In actual suffering, joy is impossible except by actual union with Christ. Then, even when we are in the whitest heat of the furnace, we have the Son of Man with us; and if we have Him, the fiercest flames will burn up nothing but the chains that bind us, and we shall walk at liberty in that terrible heat, because we walk with Him. Did not faith feed the lamp of hope with oil, it would soon die. Faith sets love a work; thus, believing the mercy and merit of Christ causeth a flame of love to ascend to Him.