things.

* * * * *

No sinner can make a definite Bible consecration; for he has no good
things to bring to God. He is guilty and condemned in the sight of God.
It is the justified believer who has learned by experience that his
inward spiritual condition is not yet satisfactory. It may have been for
a time; but he sooner or later becomes aware that there is a deeper work
of grace needed. He doubts not that he is justified, but knows that
something more must be wrought within. Through the ministry of the word
of God and the blessed guidance of the Holy Spirit, he is soon taught
that a definite consecration must be made as one of the Bible conditions
for sanctification. Now comes the searching and far-reaching question:
Are you willing to make this consecration? This means everything to the
soul. All the sacred God-given treasures around which the heart's
affections have so closely entwined, and which have become a part of the
very life itself, are now required to be yielded up to Jesus as a
voluntary offering. There is no danger that anything will be forgotten;
for the heart-searching eye of God will reveal every hidden treasure,
and make known the depths of meaning to the soul, which will be
astounded to know as never before how much it means to lay all of itself
and sacred treasures at the feet of Jesus. There comes an inward
struggle, perhaps. The heart's affections tighten around the sacred
objects of its love, until they seem dearer than ever before; but while
this is being done there comes a sadness stealing over the soul; for
whereas these objects seem so sacred and precious, there is a
consciousness within that Jesus is slighted. The affections are divided
between Jesus and these treasures. He asks the question, "Lovest thou me
more than these?" You can answer, "Yes, Lord; thou knowest that I love
thee." But must I give up these treasures, these sacred things of my
heart for thee? Can not I have both them and thee? This is where death
must set in. Thank God, it is the death-route, the only road to this
glorious Canaan of soul-rest.

It soon becomes a significant fact thoroughly understood that Jesus
requires the undivided heart and every affection. You cannot refuse him.
He has done too much for you. He suffered without the gate that he might
sanctify you with his own blood. He gave himself for the church that he
might sanctify and cleanse it; and now how can you withhold anythin