YOU MUST BE HOLY

“Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews chapter
12vs14)
The text which heads, this page opens up a subject of deep
importance. That subject is practical holiness. It suggests a question,
which demands the attention of all professing Christians, are we holy?,
shall we see the Lord?

That question can never be out of season. The wise man tells us,
“there is a time to weep, and a time to laugh. A time to keep silence,
and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastics chapter 3vs4-7) but there is not
time, no, not a day, in which a man ought not to be holy. Are we?

That question concerns all ranks and conditions of men. Some are rich
and some are poor, some learned and some unlearned, some masters
and some servant, but there is no rank or condition in life in which a
man ought not to be holy are we?

I ask to be heard today or this time, about this question. How stands
the account between our souls and God? In this hurrying, bustling
world, let us stand still for a few minutes and consider the matter of
holiness. I believe I might have chosen a subject more popular and
pleasant. I am sure I might have found one easier to handle.

But I feel deeply I could not have chosen one more seasonable and
more profitable to our souls. It is a solemn thing to hear the word of
God saying, “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews
chapter 12vs14).

I shall endeavor, by God help, examine what true holiness is, and the
reason why it is so needful. In conclusion, I shall try to point out the
only way in which holiness can be attained. I have already, approached
this subject in the doctrinal side. now let me try to present it to my
readers in a more plain and practical point of view.

1. First, let me try to show what true practical holiness is, what sort
of persons are those whom God call (holy). A man may go great
lengths, and yet never reach a true (holiness). It is not knowledge
Balaam had that, nor great profession Judas Iscariot had that, nor
doing many things Herod had that; nor zeal for certain matters in
religion Jehu had that; nor morality and outward respectability of
conduct the Ruler had that; nor taking pleasure in hearing
 preachers, the Jews in Ezekiel’s time had that; nor keeping
company with godly people Joab and Gehazi and Demas had that;
and yet none of these were holy. These things alone are not
holiness. A man may have any one of them, and yet never see
the Lord.

What then is true practical Holiness? It is a hard question to

answer. I do not mean that there is any want of scriptural matter
on the subject. But I fear lest I should give a defective view of
holiness, and not say all that ought to be said; or lest I should say
things about it that ought not to be said, and so do harm. Let me,
however, try to draw a picture of holiness, that we may see it
clearly before the eyes of our minds. Only let it never be
forgotten, when I have said all, that me account is but a poor
imperfect outline at the best.

A. Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God. According as

we find his mind described in scripture, It is the habit of agreeing
in God’s judgment for you, hating what he hates, and loving what
he loves, and measuring everything in this world by the standard
of his word. He who most entirely agrees with God, he is the most
holy man.

B. A holy man will endeavor to shun every known sin, and to keep
every known commandment. He will have a decided bent of mind
toward God, a hearty desire to do his will, a greater fear of
displeasing him than of displeasing the world, and a love to all his
ways. When he said, “I delight in the law of God after the inward
man” (Romans chapter 7vs22) and what David felt, when he said.
I esteem all the precepts concerning all things to be right, and I
hate every false way; (Psalm chapter 119vs28)

C. A holy man will strive to be like our Lord Jesus Christ. He will not
only live the life of faith in him; and draw from him all his daily
peace and strength, but he will also labor to have the mind that
was in him, and to be conformed to his image (Romans chapter
8vs29). It will be his aim to bear with and forgive others, even as
Christ forgave us; to be unselfish, even as Christ pleased not
himself; to walk in love, even as Christ loved us; to be lowly
minded and humble, even as Christ made himself of no
reputation and humbled himself. He will remember that Christ
was a faithful witness for the truth, that he came not to do his
 own will, that it was his meat and drink to do his Father’s will,
that he would continually deny himself in order to minister to
others, that he was meek and patient under undeserved insults,
that he thought more of godly poor men than of kings, that he
was full of love and compassion to sinners, that he was bold and
uncompromising in denouncing sin, that he sought not the praise
of men, when he might have had it, that he went about doing
good, that he was separated from worldly people, that he would
not let even his nearest relations stand in his way when God’s
work was to be done. These things a holy man will try to
remember.

