It is required by Jesus that every disciple should practice self denial. We must deny and crucify the workings of self-righteousness, and venture alone upon His work and worth for salvation; and we must mortify the pride of reason and intellect, and believe as His word reveals, and walk as His word directs.
Our nearest relatives, dearest friends, and choicest comforts, must be resigned, if they are opposed to His glory and the furtherance of His cause. A Christian must lay everything at the feet of Jesus, and say, "Lord, do with it as Thou wilt." We are not our own, nor is any thing we have our own; it is the Lord's. Our appetites, pleasures, and pursuits, must all be brought into subjection to the obedience of Christ.
His glory is to be sought at all times, in all things, under all circumstances; and when this is done, we are safe and happy. The servant must obey his Master, and the child submit in all things to his wise, judicious and loving Father. But for whom am I called to deny myself? For Jesus, who lived and died to save me, who is now in heaven interceding for me; and who is the great Pattern of self-denial, having humbled Himself even unto death.
Beloved self must be denied, The mind and will renew'd; Passion suppress'd, and patience tried, And vain desires subdued.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
It is required by Jesus that every disciple should practice self denial. We must deny and crucify the workings of self-righteousness, and venture alone upon His work and worth for salvation; and we must mortify the pride of reason and intellect, and believe as His word reveals, and walk as His word directs.
Our nearest relatives, dearest friends, and choicest comforts, must be resigned, if they are opposed to His glory and the furtherance of His cause. A Christian must lay everything at the feet of Jesus, and say, "Lord, do with it as Thou wilt." We are not our own, nor is any thing we have our own; it is the Lord's. Our appetites, pleasures, and pursuits, must all be brought into subjection to the obedience of Christ.
His glory is to be sought at all times, in all things, under all circumstances; and when this is done, we are safe and happy. The servant must obey his Master, and the child submit in all things to his wise, judicious and loving Father. But for whom am I called to deny myself? For Jesus, who lived and died to save me, who is now in heaven interceding for me; and who is the great Pattern of self-denial, having humbled Himself even unto death.
Beloved self must be denied, The mind and will renew'd; Passion suppress'd, and patience tried, And vain desires subdued.