ConfessionwillnotbeacceptabletoGodwithoutsincererepentanceandreformation。Theremustbedecidedchangesinthelife；everythingoffensivetoGodmustbeputaway。Thiswillbetheresultofgenuinesorrowforsin。
Theworkthatwehavetodoonourpartisplainlysetbeforeus：\"Washyou，makeyouclean；putawaytheevilofyourdoingsfrombeforeMineeyes；
ceasetodoevil；learntodowell；seekjudgment，relievetheoppressed，judgethefatherless，pleadforthewidow。\"Isaiah1：16，17。\"Ifthewickedrestorethepledge，giveagainthathehadrobbed，walkinthestatutesoflife，withoutcommittinginiquity；heshallsurelylive，heshallnotdie。\"
Ezekiel33：15。Paulsays，speakingoftheworkofrepentance：\"Yesorrowedafteragodlysort，whatcarefulnessitwroughtinyou，yea，whatclearingofyourselves，yea，whatindignation，yea，whatfear，yea，whatvehementdesire，yea，whatzeal，yea，whatrevenge!Inallthingsyehaveapprovedyourselvestobeclearinthismatter。\"2Corinthians7：11。
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Whensinhasdeadenedthemoralperceptions，thewrongdoerdoesnotdiscernthedefectsofhischaracternorrealizetheenormityoftheevilhehascommitted；andunlessheyieldstotheconvictingpoweroftheHolySpiritheremainsinpartialblindnesstohissin。Hisconfessionsarenotsincereandinearnest。Toeveryacknowledgmentofhisguiltheaddsanapologyinexcuseofhiscourse，declaringthatifithadnotbeenforcertaincircumstanceshewouldnothavedonethisorthatforwhichheisreproved。
AfterAdamandEvehadeatenoftheforbiddenfruit，theywerefilledwithasenseofshameandterror。Atfirsttheironlythoughtwashowtoexcusetheirsinandescapethedreadedsentenceofdeath。WhentheLordinquiredconcerningtheirsin，Adamreplied，layingtheguiltpartlyuponGodandpartlyuponhiscompanion：\"ThewomanwhomThougavesttobewithme，shegavemeofthetree，andIdideat。\"Thewomanputtheblameupontheserpent，saying，\"Theserpentbeguiledme，andIdideat。\"Genesis3：
12，13。WhydidYoumaketheserpent？WhydidYousufferhimtocomeintoEden？Thesewerethequestionsimpliedinherexcuseforhersin，thuschargingGodwiththeresponsibilityoftheirfall。Thespiritofself—justificationoriginatedinthefatherofliesandhasbeenexhibitedbyallthesonsanddaughtersofAdam。ConfessionsofthisorderarenotinspiredbythedivineSpiritandwillnotbeacceptabletoGod。
Truerepentancewillleadamantobearhisguilthimselfandacknowledgeitwithoutdeceptionorhypocrisy。Likethepoorpublican，notliftingupsomuchashiseyesuntoheaven，hewillcry，\"Godbe41
mercifultomeasinner，\"andthosewhodoacknowledgetheirguiltwillbejustified，forJesuswillpleadHisbloodinbehalfoftherepentantsoul。
TheexamplesinGod’swordofgenuinerepentanceandhumiliationrevealaspiritofconfessioninwhichthereisnoexcuseforsinorattemptatself—justification。Pauldidnotseektoshieldhimself；hepaintshissininitsdarkesthue，notattemptingtolessenhisguilt。Hesays，\"ManyofthesaintsdidIshutupinprison，havingreceivedauthorityfromthechiefpriests；andwhentheywereputtodeath，Igavemyvoiceagainstthem。AndIpunishedthemoftineverysynagogue，andcompelledthemtoblaspheme；andbeingexceedinglymadagainstthem，Ipersecutedthemevenuntostrangecities。\"Acts26：
10，11。Hedoesnothesitatetodeclarethat\"ChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinners；ofwhomIamchief。\"1Timothy1：15。
Thehumbleandbrokenheart，subduedbygenuinerepentance，willappreciatesomethingoftheloveofGodandthecostofCalvary；andasasonconfessestoalovingfather，sowillthetrulypenitentbringallhissinsbeforeGod。Anditiswritten，\"Ifweconfessoursins，Heisfaithfulandjusttoforgiveusoursins，andtocleanseusfromallunrighteousness。\"
1John1：9。
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ConsecrationGod’spromiseis，\"YeshallseekMe，andfindMe，whenyeshallsearchforMewithallyourheart。\"Jeremiah29：13。
ThewholeheartmustbeyieldedtoGod，orthechangecanneverbewroughtinusbywhichwearetoberestoredtoHislikeness。BynaturewearealienatedfromGod。TheHolySpiritdescribesourconditioninsuchwordsasthese：\"Deadintrespassesandsins；\"\"thewholeheadissick，andthewholeheartfaint；\"\"nosoundnessinit。\"WeareheldfastinthesnareofSatan，\"takencaptivebyhimathiswill。\"Ephesians2：1；Isaiah1：5，6；2Timothy2：26。Goddesirestohealus，tosetusfree。Butsincethisrequiresanentiretransformation，arenewingofourwholenature，wemustyieldourselveswhollytoHim。
Thewarfareagainstselfisthegreatestbattlethatwaseverfought。Theyieldingofself，surrenderingalltothewillofGod，requiresastruggle；
butthesoulmustsubmittoGodbeforeitcanberenewedinholiness。
ThegovernmentofGodisnot，asSatanwouldmakeitappear，foundeduponablindsubmission，anunreasoningcontrol。Itappealstotheintellectandtheconscience。\"Comenow，andletusreasontogether\"istheCreator’sinvitationtothebeingsHehasmade。Isaiah1：18。GoddoesnotforcethewillofHiscreatures。Hecannotacceptanhomagethatisnotwillinglyandintelligentlygiven。Amereforcedsubmissionwouldpreventallrealdevelopmentofmind44
orcharacter；itwouldmakemanamereautomaton。SuchisnotthepurposeoftheCreator。Hedesiresthatman，thecrowningworkofHiscreativepower，shallreachthehighestpossibledevelopment。HesetsbeforeustheheightofblessingtowhichHedesirestobringusthroughHisgrace。HeinvitesustogiveourselvestoHim，thatHemayworkHiswillinus。Itremainsforustochoosewhetherwewillbesetfreefromthebondageofsin，tosharethegloriouslibertyofthesonsofGod。
IngivingourselvestoGod，wemustnecessarilygiveupallthatwouldseparateusfromHim。HencetheSavioursays，\"Whosoeverhebeofyouthatforsakethnotallthathehath，hecannotbeMydisciple。\"Luke14：33。
WhatevershalldrawawaytheheartfromGodmustbegivenup。Mammonistheidolofmany。Theloveofmoney，thedesireforwealth，isthegoldenchainthatbindsthemtoSatan。Reputationandworldlyhonorareworshipedbyanotherclass。Thelifeofselfisheaseandfreedomfromresponsibilityistheidolofothers。Buttheseslavishbandsmustbebroken。WecannotbehalftheLord’sandhalftheworld’s。WearenotGod’schildrenunlesswearesuchentirely。
TherearethosewhoprofesstoserveGod，whiletheyrelyupontheirowneffortstoobeyHislaw，toformarightcharacter，andsecuresalvation。
TheirheartsarenotmovedbyanydeepsenseoftheloveofChrist，buttheyseektoperformthedutiesoftheChristianlifeasthatwhichGodrequiresoftheminordertogainheaven。Suchreligionisworthnothing。WhenChristdwellsintheheart，thesoulwill45
besofilledwithHislove，withthejoyofcommunionwithHim，thatitwillcleavetoHim；andinthecontemplationofHim，selfwillbeforgotten。LovetoChristwillbethespringofaction。ThosewhofeeltheconstrainingloveofGod，donotaskhowlittlemaybegiventomeettherequirementsofGod；
theydonotaskfortheloweststandard，butaimatperfectconformitytothewilloftheirRedeemer。Withearnestdesiretheyyieldallandmanifestaninterestproportionatetothevalueoftheobjectwhichtheyseek。A
professionofChristwithoutthisdeeploveismeretalk，dryformality，andheavydrudgery。
DoyoufeelthatitistoogreatasacrificetoyieldalltoChrist？Askyourselfthequestion，\"WhathasChristgivenforme？\"TheSonofGodgaveall——lifeandloveandsuffering——forourredemption。Andcanitbethatwe，theunworthyobjectsofsogreatlove，willwithholdourheartsfromHim？
EverymomentofourliveswehavebeenpartakersoftheblessingsofHisgrace，andforthisveryreasonwecannotfullyrealizethedepthsofignoranceandmiseryfromwhichwehavebeensaved。CanwelookuponHimwhomoursinshavepierced，andyetbewillingtododespitetoallHisloveandsacrifice？InviewoftheinfinitehumiliationoftheLordofglory，shallwemurmurbecausewecanenterintolifeonlythroughconflictandself—abasement？
Theinquiryofmanyaproudheartis，\"WhyneedIgoinpenitenceandhumiliationbeforeIcanhavetheassuranceofmyacceptancewithGod？\"I
