; to see souls encouraged that have been cast down; to see the goodness of God in answering prayer in the restoration of the afflicted, and to see some of the young interested in the salvation of their souls.

But still the cry of my heart is, “Nearer my God to thee.” I want the testimony that Enoch had, that God looks upon me with approval. I want to abide in Christ, and have his words abide in me, that he may condescend to take up his abode in my heart. But I know that Jesus will not dwell in a heart where self reigns. Self must die, that Jesus may be all and in all.

“Oh! for a humble contrite heart, Believing, true, and clean; That neither life nor death can part, From Him that dwells within.”

R. C. BAKER

Mackford, Wis.