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CHRIST IS ALL

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 26, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 9.

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"CHRIST IS ALL."

By Edith O. King

ONE of the cheeriest, sunniest Christians that I ever knew was a poor invalid, who often suffered intense pain.
She had been a handsome, high-strung girl, so I was told, with plenty of money and friends. She was an only daughter, and had been petted, indulged, and spoiled. It seemed, however, that the troubles of Job were no greater than hers. Her parents died within a month of each other, and the guardian who had charge of her estate managed to let it all pass into the hands of others, leaving her penniless. A carriage accident caused her to be a helpless cripple for life, and her society friends all deserted her.
At the time of my acquaintance with her she was living with an elderly cousin, who supported them both by taking in washing.
The neighbors for miles around went to Minnie with their woes, never failing to go away comforted, for her words were like balm to hearts that were hurt. She always had those who came to her for help, kneel and tell their troubles to Jesus, she praying with them. I improved every opportunity of visiting with her when calling for our laundry.
In conversation with her I once asked how she could be so serene and peaceful at all times. You have no father, no mother, no— She stopped me. "You are mistaken, dear. Some day I will write you a letter, telling you why I can smile when others might only weep."
The letter has been a help and encouragement to me, and is yet cherished, altho the hand that wrote it has long since been folded to rest. She wrote:—
"The reason I preferred to write is that I thought it might impress you more deeply to read and think of what I am going to tell you.
"At first I was rebellious and bitter over my loss. Then I tried to submit, then tried to 'follow and obey and bear my burdens too.' But now, thank God, I can repeat the remainder of the stanza as my experience,— 'I never thought it could be thus Month after month to know (as I now know) The river of Thy peace, without One ripple in its flow.'
I even accused God of taking my parents, my bright young brother, my lover, and my friends from me. But I find, tho deprived of these in the flesh, that Christ is all to me in the spirit.
"He has sent a message telling me that He is 'Father of the fatherless' (Ps. 68 : 5), the 'everlasting Father' (Isa. 9 : 6), and has He not bidden us all to call Him 'our Father'? He also says, 'As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.' Isa. 66:13. So, by His tender love and care, He supplies the mother's place. He is a 'Friend that sticketh closer than a brother,' an earthly brother. Prov. 18:24.
"My heart thrills with rapture when I read, 'My Beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand . . . . Yea, He is altogether lovely. This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend.' Canticles 5:10, 16.
"Then He whispers, 'Thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is His name.' Isa. 54:5. I read, 'Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given' (Isa. 9:6), and I say, 'Yes, He is born in my heart, the Christ-child is mine.'
"You see now how He supplies every earthly relationship. Moreover He says that He loves me with an 'everlasting love.' He is with me always, and has promised to 'never leave nor forsake' me. Do you wonder longer that I rejoice evermore? The Man of Calvary is my Counselor and Helper, He is also my King, my faithful High Priest, who ever liveth to make intercession for me. He is now preparing for me a home in the house of many mansions, where He will some day, take me to live with Him forevermore."
EDITH O. KING.
Oakland, Cal.