Get audio book from MP3 Book Downloads THE SECRET OF SALVATION How To Get It and How To Keep It   SHOWING THE WAY OF SALVATION, GIVING THE READER THE KEY WITH WHICH TO UNLOCK ITS GREAT STOREHOUSE OF PEACE AND HAPPINESS By E. E. BYRUM First Published in 1896   Author’s Preface In the name of Jesus Christ these pages were penned and are sent forth with a prayer that the same may be a blessing to every reader, and more clearly point out the way of salvation to those who are seeking after God, and become words of comfort and counsel to such as are longing for a closer walk with Him. It is not so much the aim of the author to set forth in this work the deep things of God, and explain the mysteries of His Word, as to place the key to the same in the hands of the reader and reveal the secret, enabling the earnest inquirer after truth and power with God to be able to unlock the great storehouse, and have access to the hidden treasures to which every child of God is entitled. The first part of the book aims to point out the way of Salvation and how to get it. The second part shows how to keep it, and enjoy its blessings, while the latter part is given especially for the benefit of those who have bodily afflictions and are suffering the pains of sickness and disease, or are oppressed of the Devil. Do not throw the book aside until it has been thoroughly read and compared with the Word of God; and when all prejudice is cast aside, and the book is read with a prayer for divine help, it is hoped that the soul will be enriched and wonderfully advanced in the divine life. May the rich blessings of God be abundantly bestowed upon each reader of this book, and upon the children of God everywhere; and in the words of the apostle (3 John 21. “I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Yours in Him,  E.E. Byrum   THE SECRET OF SALVATION SALVATION   Amid all the spiritual confusion and darkness of this world sin abounds on every hand. Misery and woe are depicted in the careworn faces of mankind, and the nations of the earth seem to have forgotten God, or never to have known him and the blessed ways of his truth. Darkness covers the face of the earth and gross darkness the people, and they pursue the ways of sin and travel in forbidden paths, and in the road that leads to destruction of both soul and body. But is there no way out of this darkness of sin and confusion, where the sin-sick soul can find rest and peace? Did God make man to be lost? Or what are the chances for the future of mankind? These, with an endless number of questions, seem to be coming from every side from anxious inquirers after truth, who are groping along in the darkness of this world. God did not make man to be lost. It is his will that all should be saved with an everlasting salvation. Man was not placed in this world in a sinful state, but was created in the likeness of God (Gen. 1:26), pure and holy, on a plane with his Maker, and could walk and talk with him. This was indeed a blessed privilege. Not only was this the case, but he had the promise that he could remain in that relation as long as he did not disobey God. He was, however, told the penalty of disobedience, nevertheless he yielded to the voice of the serpent, through whose subtlety and cunning devices, plans were laid to cause the curse of sin to be brought upon mankind through disobedience to God. This enemy of souls began his evil work by telling Eve a falsehood, and persuaded her to disbelieve what God had said; then it was only an easy matter to accomplish his desires and get her to disobey by partaking of that which was forbidden by the Lord. But now would Adam yield also? Alas! he, too, yielded to the temptation, which resulted in his fall from a state of purity and holiness into the depths of sin and disobedience, causing him to die a spiritual death, and he was driven from the presence of God, and the curse of sin passed upon all men. Rom. 5:12. After he had disobeyed, Adam was ashamed to meet the Lord, and when he heard his voice in the cool of the day he went and hid himself; for he keenly felt the reproach of his disobedience, and tried to make the Lord believe that he hid himself because he was naked. Before this, however, he was not ashamed, but now his guilty conscience smote him on account of his sin, and he was ashamed to meet the Lord, or be brought into the presence of his holiness. But God said, “Who told thee that thou wast naked?” Then he asked him a straightforward question, “Hast thou eaten of the tree whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?” God knew what he had done, but Adam, like backsliders of today, thought to justify himself somewhat and perhaps lessen his penalty by putting the blame upon some one else. So he told the Lord that the woman who had been given him as his wife had caused him to disobey. And when the woman was spoken to regarding the matter, she charged the serpent as being the cause of the whole affair. The poor serpent had no one to accuse, or he, doubtless, would have tried to justify himself in like manner. The seed of sin having been planted in their hearts by the enemy of souls, now came the awful sentence from the mouth of the Lord, and they were driven from his presence, away from Eden’s holy ground, and there shut out into the dark world to prolong their life of sin and eat their bread by the sweat of their face. A sad, sad sentence it was indeed, for the gates of Eden were guarded against them, lest they should return and eat from the tree of life and live forever, and thus be restored without repentance of their disobedience. Now began their life under the curse of sin. While they had been created in the likeness of God, now since their fall their children inherited the same fallen nature as themselves (Gen. 5:3), and this is the inbred, sinful nature that has passed upon all men since that time. The seed of sin having been planted in the hearts of our fore-parents is our inheritance from them. The first one born under the curse of sin was a murderer, and took the life of his brother, and the record of mankind since that time has been one of disobedience and the shedding of blood. Even good old David said, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me;” which shows the continuation of the curse of sin as an inheritance, and his knowledge of the same. Yea, we read in Rom. 5:12 that “by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Sin was not imputed unto the people until the law was given by Moses; however, death reigned over them that did not sin in the same manner of Adam’s transgression. God has had ways of dealing with the people, both the just and the unjust, down through all ages from the beginning to the present time. Cain was told that if he did well he would be accepted of the Lord; and if he did not, that “sin lieth at the door.” But, “by faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous.” It was for that cause that Cain became wroth and slew him, thus becoming a servant of sin. Noah faithfully preached to the wicked generations, who only scoffed at his words of warning, until the flood came and destroyed all but himself and family. Faithful Abraham pled earnestly for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, but behold, the wickedness was so great that only Lot and his family could be found numbered among the righteous. Not even his sons-in-law would heed the advice and flee out of the city before its burning. When the law was given, the people were brought under greater obligations to God, and sin was imputed against transgressors because of their greater knowledge of him through his servants whom he had chosen to deliver the same. Before this time the people offered sacrifices, which were acceptable unto the Lord, but now since the law was given, a strict observance of offerings was required. And when sins were committed there was to be offered a sacrifice as a sin offering, besides many others which the law set forth. As time passed on the people were ruled by judges, and by kings, and they seemed to wax worse and worse until the ushering in of the gospel dispensation, in which full salvation was offered freely unto all men. WHAT IT MEANS To have full salvation is to be redeemed from all sin, and to be redeemed is to be brought back into the first state. Before the fall of man he was pure and holy, and Eden was not stained with the guilt of sin; but now since sin has passed upon all men, is it possible for such sin-benighted souls to reach the same plane of purity and holiness while here in this life as was enjoyed in Eden? Truly, it is possible, else the plan of redemption is a failure. As redemption means restoring to the first or original condition, then truly it is the mission of our Redeemer to bring about such a state of affairs. Through the plan of salvation provisions have been made wherein God will deal justly with all men, and in his infinite wisdom he knows exactly how to dispose of humanity and it matters not to us if we can not fully understand just how he will deal with the people of past ages in endless eternity. Let that be as it may, we are living in a gospel dispensation and will be judged by the word of God given to us. WHENCE IT COMES God is the author of this great salvation. David says: He that is our God is the God of salvation; and daily loadeth us with his benefits. Ps. 68:19, 20. It cometh down from heaven as freely as the water from an ever-flowing fountain, and is offered without money and without price. Yet it was purchased for us at a very great price. As God looked upon the sin-cursed world and beheld the awful wickedness, the tender chords of love and mercy moved him to sacrifice the brightest gem of glory for the sins of the world, and give his only begotten Son as a Redeemer for all who would believe on him and turn from their sins. What a price! This loving Son of God came to “save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21); but it cost him his life. Oh, how shamefully he was treated! “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. . . . He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him. . . . He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth. - - He was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Isa. 53:3-12. Oh, how sad to think of the sad scene of Calvary; there the life blood of a loving Saviour gushing forth, while vinegar and gall are given to quench his thirst! Oh, cruel men, with hearts, it seems, almost like the granite stone; with conscience seared, and murderous hands red with innocent blood! It is enough to make us shudder and our blood run cold even now to reflect upon that horrible scene. No wonder that the earth quaked and the place was darkened, while even the heavens were shaken. Does it seem possible that such terrible deeds, such gross sins, could be forgiven? But take another look at the scene on Calvary, and behold, the Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world. There, dying between the wicked men who were hanged upon either side of him, even there he did not refuse mercy to the thief who called upon him during this time of agony. But now his life blood was fast ebbing away, and soon his sufferings were to cease as the spirit was about to take its flight from the nearly lifeless form; but listen to the words, “It is finished.” Oh, what words! The great transaction done, the sacrifice made, that we might have life eternal through him. Although crucified upon the cross, he is now our risen Lord, sitting at the right hand of God interceeding for us. WHO CAN HAVE IT? Was the great sacrifice upon Calvary made only for a favored few? Hear the precious words from the Book of books: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16, 17. The Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10. Oh, how sweet these words must sound to the one who is lost in sin, and has become awakened to the awful fact that the agonies of perdition are near at hand, unless a helping hand is stretched forth to deliver from the eternal burning! Here we find hope for all who will believe and obey the words of the blessed Master. Listen to his gentle call: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt. 11:28-30. He does not just say, Come unto me one; but “all.” “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17. Now the matter is left with you to decide and act upon. The responsibility rests upon you. Will you accept and obey? or will you reject the proffered help and go on in your sins and be forever lost? The debt for your sins has been paid, now will you have them canceled? It is one thing to have a debt paid, and another thing to have it canceled in the account book and a receipt for the same. Through the shedding of his blood upon the cross of Calvary, Christ paid the debt of sin; now who will meet the conditions of his Word and have it canceled from the “book of remembrance” in your own case? This is an individual matter after all. Because he suffered and died for the sins of the world does not remove our responsibilities regarding the same, but only opens the way for our escape, which will do us no good if we will not accept it upon the terms offered. He offers it free, but leaves it for us to decide as to whether we will accept or reject the offered mercy. Once more hear the call: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live….Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isa. 55:1-7. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isa. 1:18. He further says these things are to be had “if we be willing and obedient.” The offense may be murder, theft, or the most atrocious crime, and the heart stained with sin of the deepest dye, yet he offers pardon, and a removal of all the stains of sin; and the requirements are obedience. Is that not just and fair reasoning? Does it not show forth a spirit of love and mercy which can issue forth only from a throne of grace? They who will not accept salvation upon such reasonable terms need not complain that God is an unjust God. And when the final day of reckoning comes, excuses will be of no avail; men will be rewarded according to their record of their works in this life, and if their peace was not made with their God while here upon earth, it will be too late then to seek his favor in the life to come, but the judgments of his wrath will forever be upon such as will not obey, upon those whom death overtakes while yet in sin. Hear the words: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” And again, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” 2 Cor. 6:2. If people do not accept salvation, it is not because the Lord is at fault. The call is universal; it is to all, The promise is to as many as will accept and obey; it is to “whosoever will.” God will not compel us to accept salvation against our will. He sets forth the judgments and future destiny of the wicked who will not accept his ways; also the blessings, joy, and peace, and future bliss bestowed upon the righteous, and leaves the matter for each one to decide, and to act upon the decision. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for us, and “it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Rom. 1:16. Who, then, will decide to turn from the ways of sin and believe the gospel, and not only be numbered with the “willing and obedient,” and enjoy the blessings of salvation in this life, but reign with Christ in glory in endless eternity? Salvation is offered now, and is for you if you will accept it. Do not think that you have been so wicked that Jesus will not notice you. He came to save the lost. Are you among those who are lost in sin? Then he came to save you; take courage. The way is so plain that “the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” THE SECRET OF SALVATION It is a blessed thing to know that a way has been opened whereby people can be saved from all their iniquities, and have the stains and guilt of sin entirely removed, never more to be remembered against them. But so many fail to obtain this precious gift which has been offered free to all; surely there must be some secret or way of understanding it. There is something about it that confounds the wise of this world; the great minds of the ages cannot comprehend nor gainsay; infidels and skeptics fail to reason away, and unbelievers of every description with all their unbelief cannot change it in the least; cannot lessen its power or overthrow its doctrine, because it emanates from heaven, and was planned by an all-wise Creator. How foolish it is for weak mortals of earth to undertake to reason away and overthrow the works and plans of God! Men have spent months and years, yea, even their whole life trying to overthrow and disprove the doctrine of salvation, and yet, before closing their eyes in death, had to acknowledge their error, and that salvation is a reality, and confess that their doom was sealed for eternity because of their unbelief. Many would-be skeptics, as death stared them in the face in the last hours of life, and the closing scenes brought to view a glimpse of eternity, would have gladly given worldly possessions and everything dear on earth for a few hours more of life, and a chance to meet the conditions required to obtain what had been rejected, despised, and opposed. But alas! Too late! They that sow to the wind must reap the whirlwind; and they who oppose the truth of God in this life until death overtakes them, must abide his wrath throughout eternity in the flames and torments of hell. Many have tried to search out the deep things of God in their own strength, but have made a complete failure. Great masterly minds have spent years of reasoning, trying with their chain of logic to unravel the mysteries of the Word of God, or to harmonize it with some freak of nature. But we read that “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Cor. 2:14. It is no difficult matter then to see why people fail to understand God and his Word, or the ways of his salvation. They do not learn the secret, therefore fail to find the way. A HIDDEN TREASURE “Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for the gold where they fine it. . . . There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture’s eye hath not seen. . . But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? . . . It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. - - -The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall be for jewels of fine gold. . . . Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” Job 28:1-28. But how shall the secret be made known? “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant.” Psa. 25:14. There are mountains that contain rich mines of gold and other precious ore, for which people toil until the vein is exhausted, and oftentimes the yield is so small that no benefit is derived. But the holy mountain of the Lord contains untold wealth, and there is no end to the riches hidden away in the secret of his presence. Every sinner can have access to this mine of heavenly wealth; and thus they become “heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ,” if they will to do so. Yea, they can become “kings and priests.” Rev. 1:6. While salvation is a hidden treasure, yet, there is a way of knowing just how to find it, and how its riches may be enjoyed. HOW TO FIND IT Although salvation may seem to be a hidden treasure to those who have not found it, nevertheless we have found that no one will fail to find it if diligent search is made according to the instructions given in the Word of God. It is like searching for the precious metals that are hidden away in the earth; in order to make a success in obtaining them, there must first be some knowledge of the location and whereabouts of the metal, then a calculation made as to the cost, or expense of mining, and a full acquaintance with the best methods by which to proceed, then begin the work with a full determination to make a success. Ofttimes there are many things to get ready by way of preparation before the real digging process begins. It is just so with the work of salvation; it is necessary first to find out its direct source, learn from its Author just how to proceed, and what it will cost, then carefully consider the matter as to whether or not you are willing and determined to meet the conditions offered, upon which it can be had, and there will be no failure. It is God who owns the mine of salvation, and he has sent out an invitation to everyone to come and search out the riches. “Whosoever will” may come, and “they that seek shall find.” He will help each one to find the treasure. He has given a book of instructions called the New Testament which tells all about how to find this great treasure, and to those who have not the book or cannot read it, and will follow him, he will lead to the place where it is to be found and tell them just what to do. If there are any failures made, it is because the directions given in the Book were not followed. This wealth cannot be had without digging, or searching for it. The rich cannot purchase it with money, and the poor are not excluded because they have none. The weak are able to obtain it as well as those who are strong; then “come, buy without money and without price.”   THE TWO ROADS There are two ways along the journey of life, each leading directly to eternity, but the ends thereof are widely different. “For wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matt. 7:13, 14. Both these ways are easily found, but only one can be traveled at a time, as they lead in opposite directions. The one leads to the regions of the lost-into “everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41), and those who end their pilgrimage here on earth on this road will reap the reward of the wicked in the endless, ceaseless ages of eternity in the torments of hell. This scene cannot be overdrawn. No pen can picture the awfulness of that place; no tongue can express the bitter remorse felt, nor describe the horrors and untold agonies of lost souls who have gone their own ways to the pit of destruction. The other way leads to a blessed place of inheritance prepared for the righteous (Matt. 25:34): where they shall forever dwell in the realms of peace and glory in the presence of God, to swell the chorus of the redeemed with the angels, where parting will be no more. The human heart, before touched by the tender chords of divine love, has a natural inclination towards the things and way that lead from the paths of peace and way of truth. Yet there is also planted within every bosom something which at some time during life, if not always, makes one conscious of the existence of a divine being who has power to deliver from the iniquities of a sinful life. Even the savage in his wild, ignorant, and uncultured state, roaming the forests and sweeping over plains, hunting and scouting, acknowledges a higher power, whom he worships according to his understanding. While it seems natural for people to wander into the ways of sin as soon as they reach the age of accountability, it is also natural among all nations of the earth to have some form of worship. In heathen lands, where they never have heard of Christ the Lord, they have chosen gods of their own; while some worship the sun, moon, or stars, others make gods out of wood, stone, or metal, or select something else fully as powerless, to which they bow in humble submission, or do penance, and imagine these things possess supernatural power. Many heathen worshippers are led to perform some frightful deeds, and some sad scenes are witnessed among them, even to the sacrificing of human life to appease the wrath of their false, lifeless god. Many sad, but true, stories could be related of their superstitious performances, which only show to us the great need of helping in some manner to point them to a better way. But we are dealing more directly now with those who have had at least some knowledge of the God of heaven and his Son Jesus Christ, who came into the world as a Savior from sin, to redeem such as were willing to forsake their evil ways. There are millions who have heard of Christ; who believe in Christ, that he has power to forgive sins, yet they are without a knowledge of a real heart experience, only having a head belief, or an inclination of the mind toward the living God; and, to be plain about the matter, they are on the broad way to destruction, going on in the ways of sin. Many of that number are professing to be saved, but are not awakened to their real condition. There are some who try to identify God with nature, and would like to believe that there is no God to render judgment against the wicked; but their pet theories and views are swept away like chaff before the wind by the eternal truths of his Word. A DARK WAY It is human nature to drift into the ways of the world and seek such pleasures as have a tendency to gratify the desires of a graceless heart, even though there may be strong religious inclinations implanted in the heart. We say it is human nature to thus drift in the wrong direction. It were, perhaps, better to say that because of the depraved condition of the heart through the fall of man, humanity is led onward and governed to a great extent by the carnal mind instead of by the divine, and continues in this way until the heart is changed by the power of God through the salvation of the soul. Many go