THE SPIRIT OF OBEDIENCE.
By Brethren Evangelist
HAVE we the spirit of a hireling, or the spirit of a son and heir? An honest introspection to determine this point may be a painful tho profitable task. There are those who regard with suspicion this practise of introspection. They say that if a man will make himself busy in external good works, his inner states and experiences may safely be left to take care of themselves. We do not deny that one of the best methods of reaching a satisfactory experience of inward grace is to occupy our time, our strength, and our opportunities in doing good to others. "He that watereth shall himself be watered." Nevertheless, this does not exclude the duty of self-examination, by which we may learn, however active in good works we may be, whether our service is a service of love, or a service of constraint. At least once in a while we may profitably discuss this question with ourselves, for the spirit of service makes a world of difference, both as concerns our character and our attitude toward God. If we are simply rendering the obedience of fear, or constraint, or policy, or self-interest, we may be sure that it will neither honor God nor profit us. It is not difficult to define the obedience of a son. It is characterized by zeal for the family interests, the family name, the family honor. It is not the obedience of calculation, for that is from the head, but of affection, for that is from the heart.—Brethren Evangelist.