A TRIED PEOPLE by National Presbyterian

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 21, 1889

A TRIED PEOPLE.

By National Presbyterian

THE most precious of metals is of practical value only after it has been tried. Before it is fit for use it must be purified by fire. In the crucible the alloy which it contains in its native state is separated from it, and it comes forth as pure gold. This process is presented as an illustration of the manner in which Christ prepares his people for usefulness in his service. Before they are ever prepared for any high degree of efficiency as servants of Christ, their faith must be tried. Their character as Christians must be put to the test. And we do well to remember that, like gold, our faith is tried by fire. It is through our experience of disappointment, of affliction, of pain and suffering and sorrow, that the dross of our religious character is consumed, and that the gold is refined. This purifying process is not agreeable to our carnal nature. It is not pleasant to be tried in the fire, but it is of vital importance, as well to ourselves as to the cause we represent.

"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." A sense of our need of this discipline ought to render us meek and submissive and patient as we pass through the trial. Indeed, we ought to rise above mere resignation. We ought to suffer discipline with gratitude and thanksgiving. "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations," or trials. The ground of rejoicing is in the results of the trial. Though it is not pleasant to endure it, we may rejoice because in its results it will glorify God and promote our happiness and usefulness in his service.—National Presbyterian.