SOME FEATURES OF THE SANCTIFIED LIFE Part 2

The wisdom of the fathers

SOME FEATURES OF THE SANCTIFIED LIFE? ? Part 2

A second feature is that of a spirit of praise. Every?child of God is conscious of this at times, but there are?serious gaps and intervals when it is not felt. Moreover, the hour when it is realized, as a rule, in the?regenerated life is one which abounds in helps and?external causes of inspiration. All is going on well in?the individual heart, family circle and church life. The?meeting is being blessed, the work is succeeding, and?faith has turned to sight. Well in body, well in soul,?and everybody around us well - now, then, let us?praise God. We simply ask here who could not?do so under such circumstances?

The gift and grace we speak of under this head is?a spirit of praise which abides in the soul under ALL circumstances. The inner bubbling of gladness is felt?not simply when all is well, but when things are not well. It gushes up in the face of coldness, opposition?detraction, and wrong. It sings in spite of? loneliness,?and pain of heart and body. It praises God in the?face of apparent failure. It can be cast off by loved?ones and separated from the company of friends, and?yet keep rejoicing.?

It can walk around the walls of?Jericho thirteen times without seeing a crack, and yet?shout. It can be unjustly condemned, whipped, put?in a dungeon, and behold ! at midnight it will burst?into hosannas. It can, and does, cry hallelujah at all?times.?

(from "The Sanctified Life" by B. Carradine)