A Life Hid with Christ.
By E. M. Prentiss
We find now and then one groaning under the yoke of obedience. To turn and keep God's requirements is to them a very hard task, and inspires nothing but murmuring or complaint in their hearts. They are in bondage. The life which they live is one of galling servitude! They "delight in the law of God after the inward man," but there is found "another law" in their members, warring against this law of their mind. They have not put away sin by sacrifice. "To will, is present with them;" but the principle of rebellion is equally present, and they finally yield to the control of its influence and are brought into captivity, not by God's requirements, but by the law of sin which is in their members. They struggle to be free. It is not convenient to be found differing from the world around them, and it is not strange to find such ones soon casting off all restraint and boasting of their liberty. Their experience has not been like the man of God who "delighted in the law of God and declined not from it;" "who sought his precepts, and walked at liberty;" and the reason is obvious. If the life they lived had been "by the faith of the Son of God," they would have rejoiced as he rejoiced. Likewise the Spirit would have helped their infirmities, and they would have been enabled to walk in "newness of life" and to have continued steadfast. No compulsion, and hence no wavering, in this higher life. No burdens, no duties which are hard to bear. "We are no longer in the flesh, but in the Spirit," and if the Spirit dwells in us we are brought into union with God, who enables us to live lives of righteousness. That which is not subject to the law of God is destroyed, and the spontaneous utterance of the soul is, Abba, Father. Obedience will spring from the heart, and his requirements will be sought after. The keeping of the Sabbath will be a delight, and the duty of prayer a sweet privilege. If there is not this readiness to come under the laws and regulations of the family of God, we may rest assured that we have not received the spirit of adoption. Besides this willingness to conform to the just demands of God, we have the highest possible evidence that this work is wrought in us by the "Spirit itself bearing witness with our spirit that we are the children of God." We are not left to doubt our acceptance, and we have a sure pledge of his love for us. Something of it will appear in our deportment also: Our light will shine, and others will see it and say, "Surely he hath been with Jesus." Let us learn of him. Thus shall we be the means of bringing others into this "glorious liberty." How full of instruction the conversation of such a Christian. Who that has enjoyed the society of a true child of God, has not felt the heavenly influence of their nearness to God? Says Baxter, "He is the profitable Christian to all around him;" and why? Because his thoughts are elevated to a pure and nobler clime, and warmed by the full, bright rays which emanate from the Father of lights. If we occupy this position, we are safe under all circumstances; for we are assured by his word that he "will supply our need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4. 19. A benevolent gift, truly. What can be desired that is not promised? According to his ability he gives. Is there any lack? It is well supplied. A blessed privilege to sustain such a relation to the Giver of all good. No more hard burdens, and no complaint; no exactions nor any restraint. Our minds reflect the divine will. Oh, happy state! Who that have acquainted themselves with it would wish to grovel again in the darkness beneath? This attainment is necessary before we are prepared to participate in eternal joys, and it does seem that the apprehended nearness of the Son of God would induce us to seek for it. Let us set about this work in earnest, frequently plunging beneath the waves of mercy until our sins be washed from us, and our inactive souls begin to revive; then may we hope to enter this vigorous life, and enjoy it through eternity.