The Way of Holiness

INTRODUCTION.

WHO has not been charmed and instructed by Travels and "Incidents of Travel" in the "Holy Land”— India-Europe-America, &c? Travellers 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 to particularize elaborately on the topic suited to his peculiar cast of mind, has been enrolled 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 bookmaking," "egotism," or the like.

Not so with the traveller 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 traveller, is no where, in all his

rd journeying, met with the interdict, "Hitherto hou 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 be forgotten that an enemy, subtle 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 withstand 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 traveller 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 Scrip

tures.

CONTENTS.

Page

SECTION I.

Long waiting in order to get into the way not necessary. The

manner in which many lose much time. The writer begins

to tell how the traveller found the shorter way. How she

first mistook the path. Resolves on being a "Bible Chris-

tian." Perceives the duty of entire consecration. Resolves

on entire devotion.

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.

SECTION III.

Conviction not of that distressing character which preconceived

opinions had supposed necessary. Not one doubt of her ac-

ceptance 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."

SECTION IV.

Urged by the Mighty Counsellor. Enters into the bonds of an

everlasting covenant. A divine conviction given that the

covenant is recognized in heaven.

SECTION V.

Holiness a state in which all the Lord's redeemed ones should
live. Its reasonableness. How we may know when God re-
ceives us. An increase of light in reference to the sacred-
ness and immutability of the word of God bursts upon her soul.

Page

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 forever.

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 result-

ing from believing and praising God. HOLINESS, Sanctifica-

tion and PERFECT LOVE no longer incomprehensible terins,

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.

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 un-

folded 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 commis-

sioned from the other world on a special embassy.

SECTION VIII.

Preciousness of the word of God. Proneness to follow the tradi-
tions of men rather than the oracles of God, foundation of
former perplexities. No experience should be satisfactory
such as can be substantiated by an emphatic "Thus saith