pointyoutoChrist。Hewassinless，and，morethanthis，HewasthePrinceofheaven；butinman’s46
behalfHebecamesinfortherace。\"Hewasnumberedwiththetransgressors；
andHebarethesinofmany，andmadeintercessionforthetransgressors。\"
Isaiah53：12。
Butwhatdowegiveup，whenwegiveall？Asin—pollutedheart，forJesustopurify，tocleansebyHisownblood，andtosavebyHismatchlesslove。Andyetmenthinkithardtogiveupall!Iamashamedtohearitspokenof，ashamedtowriteit。
Goddoesnotrequireustogiveupanythingthatitisforourbestinteresttoretain。InallthatHedoes，Hehasthewell—beingofHischildreninview。WouldthatallwhohavenotchosenChristmightrealizethatHehassomethingvastlybettertoofferthemthantheyareseekingforthemselves。
ManisdoingthegreatestinjuryandinjusticetohisownsoulwhenhethinksandactscontrarytothewillofGod。NorealjoycanbefoundinthepathforbiddenbyHimwhoknowswhatisbestandwhoplansforthegoodofHiscreatures。Thepathoftransgressionisthepathofmiseryanddestruction。
ItisamistaketoentertainthethoughtthatGodispleasedtoseeHischildrensuffer。Allheavenisinterestedinthehappinessofman。OurheavenlyFatherdoesnotclosetheavenuesofjoytoanyofHiscreatures。
Thedivinerequirementscalluponustoshunthoseindulgencesthatwouldbringsufferinganddisappointment，thatwouldclosetousthedoorofhappinessandheaven。Theworld’sRedeemeracceptsmenastheyare，withalltheirwants，imperfections，andweaknesses；andHewillnotonlycleansefromsinandgrantredemptionthroughHisblood，but47
willsatisfytheheart—longingofallwhoconsenttowearHisyoke，tobearHisburden。ItisHispurposetoimpartpeaceandresttoallwhocometoHimforthebreadoflife。Herequiresustoperformonlythosedutiesthatwillleadourstepstoheightsofblisstowhichthedisobedientcanneverattain。Thetrue，joyouslifeofthesoulistohaveChristformedwithin，thehopeofglory。
Manyareinquiring，\"HowamItomakethesurrenderofmyselftoGod？\"YoudesiretogiveyourselftoHim，butyouareweakinmoralpower，inslaverytodoubt，andcontrolledbythehabitsofyourlifeofsin。Yourpromisesandresolutionsarelikeropesofsand。Youcannotcontrolyourthoughts，yourimpulses，youraffections。Theknowledgeofyourbrokenpromisesandforfeitedpledgesweakensyourconfidenceinyourownsincerity，andcausesyoutofeelthatGodcannotacceptyou；butyouneednotdespair。Whatyouneedtounderstandisthetrueforceofthewill。Thisisthegoverningpowerinthenatureofman，thepowerofdecision，orofchoice。Everythingdependsontherightactionofthewill。ThepowerofchoiceGodhasgiventomen；itistheirstoexercise。Youcannotchangeyourheart，youcannotofyourselfgivetoGoditsaffections；butyoucanchoosetoserveHim。YoucangiveHimyourwill；HewillthenworkinyoutowillandtodoaccordingtoHisgoodpleasure。ThusyourwholenaturewillbebroughtunderthecontroloftheSpiritofChrist；youraffectionswillbecentereduponHim，yourthoughtswillbeinharmonywithHim。
Desiresforgoodnessandholinessarerightas48
farastheygo；butifyoustophere，theywillavailnothing。ManywillbelostwhilehopinganddesiringtobeChristians。TheydonotcometothepointofyieldingthewilltoGod。TheydonotnowchoosetobeChristians。
Throughtherightexerciseofthewill，anentirechangemaybemadeinyourlife。ByyieldingupyourwilltoChrist，youallyyourselfwiththepowerthatisaboveallprincipalitiesandpowers。Youwillhavestrengthfromabovetoholdyousteadfast，andthusthroughconstantsurrendertoGodyouwillbeenabledtolivethenewlife，eventhelifeoffaith。
（49）
FaithandAcceptanceAsyourconsciencehasbeenquickenedbytheHolySpirit，youhaveseensomethingoftheevilofsin，ofitspower，itsguilt，itswoe；andyoulookuponitwithabhorrence。YoufeelthatsinhasseparatedyoufromGod，thatyouareinbondagetothepowerofevil。Themoreyoustruggletoescape，themoreyourealizeyourhelplessness。Yourmotivesareimpure；yourheartisunclean。Youseethatyourlifehasbeenfilledwithselfishnessandsin。
Youlongtobeforgiven，tobecleansed，tobesetfree。HarmonywithGod，likenesstoHim——whatcanyoudotoobtainit？
Itispeacethatyouneed——Heaven’sforgivenessandpeaceandloveinthesoul。Moneycannotbuyit，intellectcannotprocureit，wisdomcannotattaintoit；youcanneverhope，byyourownefforts，tosecureit。ButGodoffersittoyouasagift，\"withoutmoneyandwithoutprice。\"Isaiah55：1。Itisyoursifyouwillbutreachoutyourhandandgraspit。TheLordsays，\"Thoughyoursinsbeasscarlet，theyshallbeaswhiteassnow；thoughtheyberedlikecrimson，theyshallbeaswool。\"Isaiah1：18。\"AnewheartalsowillIgiveyou，andanewspiritwillIputwithinyou。\"Ezekiel36：26。
Youhaveconfessedyoursins，andinheartputthemaway。YouhaveresolvedtogiveyourselftoGod。NowgotoHim，andaskthatHewillwashawayyoursinsandgiveyouanewheart。Then50
believethatHedoesthisbecauseHehaspromised。ThisisthelessonwhichJesustaughtwhileHewasonearth，thatthegiftwhichGodpromisesus，wemustbelievewedoreceive，anditisours。JesushealedthepeopleoftheirdiseaseswhentheyhadfaithinHispower；Hehelpedtheminthethingswhichtheycouldsee，thusinspiringthemwithconfidenceinHimconcerningthingswhichtheycouldnotsee——leadingthemtobelieveinHispowertoforgivesins。ThisHeplainlystatedinthehealingofthemansickwithpalsy：\"ThatyemayknowthattheSonofmanhathpoweronearthtoforgivesins，（thensaithHetothesickofthepalsy，）Arise，takeupthybed，andgountothinehouse。\"Matthew9：6。SoalsoJohntheevangelistsays，speakingofthemiraclesofChrist，\"Thesearewritten，thatyemightbelievethatJesusistheChrist，theSonofGod；andthatbelievingyemighthavelifethroughHisname。\"John20：31。
FromthesimpleBibleaccountofhowJesushealedthesick，wemaylearnsomethingabouthowtobelieveinHimfortheforgivenessofsins。LetusturntothestoryoftheparalyticatBethesda。Thepoorsuffererwashelpless；hehadnotusedhislimbsforthirty—eightyears。YetJesusbadehim，\"Rise，takeupthybed，andwalk。\"Thesickmanmighthavesaid，\"Lord，ifThouwiltmakemewhole，IwillobeyThyword。\"But，no，hebelievedChrist’sword，believedthathewasmadewhole，andhemadetheeffortatonce；hewilledtowalk，andhedidwalk。HeactedonthewordofChrist，andGodgavethepower。Hewasmadewhole。
51
Inlikemanneryouareasinner。Youcannotatoneforyourpastsins；youcannotchangeyourheartandmakeyourselfholy。ButGodpromisestodoallthisforyouthroughChrist。Youbelievethatpromise。YouconfessyoursinsandgiveyourselftoGod。YouwilltoserveHim。Justassurelyasyoudothis，GodwillfulfillHiswordtoyou。Ifyoubelievethepromise，——believethatyouareforgivenandcleansed，——Godsuppliesthefact；youaremadewhole，justasChristgavetheparalyticpowertowalkwhenthemanbelievedthathewashealed。Itissoifyoubelieveit。
Donotwaittofeelthatyouaremadewhole，butsay，\"Ibelieveit；itisso，notbecauseIfeelit，butbecauseGodhaspromised。\"
Jesussays，\"Whatthingssoeveryedesire，whenyepray，believethatyereceivethem，andyeshallhavethem。\"Mark11：24。Thereisaconditiontothispromise——thatweprayaccordingtothewillofGod。ButitisthewillofGodtocleanseusfromsin，tomakeusHischildren，andtoenableustoliveaholylife。Sowemayaskfortheseblessings，andbelievethatwereceivethem，andthankGodthatwehavereceivedthem。ItisourprivilegetogotoJesusandbecleansed，andtostandbeforethelawwithoutshameorremorse。\"ThereisthereforenownocondemnationtothemwhichareinChristJesus，whowalknotaftertheflesh，butaftertheSpirit。\"Romans8：1。
Henceforthyouarenotyourown；youareboughtwithaprice。\"Yewerenotredeemedwithcorruptiblethings，assilverandgold；……butwiththepreciousbloodofChrist，asofalambwithoutblemishand52
withoutspot。\"1Peter1：18，19。ThroughthissimpleactofbelievingGod，theHolySpirithasbegottenanewlifeinyourheart。YouareasachildbornintothefamilyofGod，andHelovesyouasHelovesHisSon。
