PURIFYING TRIALS by J. CLARKE.

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 9, 1860

PURIFYING TRIALS.

By J. CLARKE.

It is necessary for us to realize fully all the depths of sin and folly which lie concealed in our hearts before we can repent and be purified; for this we are sometimes called to pass through fiery trials, in order to present to our view the hidden iniquity of the heart. These trials convince the Christian of the existence of sin, lurking as it were in the depths of the heart, and before unknown to him, and which no human tongue could have convinced him, existed there. The fiery trials convince him of his utter weakness and ignorance, of his entire dependence upon God for help and guidance. They tend to humble the proud heart, and self once idolized now bows meekly beneath the rod sent in love and mercy.

Fiery trials are the chastening rod of a kind Father, who will inflict no more pain upon his children than he sees to be necessary for their purification and sanctification, preparatory to their entrance to that glorious realm, where nothing unholy can enter.

Therefore let us count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations, with this fully understood, that the temptations be fully overcome, and produce patience and humility and self-abasement.

J. CLARKE.