along this way for years, and thus spend the greater part of their life and seem to enjoy the pleasures of the world and have but little concern about the future until brought to a point where death stares them in the face; then is when they begin as never before to realize that their worldly pleasures have only been as dross in comparison to the bliss of heaven, which they miss if hurled into eternity in such a condition. But all people do not even have the enjoyment of worldly pleasures enough to make them happy, even though they do travel the ways of sin. God has said in his Word that “the way of the transgressor is hard;” and if they do not fully realize it in this world, they will not fail to do so in the world to come. But we find generally as people plunge into the depths of sin and walk in disobedience to God, transgressing his laws, the way is rugged, filled with disappointments, grief, sorrows, that cannot be described nor told. Oh, how dark the way is for such as have not chosen the “better way!” Misery and woe seem to stare them in the face on every hand. It seems as if the “doors of the shadow of death” are being closed in upon them, shutting out the last ray of light. To be sure, as long as there is life there is hope, unless that hope is rejected unto the end. Again, there are those who do not go so deep in sin, yet are on the dark way, drifting along with the crowd of evil-doers on the broad road of sin that leads to everlasting destruction. Many of this class would be insulted if placed in line with the murderers, thieves, and adulterers of the land; nevertheless they are on the same road, and will receive the same sentence in the great Judgment Day, if such a life is prolonged until the end of their pilgrimage here on earth. The one who chooses this way and continues to walk therein must certainly abide the consequences, and finally be cast into “outer darkness.” WHERE IT LEADS The scenes along the pathway of a sinful life, when viewed in the light of eternity, present a dark picture, sketch the scene where you may. As we look and behold the awful wickedness throughout the world, we almost shudder to think of the horrifying sight a picture of the future will bring forth. Pen cannot describe it; the artist cannot sketch it; tongue cannot express it; for it will be a wailing among the lost in endless eternity in the infernal regions, from whence there is no returning. Some may say, “Why picture it so dark? have some sympathy for the poor souls; God is not so unjust as to serve people in that way.” Such expressions are often heard from those who are on that road and are not willing to follow the ways of the Lord. But God makes the way to heaven so plain, and sends conviction to the heart of every sinner, showing the error of his ways; shows him the penalty of a life of disobedience; points him to the Saviour of the world; marks out the way and leaves it for the sinner to choose which course to take. It is a matter of choice if he chooses the downward road of sin, and that road if followed will land his soul in the torments of hell. It is a well-known fact that people do not like to hear much about hell-fire any more. But it is better to hear about it now, and heed a faithful warning, than to have to live all eternity in its never-ceasing flames. Many of the prominent and popular preachers of today are trying to do away with hell altogether, and try to console the people by preaching smooth falsehoods that there is no future punishment, or that there will be a time when all people, nations, and tongues will accept the Lord and enjoy heaven; or that God is too good to inflict any future punishment upon evil-doers. Such preachers will suffer the same fate as those who follow their teaching. Matt. 7:13 tells where that way leads. There are great numbers of preachers and professing Christians who will be greatly surprised when they are called before the great Judge to give an account of their pilgrimage here below. We read in Matt. 7:21-23 where Christ says: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? and then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels.” Matt. 25:41. We cannot take preachers for our guide, because they may lead us astray. The Word of God is our guide, and Christ our example, and wherein preachers or professors of Christianity fail to measure to the Bible standard, we should not follow them. But anything that will ease the guilty conscience and cover sin will be readily accepted by the masses of people rather than the gospel truth. If they do not obey God, preachers and Christian professors will go down to destruction just as quick as the saloon keepers; all such travel the same road. The word of God is plain, and it is true, and blessed are they who obey it and walk up to its statutes. THE AWFUL CHASM Once as I was walking between the towering peaks near the summit of the Rocky Mountains, my pathway led to the brink of an awful chasm; there, almost straight down for hundreds of feet was a place over which was beyond my power to pass. The place at first seemed very narrow, only a few feet, seemingly, from where I stood; but, behold, when I tried to test the width of the place it seemed to have widened. Picking up one pebble after another, despite my greatest efforts to throw to the farther side, the pebbles failed to reach the other shore and only fell into the depths below and were lost from sight. The place appeared as if one could almost leap across, but not so, the great depths below seemed to make the place appear very narrow and thus was very deceiving to the eye. This scene was a very impressive one, and the thought presented itself of the deceptions of Satan, and how sin separates a soul from God, and even when one is made to realize the separation, the enemy will try to make it appear as only a very small separation, and not much danger in continuing longer in sin, as it is only a small step which can be easily taken at any time, when it is more convenient. But, alas! when the time comes to take the step, the place seems to have widened into an awful chasm; the strength of every effort seems to fall into the abyss below, and fears and doubts arise, while hope is faintly disappearing in the distance. Then is when the soul becomes aroused and awakened to a sense of duty and present needs. A STILL SMALL VOICE When the sinner becomes fully awakened to his condition, a feeling of alarm arises; a serious meditation takes place as the words of the gospel ring in his ears: “What is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 9:25. The pleasures of earth vanish away like a vapor before the burning rays of the sun, as the scene is presented to him in the light of eternity. Then is when life is considered as vanity, and worldly show and worldly wisdom a light matter, and swept away as chaff before the wind. As he looks out into the dark chasm of hopeless despair into which his pathway leads, every signboard seems to point to perdition as his doom. Many, as they stood and faced this great precipice of despair, lost all hope and plunged into the depths of sin to drown their misery, but only increased the darkness and woe. Others have stood upon the brink, and as hope was lost amid the dark and gloomy surroundings, have put an end to life, only to meet their doom in eternity in a far worse state of affairs among the ceaseless wailings of the lost. To put an end to life here on earth because of trouble and sorrow does not bring deliverance from such, but brings the sting of death upon the soul, which is far more to be feared than the deadly touch of the adder or the asp; and the step can never be recalled, nor the sting removed after death has severed the thread of life and the spirit has taken its flight from the body. While some rush heedless into the jaws of death, purposely, fearless and bold, others are accidentally hurled into eternity, without a moment’s warning. Alas! their doom is sealed. I have stood by the cold, lifeless form of a once bright young man, who, a few hours before was in the bloom of health. On his face was depicted the words, “sorrow, disappointment.” In his pocket was a letter written before the suicidal ball was spent, and there were the same words penned with his own hand, with these words also to his friends: “Meet me in heaven.” Then taking the murderous weapon ended his life only to meet his doom and read words that cannot be erased throughout the ceaseless ages, “disappointed.” Imagine his horror and astonishment to find that he had no inheritance in heaven, but was banished from the presence of God to abide his wrath forevermore. I have lifted the dying form of the aged as the last breath of life was taking its departure from one who was hurled into eternity, by a runaway team while he was under the curse of rum, and death found him with gray locks and a heart stained with sin, unprepared to meet his God. I have lifted the lacerated form from the railway track of one in the prime of life, as death was closing the scene here on earth to unroll the scroll and sketch a scene beyond this vale of tears. But we turn again to the brink of this awful chasm where sin has widened the gulf between the wandering transgressor and God. See him as he has been rushing down the dark way now, almost hopelessly groping along in the darkness of despair. Hark! Listen to that voice behind you, O despairing one; hear the words: “This is the way, walk ye in it.” Isa. 30:19. But he says, Could that mean me? Yes; it means you. When you turn to the right, or to the left, that voice says, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” It is a voice from heaven pointing out the way for the salvation of your soul. What will you do? At this point is where the faint rays of hope appear, yet all in the spiritual sky is darkness. Satan whispers: “It is too late with you; there is no mercy now, and to reform is impossible; all hope has fled away.” But that sweet voice continues and not only points out the way, but says, “Look and live.” “He that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.” The sinner says, “I cannot come; I am lost, undone, bound by fetters from which there is no deliverance; all is darkness around me.” But hear that voice again: “I am the way.” “I came to seek and to save the lost.” AN UPWARD ROAD Could the poor, discouraged, sin-burdened heart, when awakened to his condition, only realize how willing Jesus is to lend a helping hand in time of trouble, there would be a sudden change of affairs. But he must turn from the ways of sin and take an upward road, instead of the one leading downward. The one who expects to be delivered from the bondage of sin must first forsake his sins, repent, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ with all the heart. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and unto our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isa. 55:6, 7. “Repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:19. These scriptures and blessed promises ought to be enough to encourage the most degraded sinner to turn from the ways of sin, even if there was nothing else. In order to find encouragement and help for the fallen, depressed, or lost, we have only to open the blessed volume of the Word of God, and there upon almost every page is something encouraging to the one who desires, and has determined to serve the Lord. Because the way of salvation is called an upward road, does not mean that it is an uphill road that is hard to travel. The reason the way appears so difficult to many, is because they are undecided, and are not determined to turn completely from the other way. A SHINING LIGHT As soon as the sinner begins to turn his face Zion-ward and call for help from the depths of his soul, a stream of light from heaven will pierce the darkness, and while it may not lighten his sin-burdened soul until he has reached the proper point, yet, it will so dispel the darkness that the true way can be found, and hope revives. Jesus will make this light to shine through his word, and the promises given are lights along the way, which, if followed, will lead unerringly to the great Giver of all light and truth, where the soul will be filled with the joy and peace which he offers unto all who will walk in the way he has marked out. His word is a shining light unto all who will follow its teachings. Who then would fear to step out upon the promises of his word, with the confidence that he will fulfill that which he has promised? The great trouble with people is, they want to “feel” that they are saved before they are willing to make an effort to believe or claim it. The Lord never saved any one by feeling, and never promised to do so, but