United in Christ Through Trials
By Irena G. Camp
BRO. SMITH: I have often thought while reading the communications from the dear brethren and sisters which have so often cheered my lonely heart, that perhaps some with whom I have formerly been associated might be glad to learn whether I am yet traveling with the dear saints to mount Zion. For the comfort and encouragement of such I would say that my face is still set as a flint Zionward, and I seem to feel a holy delight in suffering with Christ and his people with whom my heart is knit together in love. There seems to be something delightful in the expression, knit together. We well understand that when anything is knit together it cannot be separated without being torn to pieces. So with God's dear children. Even though they may have trials with each other, yet if each keeps the good Spirit, they will be united still. And I have been exceedingly comforted of late with the blessed assurance that nothing, neither life, nor death, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Although we may be called to pass through deep tribulation, yet we may hear a voice saying, "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer," for he who has brought us safely through so many severe trials can just as safely carry us through what remains if we trust in him. And we have reason to be encouraged when we see and feel that each successive trial brings us out more pure, and with an increased desire to prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God, and with an unwillingness to be brought out of the furnace until we reflect the lovely image of Jesus. Though I have for many years professed religion, and have enjoyed it in some degree, never did I love God and his dear people as I love them now. Never did I take such sweet delight in approaching unto God. My soul cleaves closely to him in every hour of trial. I truly feel that he is my only helper. In him is all my trust. I desire to consecrate myself fully to him, and have every act and every word tell for God and his precious cause. I want to abide in him and have his words abide in me, so that I may ask what I will, and it shall be done. "I want the witness, Lord,
That all I do is right;
According to thy will and word,
Well pleasing in thy sight." "Afflictions may press me, they cannot destroy,
One glimpse of his love turns them all into joy;
And the bitterest tears, if he smile but on them,
Like dew in the sunshine, grow diamond and gem." Yours in hope of life at the appearing of Jesus.
IRENA G. CAMP.