Trials and Consecration
By John Preston Kellogg
BRO. SMITH:—Often while reading the letters in the Review, my heart gets warmed up with love to God and his precious cause. I love the present truth. It is a light which shineth in a dark place. When I first embraced it I thought that all that embraced it were the children of God. I little thought that we were going to have trials among us, but I soon found that I was mistaken, for we have got to be a tried people; for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Heb. xii, 6. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. 1 Pet. iv, 12. I did not realize those passages and others as I do now. Truly we need to have the purifying process go on with us until we shall reflect the image of our Saviour. Dear brethren, do we realize our position as we should? Are we making that advancement that we ought to make? Are our affections weaned from this poor sin-cursed earth? Have we laid all upon the altar? And if so, are we willing that the sacrifice should be consumed? Are we doing all that God requires of us to help forward that cause which we profess to love? I feel to consecrate myself and all that I have and am anew to God and his cause. My sympathy is still with the Review. I feel glad that brother White is relieved of some of the burdens which he has had; and I hope he will soon be relieved of the books which he has on his hands. I have confidence in, and my sympathy is with, those that have borne the burden and heat of the day. J. P. KELLOGG.
Jackson, Mich. March 2nd, 1856.