By them he will endeavor to shape his course in life. He will lay to

heart the saying of John, “He that saith he abideth in Christ ought
himself also so to walk, even as he walked” see (1 John chapter
2vs6): and the saying of Peter, that Christ Jesus our Lord suffered
for us, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps” see
(1 Peter chapter 2vs21). Happy is he who has learned to make
Christ his “All” both for salvation and example much time would
be save, and much sin prevented, if men would often ask
themselves this question. What would Christ have said and done,
if he were in my place?

D. A holy man will follow after meekness, longsuffering, gentleness,

patience, kind tempers, government of his tongue. He will bear
much, forbear much, overlook much, and be slow to talk of
standing of his rights we see a bright example of this in the
behavior of David when Shimei cursed him, and of Moses when
Aaron and Miriam spake against him (2 Samuel chapter 16vs10,
Numbers chapter 12vs3).

E. A holy man will follow after temperance and self-denial. He will

labor to mortify the desires of his body, to crucify his flesh with
his affections and lusts to curb his passions, to restrain his carnal
inclinations. Lest at any time they break loose, oh, what a word is
that of the Lord Jesus to the Apostles, “Take heed to yourselves,
lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and
drunkenness, and cares of this life” (Luke chapter 21vs34); and
that of the apostle Paul, “I keep under my body, and bring it into
subjection, lest that by any means when I have preached to
others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians chapter
9vs27)
F. A holy man will follow after charity and brotherly kindness. He will
endeavor to observe the golden rule of doing as he would have
men to do him, and speaking as he would have men speak to
him. He will be full of affection towards brethren, towards their
bodies, their property, their characters, their feelings, their souls,
“He that loveth another,” says Paul, hath fulfilled the law”
(Romans chapter 13vs8) he will abhor all lying, slandering,
backbiting, cheating, dishonesty, and unfair dealing, even in the
least things. The shekel and cubit of the sanctuary were larger
than those in common use. He will strive to adorn his religion by
all hs outward demeanor, and to make it lovely and beautiful in
the eyes of all around him. Alas, what condemning words are the
thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians and the Sermon on the Mount,
when laid alongside the conduct of many professing Christian.

G. A holy man will follow after a spirit of mercy and benevolence

towards others. He will not stand all the day idle. He will not be
content with doing page 7 check

“full of good works and alms deeds, which she did” not merely
purposed, which she did”, not merely purposed and talked about,
but did. such was Paul; I will very gladly spend and be spent for
you,” he says, though the more abundantly I love you, the less I
be loved” (Acts chapter 9vs36) (2 Corinthians chapter 12vs15)

H. A holy man will follow after purity of heart. He will dread all
filthiness and uncleanness of spirit, and seek to avoid all things
that might draw him into it. He knows his own heart is like tender,
and will diligently keep clear of the sparks of temptation. Who
shall dare to talk of strength when David can fall? There is many
a hint to be gleaned from the ceremonial law. Under it the man
who only touched a bone, or a dead body or a grave or a
diseased person, became at once unclean in the sight of God.
And these things were emblems and figures. Few page 8 check

I. A HOLY MAN WILL FOLLOW AFTER THE FEAR OF GOD.

I do not mean the fear of a slave, who only works because he is
afraid of punishment, and would be idle if he did not dread
discovery. I mean rather the fear of a child, who wishes to live
 and move as if he was always before his Fathers face, because he
loves him.