it is through “faith” that we are saved. Eph. 2:8. Then in order to go at it in the Bible way to get saved, one must first be real sorry that he has sinned against God; sorry enough to determine by the help of God to forever forsake sin, and make all wrongs right as far as possible. When this point is reached, then confess to God and ask his forgiveness, and exercise faith, believing that he does so because he says so in his Word. 1 John 1:9. And it is through faith that we are kept. If it were through feeling that people were saved, the poor wretched sinner would conclude that there was but little hope of salvation, and should he succeed in getting it and undertake to measure his salvation by feelings, it would be rather up-and-down business. The way to do is to look unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith, and move out upon his promises and obey his Word, and when we have done what he requires of us, then the Word must be believed because God has said it. When we have done our part, we can then believe the work is done, whether we feel any change or not. The feeling and change come after believing, not before. The convicted sinner has feeling enough, but it is not the kind desired; but in order to have the proper feelings, the necessary steps must be taken to have the guilt and stain of sin removed, and as the decision is made to turn and forsake the path of sin, the way for advancement is speedily opened. THE BOUNDARY LINE Along the pathway of life there is a place which marks the course of the traveler on the road to eternity. There is a line drawn by the Word of God between sin and salvation. On the one side are the blessings of God, on the other is his wrath. On the one hand are the gentle leadings of the Holy Spirit on to greater blessings and glory; on the other is the enemy of souls dragging his victims down to eternal ruin by his deceptions, or cruel oppressions. When the innocent one steps over this line to follow the deceptions of the enemy, it is a far more sad undertaking than is generally considered, and too often forever proves fatal. It may at first be but a comparatively small thing, and no intention of spending a whole life in sin; but when sin has once entered the heart and left its stain where innocence before reigned supreme, a blighting influence remains; a different spirit controls the inward impulse of the heart, and the mind is led into forbidden ways, and conscience smitten, like Adam when he had disobeyed God; such a person is ashamed to hear the voice of God. One sin will lead on to another, and so on until little by little Satan has the soul so completely bound that the heart becomes hardened, and the conscience seared; and sin is as a sweet morsel until times of adversity, trials, and trouble: then there is, to some extent, a reaping of what has been sown. But the sorrows and troubles, even in the most disastrous times, are scarcely a foretaste of the results of such a life in the great coming harvest. On the other side of the line is something of far greater value than rubies, or the wealth of nations, and the riches of mines. It is the peace of God in the soul, darkness swept away; and when trouble and oppressions come, there is always a blessing comes with them, and the sweet, gentle Spirit of Christ to comfort and lend a helping hand in time of need. Yea, “he that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psa. 91:1. To the one who has crossed this boundary line and is traversing on the sinful side, far from the Savior who is ever calling with earnest pleadings to return, a spirit of conviction, telling you of your lost condition, and showing the ways of death before you, and pointing out the way of life everlasting. Remember there is hope for you if you will turn unto God; but you must do your part, make the decision and begin to call upon God for help. BY-PATHS Just about the time the wanderer from God has concluded to meet the conditions laid down in the Bible, and lead a life of salvation, the enemy comes in with his reasonings and suggestions, pointing out many other ways which he says are more easily traveled and will take him through all right. To one he points out the Universalist road; that is that every one will be saved, and none lost, and that there is no place of future punishment. This doctrine has soothed the troubled hearts of multitudes and caused them to believe a lie, that they all might be damned who believe not the truth. 2 Thess. 2:12. For Jesus says, “These shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matt. 25:46. Another misleading path which the enemy points out, and by which many are deceived, is that of Morality. He says: “Do the best you can and you will come out all right,” and other arguments of like nature. People sometimes say: “I never killed any one, nor robbed them of their money; do not lie, nor cheat my neighbors; am upright in all my dealings, go to church, and have never done anything very bad,” and expect to get through all right in the end. My friend, if that is your record, you are on the same list with the worst sinners that ever lived, and are doomed to live in eternity with them; for He says, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3. To another one the enemy of souls says, “Just profess to be saved and you will be all right.” That is the trouble with the religious world today; the great majority of them are professing and do not possess an experience of salvation. It is one thing to have a profession, and quite a different thing to have a real possession of salvation to accompany it. Some profess when they know they are not saved; such are hypocrites: others are deceived. This professing business, and being without the Spirit and power of God to accompany the same, has been the means of making more infidels than has all the literature of infidel writers. “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”Matt. 18:3. The Devil says, “Oh, you do not need a change of heart; just resolve to do better, and claim it, and you will get through.” Yes, you will get through, but not to heaven, on that line; for the way to hell is paved with good resolutions, and multitudes have gone ahead with good resolutions and landed their souls in perdition. It takes good resolutions in order to get saved, yet it takes something more; the race of God and meeting the conditions of His Word. It takes a real change of heart, a birth of the Spirit; for, “except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. Nicodemus, a “ruler of the Jews,” a “master in Israel,” could not understand these things because he had only a profession and knew nothing about a change of heart. But Jesus gave him to understand that his profession would not take him through to heaven. There are a great many prominent people who have been professing to be saved for years, and yet do not know any more about salvation than Nicodemus did when he came to Jesus by night. A man once went through a form of consecration at a meeting and claimed to be saved. Feeling that some were no doubt concerning his having any experience or change of heart, he came the next day expecting to convince us that he was all right. He was asked if he did not feel that he was a pretty good kind of man before he consecrated and not much of a sinner after all, and had only neglected duty, disobeyed God in various ways, knowingly committed a few sins, of which God did not take much notice, and such like. To which he answered: “Yes, that is just the way I felt about it; although I did these things, I felt that I was not much of a sinner, and was not really lost, but got down and accepted salvation.” We told him that Jesus came to “seek and to save the lost,” and if a man did not believe he was lost he was not apt to take the proper course to retrace his steps and be found. He then even tried to give evidence that he was in good condition and favor with God while in the deplorable condition before he consecrated, by stating that he was healed in answer to his prayers shortly before this time. Then came these words like a flash; “Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” 1 Cor. 13:2. To this he answered: “But I have charity. One day a neighbor came and said he was out of flour and was not able to buy any more, and I told my wife to give him half that was in the house.” But the next verse of scripture shut his mouth, and the Spirit of God showed him that he only had an empty profession; as we read: “Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” The charity spoken of here means more than mere outward works; it means the real love of God in the heart. A person must realize his lost condition, at least to the extent that he is unsaved and without a hope, unless Christ stretches forth a helping hand, or there is not much reliance to be placed in his profession. Suppose a man is lost in a large forest and going in exactly the wrong direction, thinking that he is going all right; do you suppose it would be of any use to tell him to turn and go the other way? No; he would say, “I know my business, and I believe I am going in the right direction.” But he goes on, and you say, “Man, you are lost; you are lost; you are going precisely the opposite direction from what you should.” By some convincing argument you make him to realize that perhaps he is not going exactly right, but he is only partly convinced, so he turns his course of travel a little to the right or to the left and goes on; but yet he is lost, and wandering farther and farther from home. Just so it is with the one who is deceived by the delusions of sin and Satan; he goes on in his lost condition expecting to come out all right. If shown the error of his ways, and he will not entirely forsake them, but continues with only a slight change, he will go on in his lost condition until too late. It is harder for a man to get saved who is deceived by the false doctrines of Satan and is claiming to be saved when he has only a delusion, than it is for the one who is going on in the depths of sin; because the latter knows his lost condition and is ready to be found as soon as the way is pointed out. Another bypath upon which so many are sidetracked is Excuses. These are almost numberless, and the enemy is always on hand to help to find them. Many try to console themselves with the idea that “God is too good to bring people into the world and send them to hell; he is not so unjust.” If people go there it is of their own choice, and contrary to the will of God. The Lord makes this matter very plain, and says: “The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; if the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.” Ezek. 33:12, 14-16. Cannot any one see by this that God would still be a just God if all should choose the broad way and land their souls in hell? He says, “Whosoever will, may come.” He makes the call, and offers not only to save all who will come unto him and believe and obey, but promises to keep them saved as long as they will obey. There are certain fixed laws of nature beyond which no one can go without suffering the penalty. For instance, you are standing beside a hot stove and know if you put your hand upon it you will receive a severe burn as a result. But you say, “I will risk it, and as God is a just God he will not let me get burned.” You proceed, get burnt, and curse God for letting you get burnt, and say he is unjust, when it is only a result of your foolish, unwise course which you persistently pursued at the same time your better judgment warned you not to pursue such a course. This is just about as reasonable as to accuse God of sending souls to hell, or permitting them to go there. A few years ago I knew a man who was unsaved, and while passing through some severe trials of grief and financial trouble, concluded to put an end to his life, and took a large dose of strychnine. As death was rapidly closing in upon him and eternity staring him in the face, he became alarmed and concluded that his doom was far worse than the troubles of life. His father entered the room, and the man asked if there was any help for him. Help was summoned at once and with all that could be done he barely escaped death, and although his life was spared he lived to suffer from the effects of the poison in his system. If people take poison they must expect to be poisoned, and suffer the consequences. “But God will not hear such a great sinner,” says one, Oh, yes! “If we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.” 