Burdened

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 28, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 42.

Burdened.—There are many burdened Christians, many who wish they could be relieved of their burdens. They do not realize that these burdens may be necessary. It may be infirmity in themselves; it may be some member of the family who is sick. God permits it, and out of it may good come to us if we will trust. Do not murmur. The burden may be to us what stones are to the Kaffir when crossing a swift-flowing stream. It is said that on entering the water they get a huge stone, sometimes as heavy as themselves, and with the help of a companion place it upon the head. A weight like this gives the boy balance, and he can keep his footing against the heaviest stream. If he were to drop the stone, he would be so light the water would sweep him off his feet. And so there are thousands of souls who would be swept into eternity were it not for their burdens, which hold them to the foundation. The ship needs ballast; and if gold cannot be obtained, get stone. Better some burden, even if we see no worth in it, than to capsize and be destroyed.