NowthatyouhavegivenyourselftoJesus，donotdrawback，donottakeyourselfawayfromHim，butdaybydaysay，\"IamChrist’s；IhavegivenmyselftoHim；\"andaskHimtogiveyouHisSpiritandkeepyoubyHisgrace。AsitisbygivingyourselftoGod，andbelievingHim，thatyoubecomeHischild，soyouaretoliveinHim。Theapostlesays，\"AsyehavethereforereceivedChristJesustheLord，sowalkyeinHim。\"Colossians2：6。
Someseemtofeelthattheymustbeonprobation，andmustprovetotheLordthattheyarereformed，beforetheycanclaimHisblessing。ButtheymayclaimtheblessingofGodevennow。TheymusthaveHisgrace，theSpiritofChrist，tohelptheirinfirmities，ortheycannotresistevil。JesuslovestohaveuscometoHimjustasweare，sinful，helpless，dependent。Wemaycomewithallourweakness，ourfolly，oursinfulness，andfallatHisfeetinpenitence。ItisHisglorytoencircleusinthearmsofHisloveandtobindupourwounds，tocleanseusfromallimpurity。
Hereiswherethousandsfail；theydonotbelievethatJesuspardonsthempersonally，individually。TheydonottakeGodatHisword。Itistheprivilegeofallwhocomplywiththeconditionstoknowforthemselvesthatpardonisfreelyextendedforeverysin。PutawaythesuspicionthatGod’spromisesarenotmeantforyou。Theyareforevery53
repentanttransgressor。StrengthandgracehavebeenprovidedthroughChristtobebroughtbyministeringangelstoeverybelievingsoul。Nonearesosinfulthattheycannotfindstrength，purity，andrighteousnessinJesus，whodiedforthem。Heiswaitingtostripthemoftheirgarmentsstainedandpollutedwithsin，andtoputuponthemthewhiterobesofrighteousness；Hebidsthemliveandnotdie。
Goddoesnotdealwithusasfinitemendealwithoneanother。Histhoughtsarethoughtsofmercy，love，andtenderestcompassion。Hesays，\"Letthewickedforsakehisway，andtheunrighteousmanhisthoughts：andlethimreturnuntotheLord，andHewillhavemercyuponhim；andtoourGod，forHewillabundantlypardon。\"\"Ihaveblottedout，asathickcloud，thytransgressions，and，asacloud，thysins。\"Isaiah55：7；44：22。
\"Ihavenopleasureinthedeathofhimthatdieth，saiththeLordGod：
whereforeturnyourselves，andliveye。\"Ezekiel18：32。SatanisreadytostealawaytheblessedassurancesofGod。Hedesirestotakeeveryglimmerofhopeandeveryrayoflightfromthesoul；butyoumustnotpermithimtodothis。Donotgiveeartothetempter，butsay，\"JesushasdiedthatI
mightlive。Helovesme，andwillsnotthatIshouldperish。IhaveacompassionateheavenlyFather；andalthoughIhaveabusedHislove，thoughtheblessingsHehasgivenmehavebeensquandered，Iwillarise，andgotomyFather，andsay，’Ihavesinnedagainstheaven，andbeforeThee，andamnomoreworthytobecalledThyson：makemeasoneofThyhiredservants。’\"
Theparabletellsyouhow54
thewandererwillbereceived：\"Whenhewasyetagreatwayoff，hisfathersawhim，andhadcompassion，andran，andfellonhisneck，andkissedhim。\"
Luke15：18—20。
Buteventhisparable，tenderandtouchingasitis，comesshortofexpressingtheinfinitecompassionoftheheavenlyFather。TheLorddeclaresbyHisprophet，\"Ihavelovedtheewithaneverlastinglove：thereforewithloving—kindnesshaveIdrawnthee。\"Jeremiah31：3。WhilethesinnerisyetfarfromtheFather’shouse，wastinghissubstanceinastrangecountry，theFather’sheartisyearningoverhim；andeverylongingawakenedinthesoultoreturntoGodisbutthetenderpleadingofHisSpirit，wooing，entreating，drawingthewanderertohisFather’sheartoflove。
WiththerichpromisesoftheBiblebeforeyou，canyougiveplacetodoubt？
Canyoubelievethatwhenthepoorsinnerlongstoreturn，longstoforsakehissins，theLordsternlywithholdshimfromcomingtoHisfeetinrepentance？Awaywithsuchthoughts!NothingcanhurtyourownsoulmorethantoentertainsuchaconceptionofourheavenlyFather。Hehatessin，butHelovesthesinner，andHegaveHimselfinthepersonofChrist，thatallwhowouldmightbesavedandhaveeternalblessednessinthekingdomofglory。WhatstrongerormoretenderlanguagecouldhavebeenemployedthanHehaschoseninwhichtoexpressHislovetowardus？Hedeclares，\"Canawomanforgethersuckingchild，thatsheshouldnothavecompassiononthesonofherwomb？yea，theymayforget，yetwillInotforgetthee。\"Isaiah49：15。
Lookup，youthataredoubtingandtrembling；
55
forJesuslivestomakeintercessionforus。ThankGodforthegiftofHisdearSonandpraythatHemaynothavediedforyouinvain。TheSpiritinvitesyoutoday。ComewithyourwholehearttoJesus，andyoumayclaimHisblessing。
Asyoureadthepromises，remembertheyaretheexpressionofunutterableloveandpity。ThegreatheartofInfiniteLoveisdrawntowardthesinnerwithboundlesscompassion。\"WehaveredemptionthroughHisblood，theforgivenessofsins。\"Ephesians1：7。Yes，onlybelievethatGodisyourhelper。HewantstorestoreHismoralimageinman。AsyoudrawneartoHimwithconfessionandrepentance，Hewilldrawneartoyouwithmercyandforgiveness。
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TheTestofDiscipleship\"IfanymanbeinChrist，heisanewcreature：oldthingsarepassedaway；
behold，allthingsarebecomenew。\"2Corinthians5：17。
Apersonmaynotbeabletotelltheexacttimeorplace，ortraceallthechainofcircumstancesintheprocessofconversion；butthisdoesnotprovehimtobeunconverted。ChristsaidtoNicodemus，\"Thewindblowethwhereitlisteth，andthouhearestthesoundthereof，butcanstnottellwhenceitcometh，andwhitheritgoeth：soiseveryonethatisbornoftheSpirit。\"
John3：8。Likethewind，whichisinvisible，yettheeffectsofwhichareplainlyseenandfelt，istheSpiritofGodinitsworkuponthehumanheart。Thatregeneratingpower，whichnohumaneyecansee，begetsanewlifeinthesoul；itcreatesanewbeingintheimageofGod。WhiletheworkoftheSpiritissilentandimperceptible，itseffectsaremanifest。IfthehearthasbeenrenewedbytheSpiritofGod，thelifewillbearwitnesstothefact。WhilewecannotdoanythingtochangeourheartsortobringourselvesintoharmonywithGod；whilewemustnottrustatalltoourselvesorourgoodworks，ourliveswillrevealwhetherthegraceofGodisdwellingwithinus。Achangewillbeseeninthecharacter，thehabits，thepursuits。Thecontrastwillbeclearanddecidedbetweenwhattheyhavebeenandwhattheyare。Thecharacterisrevealed，not58
byoccasionalgooddeedsandoccasionalmisdeeds，butbythetendencyofthehabitualwordsandacts。
ItistruethattheremaybeanoutwardcorrectnessofdeportmentwithouttherenewingpowerofChrist。Theloveofinfluenceandthedesirefortheesteemofothersmayproduceawell—orderedlife。Self—respectmayleadustoavoidtheappearanceofevil。Aselfishheartmayperformgenerousactions。Bywhatmeans，then，shallwedeterminewhosesideweareon？
Whohastheheart？Withwhomareourthoughts？Ofwhomdowelovetoconverse？Whohasourwarmestaffectionsandourbestenergies？IfweareChrist’s，ourthoughtsarewithHim，andoursweetestthoughtsareofHim。
AllwehaveandareisconsecratedtoHim。WelongtobearHisimage，breatheHisspirit，doHiswill，andpleaseHiminallthings。
ThosewhobecomenewcreaturesinChristJesuswillbringforththefruitsoftheSpirit，\"love，joy，peace，long—suffering，gentleness，goodness，faith，meekness，temperance。\"Galatians5：22，23。Theywillnolongerfashionthemselvesaccordingtotheformerlusts，butbythefaithoftheSonofGodtheywillfollowinHissteps，reflectHischaracter，andpurifythemselvesevenasHeispure。Thethingstheyoncehatedtheynowlove，andthethingstheyoncelovedtheyhate。Theproudandself—assertivebecomemeekandlowlyinheart。Thevainandsuperciliousbecomeseriousandunobtrusive。Thedrunkenbecomesober，andtheprofligatepure。Thevaincustomsandfashionsoftheworldarelaidaside。Christianswillseeknotthe\"outwardadorning，\"but\"thehiddenmanof59
theheart，inthatwhichisnotcorruptible，eventheornamentofameekandquietspirit。\"1Peter3：3，4。
Thereisnoevidenceofgenuinerepentanceunlessitworksreformation。Ifherestorethepledge，giveagainthathehadrobbed，confesshissins，andloveGodandhisfellowmen，thesinnermaybesurethathehaspassedfromdeathuntolife。