What a noble example Nehemiah gives us of this, when he

became governor at Jerusalem he might have been chargeable to
the Jews, and required of them money for his support. The former
governors had done so. There was none to blame him if he did,
but he says, “So did not I, because of the Fear of God” (Nehemiah
chapter 5vs5)

J. A HOLY MAN WILL FOLLOW AFTER HUMILITY.

He will desire, in lowliness of mind to esteem all others better
than himself. He will see more evil in his own heart than in any
other in the world. He will understand something of Abrahams
feeling, when he says, I am dust and ashes” and Jacob’s when he
says, I am less than the least of all thy mercies and Job’s when he
says I am vile” and Paul’s when he says, I am chief of sinners.

Holy Bradford, that faithful martyr of Christ, would sometimes

finish his letters with these words “A most miserable sinner, John
Bradford” good old Mr. Grimshaw’s last words, when he lay on his
deathbed, were these, “here goes an unprofitable servant”.

K. A HOLY MAN WILL FOLLOW AFTER FAITHFULNESS IN ALL

THE DUTIES AND RELATIONS IN LIFE.
He will try, not merely to fill his place as well as others who take
no thought for their souls, but even better, because he has higher
motives, and more help than they. Those words of Paul should
never be forgotten: whatever ye do, do it heartily, as unto the
Lord” not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord”
(Colossians chapter 3vs23) Romans chapter 12vs11).

Holy persons should aim at doing everything well, and should be

ashamed of allowing themselves to do anything ill if they can
help it. Like Daniel, they should seek to give no occasion against
themselves, except “concerning the law of their God” (Daniel
chapter 6vs5).
 They should strive to be good husbands and good wives, good
parents and good children, good masters and good servants,
good neighbors, good friends, good subjects, good in private and
good in public, good in the place of business and good by their
fireside.

Holiness is worth little indeed, if it does not bear this kind of fruit.
The Lord Jesus puts a searching question to his people, when he
says, what do ye more than others? (Matthew chapter 5vs47)

L. LAST, BUT NOT LEAST, A HOLY MAN WILL FOLLOW AFTER

SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS.
He will endeavor to set his affections entirely on things above,
and to hold things on earth with a very loose hand. He will not
neglect the business of the life that now is; but the first place in
his mind and thoughts will be given to the life to come.

He will aim to live like one whose treasure is in heaven, and to

pass through this world like a stranger and pilgrim travelling to
his home to commune with God in prayer, in the bible, and in the
assembly of his people.

These things will be the holy man’s chief enjoyments. He will

value everything, place and company, just in proportion as it
draws him nearer to God. He will enter into something of David’s
feeling, when he says, my soul followeth hard after thee; thou art
my portion” (Psalm chapter 63vs8, 119vs57).

Such is the outline of Holiness which I venture to sketch out. Such

is the character which those who are called “Holy follow after.
Such are the main features of a holy man.

But here let me say, I trust no man will misunderstand me I am

not without fear that my meaning will be mistaken, and the
description I have given of holiness will discourage some tender
conscience. I would not willingly make one righteous heart sad, or
throw a stumbling block in any believer’s way.

I do not say for a moment that holiness shuts out the presence of
indwelling sin. No, far from it. It is the greatest misery of a holy
man that he carries about with him a “body of death” that often
when he would do good “evil is present with him” that the old
man is clogging all his movements, and, as it were, trying to draw
him back at every step he takes (Romans chapter 7vs1)

But it is the excellence of a holy man that he is not at peace with

indwelling sin, as others are. He hates it, mourns over it, and
longs to be free from its company. The work of sanctification
within him is like the wall of Jerusalem, the building goes forward
“seven in troublous times” (Daniel chapter 9vs25)

Neither do I say that holiness comes to ripeness and perfection all

at once, or that these graces I have touched on must be found. I
full bloom and Vigo before you can call a man holy. No far from it.
Sanctification is always a progressive work. Some men’s graces
are in blade, some in the ear, and some are like full corn in the
ear.

All must have a beginning. We must never despise “The day of

small things” and sanctification in the very best is an imperfect
work. The history of the brightest saints that ever lived will
contain many “A but” and how be it”

And notwithstanding before you reach the end the gold will never
be without some dross, the light will never shine without some
clouds, until we reach the heavenly Jerusalem.

