That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ—I Peter i. 7.

FOR a Christian not to have something to say for the Lord, indicates a low state of grace in his soul. Thus I may say that Jesus is most precious, and eternal things appear of greater importance to me than ever. Sin appears most hateful, and conformity to Christ above all things most desirable. I long and pant after holiness, and mourn that I am so vile. I dread more than ever to be left to myself; I feel that I can trust none but Christ. God’s goodness and great tenderness melt me into deep contrition, and humble me in the dust. I say often to myself, How can I sin against so good, so gracious, and loving a Father? How is it that the world hates me so little? Is it not because I am so much like itself, and so little like Christ? The world will love its own, but cannot love what is contrary to itself. “The world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” O for a closer walk with God! How blessed it is to walk by faith: I am certain it is the right road to glory; no other would do us equal good. Faith in Jesus brings countless blessings to the soul, and glory to God the Father. No wonder then that He tries the little we have, that it may be increased and grow, that every other grace might grow with it. We never should value a throne of grace as we ought to do, if our faith were not tried. Let us hold fast our confidence in God, for He is our Friend, unchanging in all His purposes of the tenderest mercy and love. If He has given His dear Son for us, will He, can He, withhold anything else that is really for our good? His love for us is as if He had not another in the whole universe to care for. Be of good courage, for Christ is yours, and all things are His.