When，aserring，sinfulbeings，wecometoChristandbecomepartakersofHispardoninggrace，lovespringsupintheheart。Everyburdenislight，fortheyokethatChristimposesiseasy。Dutybecomesadelight，andsacrificeapleasure。Thepaththatbeforeseemedshroudedindarkness，becomesbrightwithbeamsfromtheSunofRighteousness。
ThelovelinessofthecharacterofChristwillbeseeninHisfollowers。ItwasHisdelighttodothewillofGod。LovetoGod，zealforHisglory，wasthecontrollingpowerinourSaviour’slife。LovebeautifiedandennobledallHisactions。LoveisofGod。Theunconsecratedheartcannotoriginateorproduceit。ItisfoundonlyintheheartwhereJesusreigns。\"Welove，becauseHefirstlovedus。\"1John4：19，R。V。Intheheartrenewedbydivinegrace，loveistheprincipleofaction。Itmodifiesthecharacter，governstheimpulses，controlsthepassions，subduesenmity，andennoblestheaffections。Thislove，cherishedinthesoul，sweetensthelifeandshedsarefininginfluenceonallaround。
TherearetwoerrorsagainstwhichthechildrenofGod——particularlythosewhohavejustcometotrustinHisgrace——especiallyneedtoguard。Thefirst，alreadydweltupon，isthatoflookingtotheir60
ownworks，trustingtoanythingtheycando，tobringthemselvesintoharmonywithGod。Hewhoistryingtobecomeholybyhisownworksinkeepingthelaw，isattemptinganimpossibility。AllthatmancandowithoutChristispollutedwithselfishnessandsin。ItisthegraceofChristalone，throughfaith，thatcanmakeusholy。
TheoppositeandnolessdangerouserroristhatbeliefinChristreleasesmenfromkeepingthelawofGod；thatsincebyfaithalonewebecomepartakersofthegraceofChrist，ourworkshavenothingtodowithourredemption。
Butnoticeherethatobedienceisnotamereoutwardcompliance，buttheserviceoflove。ThelawofGodisanexpressionofHisverynature；itisanembodimentofthegreatprincipleoflove，andhenceisthefoundationofHisgovernmentinheavenandearth。IfourheartsarerenewedinthelikenessofGod，ifthedivineloveisimplantedinthesoul，willnotthelawofGodbecarriedoutinthelife？Whentheprincipleofloveisimplantedintheheart，whenmanisrenewedaftertheimageofHimthatcreatedhim，thenew—covenantpromiseisfulfilled，\"IwillputMylawsintotheirhearts，andintheirmindswillIwritethem。\"Hebrews10：16。Andifthelawiswrittenintheheart，willitnotshapethelife？Obedience——theserviceandallegianceoflove——isthetruesignofdiscipleship。ThustheScripturesays，\"ThisistheloveofGod，thatwekeepHiscommandments。\"
\"Hethatsaith，IknowHim，andkeepethnotHiscommandments，isaliar，andthetruthisnotinhim。\"1John5：3；2：4。Insteadofreleasingmanfromobedience，itisfaith，61
andfaithonly，thatmakesuspartakersofthegraceofChrist，whichenablesustorenderobedience。
Wedonotearnsalvationbyourobedience；forsalvationisthefreegiftofGod，tobereceivedbyfaith。Butobedienceisthefruitoffaith。\"YeknowthatHewasmanifestedtotakeawayoursins；andinHimisnosin。
WhosoeverabidethinHimsinnethnot：whosoeversinnethhathnotseenHim，neitherknownHim。\"1John3：5，6。Hereisthetruetest。IfweabideinChrist，iftheloveofGoddwellsinus，ourfeelings，ourthoughts，ourpurposes，ouractions，willbeinharmonywiththewillofGodasexpressedinthepreceptsofHisholylaw。\"Littlechildren，letnomandeceiveyou：
hethatdoethrighteousnessisrighteous，evenasHeisrighteous。\"
1John3：7。RighteousnessisdefinedbythestandardofGod’sholylaw，asexpressedinthetenpreceptsgivenonSinai。
Thatso—calledfaithinChristwhichprofessestoreleasemenfromtheobligationofobediencetoGod，isnotfaith，butpresumption。\"Bygraceareyesavedthroughfaith。\"But\"faith，ifithathnotworks，isdead。\"
Ephesians2：8；James2：17。JesussaidofHimselfbeforeHecametoearth，\"I
delighttodoThywill，OMyGod：yea，ThylawiswithinMyheart。\"Psalm40：8。AndjustbeforeHeascendedagaintoheavenHedeclared，\"IhavekeptMyFather’scommandments，andabideinHislove。\"John15：10。TheScripturesays，\"HerebywedoknowthatweknowHim，ifwekeepHiscommandments……HethatsaithheabidethinHimoughthimselfalsosotowalkevenasHewalked。\"1John2：3—6。\"BecauseChristalso62
sufferedforus，leavingusanexample，thatyeshouldfollowHissteps。\"1
Peter2：21。
Theconditionofeternallifeisnowjustwhatitalwayshasbeen，——justwhatitwasinParadisebeforethefallofourfirstparents，——perfectobediencetothelawofGod，perfectrighteousness。Ifeternallifeweregrantedonanyconditionshortofthis，thenthehappinessofthewholeuniversewouldbeimperiled。Thewaywouldbeopenforsin，withallitstrainofwoeandmisery，tobeimmortalized。
ItwaspossibleforAdam，beforethefall，toformarighteouscharacterbyobediencetoGod’slaw。Buthefailedtodothis，andbecauseofhissinournaturesarefallenandwecannotmakeourselvesrighteous。Sincewearesinful，unholy，wecannotperfectlyobeytheholylaw。WehavenorighteousnessofourownwithwhichtomeettheclaimsofthelawofGod。
ButChristhasmadeawayofescapeforus。Helivedonearthamidtrialsandtemptationssuchaswehavetomeet。Helivedasinlesslife。Hediedforus，andnowHeofferstotakeoursinsandgiveusHisrighteousness。IfyougiveyourselftoHim，andacceptHimasyourSaviour，then，sinfulasyourlifemayhavebeen，forHissakeyouareaccountedrighteous。Christ’scharacterstandsinplaceofyourcharacter，andyouareacceptedbeforeGodjustasifyouhadnotsinned。
Morethanthis，Christchangestheheart。Heabidesinyourheartbyfaith。
YouaretomaintainthisconnectionwithChristbyfaithandthecontinualsurrenderofyourwilltoHim；andsolongasyoudothis，Hewillworkinyoutowillandtodo63
accordingtoHisgoodpleasure。Soyoumaysay，\"ThelifewhichInowliveinthefleshIlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod，wholovedme，andgaveHimselfforme。\"Galatians2：20。SoJesussaidtoHisdisciples，\"Itisnotyethatspeak，buttheSpiritofyourFatherwhichspeakethinyou。\"Matthew10：20。ThenwithChristworkinginyou，youwillmanifestthesamespiritanddothesamegoodworks——worksofrighteousness，obedience。
Sowehavenothinginourselvesofwhichtoboast。Wehavenogroundforself—exaltation。OuronlygroundofhopeisintherighteousnessofChristimputedtous，andinthatwroughtbyHisSpiritworkinginandthroughus。
Whenwespeakoffaith，thereisadistinctionthatshouldbeborneinmind。
Thereisakindofbeliefthatiswhollydistinctfromfaith。TheexistenceandpowerofGod，thetruthofHisword，arefactsthatevenSatanandhishostscannotatheartdeny。TheBiblesaysthat\"thedevilsalsobelieve，andtremble；\"butthisisnotfaith。James2：19。WherethereisnotonlyabeliefinGod’sword，butasubmissionofthewilltoHim；wheretheheartisyieldedtoHim，theaffectionsfixeduponHim，thereisfaith——faiththatworksbyloveandpurifiesthesoul。ThroughthisfaiththeheartisrenewedintheimageofGod。AndtheheartthatinitsunrenewedstateisnotsubjecttothelawofGod，neitherindeedcanbe，nowdelightsinitsholyprecepts，exclaimingwiththepsalmist，\"OhowloveIThylaw!itismymeditationalltheday。\"Psalm119：97。Andtherighteousnessofthelawisfulfilledinus，\"who64
walknotaftertheflesh，butaftertheSpirit。\"Romans8：1。
TherearethosewhohaveknownthepardoningloveofChristandwhoreallydesiretobechildrenofGod，yettheyrealizethattheircharacterisimperfect，theirlifefaulty，andtheyarereadytodoubtwhethertheirheartshavebeenrenewedbytheHolySpirit。TosuchIwouldsay，Donotdrawbackindespair。WeshalloftenhavetobowdownandweepatthefeetofJesusbecauseofourshortcomingsandmistakes，butwearenottobediscouraged。Evenifweareovercomebytheenemy，wearenotcastoff，notforsakenandrejectedofGod。No；ChristisattherighthandofGod，whoalsomakethintercessionforus。SaidthebelovedJohn，\"ThesethingswriteIuntoyou，thatyesinnot。Andifanymansin，wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather，JesusChristtherighteous。\"1John2：1。AnddonotforgetthewordsofChrist，\"TheFatherHimselflovethyou。\"John16：27。HedesirestorestoreyoutoHimself，toseeHisownpurityandholinessreflectedinyou。
AndifyouwillbutyieldyourselftoHim，HethathathbegunagoodworkinyouwillcarryitforwardtothedayofJesusChrist。Praymorefervently；