The sun himself has spots upon his face. The holiest men have
many a blemish and defect when weighed in the balance of the
sanctuary. Their life is a continual warfare with sin, the world, and
the devil; and sometimes you will see them not overcoming, but
overcome.

The flesh is ever lusting against the spirit,and the spirit against
the flesh, and in many things they offend all” (Galatians chapter
5vs17; James chapter 3vs2)

But still, for all this; I am sure that to have such a character as I
have faintly drawn, is the heart desire and prayer of all true
Christians. They press towards it, if they do not reach it. They
may not attain to it, but they always aim at it. It is what they
strive and labor to be, if is not what they are.

And this I do boldly and confidently say, that true holiness is a

great reality. It is something in a man that can be seen, and
known, and marked, and felt by all around him. It is light: if it
exists; it will show itself. It is salt; if it exists, its savor will be
perceived. It is a precious ointment. If it exists, its presence
cannot be hid. I am sure we should all be ready to make
allowance for much backsliding, for much occasional deadness in
professing Christians.

I know a road may lead from one point to another, and yet have
many a winding and turn; and a man may be truly holy, and yet
be drawn aside by many an infirmity. Gold is not the less gold
because mingled with alloy, nor light the less light because faint
and dim, nor grace the less grace because young and weak. But
after every allowance, I cannot see how any man deserves to be
called “Holy” who willfully allows himself in sins, and is not
humbled and ashamed because of them. I dare not call anyone
“Holy”

Who makes a habit of willfully neglecting known duties, and

willfully doing what he knows God has commanded him not to do.
Well says Owen, I do not understand how a man can be a true
believer unto whom sin is not the greatest burden, sorrow, and
trouble, such are leading characteristics of practical holiness, let
 us examine ourselves and see whether we are acquainted with it.
Let us prove our own selves.

11. Now let me try, in the next place, to show some reasons why
practical holiness is so important.
Can holiness save us? Can holiness put away sin? Cover
iniquities, make satisfaction for transgressions, pay our debt to
God? No, not a whit. God forbid that I should ever say so.

Holiness can do none of these things. The brightest saints are all
“unprofitable servants. Our purest works are no better than filthy
rags, when tried by the light of God’s holy law. The white robe
which Jesus offers, and faith puts on, must be our only
righteousness, the name of Christ our only confidence, the lambs
book of life our only title to heaven.

With all our holiness we are no better than sinners. Our best
things are stained and tainted with imperfection. They are all
more or less incomplete, wrong in the motive or defective in the
performance. By the deeds of the law shall no child of Adam ever
be justified. By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should
boast” (Ephesians Chapter 2vs8-9)

Why then is holiness so important? Why does the apostle say,

“Without it no man shall see the Lord”? let me set out in order a
reasons.

A. For one thing, we must be holy, because the voice of God in

the scripture plainly “commands it, the Lord Jesus says to
his people, except your righteousness shall exceed the
righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in on
case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew chapter
5vs48). Paul tells the Thessalonians, “This is the will of God,
even your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians chapter 4vs3).
 And peter says, as he which hath called you is holy, so be
ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written,
be ye holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter chapter 1vs15-16) “in
this” says Leighton, “Law and Gospel agree”

B. We must be holy, because this is one grand end and

purpose for which Christ came into the world. Paul writes to
the Corinthians. “He died for all, that they which live should
not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which
died for them, and rose again” (2 Corinthians chapter
5vs15) and to the Ephesians, Christ loved the church, and
gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it”
see (Ephesians chapter 5vs25-26) and to Titus, he gave
himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity
and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good
works” see (Titus chapter 2vs14).

