The way of holiness, with notes by the way; being a narrative of religious experience resulting from a determination to be a Bible Christian

Front matter

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Introduction

Who has not been charmed and instructed by Travels and " Incidents of Travel" in the " Holy Land " — India — Europe — America, &c? Travelers of every variety of talent, almost from time immemorial, have transmitted through the press the result of journeyings and patient investigation. What has not been narrated by one, whose genius might have instigated him to particularize elaborately on the topic suited to his peculiar cast of mind, has been pictured by another, signalized for a species of investigation unthought of by his predecessor, till information suited to every grade of intellect has been so fully given, that firmness is requisite to bear up against the impression, that public sentiment may not label a new production with " thirst for book-making," " egotism," or the like.

Not so with the traveler to the heavenly city. A field of investigation, boundless as eternity, is before him. Earth hath its boundaries ; but the inquiring, insatiate spirit of the heavenly traveler, is nowhere, in all his onward jourb INTRODUCTION.

neying, met with the interdict, " Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further." No ! the inspiring insignia is blazoned at every progressive point in his pilgrimage, " Then shall ye know, if ye follow on to know."

And yet it should not b'e forgotten that an enemy, subtil beyond all human conception, doth, with all his malicious agencies,

" his march oppose/'

and is ever lurking about his heavenward way, ready with well-circumstanced devices to with - stand every step of an onward course. In view of such considerations, the Christian public will not deem an apology necessary for presenting a narrative of journeyings in the " Way of Holiness, with Notes by the Way."

It will be observed, throughout, that with this traveler, the Bible was the all-commanding chart by which the propriety of each successive step was determined, and the work is now sent forth to the world, with the fervent prayer that its perusal may be helpful toward inspiring the reader with more confirmed views of the infinite importance and excellency of the Scriptures.

Preface To Second Edition

For the kindness with which the first edition of this little volume has been received, the author acknowledges herself under obligation to the Christian public. She regards it as no small favor that the mantle of charity has been thrown over its imperfections, and its humble aim to guide the sincere seeker into the way of holiness, not wholly unanswered. A desire to present entire consecration as a duty enjoin-*; ed in the Scriptures, and not merely the peculiarity of a sect, induced the author, before issuing the first edition to query, whether the volume should be entitled " Bible Christianity," or " The Way of Holiness." The latter was decided upon, from the consideration that the Bible presents but one way to heaven, and that, *' The Way of Holiness." But from the encouragements received from gentlemen of different evangelical churches, she, with gratitude to God, acknowledges the fact, that her aim to present (t Bible Christianity" has not been un-

8 PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

successful. For the satisfaction of those unacquainted with its doctrinal sentiments, it has been thought advisable to subjoin two or three testimonials from individuals who stand forth before the Christian public as honorable advocates of Bible religion.

BY THE REV. PRESIDENT MAHAN,

CONGREGATIONAL MINISTER.

" The Way of Holiness, with Notes by the Way"

Next in value to the grace of God in the heart, and to the word of life in which that grace is revealed, is a precious book that throws light on the way of holiness, and, with all the warmth and force of light and love, enters upon the business of leading the soul to God. The reading of such a book is an era in the life of an inquirer after the great salvation. We noted down the above thoughts after an attentive perusal of a little work under the title placed at the head of this article. We regard the reading of this book as an era in the progress of our Christian experience. So it is regarded bynumbers who have read it in this place. We recommend it as one of the best books that can be placed in the hands of inquirers after full salvation in Christ. It bears the stamp of no one particular sect ! but teaches the way of

Preface To The Second Edition. 9

holiness in truth and love. We wish that those who oppose the doctrine of holiness would read this book, and then ask themselves whether that doctrine really tends to let down, as has been reported, the standard of the gospel, and whether such a state of experience can originate from dangerous error, or from any other than the Spirit of truth ! — Oberlin Evangelist.

BY THE REV. L. L. HAMLINE, A. M *

" The Way of Holiness, with Notes by the Way."

We do not expect our female readers to buy and peruse every book mentioned in these notices, but here is one which we are not willing to suppose will escape the examination of any Christian woman whose eye may light upon this recommendation Wit. Of all that has been written on the blessed theme of entire sanctification, it is doubtful if anything is better calculated than this to rouse pious desire, and guide the soul in its seeking. There is an unusual degree of simplicity in the narrative, such as we think could not be arrived at, except by the chastening power of the Sanctifier. The author has but one aim, namely, to present pictures — Daguerreotype impressions — of her states of mind, from the time she started in the way to * Now one of the bishops of the M. E. Church.

