"Enter into and through the cramped gate's fullness, for, enlarged the gate and broad the way that leads into the destruction, and many are they that enter through it: for, cramped the gate and confined the way that leads into the life, and few are they who discover it." Matthew 7:13-14 (M.D.'s rendition)

"...If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Luke 9:23

It is not riches, acclaim, nor even a living income, but rather a measure of self-SACRIFICE in order to serve the One ADORED. Secondly, the CROSS must be shouldered daily! WHAT is that Cross? It may be poor eyesight; it could even be blindness! The Cross has many shapes and sizes. It could even be some form of illness; or it may be parting with those dearly beloved, or it could be working under hazardous conditions.

"FOLLOW ME" – because He was and is "THE Way"!

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: and thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." Deuteronomy 6:4-5

At this particular stage it is not the commandment in itself I wish to stress, but rather its PRINCIPLE. And that principle, or BASIC ESSENCE analyzes to

* * SINGLENESS OF PURPOSE AND GOAL. * *

"...she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat." Genesis 3:6

You know the story of the Garden episode, even though comparatively few understand it. But for the moment I am only concerned over this one point: Adam listened, and yielded to Eve (his emotions). Consequently he got into disfavor with God and came under judgment: he was booted out of the beautiful garden to wander as an exile from God, (the meaning of the word "Nod"). Therein has "pantless Adam" dwelled ever since, listening to "Eve" who has a ring in his nose and leads him wherever she wishes.....