There is an incident told of a European pastor, an earnest, eloquent man. The realization came in upon him that he had not been fully following the Master. In much of his life self was still ruling. He came to this forking of the road, and the battle was a fierce one, for self dies hard. But finally "by the Spirit," he got the victory, as every one may, and calmly stepped off to the right. He has vividly described that battle of the forks in language, the accuracy of which will be recognized by others who have been in action on that field. "Oh, the bitter shame and sorrow, That a time could ever be When I let the Saviour's pity Plead in vain, and proudly answered: '_All of self, and none of Thee_.' "Yet He found me: I beheld him Bleeding on the accursed tree; Heard Him pray, 'forgive them, Father,' And my wistful heart said faintly: '_Some of self and some of Thee_.' "Day by day, His tender mercy, Healing, helping, full and free, Sweet and strong, and oh, so patient, Brought me lower, while I whispered: '_Less of self and more of Thee_.' "Higher than the highest heaven, Deeper than the deepest sea, Lord, thy love at last has conquered; Grant me now my soul's desire, '_None of self and all of Thee_.'" Is there still a fixed purpose? Will you take this right fork? Let those who will, and those who linger reluctantly listen to the further word that Jesus adds: "Let him deny himself and take up his cross." "_Take up his cross_"--what does that mean? The cross has come to be regarded in these days as a fine ornament. It looks beautiful bejeweled; on the end of a sword; or worked into regalia. It makes such an artistic finish to a church building, finely chiseled in stone, or enwreathed with ivy. It looks pretty in jewelry and flowers. But to Jesus and the men of His time it had a grim, hard, painful significance. In Roman usage a man condemned to this death was required to take up the crude wooden cross provided, carry it out to the place of execution, and there be transfixed upon it. Plainly to these men listening, Jesus' words meant: Let him say "no" to his self, and then nail it up on the cross and leave it there _to die_. Paul understood this thoroughly. To help the young christians in Galatia he explains his own experience by saying: "_I have been crucified_ with Christ;" and to the unknown friends in Rome he writes: "if ye by the Spirit _put to death_ the doings of the self life ye shall live." The only thing to do with this self is to kill it.