1 John 5:14. It is his will to save all who will come unto him; so you see it is his will to save you. “I have been too bad,” another one says. The Lord has promised to save you and take away your sins, though they “be as scarlet,” and “red like crimson.” Another says, “I do not believe the Bible.” Well, your unbelief does not change the Word of God, neither does it remove the penalty of your guilty deeds. “Shall their unbelief make the faith of God of none effect? God forbid.” Rom. 3:3. Some want to do penance, feed the poor, or do some great act of benevolence, hoping thereby to get to heaven without repentance and obedience to the Word of God. But only the Bible way is safe to follow; all bypaths lead astray. Those who lay aside the word of truth, and follow after false doctrines, are like the traveler who upon a dark night lays aside the light he has been carrying to light his pathway, and looks out across the dismal swamps and sees an ignis fatuus, will-o’-the-wisp, or false light of the swamp; a gaseous substance which has the appearance of a clear, bright, shining light. It is very fascinating, and he leaves the light he has been carrying, and the path upon which he has been traveling, to follow a light that is very deceptive, and cannot be reached, and will not light his pathway, but leads away from the true path, into greater darkness, until when too late to return he finds himself sinking in the mire. So it is with those who lay down their Bibles when they come in contact with false doctrines. As the true way is forsaken, the false doctrines appear to shine more brightly and seem more plausible than the real truths of the Bible; but the deceptive doctrines lead on into greater darkness until, when too late, they are awakened to their alarming condition, and discover the deceptions of Satan as they sink into the pitfalls of perdition through the delusions of the enemy of souls. It pays the sinner to follow the Word of God as his guide, which will light his pathway unto eternal life and happiness. Likewise the believer will find it a sure guide to keep him on the way of holiness. HALTING BETWEEN TWO OPINIONS The glittering things of the world seem to sparkle and the shining dollars glisten, the worldly pleasures become more attractive as the tide of humanity drifts along the stream of time, reckless, and unheeding the gentle voice of the Spirit of God which is ever calling, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” But when the Spirit of God touches the heart of the one who is so swiftly gliding along at ease in sin, there is a change in affairs, a wonderful awakening. The things that were so attractive begin to lose their luster, and a burden comes upon the soul which is at ease. Yet the heart seems fixed upon the pleasures of earth. That heavenly voice calls out, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Yes, that is just what the troubled heart needs; but will he yield? Now he halts, he ponders, begins to count the cost. Which way will he decide? It may be the last call; another sun may never rise until he is hurled into eternity, and soon his lifeless form is laid beneath the sod. It is a critical time: the loss of all things else for Christ. See him pondering over the question. Will he yield for the right, and what conscience tells him to do? Hear the words of the Lord: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” At this point a decision must be made; but how many decide in favor of the wrong and lose their souls in order to have the benefit of worldly pleasure! The peace of God in the soul with the rich blessings which he bestows upon those who serve him in the ways of truth, far exceeds the former enjoyments of the worldly pleasures. VOICES IN THE AIR While the sin-burdened soul is lingering in the balances hesitating concerning what kind of decision to make, the very air around seems filled with voices. While the “still small voice” sounds out from the presence of God, “Choose the right;” “This is the way, walk ye in it,” another voice whispers, “Wait until a more convenient time to decide.” But the voice of truth says: “Behold, now is the day of salvation; behold, now is the accepted time.” “You are not convicted enough,” whispers the enemy. Truth whispers: “He that believeth not is condemned already.” John 3:18. It is conviction enough to know you are not saved; to know that the guilt of sin is upon you, and God requires repentance at your hands. When the sinner awakens to the fact that unless his sins are swept away he will be forever lost, it does not matter about his feelings regarding the same. Feelings will not save anyone; it is faith that brings the grace of God to the heart, by believing his word. As an earnest petition is sent up to God in fervent prayer from a humble heart with a willingness to do his whole will, it does not take long to have the necessary feeling, and get an answer from God. A man who was so paralyzed that he could not walk a step, had for years been trying to be an infidel and disbelieve the Bible. After he became so diseased as to be helpless, and finding all earthly skill failed, he applied to some of God’s faithful children, that they might implore the Lord to heal him. They told him he must believe in God, and give his heart to him. He began to yield to God, and was almost at the point where he could receive the blessings of the Lord, when he again turned to his ways of infidelity and a spirit of unbelief filled his heart; and he could get no rest of soul nor help in any way from God until he renounced his infidelity and decided to believe God, and not believe the whispers of Satan, who kept trying to discourage every effort made to serve the Lord. When he took the proper stand, God spoke peace to his soul and put him in proper condition where he could believe for the healing of his body. A voice whispers, “You do not realize your condition enough.” It is the voice of the enemy of souls. If you are a sinner, what more do you want to know? All sinners are doomed to spend eternity with the lost, unless they turn from their evil ways. The enemy, finding a move will be made, despite his efforts to prevent, now says, “Do penance; torture yourself in every way possible; throw yourself in the dust or wallow in the mud and mire; fast a week or so; go dressed slovenly, or anything to humiliate yourself and make you feel bad, humble, and convicted.” Dear one, such works will not help you in the least. Take the Word of God as your guide, and come to him in humble, earnest prayer, forsaking and confessing your sins, with a determination; and as you believe on him the matter will soon be settled and the name of the Lord glorified, and you can go your way rejoicing, with victory over all the powers of Satan, and can then better see his cunning devices by which he sought to entrap your soul. THE TEMPTER He is the same old serpent who tempted our foreparents in the garden of Eden; who came to tempt our Savior at one time while he was weak and hungry; but Jesus met him with the words, “It is written,” and told him what was written, and not only that, but rebuked him and commanded him to depart. The same tempter comes to the sinner in various ways with all the power he can muster, to bring discouragement and throw a depressive feeling over him when he finds his enticements and allurements are of no avail. He knows that if a person can be discouraged enough so as to give up all hopes of salvation, it will answer his purpose just as well as if the poor victim had been led away into some of his pitfalls which were made to destroy him. To follow the ways of the tempter always leads to sorrow, and remorse of conscience. A person may get along well, seemingly, for a time, but sooner or later the crisis will come when the situation will be realized; like Peter when he was tempted to deny his Lord. After realizing what he had done, oh, how sorrowful he felt! but he was not long in repenting with bitter tears, and again getting into favor with his Master. He whispers to the convicted soul: “It is no use to make a start; you cannot stand; you will make a failure,” and will then point out some one else who has failed because of some severe temptations, and negligence to follow the advice given in the Bible. The tempter at such times does not refer to those who started long ago to serve the Lord and are still standing firm upon the truth, with the real glory of God in their souls. No, he selects hypocrites, and such as were not willing to follow the ways of the Lord, and tries to get the eyes of the sinner fixed upon such persons as a means of discouragement. A WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING When there seems to be no other way to deceive a soul then the Devil makes a pious appearance in a religious cloak and begins to talk and preach “religion” to the poor wandering sinner. He says: “Now, just join ‘church’ and you will be all right; all you will need to do will be to give the preacher your name and your hand, and subscribe to the rules of his creed, and you will be all right. You will not even need to obey all the rules of the discipline, if you pay the preacher well.” Religion is quite a popular thing nowadays, and easily to be obtained, as the preachers are after money, members, and popularity, and do not bother much about the souls of the people. “Just take your ease, you do not need a change of heart, have a good time, just so you keep up your profession, the preacher will preach you to heaven when you die.” Dear reader, do you know there is more truth than fiction in this matter? The so-called churches are filled with just such deluded souls who have gone on listening to the smooth suggestions of the devil and his servants, many of whom fill a place in the pulpit. A person may belong to all the religious denominations or creeds in christendom and yet not have a particle of salvation, and in the end land his soul in perdition. Christ is the door, he is the “way, the truth, the life,” and when persons come to him they are made complete in him, and are made fit subjects for heaven. The word of God is true in spite of all suggestions of the devil, and no one can be saved without following its teachings. A DREADFUL STRUGGLE When the gospel call comes with deep convicting appeals to the soul of the sinner to turn from the ways of sin, forsake the ways of evil, and serve the Lord, there is a struggle takes place before a positive decision is reached. Some are able to make the choice according to the gentle wooings of the Spirit without such a severe struggle, while with others it is almost heart-rending to decide to give up the ways of the world. The enemy would bring up a thousand things to discourage a poor soul at just such a point. It is a critical time and it would sometimes seem as if death itself would be a relief, so firmly does the enemy try to hold his victim. If his enticements and worldly allurements are about to fail, then he will come in like a flood on another and entirely different line. Perhaps will come with threats, and try to frighten the one whom he has held so long in bondage, to prevent a yielding to the will of God. He will whisper: “The people will scoff at you; God will let you starve to death; you will lose your business, reputation, good name, and become a castaway;” and a thousand other things he has to suggest and bring to mind. But he is not only a liar, but is the father of lies, and goes about as a “roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” When the Devil roars with a great noise before you he is not so much to be feared from that standpoint; but is like the African lion, who will give a tremendous roar in front of the hunter who is nearing him; and while the startled hunter is almost paralyzed with fear on account of the sudden noise, the shrewd beast silently, quickly, and stealthily makes a circuitous route through the jungle and comes up behind the hunter, who, if not acquainted with the nature of the lion, is watching the point from whence the noise came, while the animal is ready to devour him by taking him unawares. If Satan can so attract anyone as to take him unawares and devour him, he is always ready to do so. Therefore it is necessary to get acquainted with God in order to know the devices of Satan. And with the Spirit of God dwelling within us we can become so fully equipped that the enemy of souls will be compelled to flee away. We read in the Word where it says, “Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.” Dear reader, this resisting must begin with you now, if you desire to be saved. You can resist him by deciding to obey God: by forsaking sin, and evil companions, and God will help you just as far as you help yourself, and when you can do no more he will do it all. THE DECISION The great, important step in getting salvation, is the decision. One must come to a thorough decision