believemorefully。Aswecometodistrustourownpower，letustrustthepowerofourRedeemer，andweshallpraiseHimwhoisthehealthofourcountenance。
ThecloseryoucometoJesus，themorefaultyyouwillappearinyourowneyes；foryourvisionwillbeclearer，andyourimperfectionswillbeseeninbroadanddistinctcontrasttoHisperfectnature。ThisisevidencethatSatan’sdelusionshavelosttheir65
power；thatthevivifyinginfluenceoftheSpiritofGodisarousingyou。
Nodeep—seatedloveforJesuscandwellintheheartthatdoesnotrealizeitsownsinfulness。ThesoulthatistransformedbythegraceofChristwilladmireHisdivinecharacter；butifwedonotseeourownmoraldeformity，itisunmistakableevidencethatwehavenothadaviewofthebeautyandexcellenceofChrist。
Thelessweseetoesteeminourselves，themoreweshallseetoesteemintheinfinitepurityandlovelinessofourSaviour。AviewofoursinfulnessdrivesustoHimwhocanpardon；andwhenthesoul，realizingitshelplessness，reachesoutafterChrist，HewillrevealHimselfinpower。ThemoreoursenseofneeddrivesustoHimandtothewordofGod，themoreexaltedviewsweshallhaveofHischaracter，andthemorefullyweshallreflectHisimage。
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GrowingUpIntoChristThechangeofheartbywhichwebecomechildrenofGodisintheBiblespokenofasbirth。Again，itiscomparedtothegerminationofthegoodseedsownbythehusbandman。InlikemannerthosewhoarejustconvertedtoChristare，\"asnew—bornbabes，\"to\"growup\"tothestatureofmenandwomeninChristJesus。1Peter2：2；Ephesians4：15。Orlikethegoodseedsowninthefield，theyaretogrowupandbringforthfruit。Isaiahsaysthattheyshall\"becalledtreesofrighteousness，theplantingoftheLord，thatHemightbeglorified。\"Isaiah61：3。Sofromnaturallife，illustrationsaredrawn，tohelpusbettertounderstandthemysterioustruthsofspirituallife。
Notallthewisdomandskillofmancanproducelifeinthesmallestobjectinnature。ItisonlythroughthelifewhichGodHimselfhasimparted，thateitherplantoranimalcanlive。SoitisonlythroughthelifefromGodthatspirituallifeisbegottenintheheartsofmen。Unlessamanis\"bornfromabove，\"hecannotbecomeapartakerofthelifewhichChristcametogive。John3：3，margin。
Aswithlife，soitiswithgrowth。ItisGodwhobringsthebudtobloomandtheflowertofruit。ItisbyHispowerthattheseeddevelops，\"firsttheblade，thentheear，afterthatthefullcornintheear。\"Mark4：28。
AndtheprophetHoseasaysofIsrael，that\"heshallgrowasthelily。\"
\"Theyshallreviveasthecorn，andgrowasthevine。\"Hosea14：5，7。AndJesusbidsus\"considerthelilieshow68
theygrow。\"Luke12：27。Theplantsandflowersgrownotbytheirowncareoranxietyoreffort，butbyreceivingthatwhichGodhasfurnishedtoministertotheirlife。Thechildcannot，byanyanxietyorpowerofitsown，addtoitsstature。Nomorecanyou，byanxietyoreffortofyourself，securespiritualgrowth。Theplant，thechild，growsbyreceivingfromitssurroundingsthatwhichministerstoitslife——air，sunshine，andfood。
Whatthesegiftsofnaturearetoanimalandplant，suchisChristtothosewhotrustinHim。Heistheir\"everlastinglight，\"\"asunandshield。\"
Isaiah60：19；Psalm84：11。Heshallbeas\"thedewuntoIsrael。\"\"Heshallcomedownlikerainuponthemowngrass。\"Hosea14：5；Psalm72：6。Heisthelivingwater，\"theBreadofGod……whichcomethdownfromheaven，andgivethlifeuntotheworld。\"John6：33。
InthematchlessgiftofHisSon，Godhasencircledthewholeworldwithanatmosphereofgraceasrealastheairwhichcirculatesaroundtheglobe。
Allwhochoosetobreathethislife—givingatmospherewillliveandgrowuptothestatureofmenandwomeninChristJesus。
Astheflowerturnstothesun，thatthebrightbeamsmayaidinperfectingitsbeautyandsymmetry，soshouldweturntotheSunofRighteousness，thatheaven’slightmayshineuponus，thatourcharactermaybedevelopedintothelikenessofChrist。
JesusteachesthesamethingwhenHesays，\"AbideinMe，andIinyou。Asthebranchcannotbearfruitofitself，exceptitabideinthevine；nomorecanye，exceptyeabideinMe……WithoutMeye69
candonothing。\"John15：4，5。YouarejustasdependentuponChrist，inordertoliveaholylife，asisthebranchupontheparentstockforgrowthandfruitfulness。ApartfromHimyouhavenolife。Youhavenopowertoresisttemptationortogrowingraceandholiness。AbidinginHim，youmayflourish。DrawingyourlifefromHim，youwillnotwithernorbefruitless。
Youwillbelikeatreeplantedbytheriversofwater。
Manyhaveanideathattheymustdosomepartoftheworkalone。TheyhavetrustedinChristfortheforgivenessofsin，butnowtheyseekbytheirowneffortstolivearight。Buteverysucheffortmustfail。Jesussays，\"WithoutMeyecandonothing。\"Ourgrowthingrace，ourjoy，ourusefulness，——alldependuponourunionwithChrist。ItisbycommunionwithHim，daily，hourly，——byabidinginHim，——thatwearetogrowingrace。HeisnotonlytheAuthor，buttheFinisherofourfaith。ItisChristfirstandlastandalways。Heistobewithus，notonlyatthebeginningandtheendofourcourse，butateverystepoftheway。Davidsays，\"IhavesettheLordalwaysbeforeme：becauseHeisatmyrighthand，Ishallnotbemoved。\"Psalm16：8。
Doyouask，\"HowamItoabideinChrist？\"InthesamewayasyoureceivedHimatfirst。\"AsyehavethereforereceivedChristJesustheLord，sowalkyeinHim。\"\"Thejustshalllivebyfaith。\"Colossians2：6；Hebrews10：38。
YougaveyourselftoGod，tobeHiswholly，toserveandobeyHim，andyoutookChristasyourSaviour。Youcouldnotyourselfatoneforyoursinsorchangeyourheart；buthavinggiven70
yourselftoGod，youbelievethatHeforChrist’ssakedidallthisforyou。
ByfaithyoubecameChrist’s，andbyfaithyouaretogrowupinHim——bygivingandtaking。Youaretogiveall，——yourheart，yourwill，yourservice，——giveyourselftoHimtoobeyallHisrequirements；andyoumusttakeall，——Christ，thefullnessofallblessing，toabideinyourheart，tobeyourstrength，yourrighteousness，youreverlastinghelper，——togiveyoupowertoobey。
ConsecrateyourselftoGodinthemorning；makethisyourveryfirstwork。
Letyourprayerbe，\"Takeme，OLord，aswhollyThine。IlayallmyplansatThyfeet。UsemetodayinThyservice。Abidewithme，andletallmyworkbewroughtinThee。\"Thisisadailymatter。EachmorningconsecrateyourselftoGodforthatday。SurrenderallyourplanstoHim，tobecarriedoutorgivenupasHisprovidenceshallindicate。ThusdaybydayyoumaybegivingyourlifeintothehandsofGod，andthusyourlifewillbemoldedmoreandmoreafterthelifeofChrist。
AlifeinChristisalifeofrestfulness。Theremaybenoecstasyoffeeling，butthereshouldbeanabiding，peacefultrust。Yourhopeisnotinyourself；itisinChrist。YourweaknessisunitedtoHisstrength，yourignorancetoHiswisdom，yourfrailtytoHisenduringmight。Soyouarenottolooktoyourself，nottolettheminddwelluponself，butlooktoChrist。LettheminddwelluponHislove，uponthebeauty，theperfection，ofHischaracter。ChristinHisself—denial，ChristinHishumiliation，Christin71
Hispurityandholiness，ChristinHismatchlesslove——thisisthesubjectforthesoul’scontemplation。ItisbylovingHim，copyingHim，dependingwhollyuponHim，thatyouaretobetransformedintoHislikeness。
Jesussays，\"AbideinMe。\"Thesewordsconveytheideaofrest，stability，confidence。AgainHeinvites，\"ComeuntoMe，……andIwillgiveyourest。\"
Matthew11：28。Thewordsofthepsalmistexpressthesamethought：\"RestintheLord，andwaitpatientlyforHim。\"AndIsaiahgivestheassurance，\"Inquietnessandinconfidenceshallbeyourstrength。\"Psalm37：7；Isaiah30：15。Thisrestisnotfoundininactivity；forintheSaviour’sinvitationthepromiseofrestisunitedwiththecalltolabor：\"TakeMyyokeuponyou：……andyeshallfindrest。\"Matthew11：29。TheheartthatrestsmostfullyuponChristwillbemostearnestandactiveinlaborforHim。