10 PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

seek holiness, until, and after she attained it. The difficulties she encountered — their effect upon her mind — and the manner of her escape, are all so represented that the pious reader readily apprehends them, and often finds that as in water, face answereth to face, so does heart to heart, in religious experience. We earnestly commend this little volume to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness.

Ladies' Repository.

Contents

THE WAY OF HOLINESS.

SECTION L

Long waiting to get into the way not necessary — The manner in which many lose much time — The writer begins to tell how the traveler found the shorter way — How she first mistook the path — Resolves on being a " Bible Christian " — Perceives the duty of entire consecration — Resolves to be wholly devoted Page 17

Section II

Questions which occasioned serious solicitude — Answered by the Bible — Begins to be more abundant in labors— Is withstood by the accuser — Is assured from the Bible of the necessity and attainableness of purity of intention 22

Section III

Conviction not of that distressing character which preconceived opinions had supposed necessary — Not one doubt of her acceptance with God as a member of the household of faith — One duty never interferes with another — How she was brought to exclaim, " There is a shorter way" ........ 2S

Section IV

Urged by the Mighty Counselor — Enters into the bonds of an everlasting covenant — A divine conviction given that the covenant is recognized in heaven . 29

12 CONTENTS.

Section V

. Holiness a state in which all the Lord's redeemed ones should live — Its reasonableness — How we may know when God receives us — An increase of light in reference to the sacredness and immutability of the word of God bursts upon her soul— Declarations of Scripture as truly the word of the Lord as though heard from Mount Sinai — Faith is taking God at his word— Perceives her error in requiring feeling, the fruit of faith, previous to having exercised faith — Resolves to take God at his word at once and for ever . . . . Page 33

Section VI

Engages in a transaction eternal in consequences— Takes God at his word — Understandingly convinced that she ought to praise God — Begins to do it — Blessed consequences resulting from believing and praising God — Holiness, sanctification, and perfect * love no longer incomprehensible terms, but infinitely expressive of the state in which every believer should live — Infinite Wisdom hath devised the most proper mode of expression — Former scruples partaking in a degree of the sin of Uzza — Willing to trust God with the entire management of his own cause . . 40

Section VII

Christians not of the world— The seal proclaiming them not of the world should be enstamped— Momentous responsibilities and inconceivably glorious destination of the believer is unfolded to her spiritual vision — Gaze of the upper and lower world fixed upon her — Inquiries urged upon her attention — The blessing of holiness a gift from God — Called to count the cost of coming out in $ the profession of this blessing — Principles established in reference to the way of coming at duty — Natural ability as truly a gift from God as gracious ability— Resolves that life shall be sacrificed rather than known duty neglected — A yet more glorious increase of light bursts on her way — Conjectures in reference to one commissioned from the other world on a special embassy , 45

Section VIII

Preciousness of the word of God— Proneness to follow the traditions of men rather than the oracles of God, foundation of for-

CONTENDS. 13

mer perplexities — No experience should be satisfactory but such as can be substantiated by an emphatic " Thus saith the Lord" — Perceptions of the absolute need of the atonement more vivid — The highway of holiness not a place for inglorious ease— The way requires interminable progression .... Page 54

Section IX

How did the process described eventuate in that disciple being brought into the holiest ? — The question answered — The pilgrim's song . 60

NOTES BY THE WAY.

Section I

Gracious remembrances— Intrusted to pious parents— Convictions at an early age 1 — Perplexity on account of not having an experience like others— Asks direction from the word of God- Receives it at several different periods, but as often gives place to dissatisfaction by comparing experience with other travelers, instead of keeping closely to the Bible— Explanations of what and how to believe necessary for inquirers — The Saviour speaks consolation to her during sleep — Inconsistent with the word of God to give an established state of experience while unbelief is indulged i . * ... 72

Section II

Long season of wrestling with God — God imparts strong conso- © lation in visions of the night — Proclaims his name — Manifestation apprehended in future experience 79

Section III

Naturally much given to reasoning— This peculiarity serviceable when brought into obedience to Christ — God does not require man to believe anything but what is revealed in his written word — Illustration of the manner in which she lost much time by unbelief—A door opened— Many adversaries .... 82