In short, to talk of men being saved from the guilt of sin,

without being at the same time saved from its dominion in
their hearts, is to contradict the witness of all scripture.
Are believers said to be elect? It is “Through sanctification
of the spirit”. Are they predestinated? It is to be conformed
to the image of God’s son”. Are they chosen? It is “That
they may be holy”. Are they called? It is “with a holy
calling. Are they afflicted? It is that they may be “Partakers
of holiness”.
Jesus is a complete savior. He does not merely take away
the guilt of a believer’s sin, he does more, he breaks its
power (1 Peter chapter 1vs2, Romans chapter 8vs24,
Ephesians chapter 1vs4; Hebrews chapter 12vs10).

C. We must be holy, because this is the only sound evidence

that we have a saving faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The
twelfth article of our church says truly, that although good
works cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of
God’s judgment, yet are they pleasing and acceptable to
God in Christ, and do spring out necessarily of a true and
 lively faith; in so much that by them a lively faith may be as
evidently known as a tree discerned by its fruits.”

James warns us there is such a thing as a dead faith. A faith

which goes no further than the profession of the lips, and
has no influence on a man’s character (James chapter
2vs17).

True saving faith is a very different kind of thing. True faith

will always sanctify, it will work by love, it will overcome the
world, it will purify the heart. I know that people are fond of
talking about deathbed evidences. They will rest on words
spoken in the hours of fear, pain, and weakness, as if they
might take comfort in them about the friends they lose.

But I am afraid in ninety-nine case out of hundred such

evidence are not to be depended on. I suspect that, with
rare exceptions, men died just as they have lived. The only
safe evidence that we are one with Christ, and Christ in us,
is holy life. They that like unto the are generally the only
people who die in the Lord.

If we would die the death of the righteous, let us not rest in

slothful desires only, let us seek to live his life. It is a true
saying of trial’s that man’s state is naught. And his faith
unsound that finds not his hopes on glory purifying to his
heart and life.

D. We must be holy, because this is the only proof that we

love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. This is a point on
which he has spoken most plainly in the fourteenth and
fifteenth chapter of John, “if ye love me, you will keep my
commandments” “He that hath my commandments and
keepth them, he it is that loveth me” if a man love me, he
will keep my words” “Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever
I command you, (John chapter 14vs15, 21, 23)

Plainer words than these it would be difficult to find and

woe to those who neglect them surely that man must be in
an unhealthy state of soul who can think of all that Jesus
suffered, and yet cling to those sins for which that suffering
was undergone. It was sin that wove the crown of thorns; it
 was sin that brought him to Gethsemane and Calvary, to
the cross, and to the grave. Cold must our hearts be if we
do not hate sin and labor to get rid of it, though we may
have to cut off the right hand and pluck out the right eye in
doing it.

E. We must be holy, because this is the only sound evidence

that we are true children of God. Children in this world are
generally like their parents. Some, doubtless are more so,
and some less, but it is seldom indeed that you cannot
trace a kind of family likeness.

And it is much the same with the children of God. The Lord
Jesus says, “If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the
works of Abraham” “If God were you Father, ye would love
me (John chapter 8vs39, 42) if men have no likeness to the
father in heaven, it is vain to talk of their being his “Sons” if
we know nothing, of holiness we may flatter ourselves as
we please, but we have not got the Holy Spirt dwelling in
us.

We are dead, and must be brought to life again, we are

lost, and must be found. “AS many as are led by the spirit
of God, they” and they only, are the sons of God” (Roman
chapter 8vs14) we must show by our lives the family we
belong to.

We must let men see by our good conversation that we are

indeed the children of the holy one. Or our son ship is but
an empty name “say not, says Gurnall, “That thou hast
royal blood in thy veins, and are born of God, except thou
canst prove thy pedigree by to be holy”.

F. We must be holy because this is the most likely way to do

good to other. We cannot live to ourselves only in this
world. Our lives will always be doing either good or harm to
those who see them.

They are a silent sermon which all can read. It is sad indeed
when they are a sermon for the Devil’s cause, and not for
God’s. I believe that far more is done for Christ’s kingdom
for the holy living of believers than we are at all aware of
there is a reality about such living which makes men feel,
and obliges them to think it carries weight and influence
with it which nothing else can give.