Whentheminddwellsuponself，itisturnedawayfromChrist，thesourceofstrengthandlife。HenceitisSatan’sconstantefforttokeeptheattentiondivertedfromtheSaviourandthuspreventtheunionandcommunionofthesoulwithChrist。Thepleasuresoftheworld，life’scaresandperplexitiesandsorrows，thefaultsofothers，oryourownfaultsandimperfections——toanyorallofthesehewillseektodivertthemind。Donotbemisledbyhisdevices。Manywhoarereallyconscientious，andwhodesiretoliveforGod，hetoooftenleadstodwellupontheirownfaultsandweaknesses，andthusbyseparatingthemfromChristhehopesto72
gainthevictory。Weshouldnotmakeselfthecenterandindulgeanxietyandfearastowhetherweshallbesaved。AllthisturnsthesoulawayfromtheSourceofourstrength。CommitthekeepingofyoursoultoGod，andtrustinHim。TalkandthinkofJesus。LetselfbelostinHim。Putawayalldoubt；
dismissyourfears。SaywiththeapostlePaul，\"Ilive；yetnotI，butChristlivethinme：andthelifewhichInowliveinthefleshIlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod，wholovedme，andgaveHimselfforme。\"
Galatians2：20。RestinGod。HeisabletokeepthatwhichyouhavecommittedtoHim。IfyouwillleaveyourselfinHishands，HewillbringyouoffmorethanconquerorthroughHimthathaslovedyou。
WhenChristtookhumannatureuponHim，HeboundhumanitytoHimselfbyatieoflovethatcanneverbebrokenbyanypowersavethechoiceofmanhimself。Satanwillconstantlypresentallurementstoinduceustobreakthistie——tochoosetoseparateourselvesfromChrist。Hereiswhereweneedtowatch，tostrive，topray，thatnothingmayenticeustochooseanothermaster；forwearealwaysfreetodothis。ButletuskeepoureyesfixeduponChrist，andHewillpreserveus。LookinguntoJesus，wearesafe。
NothingcanpluckusoutofHishand。InconstantlybeholdingHim，we\"arechangedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory，evenasbytheSpiritoftheLord。\"2Corinthians3：18。
ItwasthusthattheearlydisciplesgainedtheirlikenesstothedearSaviour。WhenthosedisciplesheardthewordsofJesus，theyfelttheirneedofHim。Theysought，theyfound，theyfollowedHim。They73
werewithHiminthehouse，atthetable，inthecloset，inthefield。TheywerewithHimaspupilswithateacher，dailyreceivingfromHislipslessonsofholytruth。TheylookedtoHim，asservantstotheirmaster，tolearntheirduty。Thosedisciplesweremen\"subjecttolikepassionsasweare。\"James5：17。Theyhadthesamebattlewithsintofight。Theyneededthesamegrace，inordertoliveaholylife。
EvenJohn，thebeloveddisciple，theonewhomostfullyreflectedthelikenessoftheSaviour，didnotnaturallypossessthatlovelinessofcharacter。Hewasnotonlyself—assertiveandambitiousforhonor，butimpetuous，andresentfulunderinjuries。ButasthecharacteroftheDivineOnewasmanifestedtohim，hesawhisowndeficiencyandwashumbledbytheknowledge。Thestrengthandpatience，thepowerandtenderness，themajestyandmeekness，thathebeheldinthedailylifeoftheSonofGod，filledhissoulwithadmirationandlove。DaybydayhisheartwasdrawnouttowardChrist，untilhelostsightofselfinloveforhisMaster。Hisresentful，ambitioustemperwasyieldedtothemoldingpowerofChrist。TheregeneratinginfluenceoftheHolySpiritrenewedhisheart。ThepoweroftheloveofChristwroughtatransformationofcharacter。ThisisthesureresultofunionwithJesus。WhenChristabidesintheheart，thewholenatureistransformed。Christ’sSpirit，Hislove，softenstheheart，subduesthesoul，andraisesthethoughtsanddesirestowardGodandheaven。
WhenChristascendedtoheaven，thesenseofHispresencewasstillwithHisfollowers。Itwasa74
personalpresence，fullofloveandlight。Jesus，theSaviour，whohadwalkedandtalkedandprayedwiththem，whohadspokenhopeandcomforttotheirhearts，had，whilethemessageofpeacewasstilluponHislips，beentakenupfromthemintoheaven，andthetonesofHisvoicehadcomebacktothem，asthecloudofangelsreceivedHim——\"Lo，Iamwithyoualway，evenuntotheendoftheworld。\"Matthew28：20。Hehadascendedtoheavenintheformofhumanity。TheyknewthatHewasbeforethethroneofGod，theirFriendandSaviourstill；thatHissympathieswereunchanged；thatHewasstillidentifiedwithsufferinghumanity。HewaspresentingbeforeGodthemeritsofHisownpreciousblood，showingHiswoundedhandsandfeet，inremembranceofthepriceHehadpaidforHisredeemed。TheyknewthatHehadascendedtoheaventoprepareplacesforthem，andthatHewouldcomeagainandtakethemtoHimself。
AstheymettogetheraftertheascensiontheywereeagertopresenttheirrequeststotheFatherinthenameofJesus。Insolemnawetheybowedinprayer，repeatingtheassurance，\"WhatsoeveryeshallasktheFatherinMyname，Hewillgiveityou。HithertohaveyeaskednothinginMyname：ask，andyeshallreceive，thatyourjoymaybefull。\"John16：23，24。Theyextendedthehandoffaithhigherandhigherwiththemightyargument，\"ItisChristthatdied，yearather，thatisrisenagain，whoisevenattherighthandofGod，whoalsomakethintercessionforus。\"Romans8：34。AndPentecostbroughtthemthepresenceoftheComforter，ofwhom75
Christhadsaid，He\"shallbeinyou。\"AndHehadfurthersaid，\"ItisexpedientforyouthatIgoaway：forifIgonotaway，theComforterwillnotcomeuntoyou；butifIdepart，IwillsendHimuntoyou。\"John14：17；
16：7。HenceforththroughtheSpirit，ChristwastoabidecontinuallyintheheartsofHischildren。TheirunionwithHimwascloserthanwhenHewaspersonallywiththem。Thelight，andlove，andpoweroftheindwellingChristshoneoutthroughthem，sothatmen，beholding，\"marveled；andtheytookknowledgeofthem，thattheyhadbeenwithJesus。\"Acts4：13。
AllthatChristwastothedisciples，HedesirestobetoHischildrentoday；forinthatlastprayer，withthelittlebandofdisciplesgatheredaboutHim，Hesaid，\"NeitherprayIforthesealone，butforthemalsowhichshallbelieveonMethroughtheirword。\"John17：20。
Jesusprayedforus，andHeaskedthatwemightbeonewithHim，evenasHeisonewiththeFather。Whataunionisthis!TheSaviourhassaidofHimself，\"TheSoncandonothingofHimself；\"\"theFatherthatdwellethinMe，Hedoeththeworks。\"John5：19；14：10。ThenifChristisdwellinginourhearts，Hewillworkinus\"bothtowillandtodoofHisgoodpleasure。\"
Philippians2：13。WeshallworkasHeworked；weshallmanifestthesamespirit。Andthus，lovingHimandabidinginHim，weshall\"growupintoHiminallthings，whichisthehead，evenChrist。\"Ephesians4：15。
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TheWorkandtheLifeGodisthesourceoflifeandlightandjoytotheuniverse。Likeraysoflightfromthesun，likethestreamsofwaterburstingfromalivingspring，blessingsflowoutfromHimtoallHiscreatures。AndwhereverthelifeofGodisintheheartsofmen，itwillflowouttoothersinloveandblessing。
OurSaviour’sjoywasintheupliftingandredemptionoffallenmen。ForthisHecountednotHislifedearuntoHimself，butenduredthecross，despisingtheshame。Soangelsareeverengagedinworkingforthehappinessofothers。Thisistheirjoy。Thatwhichselfishheartswouldregardashumiliatingservice，ministeringtothosewhoarewretchedandineverywayinferiorincharacterandrank，istheworkofsinlessangels。ThespiritofChrist’sself—sacrificingloveisthespiritthatpervadesheavenandistheveryessenceofitsbliss。ThisisthespiritthatChrist’sfollowerswillpossess，theworkthattheywilldo。
WhentheloveofChristisenshrinedintheheart，likesweetfragranceitcannotbehidden。Itsholyinfluencewillbefeltbyallwithwhomwecomeincontact。ThespiritofChristintheheartislikeaspringinthedesert，flowingtorefreshallandmakingthosewhoarereadytoperish，eagertodrinkofthewateroflife。
LovetoJesuswillbemanifestedinadesiretoworkasHeworkedfortheblessingandupliftingof78
humanity。Itwillleadtolove，tenderness，andsympathytowardallthecreaturesofourheavenlyFather’scare。
TheSaviour’slifeonearthwasnotalifeofeaseanddevotiontoHimself，butHetoiledwithpersistent，earnest，untiringeffortforthesalvationoflostmankind。FromthemangertoCalvaryHefollowedthepathofself—denialandsoughtnottobereleasedfromarduoustasks，painfultravelsandexhaustingcareandlabor。Hesaid，\"TheSonofmancamenottobeministeredunto，buttominister，andtogiveHislifearansomformany。\"
Matthew20：28。ThiswastheonegreatobjectofHislife。Everythingelsewassecondaryandsubservient。ItwasHismeatanddrinktodothewillofGodandtofinishHiswork。Selfandself—interesthadnopartinHislabor。
SothosewhoarethepartakersofthegraceofChristwillbereadytomakeanysacrifice，thatothersforwhomHediedmaysharetheheavenlygift。
Theywilldoalltheycantomaketheworldbetterfortheirstayinit。
Thisspiritisthesureoutgrowthofasoultrulyconverted。NosoonerdoesonecometoChristthanthereisborninhisheartadesiretomakeknowntootherswhatapreciousfriendhehasfoundinJesus；thesavingandsanctifyingtruthcannotbeshutupinhisheart。IfweareclothedwiththerighteousnessofChristandarefilledwiththejoyofHisindwellingSpirit，weshallnotbeabletoholdourpeace。IfwehavetastedandseenthattheLordisgoodweshallhavesomethingtotell。LikePhilipwhenhefoundtheSaviour，weshallinviteothersintoHispresence。Weshallseektopresenttothem79
theattractionsofChristandtheunseenrealitiesoftheworldtocome。
TherewillbeanintensityofdesiretofollowinthepaththatJesustrod。
Therewillbeanearnestlongingthatthosearoundusmay\"beholdtheLambofGod，whichtakethawaythesinoftheworld。\"John1：29。
Andtheefforttoblessotherswillreactinblessingsuponourselves。ThiswasthepurposeofGodingivingusaparttoactintheplanofredemption。
Hehasgrantedmentheprivilegeofbecomingpartakersofthedivinenatureand，intheirturn，ofdiffusingblessingstotheirfellowmen。Thisisthehighesthonor，thegreatestjoy，thatitispossibleforGodtobestowuponmen。ThosewhothusbecomeparticipantsinlaborsoflovearebroughtnearesttotheirCreator。
Godmighthavecommittedthemessageofthegospel，andalltheworkoflovingministry，totheheavenlyangels。HemighthaveemployedothermeansforaccomplishingHispurpose。ButinHisinfiniteloveHechosetomakeusco—workerswithHimself，withChristandtheangels，thatwemightsharetheblessing，thejoy，thespiritualuplifting，whichresultsfromthisunselfishministry。
WearebroughtintosympathywithChristthroughthefellowshipofHissufferings。Everyactofself—sacrificeforthegoodofothersstrengthensthespiritofbeneficenceinthegiver’sheart，allyinghimmorecloselytotheRedeemeroftheworld，who\"wasrich，yetforyoursakes……becamepoor，thatyethroughHispovertymightberich。\"2Corinthians8：9。Anditisonlyaswethusfulfillthedivine80
purposeinourcreationthatlifecanbeablessingtous。
IfyouwillgotoworkasChristdesignsthatHisdisciplesshall，andwinsoulsforHim，youwillfeeltheneedofadeeperexperienceandagreaterknowledgeindivinethings，andwillhungerandthirstafterrighteousness。
YouwillpleadwithGod，andyourfaithwillbestrengthened，andyoursoulwilldrinkdeeperdraftsatthewellofsalvation。EncounteringoppositionandtrialswilldriveyoutotheBibleandprayer。YouwillgrowingraceandtheknowledgeofChrist，andwilldeveloparichexperience。
Thespiritofunselfishlaborforothersgivesdepth，stability，andChristlikelovelinesstothecharacter，andbringspeaceandhappinesstoitspossessor。Theaspirationsareelevated。Thereisnoroomforslothorselfishness。ThosewhothusexercisetheChristiangraceswillgrowandwillbecomestrongtoworkforGod。Theywillhaveclearspiritualperceptions，asteady，growingfaith，andanincreasedpowerinprayer。TheSpiritofGod，movingupontheirspirit，callsforththesacredharmoniesofthesoulinanswertothedivinetouch。Thosewhothusdevotethemselvestounselfisheffortforthegoodofothersaremostsurelyworkingouttheirownsalvation。
TheonlywaytogrowingraceistobedisinterestedlydoingtheveryworkwhichChristhasenjoineduponus——toengage，totheextentofourability，inhelpingandblessingthosewhoneedthehelpwecangivethem。Strengthcomesbyexercise；activityistheveryconditionoflife。ThosewhoendeavortomaintainChristianlifebypassivelyacceptingtheblessingsthatcomethroughthemeansofgrace，and81
doingnothingforChrist，aresimplytryingtolivebyeatingwithoutworking。Andinthespiritualasinthenaturalworld，thisalwaysresultsindegenerationanddecay。Amanwhowouldrefusetoexercisehislimbswouldsoonloseallpowertousethem。ThustheChristianwhowillnotexercisehisGod—givenpowersnotonlyfailstogrowupintoChrist，buthelosesthestrengththathealreadyhad。
ThechurchofChristisGod’sappointedagencyforthesalvationofmen。Itsmissionistocarrythegospeltotheworld。AndtheobligationrestsuponallChristians。Everyone，totheextentofhistalentandopportunity，istofulfilltheSaviour’scommission。TheloveofChrist，revealedtous，makesusdebtorstoallwhoknowHimnot。Godhasgivenuslight，notforourselvesalone，buttosheduponthem。
IfthefollowersofChristwereawaketoduty，therewouldbethousandswherethereisonetodayproclaimingthegospelinheathenlands。Andallwhocouldnotpersonallyengageinthework，wouldyetsustainitwiththeirmeans，theirsympathy，andtheirprayers。AndtherewouldbefarmoreearnestlaborforsoulsinChristiancountries。
Weneednotgotoheathenlands，orevenleavethenarrowcircleofthehome，ifitistherethatourdutylies，inordertoworkforChrist。Wecandothisinthehomecircle，inthechurch，amongthosewithwhomweassociate，andwithwhomwedobusiness。
ThegreaterpartofourSaviour’slifeonearthwasspentinpatienttoilinthecarpenter’sshopatNazareth。MinisteringangelsattendedtheLordof82
lifeasHewalkedsidebysidewithpeasantsandlaborers，unrecognizedandunhonored。HewasasfaithfullyfulfillingHismissionwhileworkingatHishumbletradeaswhenHehealedthesickorwalkeduponthestorm—tossedwavesofGalilee。Sointhehumblestdutiesandlowliestpositionsoflife，wemaywalkandworkwithJesus。
Theapostlesays，\"Leteveryman，whereinheiscalled，thereinabidewithGod。\"1Corinthians7：24。ThebusinessmanmayconducthisbusinessinawaythatwillglorifyhisMasterbecauseofhisfidelity。IfheisatruefollowerofChristhewillcarryhisreligionintoeverythingthatisdoneandrevealtomenthespiritofChrist。ThemechanicmaybeadiligentandfaithfulrepresentativeofHimwhotoiledinthelowlywalksoflifeamongthehillsofGalilee。EveryonewhonamesthenameofChristshouldsoworkthatothers，byseeinghisgoodworks，maybeledtoglorifytheirCreatorandRedeemer。
ManyhaveexcusedthemselvesfromrenderingtheirgiftstotheserviceofChristbecauseotherswerepossessedofsuperiorendowmentsandadvantages。
TheopinionhasprevailedthatonlythosewhoareespeciallytalentedarerequiredtoconsecratetheirabilitiestotheserviceofGod。Ithascometobeunderstoodbymanythattalentsaregiventoonlyacertainfavoredclasstotheexclusionofotherswhoofcoursearenotcalledupontoshareinthetoilsortherewards。Butitisnotsorepresentedintheparable。Whenthemasterofthehousecalledhisservants，hegavetoeverymanhiswork。
Withalovingspiritwemayperformlife’s83
humblestduties\"astotheLord。\"Colossians3：23。IftheloveofGodisintheheart，itwillbemanifestedinthelife。ThesweetsavorofChristwillsurroundus，andourinfluencewillelevateandbless。
YouarenottowaitforgreatoccasionsortoexpectextraordinaryabilitiesbeforeyougotoworkforGod。Youneednothaveathoughtofwhattheworldwillthinkofyou。Ifyourdailylifeisatestimonytothepurityandsincerityofyourfaith，andothersareconvincedthatyoudesiretobenefitthem，youreffortswillnotbewhollylost。
ThehumblestandpoorestofthedisciplesofJesuscanbeablessingtoothers。Theymaynotrealizethattheyaredoinganyspecialgood，butbytheirunconsciousinfluencetheymaystartwavesofblessingthatwillwidenanddeepen，andtheblessedresultstheymayneverknowuntilthedayoffinalreward。Theydonotfeelorknowthattheyaredoinganythinggreat。
Theyarenotrequiredtowearythemselveswithanxietyaboutsuccess。Theyhaveonlytogoforwardquietly，doingfaithfullytheworkthatGod’sprovidenceassigns，andtheirlifewillnotbeinvain。TheirownsoulswillbegrowingmoreandmoreintothelikenessofChrist；theyareworkerstogetherwithGodinthislifeandarethusfittingforthehigherworkandtheunshadowedjoyofthelifetocome。
