MARY M. COOK by Mary M. Cook

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 18, 1875

MARY M. COOK

By Mary M. Cook

Afflictions.

“I AM the true Vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away, and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” These are the words of the Saviour, yet how often we fail to see the hand of God in our afflictions! How often we are impatient under the pruning knife! How often we fail to realize in times of trial that our afflictions are according to God’s holy will, and that, rightly borne, they will purify us and make us meek and humble.

When our union with the true Vine is perfect, we shall bear in our lives the fruits of the Spirit. We shall abound in good works. The sick, the afflicted, and the poor, are always with us. Have we hearts of deep gratitude for the privilege of being co-workers with Christ, and of ministering to their needs?

Would you know whether you are being grafted into the true Vine? Here is the test, given by the high and holy One, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love.” The disciples who met Jesus as they went to Emmaus said, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way?” It is our privilege to live so that we may know for ourselves that the love of the dear Saviour warms our hearts. We may enjoy great peace and comfort in communion with him. We may have Him for our friend, who owns the cattle upon a thousand hills. He will provide for all our wants, and sustain us in every trial. The pruning knife may wound, but it cannot destroy as long as we “abide in the Vine.”