It makes religion beautiful and draws men to consider it,

like, a light house seen afar off. The day of judgment will
prove that many besides husbands have been won
“Without the word” by a holy life (1 Peter chapter 3vs1) you
may talk to persons about the doctrines of the gospel, and
few will listen, and still fewer understand, but your life is an
argument that none can escape.

There is a meaning about holiness which not even the most

unlearned can help taking in. they may not understand
justification, but they can understand charity. I believe
there is far more harm done by unholy and inconsistent
Christians than we are at all aware of.

Such men are among Satan’s best allies. They pull down by
their lives what ministers build with their lips. They cause
the chariot wheels of the gospel to drive heavily. They
supply the children of this world with a never ending
excuse for remaining as they are.

“I cannot see the use of so much religion”, said an

irreligious tradesman not long ago. “I observe that some of
my customers are always talking about the gospel, and
faith, and election, and the blessed promises, and so forth;
and yet these very people think nothing of cheating me of
pence and half pence, when they have an opportunity.

Now, if religious persons can do such thing, I do not see

what good there is in religion, “I grieve to be obliged to
write such things, but I fear that Christ’s name is too often
blasphemed because of the lives of Christians.

Let us take heed lest the blood of souls should be required

at our hands for murder of souls by inconsistency and loose
walking, good Lord, deliver us. Oh, for the sake of others, if
for no other reason, let us strive to be holy.
G. We must be holy, because our present comfort depends
much upon it. We cannot be too often reminded of this. We
are sadly apt to forget that there is a close connection
between sin and sorrow, holiness and happiness,
sanctification and consolation.

God has so wisely ordered it that our well-being and our

well-doing are linked together. He has mercifully provided
that even in this world it shall be man’s interest to be holy.

Our justification is not by works, our calling and election are

not according to our works, but it is vain for anyone to
suppose that he will have a lively sense of his justification,
or an assurance of his calling, so long as he neglects good
works, or does not strive to live a holy life.

Here by we do know that we know him, if we keep his

commandments” here by we know that we are of the truth,
and shall assure our hearts (1 John chapter 2vs3; 3vs19). A
believe may as soon expect to feel the sun’s rays upon a
dark and cloudy, as to fell strong consolation Christ while
he does not follow him fully. When the disciples forsook the
Lord and fled, they escaped danger, but they were
miserable and sad. When, shortly after, they confessed him
boldly before men, they were cast into prison and beaten
but we are told “They rejoiced that they were counted
worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts chapter 5vs1).
Oh, for our own sakes, if there were no other reason, let us
strive to be holy. He that follows Jesus most fully will always
follow him most comfortably.
H. Lastly, we must be holy, because without holiness on earth
we shall never be prepared to enjoy heaven.
Heaven is a holy place. The Lord of heaven is a holy being.
The Angels are holy creatures. Holiness is written on
everything in heaven. The book of revelation says
expressly, “there shall in no wise enter into it anything that
defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination or
maketh a lie” (Revelation chapter 21vs27)

I appeal solemnly to everyone who reads these pages, how

shall we ever be at home and happy in heaven, if we die
unholy? Death works no change. The grave makes no
alteration. Each will rise again with the same character in
which he breathed his last. Where will our place be if we
are strangers to holiness now?

Suppose for a moment that you were allowed to enter

heaven without holiness. What would you do? what possible
enjoyment could you fell there? To which of all the saints
would you join yourself, and by whose side would you sit
down?

Their pleasures are not your pleasures, their tastes not your
tastes, their character not your character. Who could you
possibly be happy, if you had not been holy on earth?

Now perhaps you love the company of the light and the
careless, the worldly- minded and the covetous, the reveler
and the pleasure-seeker, the ungodly and the profane.

