Striving for Deeper Grace
By Sister Gardner
SISTER GARDNER of Panton Vt. writes:—"I have been striving of late to get nearer to the Lord. I feel there must be a deeper work of grace in my heart, more deadness to the world, a crucifixion of self, more holy boldness in the truth, yes, an increase of all the Christian graces, or I shall never be a vessel fit for the Master's use, or be prepared to reign with him in his kingdom. I wish to be where I can trust in the Lord at all times, and to profess to trust in God without an earnest striving to do his will, looks like presumption to me. I confess I have been too unwatchful, have not girded up the loins of my mind at all times as I ought, and the enemy has had power over me. I believe it our privilege to live where we can ask and receive. I rejoice to learn what the Lord has done for you. My prayer is that the work may go on, until Bro. W's. health is restored. I praise the Lord that he has revived the Gifts of his Spirit. Praise his holy name that he still is merciful. You have learned no doubt that we expect to go to Ill. in the Spring if the Lord will. I wish to be guided by the Spirit of God167in all the moves I make. I believe we have earnestly sought the will of the Lord, and to have our motives right. May the Lord keep us from every selfish motive and so let his Spirit rest upon us that we may be a blessing to the cause of God in the West. We most earnestly desire your prayers that this may be the case. I wish to ask you to pray for me that the Lord would heal the disease that is pressing so heavily upon me for I cannot be useful without health. I have a great desire to have the truth proclaimed in its purity in the far West, and I know there must be the living teacher and living churches there to have this accomplished. We wish to go carrying the spirit of the truth as well as the theory. O how unfit I feel to do any thing for God, I want entire consecration to God every moment."