14 CONTENTS.

Section IV

The student in search of earthly fame — The heavenly student — The literature of the Bible the literature of heaven — The deathless spirit should be educated for heaven— Rises early and presents the morning sacrifice — The family altar and the song — Duty of Christians to give a faithful representation of the power of grace to transform in heart and life — Where and how Christians may resemble Christ — The cares of the world cease to be absorbing — The song she loved to sing— The honor of God concerned in judicious external and internal household arrangements — Much that formerly augmented care easily to be dispensed with — Nothing with which she had to do too high or too low to be inscribed with " Holiness to the Lord"— How to decide whether a matter may be taken to God Page 85

Section V

God disciplines his children — How lessons may be enstamped in living characters — Important inquiry — Decision — Trials — "Thou hast not forsaken me" 95

Section VI

An entire onward course — Why many take years in accomplishing that which might be done in days — What may be gained by one act of faith — How one of Christ's little ones got into " the way " — A lamb of the flock enters — A brother suddenly ushered into the way by faith — "I never thought of unbelief in that way before" 100

Section VII

Tells a friend of God's peculiar way of leading her — Faith not feeling — Firm foundation— Sudden recollection of a remarkable dream — The word of God personified as the one by which men are to be judged at the last day 107

Section VIII

First principles, being established, are left — Rapid progress- God no respecter of persons— Proneness of the heart to forget

CONTENTS. 15

the admonition to remember " all the way " — Resolves to be more diligent in recording Page 115

Endeavors to place the standard of Christian excellence high — Conversion of Miss B.— -Powerful temptations — Resolves to die in the struggle to believe — Asks that holiness may assume some tangible form in her mind — Ascertains the precise ground upon which she obtained the blessing, and how she may retain it irrespective of " frames or feelings" 122

Prays to be sealed unto the day of redemption — Inquirer — A word in season to the stranger while dining — Irreligious young

lady — Her conversion — H enters into the " way of holiness "

— Buffetings from Satan — Excitement in Bible class — Tract district — Setting God a time — Awful consequences— Young lady saved from an impending storm — Parental responsibility . 140

A new and singular source of temptation — A gay worldling transformed — "Do you hear the angels sing?" — The penitent — His conversion — Conversion of a wicked servant— Trial — " Open thy mouth wide " — Christians are Christ's representatives — Unenviable station, or " saints in Cesar's household " — "Be courteous " — Christians should manifest a detachment from earth 155

" I will pray one morning" — Praising God — Answer to prayer — Much lost by indefmiteness — I believe all that the Bible teaches ; or a lion transformed to a lamb — A strong expression of confidence tested by a dream — Heavenly serenity — Rainy sabbath — New-Year's festival— Let all things be done decently and in order— Prayer for a revival of holiness . . . . 175 *

Decision on a peculiar case — Infinite importance, excellency, and comprehensiveness of the word of God — Are we to reject all manifestations from God given in dreams or visions ? — Subject liable to abuse — "How shall we know the word which God hath not spoken ?" — " What profit hath the Jew ?" — " I have it here " — Ambassador from the court of heaven — The marriage engagement — The interesting young friend — Election of city officers — Day of extraordinary trial— Answer to prayer — 111 health . 205

Heart the abode of the Triune Deity — Land of Beulah— Experience of Mr. W. — Christians have the promises — Use of them — Having the blessing and not knowing it, not to be accounted for on Scriptural principles — Responsibilities of those standing in an official relation to the church — Explicit personal testimony required — Requests — Importance of importunity and explicitness — Theologian—Goes in pursuit of witnesses — Disappointment —

16 CONTEXTS.

Mighty struggle to enter into the rest of faith— Enters — Instrumental in bringing anotherjnto u the way" — Minister who robbed the church for years Page 223

The skeptic — How she became so — Hears of holiness — Renounces infidelity— Taken into the fold of Christ — Speedily brought into the king's highway by an act of consecration and faith — Her friend won from the ranks of infidelity— Becomes a traveler m "the way"— Holiness understood by the unbeliever and young professor — Infidel over sixty becomes a convert to Christianity by attending a meeting for testimony on the experience of holiness — He becomes eminently devoted — Conversion of another successful advocate for infidelity by attending meetings on holiness — Others brought into u the way " by her instrumentality 241

Mr. Wesley's last advice to preachers and people on the doctrine of perfection — Thoughts about exchanging worlds— Former and present experience compared — How little acts and circumstances appear when viewed in the light of eternity— Barely saved, or jus* lost — Striking illustration— Terrible disappointments contemplated—President Fisk — How he became a traveler in " The Way of Holiness n — His departure — Imaginings in verse — Birth-day of little S. — Parental responsibility relative to baptism — Child torn away, not given up — Another error— Painful correction — Parents accountable 247

Brought down to the gates of death — Sustainment in view of dissolution — Choice between life and death, and how decided — Recovery — Anniversary of Juvenile Missionary Society — Singular offerings — Children offered up to be trained wholly in view of usefulness in the service of Christ — Realizes the acceptance of the offering— Intelligence communicated to little S.— Effect produced 258

Awful accident, and providential preservation— Wounded Christian and Jew contrasted— Anniversary of a memorable period— Willingness to be useless not required— Domestic concerns— Saved from care— Conversion of little S. . . 269

IS THERE NOT A SHORTER WAY?