There will be none such in heaven. Now perhaps you think

the saints of God too strict and particular,and serious, you
rather avoid them. You have no delight in their society.
There will be no other company in heaven.

Now perhaps you think praying, and scripture reading, and

hymn singing, dull, melancholy and stupid work, a thing to
be tolerated now and then, but not enjoyed.

You reckon the Sabbath a burden and a weariness you

could not possibly spend more than a small part of it in
worshipping God. But remember, heaven is a never-ending
Sabbath. the inhabitants there, not day or night, singing,
“Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty,” and singing the
praise of the lamb. How could a holy man find pleasure in
occupation such as this?

Do you think that such a one would delight to meet David,

and Paul, and John, after a life spent in doing the very
things they spoke against? Would he take sweet counsel
with them and find that he and they had much in common?

Think you, above all, that he would rejoice to meet Jesus,

the crucified one, face to face, after cleaving to the sins for
which he died, after loving his enemies and despising his
friends?

Would he stand before him with confidence and join in the

cry, “This is our God; we have waited for him, we will glad
and rejoice in his (salvation”? Isaiah chapter 25vs9).

Think you not rather that the tongue of an unholy man

would cleave to the roof of his mouth with shame, and his
only desire would be to be cast out? He would feel a
stranger in a land he knew not a black sheep amidst
Christ’s holy flock.

The voice of cherubim and seraphim, the song of angels

and archangels, and all the company of heaven, would be a
language he could not understand. The very air would seem
an air he could not breathe.

I know not what others may think, but to me it does seem

clear that heaven would be a miserable place to an unholy
man. It cannot be otherwise. People may say, in a vague
way, “They hope to go to heaven” but they do not consider
what they say.

There must be a certain meetness for the inheritance of the

saints in light”. Our hearts must be somewhat in tune. To
reach the holiday of glory, we must pass through the
training school of grace. We must be heavenly-minded, and
have heavenly tastes, in this life now; without holiness no
man shall see the Lord”.

It is written, it is not my fancy, it is the bible, not my private

opinion; it is the word of God, not of man, without holiness
no man, no woman, no boy, no master, no servant, no
minister shall see the Lord”
(Hebrews chapter 12vs14)
Alas, what searching, sifting words are these. What
thoughts come across my mind, as I write them down. I
look at the world, and see the greater part of it lying in
wickedness. I look at professing Christians, and see the vast
majority having nothing of Christianity but only the name.
our today minister.
 But I turn to the bible, the word of God, I see and hear the
spirit saying, in 10m times in every sec in my hearts that
without holiness no eyes shall see the Lord. Surely it is a
test that ought to make us consider our ways, and search
our hearts, surely it should raise within us solemn thoughts,
and send us to prayer.

You may try to put me off by saying, “You feel much, and
think much about these things, far more than many
suppose”. But in this, I answer, you that “This is not the
point. But the point is that souls are lost in hell, as much as
this. The great questions are not what you think, and what
you feel, but what you do” or else we shall never find
ourselves in heaven, in the life to come. And now, before I
go any further, let me say a few words, by way of
application

1. Now for one thing, let me ask everyone who may read
these pages, are you Holy? Listen, I pray you, to the
question, I put to you this day. Do you know anything of the
holiness of which I have been speaking?

I do not ask whether you attend your church regularly, or

whether you attend our church or not, no! that is not what I
ask, but the question is are you Holy? That is the question,
or whether you have been baptized, and received the
Lord’s supper, or whether you have the name of Christian,
or the name of angels. I ask for something more than all
this; are you holy, or are you not?

I do not ask whether you approve holiness in others,

whether you like to read the lives of holy people, and to
talk of holy things, and to have on you table holy books,
whether you mean to be holy, and hope you will be holy
some days, or sometime, or some year, I ask something
that have to do with further life time, are yourself holy this
very day, or are you not?

