Testing Process
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He has given us. True grace, which is of inestimable value, and which
will endure the test of trial and adversity, is only obtained through faith
and humble, prayerful obedience. Graces that endure the proofs of
affliction and persecution, and evidence their soundness and sincerity,
are the gold which is tried in the fire and found genuine. Christ
offers to sell this precious treasure to man: “Buy of Me gold tried in
the fire.” The dead, heartless performance of duty does not make us
Christians. We must get out of a lukewarm condition and experience a
true conversion, or we shall fail of heaven.
I was pointed to the providence of God among His people and was
shown that every trial made by the refining, purifying process upon
professed Christians proves some to be dross. The fine gold does not
always appear. In every religious crisis some fall under temptation.
The shaking of God blows away multitudes like dry leaves. Prosperity
multiplies a mass of professors. Adversity purges them out of the
church. As a class, their spirits are not steadfast with God. They go out
from us because they are not of us; for when tribulation or persecution
arises because of the word, many are offended.
Let these look back a few months to the time when they were
sitting on the cases of others who were in a condition similar to that
which they now occupy. Let them carefully call to mind the exercise
of their minds in regard to those tempted ones. Had anyone told them
then that notwithstanding their zeal and labor to set others right, they
would at length be found in a similar position of darkness, they would
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have said, as did Hazael to the prophet: “Is thy servant a dog, that he
should do this great thing?”
Self-deception is upon them. During the calm, what firmness they
manifest! what courageous sailors they make! But when the furious
tempests of trial and temptation come, lo! their souls are shipwrecked.
Men may have excellent gifts, good ability, splendid qualifications; but
one defect, one secret sin indulged, will prove to the character what
the worm-eaten plank does to the ship—utter disaster and ruin!
Dear brother, God in His providence brought you from your farm
to-----to bear the tests and trials which you could not have where
you were. He has given you some testimonies of reproof, which you
professedly accepted; but your spirit was continually chafed under
rebuke. You are like those who walked no more with Jesus after He
brought close, practical truths to bear upon them. You have not taken