been made.

We may want to follow Jesus without denying ourselves; but He says
plainly that we cannot. If any man will deny himself, and take up his
cross daily, and follow Christ, he, and he only, shall be a true
disciple.

Real, true consecration is a plain, matter-of-fact piece of business;
sublime, not so much because of the character of the work it does, as
because of the constraining love that is the motive and the results
flowing from it. The beautiful halo and glamour clinging round our vows
and prayers and songs during a Meeting, are gratifying to our senses;
but real consecration manifests itself in hard, self-denying labour,
when no eye but His sees; often, perhaps, when no heart but His
appreciates, and no voice but His commends. The halo no longer seen,
the glamour no longer felt, the soul steps forward and meets its duty,
and, in the strength of God, does it: that is the consecration which
tells for God and the Kingdom.

2. Let us also understand that _real consecration is an 'all-round'
thing_. Many recognize the claims of God in great things, but are not
so particular in the ordinary matters of everyday life.

I recall a young man, who, in private Meetings, and on the platform,
would go into rhapsodies as he spoke of his love for a perishing world,
and his intense desire to be sent on some great mission. I spoke to him
of the hundreds of recklessly godless men with whom he daily associated
at his work, and who lived round about his house, and asked him what he
did in reference to these. Need I tell you how suddenly this man
collapsed? He did not think that consecration meant such a commonplace
thing as being faithful in the ordinary duties and walks of life, for I
had inquired as to what happened when the men gathered for meals or
conversation in the intervals of work.

Does it seem to some of you an evidence of entire consecration that we
stand on platforms and lead Meetings, or are doing some work which
draws other eyes towards us in appreciation of--what is
deemed--untiring devotion? Well, I trust that the appearance does not
go beyond the spirit of the business; but I tell you, the real test
lies elsewhere. It shows itself in such an abandonment to God and the
interests of the Kingdom, that no duty is felt too small or trifling.
The man is not found saying, 'I'll do _this_', or 'I won't do _that_',
and '_that_ doesn't matter'; but whatsoever his hand findeth to do, he
does with his might, and d