Obedience and Full Surrender
By H. F. Phelps
Dear Brethren: The truth of God's word is still precious to me, and I long for more of a heart to do the will of my Father in Heaven; for a greater willingness to do the commandments of God; for it is not the hearers of the law that are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified, and that not of their own righteousness, but all through Christ. Oh, the merits of that precious blood! It can cleanse us, it can purify us, if we will only be obedient. The promise is to the doers of that law; but he that turns his ear away from the hearing of that law, even his prayer shall be an abomination. But it is not merely outward acts, but to obey from the heart. The commandments are exceeding broad. It is not the great sins, the outspoken rebellion, that will shut many of us from the kingdom, but the little sins we love so well, the little idols we cherish so dearly. These are the little foxes that spoil the vines. These will cause the gates to be barred against us. It cost all the glory Christ had with the Father to purchase salvation for poor, fallen man. So if we would be partakers of this salvation, offered so freely, it will cost all we have here,—a full surrender, a complete giving up, a forsaking all on our part. Oh! to be made a partaker of the humility of Christ's suffering while here on earth will call us to drink of the bitter cup to the very dregs. Oh, for more willingness to do this! The most cruel, the most subtle, foes I have to contend with, I find hid in my own bosom. A storm is gathering before us; are we preparing a shelter? Satan is marshalling his host. He is a skillful general. But if Israel's God be with us, we need not fear. If we are upon the Lord's side, why need we tremble. He will one day lead us by the side of still waters, and into green pastures. How blessed will be the final overcomers. What a reward is before us! And oh! what cause for ceaseless praise to God and the Lamb for such a gift! Let us be encouraged. Do we see lions by the way? They are all chained. Do we long for the flesh-pots of Egypt? Remember we have only the promise of bread and water. Give all for Christ, and all shall be ours. Yours' striving to overcome, H. F. PHELPS.