RULES OF HOLY LIVING

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 14, 1860

RULES OF HOLY LIVING.

1. Let your words be few and serious.

2. Let your temper be mild, and all your actions kind.

3. Let your deportment exhibit cheerfulness, modesty, and devotion.

4. Begin every day with prayer; spend it watchfully and dutifully, and end it with praise to God.

OBJECT IN SEEKING HOLINESS.—That all my propensities that stand opposed to the will of God may be destroyed; that I may be set free from the law of sin and death; that I may be prepared cordially and cheerfully to bear my crosses, and perform my duties, and be fitted to give up my final account with joy.

The cheerful coincidence of the will with that of God is satisfactory and valuable evidence of a heart purified by grace.

JOYS OF THE HOLY GHOST.—Never expect much of the joy of the Holy Ghost if your heart and mind be occupied in the enjoyment of sense. The joy of the Spirit is a delicate, sacred deposit and must be kept in a pure casket. An unholy breath will dim its lustre and fade its freshness.

The joys of sense, even the most lawful of them, are agitating, tumultuous and unsatisfactory. The joy of the Spirit is calming, modest, strengthening, elevating and satisfying.

The joys of sense, at the best, enervate, lower and impoverish the soul. The joys of the Spirit ennoble and enrich it.—Cecil.