WHAT IS IT TO BE CONSECRATED?
By L. W. E.
We believe it is to be wholly given up to do and suffer the will of God. And this we believe to be the duty of every one that would be a true disciple of Jesus. If we would have him work in us, we must be subject to his will; because he is our rightful sovereign, not to rule with a rod of iron, but in love, all that are his. If we are not subject to his will, we cannot be his. How can we be consecrated? By obeying all the commandments of God; not only in the outward act, but from the heart, and by accepting Jesus as a perfect Saviour, and meekly but definitely confessing the grace received through the provisions made by Christ for our redemption. It is said in the gospel, “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, but with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” If we are branches of the true Vine, we will bear fruit to the glory of God. “He that abideth in me and I in him, the same shall bear much fruit.” What we most need is fruit bearers, or in other words laborers, those that are willing to do or dare for the Master. When we look around and see so many starving for the bread of life, shall we fold our hands, and say there is nothing for us to do? God forbid. Awake, brother; awake, sister. Listen to Jesus: “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” If we would be his, we must be willing to bear reproach for his sake. Let us go forth, therefore, without the camp, abroad in the world, spreading the light of divine truth. We hear the call from every quarter, Come and help us. While we can claim the Lord as our helper, who hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, we need not fear what man can do unto us. L. W. E.