Our Excellency is Christ's

The following was written by Stanley Smith, one of the Cambridge Seven, on his way through China on his first missionary trip.  It is taken from The Evangelisation of the World:  A Missionary Band:

"The only way to make a big hole in the devil's kingdom is to abide in CHRIST. He will bring forth fruit. Verily, we have this treasure in earthen vessels.

"I am feeling daily the need I have of learning my deep and absolute dependence on Him. Doubtless He has methods of reaching this people, and if one steers clear of one's own projects and ideas and plans — well, His will will be done, and that is, 'good, acceptable, perfect.'  If the devil sees there is zeal in us, his great object is to make it misguided, and 'not according to knowledge.'

"I am reading again the life of John Fletcher, of Madeley. The last time I read it was ten years ago ; it was then an immense blessing to my soul. But oh, how ashamed one is to be brought in contact with such lives ! What zeal, what fervour, what faith, what deep humility ! Ah, it was Christ formed within indeed. As Paul testified, 'that in me CHRIST might show forth,' etc. (l Tim. i. 16). He just seemed to look upon himself as a most helpless instrument, but used by that most glorious Workman who, thank GOD, never complains of His tools. Were it not for this fact that Fletcher's excellency was Christ's, it would almost discourage one to read such lives.

"I feel the thirst coming upon me again for a deeper knowledge of GOD. He has been showing me my need so deeply I must have a corresponding supply. I suppose this attitude of stretching forth is what we want developed so much — at least, I do.

"There is such a frightful tendency in one's slothful, cold heart to be satisfied with present knowledge — in fact, letting things slip ; but these slip-shod shoes are by no means 'the preparation of the gospel of peace,' and are an example of small things that show much — namely, a soul out of communion.

"So let us, while the time remains, stir one another up to praise, to prayer, and waiting on GOD. 'As long as he sought he prospered.' I believe that is a great secret. GOD ever keep us from imagining that there is a final stage.

"I wonder if you are, with the seething wickedness around, going to have persecution ? The line seems clearer between the world and the Church. In China it is only a matter of time — it must come; there have already been the signs in some parts, and, of course, the SON of GOD has walked in the fire with His children."