Section I

" Be always ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is within you, with meekness and fear." — Peter.

" I have thought," said one of the children of Zion to the other, as in love they journeyed onward in the way cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in ; "I have thought," said he, " whether there is not a shorter way of getting into this way of holiness than some of our * # * brethren apprehend ?"

" Yes," said the sister addressed, who was a member of the denomination alluded to ; "Yes, brother, there is a shorter way ! O ! I am sure this long waiting and struggling with the powers of darkness is not necessary. There

* Isaiah xxxv, 8. 2 is a shorter way." And then, with a solemn feeling of responsibility, and with a realizing conviction of the truth uttered, she added, "But, brother, there is but one way."

Days and even weeks elapsed, and yet the question, with solemn bearing, rested upon the mind of that sister. She thought of the affirmative given in answer to the inquiry of the brother — examined yet more closely the Scriptural foundation upon which the truth of the affirmation rested — and the result of the investigation tended to add still greater confirmation to the belief, that many sincere disciples of Jesus, by various needless perplexities, consume much time in endeavoring to get into this way, which might, more advantageously to themselves and others, be employed in making progress in it, and testifying, from experimental knowledge, of its blessedness.

How many, whom Infinite Love would long since have brought into this state, instead of seeking to be brought into the possession of the blessing at once, are seeking a preparation for the reception of it ! They feel that their convictions are not deep enough to warrant an approach to the throne of grace, with the confident expectation of receiving the blessing now. Just at this point some may have been lingering months and years. Thus did the sister, who so confidently affirmed " there is a shorter way." And here, dear child of Jesus, permit the writer to tell you just how that sister found the " shorter way."

On looking at the requirements of the word of God, she beheld the command, " Be ye holy." She then began to say in her heart, " Whatever my former deficiencies may have been, God requires that I should now be holy. Whether convicted, or otherwise, duty is plain. God requires present holiness." On coming to this point, she at once apprehended a simple truth before unth ought of, i. e., Knowledge is conviction. She well knew that, for a long time, she had been assured that God required holiness. But she had never deemed this knowledge a sufficient plea to take to God — and because of present need, to ask a present bestowment of the gift.

Convinced that in this respect she had mistaken the path, she now, with renewed energy, began to make use of the knowledge already received, and to discern a " shorter way."

Another difficulty by which her course had been delayed she found to be here. She had been accustomed to look at the blessing of holiness as such a high attainment, that her general habit of soul inclined her to think it almost beyond her reach. This erroneous impression rather influenced her to rest the matter thus : — " I will let every high state of grace, in name, alone, and seek only to be fully conformed to the will of God, as recorded in his written word. My chief endeavors shall be centred in the aim to be an humble Bible Christian. By the grace of God, all my energies shall be directed to this one point. With this single aim, I will journey onward, even though my faith may be tried to the uttermost by those manifestations being withheld, which have previously been regarded as essential for the establishment of faith."

On arriving at this point, she was enabled to gain yet clearer insight into the simplicity of the way. And it was by this process. After having taken the Bible as the rule of life, instead of the opinions and experience of professors, she found, on taking the blessed word more closely to the companionship of her heart, that no one declaration spoke more appealingly to her understanding than this : u Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and spirit which are his."

By this she perceived the duty of entire consecration in a stronger light, and as more sacredly binding, than ever before. Here she saw God as her Redeemer, claiming, by virtue of the great price paid for the redemption of body, soul, and spirit, the present and entire service of all these redeemed powers.

By this she saw that if she lived constantly in the entire surrender of all that had been thus dearly purchased unto God, she was but an unprofitable servant ; and that, if less than all was rendered, she was worse than unprofitable, inasmuch as she would be guilty of keeping back part of that price which had been purchased unto God : " Not with corruptible things, such as silver and gold, but by the precious blood of Jesus." And after so clearly discerning the will of God concerning her, she felt that the sin of Ananias and Sapphira would be less culpable in the sight of Heaven than her own, should she not at once resolve on living in the entire consecration of all her redeemed powers to G °d\

Deeply conscious of past unfaithfulness, she now determined that the time past should suffice ; and with a humility of spirit, induced by a consciousness of not having lived in the performance of such a " reasonable service," she was enabled, through grace, to resolve, with firmness of purpose, that entire devotion of heart and life to God should be the absorbing subject of the succeeding pilgrimage of life.