or all efforts will be in vain. To make up the mind just to “try it,” and if a failure is made, then let the matter go and conclude yours is a hopeless case, is folly to the extreme. People must get decided on this point or they will drift along with the tide of sin, halting between two opinions, until the death angel decides the matter forevermore. Once while we were sitting in a court-room, a prisoner was brought in to be tried for a criminal offense of breaking the laws of the land. Witnesses were brought in to testify against him; the lawyers pled his case, then it was left for the jury to decide. After receiving their solemn charge from the judge to render justice unto the convict, the verdict was rendered “guilty,” and the quaking prisoner was commanded to stand before the judge and hear the sentence pronounced because of his crime. The thought presented itself, What a striking illustration that is of a person in sin, who has gone on until the end of life and must appear before the great court of heaven, to be tried as a criminal for breaking the law of God, there to be judged according to the deeds done in the body. The sinful deeds of life come up as witnesses to testify against the transgressor. Mercy pleads in vain. Truth must prevail, and the verdict is rendered “guilty.” The Judge pronounces the sentence and the doom is forever sealed. This is the death scene of the sinner. But, dear one, while there is life there is hope for you, and mercy will plead your case and prevail, if you will but make the effort and make a positive decision. The reason so many fail who “try” to get saved is because they fail to fully decide to go through for God, cost what it will, and until that point is reached there is not much advancement towards getting a settled experience. When a wise man contemplates building a house he first sits down and counts the cost, and if he finds he is able to build, it does not take long to make a decision and begin the work with a determination to go through with it. The sinner must first count the cost and see if he is able to pay the price of giving up sin and the ways of wickedness, worldly conformity, and such things as pertain to a worldly life, then he is ready to begin to call upon God for help, and not before, and will find the Lord ready to answer. A CALL FOR HELP The decision having been made, a prayer can be sent up with confidence, knowing that the Lord will hear. Yet the enemy will try to flood the heart with doubts and unbelief, but the firm decision enables you to resist the spirit of unbelief, and it is then that the real condition of the soul is realized as never before. The one who was seeking a deeper feeling of conviction, upon reaching this point of positive decision to go through at any cost, as he calls upon God has all the feeling necessary, and is where an earnest prayer can be made in spite of all the power of Satan. It is a time of life or death, almost; something must be done. Like Peter, when walking upon the water-the waves were rough about him, and he looked at the waves and began to sink. Finding that he was going down beneath the waves, perhaps never to be rescued, he called earnestly to the Master: “Lord, save or I perish,” and the Lord stretched forth a helping hand and saved him from a watery grave. Just so with the one who has decided to take the step out into the salvation life; as the first efforts are made, it may seem that God is afar off, but there must be something done as the soul seems to be sinking amid the awful waves of darkness and despair, and a prayer goes up, it is one from the depths of the soul, for the case is becoming a desperate one. The manifestations, however, are not alike with every one at such a time; while one may be very emotional, weeping and wailing in the agony of despair, another may quietly ponder the question and confess the iniquity of the heart, and grasp the promises of the Word. At such a time as this when one may even feel the wretchedness of a sinful condition to the fullest extent and be melted to tears with moanings and groanings, yet weeping and moaning will not save. Praying and not believing will not save. One might pray and weep for months without receiving, when, had he just confessed his sinful condition, and believed for the salvation of the soul, a change of heart would have been the result in a very short time. Sin is something that cannot be reasoned away from the heart by the most logical mind, neither will culture drive it away. It can only be removed with its stains and blighting influence, by the power of God, and when he is implored with all confidence the work will be speedily performed. A FRIEND IN TIME OF NEED “Is it possible that the Lord will not hear me? will not answer my humble petition in this dark hour and time of need?” cries out the sinner as he bewails his condition. Listen to the words: ‘He that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.” “Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” ‘If ye seek me, I will be found of you.” It is the voice of the Savior, who is ever ready to help in time of need. You cannot reason the matter out yourself, but the Lord will reason with you. He says: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isa. 1:18. At this point do not doubt the ability of God to deliver or keep, for he is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Eph. 3:20. He is not only able, but he is just as willing to hear the humble cry and answer. Some one says: “I have asked, and repeatedly asked and yet my weight of guilt and sin is as great as ever, and I feel that I am lost and undone. What shall I do?” Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. He came to seek and to save the lost. If you feel that you are lost, then remember that he came to save you, and it is you that he is seeking after now. When you begin to look at it in the proper light you will not be long in finding out where the trouble lies, and will soon be found of him. He says, “He that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out,” and that means you. He will not cast you away. He is a very present help in time of need.” When we consider that while we were far from him, wandering in the desert places of sin, turning from him with a sense of guilt and shame because of our iniquities, his loving care was over us, and his protecting care was round about us, even while we were wandering further and further from his loving face; how much more would he take us into his loving embrace when we turn to come back to follow in his footsteps! Does it not seem very reasonable that he would gladly reach out a helping hand, and lend a listening ear to the humble cry of the one who now forsakes the evil way and turns unto the way of truth? THE BINDING CHAINS Notwithstanding the great step that has been taken toward a higher life, by way of a positive decision to go through, which is a great part of the battle, yet there are seemingly unseen chains that bind the soul and hinder the progress of the work desired. We speak now of more extreme cases, as all are not alike; for while one may grasp the truth and light of the promises of God and be set free at once, others will weep and pray and continue in doubts and fears; sometimes are stubborn and willful, desiring to have their own way, instead of being subject to the will of God. The enemy takes advantage of such persons and tries to keep them bound with a selfish, stubborn mind, so he can lead them captive at his will, when there is no necessity of being under such an influence if they would call upon God, and rebuke and resist such a spirit, and obey the Word of God and move out upon the promises given therein. A man once came three hundred miles to be prayed for, that he might get right with God. He was determined to be made a free man if possible. Upon his arrival and after stating his sad, and what seemed to him, hopeless condition, we told him that there was hope for him, and appointed an hour in the evening when we would meet together and have a special season of prayer in his behalf. Before his hour arrived, however, the enemy had made all preparations possible for battle, and fortified himself to gain a victory; and as the appointed time came for prayer, the man submitted himself to a sullen, stubborn spirit, and was not willing even to have prayer offered in his behalf, and tried to argue in the strongest terms that there was no salvation for him; that he had sinned away his day of grace, and hope had departed and fled away, and it would only be wasting time and breath to try to help him out. We told him that there was salvation for him through the power of Jesus Christ. To this he remarked that we did not know him, and were not acquainted with him and his ways. We told him that we were acquainted with him in a roundabout way at least, for we were acquainted with God, and God was acquainted with him, and we had made our inquiries of God and had found out the truth of the matter and could speak with authority. But, he said, “I could hurt you if I wished, as at times I have amazing strength;” and with fierce glaring eyes he thought to scare us out: whereupon we thanked God for victory over all the powers of Satan, and told the man that the enemy of souls could not touch us unless God permitted it for his glory, and in such case we were perfectly willing to suffer, but we were not afraid of what man could do unto us. After talking for some time, urging him to yield his stubborn will and bow with us in prayer that he might find deliverance, we who were with him in the room bowed in prayer and rebuked the powers of Satan, imploring God in behalf of his soul; but the man would not even bow with us in prayer; but sat sullenly and with a stubborn will, in his chair, and when we arose he declared he was still in the same condition and under the power of the enemy and there was no hope for him. We told him by the Spirit of the Lord, that the Devil had been rebuked and had no binding influence over him to keep him from getting saved if he willed to be saved. But he said, “A man cannot be saved except the Spirit of the Lord draw him.” No, we replied, but you are unwilling to be led by the drawings of his Spirit. Suppose we were to try to lead a horse; if when we began to draw he would set himself stubbornly and pull back with all his might, could such a horse be led? No; but let the horse put his will in line with our will and we could lead him off without any trouble, and he would feel all right over it and could move along in a happy mood. We told him that the only thing in his way was his will, now, as the powers of the enemy had been rebuked, and the Lord says, “Whosoever will, may come,” and if he was one of that class he could be set free in a very few minutes. He began to see that it was within his power to be saved, and if he was lost it was because he willed it so, and wanted his own way; and as we bowed in prayer the second time he knelt with us, and in a few minutes arose praising God for freedom in his soul, realizing that all his sins were taken away. He was an extreme case, but God can handle extreme cases. There are none too hard for him. Some people want to be petted by the Lord, and have his children coax them, but God is not a respecter of persons, neither has he any pets. He loves all and will save all who will come unto him and obey him. Satan may try his binding chains, and attempt to throw obstacles and difficulties in the way mountain high, but the one who is determined to have a Bible salvation can have all these things swept out of the way by the power of God. THE SECRET REVEALED Wherever a thing appears to be wrapped in mysteries there is surely a secret by which the mystery can be solved. So it is with salvation; while it may appear for a time, with some, to be clothed with mysteries, yet there is a way of finding out the secret. The key that opens to the hidden treasures is faith in God. The secret of the whole matter is to believe his Word and obey it. This involves a broad scope of thought and action, in accordance with the will of God, which will lead the sinner from the depths of sin and binding powers of Satan, into the experience of full salvation and light and freedom of the gospel. To obey the Word is to meet the conditions laid down therein. Forsake sin; repent, and believe the gospel. It means more than to reform a little and leave off bad habits, and settle down upon good resolutions with only a head belief. People often think that if they acknowledge the Bible to be true, and believe in the divinity of Christ, this is all that is necessary to take them through to heaven. Devils acknowledge and believe all that, and yet