The Newtown bee., 1900-09-07
out conservation? They are like the vine

without grapes. Consecrstion is the fruit of conviction. There can be no true ear- nestness without complete consecration. Complete consecration is the second great secret of Christian earnestness. Many Christians lack earnestness because they are not completely coneecrated. Where there is not perfect corsecration there are distractions. Distractions often come in between conviction and conservation, rem dering conviction of little effect. Dis- fractions are not necessary. If you would be thoroughly in earnest you must be full ly consecrated. Follow ont the line of duty and conviction, consecrate yourself completely and you will become deeply in earnest. If God calls any of you to
 become Christians and you do not feel SO
 much in earnest about the matter as to
 make you think that you can hold out,
 never mind about that seeming lack of
 earnestness. Follow God, carry out your
 convictions, completely consecrate your
 self to Christ and the earnestness will
 come as baptism from on high. But if
 you would be thoroughly earnest you
 must be completely consecrated. Con- secration means devotion and obedience.
 It means that every appetite, passion,
 faculty, power and talent of body, mind,
 and soul shall be thoroughly devoted to
 the carrying out of Gods will. Itmears
 that these powers shall not be used to
 sin; that they shall not be misused nor
 abused. Business is mo distraction, for
 we are to use our business and it's profits
 to Gods glory, that we may have irflu.
 ence and means to help our fellows in
 the name of Christ. Business thus be-. comes a means of serving God and 8
 means of 9rsce. This is consecrated
 business. Social life is no distraction, for in social circles we gain social in- fiuence with men and women in order that we may
 WIN THEM FOR CHRIST.
 Domestic life is no distraction, for in the
 home we watch, study, pray and work, bearing it's trials and responsibilities in the name of Christ, and thus we develop and strengthen character and love for God. The various cares, difficulties, and burdens of secular life do not become dis fractions to the consecrated soul, for all life's battles are fought and won in the name of Christ to the strengthening and salvation of our characters and souls. Life is devoted to Gods honor, life Is obedience to Gods will, this is a corse. crated life. There is nothing more prac- tical or more real in all the world. Such consecration let's God into everything and it lifts everything to Gods glory. Body, mind and spirit are thus centered in Christ. Our treasure Is with Him, our hearts are His, our lives are for Him. Treasure and heart are thus fixed in Christ, and our passion is to honor Christ in the carrying out of His blessed will. Out cf deep convictions grows complete consecration, and out of such convictions and such consecration grows intense earnestness for God. Now we have that hongering and thirsting after righteous. ness, that passion for holiness, that ear- nestneEa for souls which brings the en- duement of Power from on high-the Holy Ghost. Deep convictions, complete consecration, the Holy Ghost! This Is that earnestness and Power that turns the world upside down, that makes the foundations of hell tremble, that makes new born souls into the kingdom of God, and that sets the heavenly choirs singing praise aud honor to the Saviour of man. kind! This is that earnestness that thrills our souls with the eagerness and determination to do with our might 1 whatsoever our hands find to do for God 1 This is that that flame of fire, that spirit l of divine earnestness that thrills every | Christian heart, that thrills the Church. NO SLEEPY, DULL, INACTIVE CHRISTIANS l where this fire of earnestness burns!
 What blessed results follow this ear- nestness of ar..'t! Gods word becomes a real, living message to our souls. It's | promises seem true as never before, it's encouragements become the joy and in- epiration of our hearts. The word gives strength, life and spiritual certainty. Prayer becomes gle rious, real communication with God. Mere duty and the sense of coldness have gone. God Is listening, the Saviour hears, the Holy Spirit opens the gates of