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AKnowledgeofGodManyarethewaysinwhichGodisseekingtomakeHimselfknowntousandbringusintocommunionwithHim。Naturespeakstooursenseswithoutceasing。TheopenheartwillbeimpressedwiththeloveandgloryofGodasrevealedthroughtheworksofHishands。ThelisteningearcanhearandunderstandthecommunicationsofGodthroughthethingsofnature。Thegreenfields，theloftytrees，thebudsandflowers，thepassingcloud，thefallingrain，thebabblingbrook，thegloriesoftheheavens，speaktoourhearts，andinviteustobecomeacquaintedwithHimwhomadethemall。
OurSaviourboundupHispreciouslessonswiththethingsofnature。Thetrees，thebirds，theflowersofthevalleys，thehills，thelakes，andthebeautifulheavens，aswellastheincidentsandsurroundingsofdailylife，werealllinkedwiththewordsoftruth，thatHislessonsmightthusbeoftenrecalledtomind，evenamidthebusycaresofman’slifeoftoil。
GodwouldhaveHischildrenappreciateHisworksanddelightinthesimple，quietbeautywithwhichHehasadornedourearthlyhome。Heisaloverofthebeautiful，andaboveallthatisoutwardlyattractiveHelovesbeautyofcharacter；Hewouldhaveuscultivatepurityandsimplicity，thequietgracesoftheflowers。
Ifwewillbutlisten，God’screatedworkswillteachuspreciouslessonsofobedienceandtrust。
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Fromthestarsthatintheirtracklesscoursesthroughspacefollowfromagetoagetheirappointedpath，downtotheminutestatom，thethingsofnatureobeytheCreator’swill。AndGodcaresforeverythingandsustainseverythingthatHehascreated。Hewhoupholdstheunnumberedworldsthroughoutimmensity，atthesametimecaresforthewantsofthelittlebrownsparrowthatsingsitshumblesongwithoutfear。Whenmengoforthtotheirdailytoil，aswhentheyengageinprayer；whentheyliedownatnight，andwhentheyriseinthemorning；whentherichmanfeastsinhispalace，orwhenthepoormangathershischildrenaboutthescantyboard，eachistenderlywatchedbytheheavenlyFather。NotearsareshedthatGoddoesnotnotice。ThereisnosmilethatHedoesnotmark。
Ifwewouldbutfullybelievethis，allundueanxietieswouldbedismissed。
Ourliveswouldnotbesofilledwithdisappointmentasnow；foreverything，whethergreatorsmall，wouldbeleftinthehandsofGod，whoisnotperplexedbythemultiplicityofcares，oroverwhelmedbytheirweight。Weshouldthenenjoyarestofsoultowhichmanyhavelongbeenstrangers。
Asyoursensesdelightintheattractivelovelinessoftheearth，thinkoftheworldthatistocome，thatshallneverknowtheblightofsinanddeath；wherethefaceofnaturewillnomoreweartheshadowofthecurse。
Letyourimaginationpicturethehomeofthesaved，andrememberthatitwillbemoregloriousthanyourbrightestimaginationcanportray。InthevariedgiftsofGodinnatureweseebutthefaintest87
gleamingofHisglory。Itiswritten，\"Eyehathnotseen，norearheard，neitherhaveenteredintotheheartofman，thethingswhichGodhathpreparedforthemthatloveHim。\"1Corinthians2：9。
Thepoetandthenaturalisthavemanythingstosayaboutnature，butitistheChristianwhoenjoysthebeautyoftheearthwiththehighestappreciation，becauseherecognizeshisFather’shandiworkandperceivesHisloveinflowerandshrubandtree。Noonecanfullyappreciatethesignificanceofhillandvale，riverandsea，whodoesnotlookuponthemasanexpressionofGod’slovetoman。
GodspeakstousthroughHisprovidentialworkingsandthroughtheinfluenceofHisSpiritupontheheart。Inourcircumstancesandsurroundings，inthechangesdailytakingplacearoundus，wemayfindpreciouslessonsifourheartsarebutopentodiscernthem。Thepsalmist，tracingtheworkofGod’sprovidence，says，\"TheearthisfullofthegoodnessoftheLord。\"\"Whosoiswise，andwillobservethesethings，eventheyshallunderstandtheloving—kindnessoftheLord。\"Psalm33：5；107：43。
GodspeakstousinHisword。HerewehaveinclearerlinestherevelationofHischaracter，ofHisdealingswithmen，andthegreatworkofredemption。Hereisopenbeforeusthehistoryofpatriarchsandprophetsandotherholymenofold。Theyweremen\"subjecttolikepassionsasweare。\"James5：17。Weseehowtheystruggledthroughdiscouragementslikeourown，howtheyfellundertemptationaswehavedone，andyettookheartagainandconqueredthroughthegraceofGod；and，beholding，weare88
encouragedinourstrivingafterrighteousness。Aswereadofthepreciousexperiencesgrantedthem，ofthelightandloveandblessingitwastheirstoenjoy，andoftheworktheywroughtthroughthegracegiventhem，thespiritthatinspiredthemkindlesaflameofholyemulationinourheartsandadesiretobelikethemincharacter——likethemtowalkwithGod。
JesussaidoftheOldTestamentScriptures，——andhowmuchmoreisittrueoftheNew，——\"TheyaretheywhichtestifyofMe，\"theRedeemer，Himinwhomourhopesofeternallifearecentered。John5：39。Yes，thewholeBibletellsofChrist。Fromthefirstrecordofcreation——for\"withoutHimwasnotanythingmadethatwasmade\"——totheclosingpromise，\"Behold，Icomequickly，\"wearereadingofHisworksandlisteningtoHisvoice。John1：3；Revelation22：12。IfyouwouldbecomeacquaintedwiththeSaviour，studytheHolyScriptures。
FillthewholeheartwiththewordsofGod。Theyarethelivingwater，quenchingyourburningthirst。Theyarethelivingbreadfromheaven。Jesusdeclares，\"ExceptyeeatthefleshoftheSonofman，anddrinkHisblood，yehavenolifeinyou。\"AndHeexplainsHimselfbysaying，\"ThewordsthatIspeakuntoyou，theyarespirit，andtheyarelife。\"John6：53，63。Ourbodiesarebuiltupfromwhatweeatanddrink；andasinthenaturaleconomy，sointhespiritualeconomy：itiswhatwemeditateuponthatwillgivetoneandstrengthtoourspiritualnature。
Thethemeofredemptionisonethattheangelsdesiretolookinto；itwillbethescienceandthesongoftheredeemedthroughouttheceaselessagesof89
eternity。Isitnotworthyofcarefulthoughtandstudynow？TheinfinitemercyandloveofJesus，thesacrificemadeinourbehalf，callforthemostseriousandsolemnreflection。WeshoulddwelluponthecharacterofourdearRedeemerandIntercessor。WeshouldmeditateuponthemissionofHimwhocametosaveHispeoplefromtheirsins。Aswethuscontemplateheavenlythemes，ourfaithandlovewillgrowstronger，andourprayerswillbemoreandmoreacceptabletoGod，becausetheywillbemoreandmoremixedwithfaithandlove。Theywillbeintelligentandfervent。TherewillbemoreconstantconfidenceinJesus，andadaily，livingexperienceinHispowertosavetotheuttermostallthatcomeuntoGodbyHim。
AswemeditateupontheperfectionsoftheSaviour，weshalldesiretobewhollytransformedandrenewedintheimageofHispurity。TherewillbeahungeringandthirstingofsoultobecomelikeHimwhomweadore。ThemoreourthoughtsareuponChrist，themoreweshallspeakofHimtoothersandrepresentHimtotheworld。
TheBiblewasnotwrittenforthescholaralone；onthecontrary，itwasdesignedforthecommonpeople。Thegreattruthsnecessaryforsalvationaremadeasclearasnoonday；andnonewillmistakeandlosetheirwayexceptthosewhofollowtheirownjudgmentinsteadoftheplainlyrevealedwillofGod。
WeshouldnottakethetestimonyofanymanastowhattheScripturesteach，butshouldstudythewordsofGodforourselves。Ifweallowotherstodoourthinking，weshallhavecrippledenergiesand90
contractedabilities。ThenoblepowersofthemindmaybesodwarfedbylackofexerciseonthemesworthyoftheirconcentrationastolosetheirabilitytograspthedeepmeaningofthewordofGod。ThemindwillenlargeifitisemployedintracingouttherelationofthesubjectsoftheBible，comparingscripturewithscriptureandspiritualthingswithspiritual。
ThereisnothingmorecalculatedtostrengthentheintellectthanthestudyoftheScriptures。Nootherbookissopotenttoelevatethethoughts，togivevigortothefaculties，asthebroad，ennoblingtruthsoftheBible。IfGod’swordwerestudiedasitshouldbe，menwouldhaveabreadthofmind，anobilityofcharacter，andastabilityofpurposerarelyseeninthesetimes。