The Pure in Heart by A. S. Hutchins

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 26, 1864

The Pure in Heart.

By A. S. Hutchins

“BLESSED are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matt. v, 8. Purity of heart has ever been required of God’s people. “Ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy.” Lev. xi, 44. “And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.” Lev. xx, 26.

The conditions on which God would acknowledge ancient Israel as a peculiar treasure unto himself above all people, were, that they should obey his voice, and keep his covenant. Obedience to his law would constitute them, an holy nation. Ex. xix, 20. Deut. iv, 13.

This law was magnified and made honorable, (not abolished) by the Son of God. He showed more clearly its bearing upon the thoughts of the heart, as well as upon the outward actions.

Additional light from the sacred volume of inspiration, ever brings with it new obligations and increased responsibilities, to serve, love, and adore our Creator, more and more.

Under the proclamation of the three messages of Rev. xiv, 6–12, a brilliant blaze of light has shone forth on the immediate coming of the blessed Saviour, and the requisite preparation of heart, that we may stand when he appeareth.

A Bible faith on the glorious theme of the soon coming of our dear Lord and Master, most certainly is a practical one. No one can consistently cherish this precious and soul-inspiring hope, without daily hungering and thirsting after righteousness.

This is that branch of the Christian hope, of which John speaks, when he says, “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John iii, 3.

With the living Head of the church before him as a pattern of perfect holiness, and of the strictest obedience to the Father’s commandments, he labors to attain unto that high and excellent standard of purity of heart and life, which will give him an entrance into the city of God.

But the beloved disciple does not here leave us in doubt as to the rule by which we are to work while striving for victory. Except we “strive lawfully” we are not crowned.

In the verse following the above quoted text, he says, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” Here by the pen of inspiration, are two classes brought to view. One, living and laboring for Bible holiness, those who are to be made like Christ when he shall appear, “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing;” the other, transgressors of the law of God, the high and holy standard of right and justice. How then can the transgressor expect to meet our returning Lord and King in peace? Without holiness, “no man shall see the Lord.” Heb. xii, 14.

The present is a time of unparalleled deception. Thousands are cherishing a false hope. And it is to be feared that many are, who have had light and deep convictions, as to duty in regard to keeping all God’s commandments they have not dug deep and built upon the rock of truth. Their foundation is a sandy one. On the tide of public opinion they glide along down to a dark and stormy future, as the bubble floats on the surface of the water. Oh, that such might hear the notes of warning mercy, and awake ere it is too late—awake and hasten their escape from the “windy storm and tempest!”

But says John, “Little children, let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.” 1 John iii, 7. Righteousness, is defined by Webster, “Conformity of heart and life to the divine law.” Unrighteousness, “Injustice: violation of the divine law.”

Agreeably to this is the testimony of an eminent servant of God. “And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.” Deut. vi, 25.

Hence we see that we cannot attain unto holiness, unto righteousness, to purity of heart, life and character, without rendering obedience to the commandments of God. His holy, just and good law is our rule of action. Such as walk agreeably thereunto, will “enter into life.” They shall be called “great in the kingdom of heaven:” “have right to the tree of life,” and enter in through the gates into the city.

Oh, inexpressibly sweet and delightful prospect that lies before the overcomer. The glories of the better world attract the attention of the weary pilgrim, and beckon him away from the cares, toils, fears and conflicts of this vale of tears. They point him forward a brief space, to the reception of the crown of life, to the time when upon his astonished vision will break forth the sacred realities of an endless day. Then from the length and depth of his enraptured soul will he exclaim with reference to every trial connected with the Christian warfare, “An hour with my God will make up for them all.”

“Nearer, my God, to thee.” May this, dear brethren, ever be our motto. In all things may we watch! “Be sober, and watch unto prayer;” having our fruit “unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”

A. S. HUTCHINS.