p. 1 | FLAVEL'S TOUCHSTONE

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 8, 1858

FLAVEL'S TOUCHSTONE.

CHAPTER IX.

Exhibiting the end for which God appoints such trials of the holiness of his people in this world.

Section I. Some of the ways in which God brings the holiness of his people to the touchstone in this world, have been mentioned and illustrated; the design of these trials is now to be considered. Without doubt we may conclude, in general, that God designs to promote his own glory and the good of his people, both of which will certainly be accomplished; but, for our improvement, a more particular exhibition of the ends answered by these events is necessary.

Section II. If we take a near view of this subject, we shall perceive many important benefits arising from these trials of the sincerity and holiness of God's people.

1. Hypocrisy is unmasked, the vizard is plucked from the false professor, and his real character is displayed to the world. Should any object that this produces evil instead of good, that many are stumbled and hardened by it, and that the world observe its mischievous effects—I answer, that some are, indeed, thus prejudiced and rendered obdurate so as never afterward to think well of the government and people of God; but who does not see that his word and his purposes are thus accomplished? and if these stumble, and fall and perish, yet others will be warned, awakened and put to searching their hearts; and hence good will arise, "they who think they stand, will take heed lest they fall." Again, by such disclosures of the corruption and danger of hypocrites and false professors, they themselves have better opportunities and greater advantages than they ever had before, to escape from the snare of the devil. Their refuges of lies are swept away, their illusions and pretences are dissipated, and they are rendered more accessible to truth, and more open to the conviction of conscience.

2. By these trials the uprightness of the saints is manifested, their doubts are resolved, and their fears allayed. What would not many Christians give, what would they not suffer, what would they not gladly perform, if they might attain satisfaction in these respects! How many tears have they shed in secret, how many hours have they spent in the examination of their hearts, without being able to accomplish their object? But they find, at last, that trials are the high road to assurance; they have been cast into the furnace, and have come forth as gold purified in the fire; their holiness has been put to the test, and its reality demonstrated, not only to themselves, but to the world, who may now look upon the heavenly face of sincerity and truth, and see that true religion has the lustre and loveliness of immortal glory.

3. These trials are eminently calculated to subdue and destroy the remaining pride and self-confidence of the saints; who thus become more intimately acquainted with their hearts, and learn to detest what is evil, and to cherish what is good.

4. By trials, stupidity and slothfulness are prevented, and grace is in exercise. The best men are apt, unless often visited by some trial, to slacken in their diligence and lose much of their fervor in religion.

5. When the graces of the saints are tried, Satan is put to shame and his malicious insinuations confuted. It is not uncommon for the devil and wicked men to charge the people of God with hypocrisy, and to persuade the world that they are not what they pretend to be; these suggestions and calumnies are overthrown by such trials as have been considered.

6. These trials exhibit living testimony against the infidelity of the world; they demonstrate that religion is no fancy, as the thoughtless and sensual would esteem it; that the engagedness of its professors is not blind bigotry and mistaken zeal; and that its doctrines and duties are not without efficacy, nor its effects destitute of high and lasting importance.