p. 20 | The Trial of Faith by Roswell F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 15, 1875

The Trial of Faith.

By Roswell F. Cottrell

THAT we may know our motives and the strength of our faith, it is well to have something to test it. We might be deceived in respect to our love to God, his cause, and those for whom Christ died, had we nothing to test the strength of our love. Hence the trial is necessary; and if properly received and endured, will prove a precious benefit. Hence the utterance of the apostle: “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold.” 1 Pet. 1:7. And James says, “Blessed is the man who sustains trial; for, becoming an approved person, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them who love him.” Jas. 1:12. Campbell. He further says, “Let no one who is tempted say, Certainly I am tempted by God: for God is incapable of being tempted by evil things, and he tempts no one.” He tempts no one to do evil; but he tries the sincerity of our faith and love; not merely because he has a right to do so, but for our good—that we may know ourselves and not be deceived, and consequently ruined.

That which is intended only for our good, should certainly be received, not only with composure, but, thanksgiving. Hence he says, “Count it all joy, when ye fall into divers trials.”

We are liable to deceive ourselves. We may think we are laboring for the cause of God and from a love of souls, while we labor for self, working for wages. If this is the case, a work of sacrifice—a work in which there is no hope of remuneration till the resurrection of the just—will do us good, since it will decide the question, whether we would “shut the doors” of the house of God, or “kindle a fire” upon his altar for nought.

We should welcome all that the providence of God permits, knowing that trials rightly borne will work for the glory of God and our own salvation.

God is testing his people in various ways. Who will prove true? He is giving us the opportunity to learn whether we are covetous, proud, and selfish or not; and if we find, when brought to the test, that we are self-lovers, or money-lovers, he graciously gives us the opportunity to correct and overcome these faults. And all have an opportunity now to prove whether we have love enough for those for whom Christ died to put forth self-sacrificing efforts for their salvation. Those who do this will be permitted to see the fruit of their efforts, as the reward of their toil, and thus enter into the joy of their Lord; provided they endure to the end in patient continuance in well-doing.

R. F. COTTRELL.