HOLINESS OF HEART

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Dec 9, 1852

HOLINESS OF HEART.

"Who shall stand when he appeareth? Who shall abide the day of his coming?"

In these days of scepticism, there is so much barren, speculative faith, that floats on the surface of popular opinion and superstition, that the simple, childlike faith of the scriptures, the whole-souled trust, that lays hold like an anchor on the substance and evidence of things not seen, is rarely understood by the term, faith—yet this alone is the saving faith of the gospel, faith in God's word, in every word which he hath spoken. Here the believers in the second advent rest, and rejoice that God is true, that heaven and earth may pass away, but that his word can never fail.—The Lord Jesus has promised to come again, and we believe that promise. He has also said that when we see certain things come to pass, we may know that our redemption draweth nigh. These things are now daily fulfilling before our eyes—we therefore know that he is near, even at the doors.

Having this glorious assurance and hope within us, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, and our constant desire is to purify ourselves, even as he is pure, that when he appeareth, we may be like him. The Apostle exhorts us to "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." If the humble followers of Jesus ever needed the cleansing and holiness here enjoined, surely the despised band, who are now waiting for his appearing, more imperatively need its fullest power. Infinite mercy has opened our hearts to understand his sure word of prophecy, and inclined us to receive the truth of its teachings, that "the end of all things is at hand." Seeing these things are so, we anxiously ask what manner of persons we should be in all holy conversation and godliness. We dare not measure ourselves among ourselves, nor look back to the standard of piety in the church, in this or past centuries, but refer alone to the law and the testimony.

We see our calling, that not many wise, or mighty, or noble are called, and we rejoice that though we are foolish, and weak, and despised, yet God hath chosen us, in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption. Here we perceive that we may not glory or trust in flesh, but in the Lord, by whom alone we are cleansed and perfected in holiness. It is through faith in Jesus' name that we are fully saved from our sins. According to our faith, it will be done unto us. If we reckon ourselves dead indeed unto sin, (and continue to believe) from that hour we are alive unto God, and free indeed. Faithful is he who hath called us, who also will do it. This is the privilege of every Christian. How earnestly then should every believer in the immediate appearing of the Master, seek that entire consecration and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.