p. 8 | HOLINESS-WHAT IT IS by Free Methodist

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 6, 1893

HOLINESS—WHAT IT IS.

By Free Methodist

WHAT it is not: It is not absolute perfection, nor angelic perfection, neither is it Adamic perfection. The individual who attains this experience is not placed where he cannot fall, neither is he free from temptations and trials. It is not mental perfection, neither is it physical perfection or wholeness, for many holy people have diseased bodies.

Holiness is wholeheartedness—a heart filled with godlikeness. Such an one is perfectly clean throughout soul, mind, spirit, and body. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Matt. 5:8. The pure in heart do not speak impure language, "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Matt. 12:34. Read also Luke 6:45; Eph. 4:29-31; 5:4. The holy people obey the injunction, "Be ye clean that bear the vessel of the Lord." Their lips, mouths, teeth, and breath are not polluted by tobacco. The question is sometimes asked, "Did God create the tobacco plant? It must have been for some good purpose." Yes; God made the tobacco plant, and for a purpose, doubtless. I have been told that it is a good antidote for snake bite; also that it will prevent moths from ruining clothes and carpets. But it was never intended for food for the human race, and its users do not use it as such. They require their meals regularly, just as if they were not using the filthy stuff.

God's real holy people are the cleanest people on earth, in their thoughts, words, and habits. Some individuals are very neat and clean in appearance when we see them at church or in society, and very untidy in their homes. Holy people do not cover up filth and dirt, but clear it away. . . . A holy person is not a careless sloven, going about with soiled linen and untidy, unkempt hair. My mother, when I was a child at home, used sometimes to say, "My child, your hair looks as though the mice had slept in it; bring the comb quickly." I have thought that this language would be appropriate to some men and women as well as half-grown children. No, no. If you never were particular before about your personal appearance, when your heart is made pure and holy, there will be a wonderful revolution in your case.

Holiness puts energy and life into the individual that gets this grace into his heart. The principle, "What is worth doing at all is worth doing well," or right, will now rule your life, while you remain a wholly sanctified person. Sister, the dinner plates and teacups and saucers will no longer have a sticky, murky appearance, but will shine with cleanliness. . . .

A holy man or woman is not a grumbler. Jesus has cured them of that disease (if they ever had it) long ago; neither are they all the while pitying themselves. Oh, no! If you are a whole-hearted Christian, you are thankful for the good things of earth you are permitted to enjoy, and do not allow yourself to think too much of the unpleasant surroundings, except when contrasting them with the glorious home which you know is being prepared for you up yonder. Then the contrast brings "joy unspeakable and full of glory."

A holy person is not troubled with doubts and unbelief. Really and truly, pilgrims, when holiness of heart is your condition, you are completely cured of skepticism. You trust and have no doubt. . . . We have a divine Saviour, not a dead Christ, but a real living Jesus. Reader, is your heart clean before God? If not, why not? The price has been paid. Jesus suffered without the gate to sanctify you with his own precious blood. Why not be a whole-hearted child of God?