But I do not see at all how self-indulgence and needless extravagance can possibly co-exist with true consecration. If we really never do go _without_ anything for the Lord's sake, but, just because He has graciously given us means, always supply for ourselves not only every need but 'every notion,' I think it is high time we looked into the matter before God. Why should only those who have limited means have the privilege of offering to their Lord that which has really cost them something to offer? Observe, it is not _merely_ going without something we would naturally like to have or do, but going without it _for Jesus' sake_. Not, 'I will go without it, because, after all, I can't very well afford it;' or, 'because I really ought to subscribe to so and so;' or, 'because I daresay I shall be glad I have not spent the money:' but, 'I will do without it, because I _do_ want to do a little more for Him who so loves me--just that much more than I could do if I did this other thing.' I fancy this is more often the heart language of those who _have_ to cut and contrive, than of those who are able to give liberally without any cutting and contriving at all. The very abundance of God's good gifts too often hinders from the privilege and delight of really doing without something superfluous or comfortable or usual, that they may give just that much more to their Lord. What a pity! The following quotation may (I hope it will), touch some conscience:--'A gentleman once told us that his wine bill was L100 a year--more than enough to keep a Scripture reader always at work in some populous district. And it is one of the countless advantages of total abstinence that it at once sets free a certain amount of money for such work. Smoking, too, is a habit not only injurious to the health in a vast majority of cases, and, to our mind, very unbecoming in a "temple of the Holy Ghost," but also one which squanders money which might be used for the Lord. Expenses in dress might in most people be curtailed; expensive tastes should be denied; and simplicity in all habits of life should be a mark of the followers of Him who had not where to lay His head.' And again: 'The self-indulgence of wealthy Christians, who might largely support the Lord's work with what they lavish upon their houses, their tables, or their personal expenditure, is very sad to see.'[footnote: _Christian Progress_, vol. iii. pp. 25, 26.]