I have o’ercome for you.”
Think of it! The Master has overcome for you! Glory to God!
XXVI.
Lock Up.
Boats, when running on canals, do not go far on a level, before they come to a lock. This is made of solid masonry, with two sets of gates, upper and lower. The water above the lock is from five to fifteen feet higher than the water below. In order that the vessel may pass through and pursue her journey, she must enter the lock, shut the lower gates, turn a wicket in the upper gate which will let in water from above, filling the lock, and raising the boat to the level above; the gates will then open, she will pass out and pursue her journey.
Now, is it not very much so in our religious experience? When converted, we enter the channel of life. We run on this level for a season; with some, much longer than others; all, perhaps, too long. On some canals, levels are very short; but all, that are born of the Spirit, very early in their experience come to a point where they must take advance ground, lock up! or go back. We must go into the lock, shut the gates behind us, leave no possible chance for retreat. This locking up might represent reconsecrating ourselves to God. In doing this, we ought to be very specific. Discriminate under the blazing light of the Holy Ghost. Humble yourself under the hand of God, by confessing your failures, making wrongs right, and God will lift you up. Be thorough. Do not be satisfied to run on the same experience, day in and day out; week in and week out; month in and month out; year in and year out. Alas! alas! how many run in this way, on the same level until it becomes a dead level! In some cases it would be impossible to tell whether there was any current either way. When we first enter the channel of life, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God; and not only so, but we glory in tribulation also knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope: and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” What we greatly need in many places among us, is to lock up into the faith that will give us access into the rich experiences that were once delivered unto the saints; Elijah, Paul, Hester Ann Rogers, Carvosso, Bramwell, Fletcher, Wesley, Madam Guvon, Muller, and a host of others. Then, the communion of faith and love will bear us up to things above. I said that to elevate a boat from a lower level to a higher one, water was let in from above. It is precisely so in the Christian life. If we aim at obedience, becoming more holy, of living a purer life, in walking in all of God’s ordinances blameless, we must go often into the lock of crucifixion; then the water of life will come in from above in living streams, and our experience will be clearer than the noonday sun. Like the tree planted by the rivers of water, bringing forth fruit in its season, our leaf also will not wither.
I want to ask, my dear brethren and sisters of our beloved Zion, don’t you think it is time that you locked up? Why tarry? Remember your vows to God and the church. Press for the mark! “Ye shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” Bend all your energies for the summit level.
XXVII.
Success.
Success in any department of life, depends upon the right use of right means; at the right time; in the right place, and in the right manner. Like causes will produce like results in all ages of the world. Hence the farmer wishing to raise wheat, breaks up the soil, sows his seed, and waits patiently for the early and latter rain with the assurance “that seed-time and harvest will not fail;” and with rejoicing he gathers thirty, sixty or a hundred fold into his barn. This is also true of spiritual things. Success is certain to the man called of God to preach, if he avails himself of the right means, employs them at the right time, and in the right manner.
1. The means to be employed is the Word of God; and this must come forth like a stream of fire, from a heart blazing with the love of God. The command is, “Preach the Word.” Into this armory man may enter, and take to himself just the weapons that will give him victory on every battle-field. I thank God! he may be thoroughly furnished, and never know defeat. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” But there is more to follow; “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me by thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Here success is based upon being thoroughly furnished with heaven’s panoply, the blessing of a clean heart, and possessing the joy of the Lord. The more I search God’s Word, the more I am convinced that he has provided means for the complete subjugation of this world to himself. He never designed that defeat should be written upon our banners, but that we should press the enemy to the very gates of hell. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Here is a declaration from God who cannot lie, that, if we go forth in his strength, having renewed within us a right spirit, the spirit that will cause us to weep over sinners lost, as Jesus wept over Jerusalem, and erring Samaria, with this spirit, clad in armor all divine, we shall come forth from every field of battle, bringing our sheaves with us. But in order to wield heaven’s artillery successfully, an experimental knowledge of the same is necessary. “The laborer must first be partaker of the fruit.”
2. As to time and manner. “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” In order to make full proof of our ministry, every redeemed power must be in complete harmony with God; employed at the right time, place, and in the right manner; by being instant in season, and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine.