Self-Denial by H. A. St. John

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 19, 1865

Self-Denial.

By H. A. St. John

ThE only true path for the Christian, is the path of self-denial. "If any man," says Jesus, "will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke ix, 23. It should be carefully observed, that the Saviour does not say, let him deny certain things concerning himself, but let him deny himself, and this is declared to be a daily work. Every morning, as we rise and enter anew upon the duties of life, we should have the same grand, and all-important object before us, namely, to deny self. This hateful self will meet us at every step in the divine life. Continual warfare on our part is necessary, that self bring us not into subjection. Ev-ery day, hour, and moment, self must be denied, judged, and subjugated.

Self must be denied in its grossness, its low habits, its roughness and rudeness, and not in these merely, but also in its refinement, its cultivated tastes, and its

polished forms. The edge of the sword of self-denial must be brought to bear, not only upon the most vile, but likewise upon the best of selfish propensities. Self must be denied in all its length and breadth. In these last days of sensuality and self-indulgence, to deny self in all its branches, is a work that cannot be performed, without first entirely eradicating the carnal mind which is not subject to the law of God, and second, firmly girding about us the armor of God, and go forth conquering and to conquer.

Our own observation and experience has already taught us that it is a comparatively easy matter to deny self in some things, when it is only for the purpose of pampering and gratifying self in other things.

To illustrate, a man may deny his appetite for the sole purpose of feeding a selfish, religious pride. A man may wear shabby clothes, and starve himself, to minister to his love of money.

Self acts everywhere, in all the vocations and duties of life. But in none does it appear as mean and hateful, as in religious matters. In all these, self must be denied. Surrender self in all things, truth in nothing. Says Paul, "Wherefore if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend." 1 Cor. viii, 13. "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." 1 Cor. ix, 22. "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth." 1 Cor. x, 24. Be it distinctly understood that when Paul declares that he was "made all things to all men," it was not a matter of self-indulgence as some may suppose, but of pure self-denial. The noble and zealous apostle was not the man to indulge himself, or compromise a single iota of the truth of God. He became servant to all for their good, and God's glory. Here is an example for us. Oh that we may have grace to imitate it! And then in a little way from this, all selfish propensities of a degrading character, will be forever banished from God's dear children. Permanently located in the kingdom of God, all their inclinations and desires may, and will, be freely indulged, culminating in the one glorious object, namely, the glory and honor of God.

H. A. St. John.