Follow Peace and Holiness.
By John Matteson
It is generally understood that we must believe and be baptized, if we would obtain salvation. We must accept of the truth and start for the kingdom. But all that start will not get there. Without faith we cannot be saved. Neither is it possible to be saved without holiness. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Heb. 12: 14, We are here to be fitted for the society of Jesus and holy angels. We are to be tested, whether we will put down every sin and evil imagination; whether we will entirely cease from rebellion and come into perfect submission to the will of God. No seed or remnant of rebellion can be permitted to enter the kingdom, for then we would have the old story of sin and death acted over again. Now is the time to earnestly seek for heavenly love and peace. Peace with all men. Jesus never spake an unkind word. He enjoyed perfect peace. Now when we get vexed against our children, or companions, or neighbors, using unkind words and suffering harsh feelings to arise, such behaviour is very sinful. In such a state we are not fit to see the Lord. “Oh, but you don’t know how they provoke me! If I lived with different people, I would not feel so.” Neither would you now, if the evil feeling was not in you. Let us not excuse ourselves; for that is the way of fools, which go down to destruction. Rather, repent. With shame and deep humility confess before the Lord, and seek that love which endures all things. Oh! for a frame of mind so heavenly and holy that it cannot be disturbed by the cares and perplexities of this world. Oh! for a faith that can rise above transitory things, and daily conquer, leaning upon the strong arm of Jesus. Oh! for daily nourishment from the living vine, that we may bear much fruit. Hereby is our Heavenly Father glorified. Are we weak? Let our tendrils be entwined about the lovely Saviour. He is strong and mighty to save to the uttermost all that come unto God through him. Thus, and thus only, can we obtain holiness, and at last be permitted to see the Lord.