Why are we not wholly Saved?
By A. C. MILLER.
ALL desire salvation. No one hopes or expects to be lost. All hope in some way, at some time, for salvation. Many seek it for years perhaps by prayers and tears, and wonder why they, as well as others, may not enjoy the smiles of the Saviour. God seems to them a respecter of persons. They have done what they could and are not saved. Pause a moment. Have you done what you could, or what you would? Which? Remember in this work we are not at liberty to choose our own way. The way has been marked out; any deviation will not do. We are not only to repent, but let go of everything. Our own way must be yielded. I would advise those who feel that they are ready to give up all, to take each darling sin separately. You who love this world, and hold it as your god, are you willing to become poor if need be, for the cause' sake, and that you may be an heir to eternal life? If not, you have no reason to hope; you have not paid the price. Does indignant self rise up and reign? Do you cherish an unforgiving spirit towards those who have injured you? If when we, or our friends are afflicted we indulge in an impatient spirit; if we take delight in dwelling upon the faults of others; all these and many more which I need not name, must not be indulged in. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. If after we have compared our will with God's requirements, we find our will sweetly acquiesce with His, we are not far from salvation; we have paid the price. However high our profession, without this daily death we do not pay the price, we have no reason to hope. I thank God there is yet a chance to hope. The way is plain and open. The car of salvation is ready and waiting. The princely conductor invites. The tickets are free, and room for all.