they cannot enter the kingdom of heaven; they “believe and tremble.” James 2:19. In order to obey God we must have our will in line with his will, and be in perfect subjection to him in all things. There must be a real change of heart, “for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Rom 10:10. When the will of God is made known, then it is our place to act in obedience to the same. “Obedience is better than sacrifice,” are the words that were spoken to Saul when he was trying to justify himself after having disobeyed the command of the Lord. Disobedience is rewarded with punishment, but it is a blessed thing to know that through the great mercy of God, we can be forgiven for all our disobedience and the remembrance of it all swept away, and if we will then henceforth do his whole will, no sin will be laid to our charge by the Lord, neither in this world nor in the world to come. There are some who know the will of God, yet are very wavering and unstable, thus permitting the Devil to bring in a flood of accusations on various lines to prevent getting a settled experience. A young man once came to us who had frequently consecrated for pardon of his sins and seemed to receive the desire of his heart each time, but soon would listen to the whispers of the enemy, who was always ready to accuse; until finally he concluded he was filled with doubting devils, and did not think he could get saved until they were cast out. However, the man was not possessed with devils as he supposed, but lacked decision, and would not stand on the Word and believe it in spite of all the accusations of the devil, or feelings of depression which he would try to bring upon him. We are saved by grace through faith, not through feelings. THE FETTERS BROKEN Little by little the way opens before the sinner who has been an extreme case of unbelief and wandering in sin, until a gleam of light from the throne of God shows the way so clearly that the real treasure appears almost within his grasp. Yet even here some will falter with doubts, fearing to claim the promise for fear there will be a failure, and do not want to claim it until they “feel” that the work is done. If salvation were offered on a line of feeling, then it might do to wait for the feeling. But it is received through faith, and when accepted, the necessary feeling will follow. Here, you sinner, who are floundering about afraid to believe for what God has promised until you “feel” that you have it: suppose you were to go to a jeweler to purchase a watch; he shows you one that exactly suits you, and offers it to you for ten dollars. You pay him the money and he holds it out and says, “Here is your watch.” But you say, “I do not ‘feel’ that it is mine yet.” “Did you not pay for it?” “Oh, yes, but I do not want to claim it as mine until I can ‘feel’ it.” “Well,” says the jeweler, “take it and you will feel it.” “Oh, but I want to feel it before I take it,” you say. What would the jeweler think of such a person? No doubt he would conclude he was rather foolish. Well, Jesus offers salvation on Bible terms, and when the price is paid, the fetters are broken and the treasure is yours if you will accept it. DOOR OF PEACE OPENED As faith begins to grasp the promises of God and the sinner counts them true in his case, despite every opposition and influence, or without waiting for feelings, but believes it true with all his heart that the work is done because God says so; it is then that he realizes the opening of the door of peace, and the presence of God like the gentle dew from heaven is realized as the words come: “Thy sins, which are many, are all forgiven, all taken away and removed as far as the east is from the west, to be remembered no more against thee forever.” What a blessed consolation! The debt has been canceled, in your case, dear sinner; the debt for which Christ suffered and died, and now through your belief of the truth, it has made you free, and Christ died not in vain for even you. This brings you into a justified relation with God. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:1. Believing the truth increases faith, and the peace not only increases with faith, but the soul is filled with glory, and is enlightened by the very elements of heaven. Where the soul was burdened with the weight and guilt of sin, and filled with grief and sorrow, with life a failure, now new hopes have sprung up in the heart; and, “behold, all things have become new.” A new era begins; a new life commences. A birth has taken place, and the new-born babe in Christ, although having passed many years in sin, is no longer a sinner, but is a child of God, and now understands what Nicodemus was unable to understand (John 3:4), and truly realizes what Christ meant when he said, “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” It is a birth of the Spirit, and cannot be described by tongue or pen. It is a time never to be forgotten, and even the angels in heaven rejoice because another soul has been born into the kingdom. We say it is a time never to be forgotten, because the change is so great; it is the beginning of a new life, and remembered distinctly by each one, not because of the wonderful manifestations at that particular time, but because of the work wrought in the soul. For the Word teaches us that there are “diversities of operations,” but it is the same God which worketh all in all. There may be a number of persons converted at the same time, yet their actions or operations of the Spirit may be widely different. While one may leap and shout and manifest great physical performances, another one may sit quietly down without a word or outward manifestation, and yet be just as thoroughly converted, just as free from the guilt of sin, and with as positive knowledge of an acceptance with God as the one who makes such an outward manifestation. Another one will laugh, and can apparently do nothing else to express the change, while yet another can only give vent to the same through a flood of tears, or even weeping with loud cries. Persons of different dispositions and temperaments will undoubtedly give vent to their feelings differently in this matter, as in regard to other things, although the work is wrought by the same Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:4. One need not think because he does not feel like leaping and shouting that he cannot be just as full of the love and power of God as the one who is loud and boisterous. Leaping, shouting, and making a great noise is not power, by any means, because people do that sometimes and do not have a particle of the grace of God in their souls. However, the power of God will sometimes make some people do such things, while others who have just as much power with God are filled with his grace and glory may never feel led to leap and exercise bodily manifestations. It is through the belief of the Word, and meeting the conditions of the same that causes the work to be done, and God to manifest his power. Some believe the Word to be true, but are not willing to meet the conditions; but such ones receive a head work instead of a change of heart. SALVATION LIFE It is almost like entering into a new world to make the change and have the sweet approval of God upon us, and his love dwelling with the soul, with a knowledge that we are at peace with him. Let the manifestations be such as they may, it is widely different from a self-made change, or mere life of morality, living upon good resolutions and a mere profession without the grace of God in the soul. I once visited a lady whose hair was turning gray with age, and as she lay upon her couch stricken with disease, we asked her some pointed questions concerning her soul. “Oh,” said she, “I have always been a Christian, and cannot remember when I did not serve the Lord.” But as the questions were pressed more closely, she acknowledged that she never could remember of any time when she realized a change of heart, but had always tried to be good. She was in the same condition as the man whom Jesus told that he must be born again. It took some time before she could throw down her empty profession and come to the Lord, asking him to forgive and grant unto her a change of heart; but as she did, realizing her real condition, the work was instantly done, and she could then realize upon what dangerous grounds she had been resting, like thousands of others are doing. As she believed, God witnessed to the work done, and now she had a real possession, instead of a pious, empty profession as before. This gave her much courage and strength to have faith for the healing of her body, and as we obeyed the Word of God in James 5:14, she received the healing touch by the power of God, and realized that she had much for which to give praises unto God. But what is the difference between the one who has reached this state of grace, and the one who lives a good moral life and does all the good he can by way of helping others? There is considerable difference. The converted person, having met the conditions of the Bible, is at peace with God, on the “narrow way.” ready to be called into eternity at any time, and meet the Lord in peace. The other one is only at peace with his fellow men, and is on the “broad way,” with his soul in darkness, not ready to meet the Lord, should he suddenly come. “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Yet he expects to get through because of his charitable works. But, “though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” So it is a failure without the love of God in the soul. A WELL OF LIVING WATER Truly the blood-washed soul can rejoice with exceeding great joy, and can with the Psalmist say, “Truly I have chosen the way of truth,” and the truth gives freedom to the soul. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36. “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up unto everlasting life.” John 4:14. The fountain has been found of which the prophet foretold: “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.” Zech. 13:1. Where anger and strife would formerly arise and destroy the peace of mind, now the weight of sin is removed and this “living water” is a “river of peace” to the soul. The one who has gone through a severe ordeal in order to get into favor with God, and has had many struggles with the enemy of his soul, now sees the way so plain and simple and wonders why he was so dull of comprehension, and so slow to grasp what is offered so freely; and now as it is so plain he thinks others can surely see it and will accept more readily. But they have the same enemy with which to contend, who is just as ready to prevent their believing as he was in the case of those who have escaped his deceptive and binding powers. The rescued one now feels like crying out with the words of the prophet: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money - . . Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. . . . Hear, and your soul shall live.” Anyone obtaining the experience of salvation desires to tell what great things the Lord has done. And almost the first desire is then to try to get others to accept the ways of the Lord and receive his blessings. It is not a treasure that makes one selfish, which is hidden away in some secret place; but the wealth of its abundant riches is blazed abroad, that others may thereby learn of their privileges and believe, and likewise receive their portion of the blessings contained therein. AT PEACE WITH GOD “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:1. There is more in these words, “peace with God” than can be expressed. One cannot sit down in meditation, and fathom the depth of this wonderful peace, nor find the limit of its height, nor the boundary lines of its width, as it expands far beyond the limit of our finite comprehension; because the infinite God is the author and giver of it. The peace which this world gives is not of a lasting nature, but this heavenly peace is everlasting. Although one may lose it out of the soul through disobedience to God, and if his favor is not sought in accordance with his Word, it may never be found again; yet that does not limit the extent of his peace which is still offered unto all who will accept. And wherein there is a failure it is because we have not done what we knew to be our duty, and lived up to our privileges in order to enjoy what has been so freely offered to us. In order to enjoy these riches constantly, we must continue to do his whole will at all times. David says: “I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. - . . Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.” Psa. 85:8-11. “The peace of God which passeth all understanding” is not only our privilege to have while here in this world, but it is an inheritance to be enjoyed in the life to come. Who would not be willing to give up all things else in order to obtain this great treasure? THE CHANGE OF LIFE In this change of life there is a change of masters. While in sin the devil was your master and you were his faithful servant, but now things have taken a change and you are a servant of the true and living God. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness . . . For when ye were servants of sin ye were free from righteousness. . . But now being made free from sin, and become servants of God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”--Rom. 6:16-22. A good illustration of what a wonderful change can be wrought in the life of anyone by the power of God is manifest in the conversion of St. Paul, who was then called Saul of Tarsus. However, he thought himself to be a man of no mean reputation, and thought he was doing the will of God while he was going about putting the saints of God in prison, and consenting to their death, even holding the clothes of those who were persecuting and stoning Stephen to death. But while Saul was going about with such bitter persecutions against the saints because they were followers of Christ, he was struck down on the way by a sudden light from heaven; “and heard a voice saying unto him. Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.” Acts 9:4, 5. Saul was a Jew and did not believe that Jesus was the Christ, and therefore had been going about trying to prevent the people from following after his teachings; but when he heard the voice he knew it was the Lord, and there believed on Jesus and was baptized, and in a few days was going about preaching to the people the very doctrine that he had so bitterly opposed only a short time before. “All that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them that called upon this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?” Then the people sought to kill him. He was beaten, imprisoned, and persecuted wherever he went, yet he was true to God; but he gloried through all the trials and persecutions, realizing that he was suffering for Christ’s sake. Could anyone imagine such a change could be wrought in any person? Hear what he says: “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers. in perils of mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.” 2 Cor. 11:24-27. Yet he says: “In all these we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39. If there was such a change in a man who was claiming to be a follower of God, what more must it be with those who are raised from the depths of degradation and sin. Yet Saul was a sinner of the worst type, almost, but did not believe he was so bad; but God made the change by giving him a new heart and removing the load of sin and guilt. Salvation makes a radical change in the life of every one who accepts it. MOVING ONWARD When the soul is made free by the power of God, being loosed from the bondage of sin, it is filled with light, and is in condition to move on to greater depths of the love of the blessed Master. Some are inclined to think because they are so inexpressibly full of his Spirit that they can now sit down and enjoy it all to themselves; not because they are selfish about it, but because they do not fully realize what is required of them. Perhaps they are timid or bashful, and conclude that they can live a Christian life and not let any one know it. This is not the case with all, by any means, but some have tried it to their sorrow. The light received in the soul is Christ. He is the true light, and he says, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5. But he has ascended unto the Father, and now his children are to be a light unto the world; and how can that be done if they are ashamed to let it be known what he has done for them? Hear what Jesus says: “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38. He says, “Ye are the light of the world.” And the way we become a light unto the world, is by letting Jesus shine through us, and that is done by doing his will as he has commanded. To further illustrate the fact that we should not try to keep people from knowing what the Lord has done for us, he continues: “A city that is set upon a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” Then come the words: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 5:16. We cannot hide our light; if we do, it will go out, or depart from us. However, it is not always necessary to blaze it abroad by words of our mouth to every one we meet, but we can let our daily life preach sermons which will have a great effect upon the people, even though our words be few. A quiet, humble profession, with the sweet gentle Spirit of Jesus shining forth in all meekness is winning, and has a far greater tendency to draw others to Christ, than has one who is impulsive, unstable, and too quick to speak or act. We should always be ready for any duty God requires at our hands, and live in such close communion with the Lord, as to be able to know what he would have done. This is found out through earnest prayer and supplication. Here lies the great fountain of success in the Christian life. It is prayer, believing prayer. This is the secret of the onward move. Not only should a prayer of supplication be offered for more of his blessings and things needed, but as often should the praises ascend to the great giver of every good and perfect gift, for the blessings already bestowed upon both soul and body, and for temporal blessings which are received each day, such as food, raiment, home, and friends; and one is almost surprised at the number of things there are for which to be thankful, when it comes to enumerating them; the blessings are almost too great to number. The reason that so many do not remain happy and advance as a Christian should, is because they fail to thank God for what he has done, and is continually doing; and when this is done the soul will be filled continually as long as this course is pursued. A DISCOVERY As the miner traverses mountain and hill prospecting for precious metal, he comes to where a small stream bursts forth from the mountain side like a never-failing fountain; he is attracted by its sparkling waters, and draws near to drink; and, behold, there are glistening bits of gold lying strewn along the pathway of the stream as it trickles down into the valleys beyond. He knows there is a mine of great wealth stored away somewhere in that mountain; and is confident that by following the course of that little stream he will be enabled to find the riches that are hidden away. He sets to work with all his might and is abundantly rewarded as he goes along digging into the secret parts of the earth, finding riches strewn along the way, which is encouraging, and convinces him that he will soon find the place where he can find untold wealth. As he toils on cheerfully because of his success, a point is reached where the little stream has scattered and is coming through little fissures of the rocks on every side. He is puzzled as to which course to take. The rocks must be blasted, and as this is done it is discovered that the gold is in small proportion to the dross. Could it be possible that this is the extent of the mine? Will it pay to go further? There is much room for discouragement, yet the signs and indications are that there is an abundance of riches further on, which can be obtained through perseverance. A crucible is brought, into which the whole matter is placed and taken through a melting, fiery process, and all the dross taken out, and as the work advances the gold increases and the mine is of far greater wealth than he had expected. This, in a sense, may be used as an illustration of the great mine of salvation; and the one who drinks from the stream of everlasting life flowing from the mountain of His holiness, rejoices that something has been found that is more precious than gold, and realizes upon reading the Word of God that there is untold wealth hidden away in the secret of his presence. The Christian warfare is begun; all actual transgressions, or sins committed, have been swept away through the pardoning power of the Lord Jesus, and the soul is rejoicing as progress is made along the way; but finally something takes place which brings the Christian to a standstill; through some act or unexpected provocation, elements begin to arise which were unlooked for, and the stream of joy does not flow so abundantly, but is apparently scattered and he is almost in doubt as to what course to pursue. Anger, strife, revenge, pride, or some such elements make their appearance so prominent as to astonish and almost discourage the one who was getting along so nicely before. FEARS AND DOUBTS Just at the point where one discovers elements in the heart that have a tendency to lead away from Christ, instead of to him, is when the enemy will come in with his discouragements; and unless a person understands the privileges set forth in the Word of God, he is likely to become filled with doubts and fears, and very much harrassed by the enemy of his soul. And were it not for the great love of the Master urging an onward move to deeper things, the progress would be entirely stopped and the work cease. He has been going on singing: “O happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away,” but now something appears to be in the way. Perhaps someone does him a wrong, and for an instant anger arises, yet it is kept under control, that no evil act is performed. The devil whispers, “There, you have sinned.” Christian opens his Bible and reads: ‘Be ye angry, and sin not.” “Well, I did not sin,” says he, “because it was not in my heart to do anything wrong, and it must have been something in my nature for which I am not accountable. And I read in Eph. 4:26, 27, ‘Let not the sun go down upon your wrath; neither give place to the devil.’ I have not sinned, neither will I allow my anger to continue, nor give place to the devil by allowing him to accuse me.” The way to overcome the devil is to resist him steadfastly in the faith, and pay no attention to his accusations when you have not done wrong. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. Should there be any wrong act committed, or anything done displeasing to the Lord, “we have an advocate with the Father?’ 1 John 2:1. And the one who advocates our cause is “Jesus Christ the righteous.” In case a person is overtaken by the enemy and should go so far as really to commit sin, there is no need of waiting until some meeting is held in the community, or until some future time; but then and there is the place to breathe a prayer to the Lord and ask pardon for the wrong done, and he will grant it; for he says in his Word, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…” John 1:9. None of the sins committed before you gave your heart to God can come up against you any more, for the Word says they were blotted out, to be “remembered against you no more forever.” Making things right with the Lord at once defeats the devil, and he is then easily resisted and made to flee. IN THE WILDERNESS The escape of the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage is a type of the sinner’s escape from the bondage of sin. And the wilderness life, from the passage through the Red Sea, to the crossing the river Jordan, is a type of the life of those who have obtained the pardon of their sins, until they reach the experience of entire sanctification. While in the wilderness they were fed with manna from heaven, and always got along well as long as they obeyed God; but when they disobeyed and wandered away, they were chastised, and sometimes when they murmured against Moses, or against the dealings of the Lord with them, they were even visited with severe chastisements before they were willing to do what was right. There was a number of them who kept murmuring and complaining, and the Lord let them die in the wilderness, while the others who were willing to obey passed over into Canaan. Being now free from the bondage of sin, such a person has access to God, through his Word, as never before. While yet a sinner, it was so difficult to believe, or have faith so as to get any benefit from the Word, but now the blessings of heaven begin to come down as manna, and the soul is fed daily. All the wants and desires can be made known unto Him who is able to give, and we can come in such sweet assurance and confidence that he hears our humble petitions. Yet a person will not advance very far in this divine life until there is a feeling manifested that there is a deeper life to which he must attain. Although the