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。
　　40
　　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。
　　（43）
　　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。
　　（57）
　　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。
　　（67）
　　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。
　　（77）
　　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。
　　（85）
　　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。
　　86
　　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。