SECTION II. " We by his Spirit prove

And know the things of God, The things which freely of his love He hath on us bestow'd."

After having thus resolved on devoting the entire service of her heart and life to God, the following questions occasioned much serious solicitude : — How shall I know when I have consecrated all to God ? . And how ascertain whether God accepts the sacrifice — and how know the manner of its acceptance 1 Here again the blessed Bible, which she had now taken as her counselor, said to her heart, " We have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things freely given to us of God."

It was thus she became assured that it was her privilege to know when she had consecrated all to God, and also to know that the sacrifice was accepted, and the resolve was solemnly made that the subject should not cease to be absorbing, until this knowledge was obtained.

Feeling it a matter of no small importance to stand thus solemnly pledged to God, conscious that sacred responsibilities were included in these engagements, a realization of the fact, that neither body, soul, nor spirit, time, talent, nor influence, were, even for one moment, at her own disposal, began to assume the tangibility of living truth to her mind, in a manner not before apprehended.

From a sense of responsibility thus imposed, she began to be more abundant in labors, " instant in season and out of season,"

While thus engaged in active service, another difficulty presented itself. How much of self in these performances 1 said the accuser. For a moment, almost bewildered at being thus withstood, her heart began to sink. She felt most keenly that she had no certain standard to raise up against this accusation ?

It was here again that the blessed word sweetly communed with her heart, presenting the marks of the way, by a reference to the admonition of Paul : " Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

These blessed communings continued thus :

If the primitive Christians had the assurance that their labors were in the Lord ; and thus enjoyed the heart-inspiring confidence that their labors were not in vain, because performed in the might of the Spirit, then it is also your privilege to know that your labor is in the Lord. It was at this point in her experience that she first perceived the necessity, and also the attainableness of the witness of purity of intention — which, in her petition to God, as most expressive of her peculiar need, she denominated, " The witness that the spring of every motive is pure."

It was by the word of the Lord she became fully convinced that she needed this heart-encouraging confidence in order to insure success in her labors of love. The next step taken was to resolve, as in the presence of the Lord, not to cease importuning the throne of grace until the witness was given " that the spring of every motive was pure."

On coming to this decision, the blessed Word, most encouragingly, yea, and also assuringly, said to her heart, " Stand still, and see the salvation of God !"

SECTION III. " Here, in thine own appointed way

I wait to learn thy will ; Silent I stand before thy face,

And hear thee say, " Be still ! Be still ! and know that I am God :'

'Tis all I wish to know, To feel the virtue of thy blood,

And spread its praise below."

Thus admonished, she began to anticipate, with longings unutterable, the fulfillment of the word upon which she had been enabled to rest her hope.

These exercises, though so deep as to assure the heart, most powerfully and permanently, that " the word of the Lord is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart," were not of that distressing character which, according to her preconceived opinions, were necessary, preparatory to entering into a state of holiness.

So far from having those overwhelming perceptions of guilt^on which she afterward saw she had been too much disposed to place reliance, as somewhat meritorious, she was constantly and consciously growing in grace daily — yea, even hourly her heavenward progress seemed marked as by the finger of God.

No gloomy fears that she was not a child of God dimmed her spiritual horizon, presenting fearful anticipations of impending wrath. There had been a period in her experience, some time previous to that under present consideration, from which she had not one lingering doubt of her acceptance with God, as a member of the household of faith. But, conscious that she had not the witness of entire consecration to God, neither the assurance that the great deep of her heart, the fountain from whence action emanates, was pure, which at this time stood before the vision of her mind as two distinct objects, (yet which, as she afterward perceived, most clearly merged in one,) and impelled onward also by such an intense desire to he fruitful in every good work, the emotions of her spirit could not perhaps be more clearly expressed than in the nervous language of the poet —

" My heart strings groan with deep complaint, My flesh lies panting, Lord, for thee ; And every limb, and every joint, Stretches for perfect purity,"

And yet, to continue poetic language, it was a " sweet distress," for the word of the Lord continually said to her heart, " The Spirit helpeth our infirmities ;" and conscious that she had submitted herself to the dictations of the Spirit, a sacred conviction took possession of her mind that she was being led into all truth.