BE YE HOLY by N. Orcutt

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 30, 1869

“BE YE HOLY.”

By N. Orcutt

HOLINESS is not simply one moral excellence, but the harmonious and perfect blending of all. It characterizes outward acts, but if possible, still more the thought, motive and intent of the heart. These are inseparably connected. As is the one, so is the other. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh,” “No fountain can bring forth both sweet water and bitter. “Men do not gather grapes of thorns, nor figs of thistles.”

Sometimes the wolf appears clad in sheep’s clothing; but such instances are the exception, and not the rule.

If closely observed, the wolfish nature will soon appear, the guard of hypocrisy be thrown off, and the unholy and unsanctified character be seen in all its naked deformity; the tree bearing and known by its fruit.

Our Heavenly Father designs that his children should be assimilated to his likeness;—have their “fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” The ten precepts of his perfect law are calculated to develop in us such a character. With this end in view, he invites, admonishes, even chastises us, “that we might be partakers of his holiness;” “might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” He has forewarned us that without holiness no man shall see the Lord.

And the time is just before us that the unalterable decree will go forth, “He which is filthy, let him be filthy still; . . . . . he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Oh! how important that we be prepared for that trying hour, that we be accounted holy then. Glorious consummation! A character developed in accordance with the will and purpose of Him who has said; “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” At rest, beyond the reach of temptation. No more danger of defeat in the warfare. No more fears of failing through weakness, to win the prize and wear the crown.

In view of present dangers, and prospective glorious deliverance, who would not pray, “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven”? Even so, come Lord Jesus.”

N. ORCUTT.

Bordoville, Vt.