You may say why do I ask so strictly, and press the

question so strongly? But my friend, I do it, because the
bible says. You may say, “it was never meant that all
Christians should be holy, and you say, that holiness, such
as I have described is only for great saints, and people of
uncommon gifts”. But I answer, “ I cannot see that in the
bible, but what I see, and read in the bible, is that every
man who hath hope in Christ purifieth himself,” (1 John
chapter 3vs3) without holiness no man shall see the Lord.

You may say ‘it is impossible to be so holy and to do our

duty in this life at the same time; the thing cannot be
done” but I answer, you are mistaken. This can only be
done with Jesus Christ on your side, with Christ Jesus on
your side nothing is impossible.

It has been done by many brothers, and friends, like David,

and Obadiah, and Daniel, and the servants of Nero’s
household, are all examples that go to prove it”.

You may say “If you were so holy you would be unlike other
people. But I answer, I know it well. It is just what you
ought to be. Christ’s true servants always were unlike the
world around them a separate nation, a peculiar people,
and you must be so too, if you would be saved”.

You may say, at this rate very few will be saved” I ‘answer,
I know, you say this because Jesus say in the sermon on
the mount. Many years ago “strait is the gate, and narrow
is the way, that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find
it” (Matthew chapter 7vs17).

Few will be saved because few will take the trouble to seek
salvation, men will not deny themselves the pleasures of
sin and their own way for a little season. They turn their
backs on an “Inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that
fadeth not away”. “Ye will not come unto me”, says Jesus,
“that ye might life”.

You may say, these are hard sayings; the way is very
narrow”. But I answer, so says the sermon on the mount”.
The lord Jesus said so many years ago. He always said that
men must take up the cross daily, and that they must be
ready to cut off hand or foot, if they would be his disciples.
 It is in religion as it is in other things; “There are no gains
without pains” that which costs nothings is worth nothing.

Whatever we may think fit to say, we must be holy, if we

would see the Lord. Where is our Christian name, and
Christian knowledge, we must a have Christian character
also. We must be saints on this earth, if we want to be
saints in heaven.

God has said it, and he will not go back from what he has
says (no going back) without holiness no man shall see the
Lord, that is the sayings of the bible the word of god.

“Sanctification is a qualification indispensably necessary

unto those who will be under the conduct of the Lord Christ
unto salvation. He leads none to heaven but whom he
sanctifies on the earth. This living head will not admit of
dead members.

Surely we need not wonder that scripture says “Ye must be

born again.” (John chapter 3vs7) surely it is clear as noon-
day that many professing Christians need a complete
change, new hearts, new natures, if ever they are to be
saved.

Old things must pass away; they must become new

creatures. Without holiness no man, “Be he who he may,”
“No man shall see the Lord”

2. Now let me, for another thing, speak a little to believers I

ask you this question, “do you think you feel the
importance of holiness as much as you should?

I have no desire to make an idol of holiness. I do not wish

to dethrone Christ, and put holiness in his place, but I must
candidly say, I wish sanctification, was more thought of this
day than it seems to be, and I therefore take occasion to
press the subject on all believers into whose hands these
pages fall.

I fear it is sometimes forgotten that God has married

together justification and sanctification, they are distinct
and different things, beyond question, but one is never
found without the other. All justified people are sanctified,
and all sanctified are also justified.

The bible say what God has joined together, let no man
separate. Tell me not of your justification, unless you have
also some marks of sanctification. Boast not of Christ’s
work for you, unless you can show us the Spirit’s work in
you. Think not that Christ and the Spirit can ever be
divided. I doubt not that many believers know these things,
but I think It good for us to be put in remembrance of them.
Let us prove that we know them by our lives. Let us try to
keep in view this text more continually; “Follow holiness,
without which no man shall see the Lord”.

I do not see up myself to be better than other people, and

if anyone asks, what are you, that you write in this way? I
answer, “I am a very poor creature indeed”. But I say that I
cannot read the bible without desiring to see many
believers more spiritual, more holy, more single-eyed,
more heavenly-minded.

In this my friends are you heavenly minded? If not why? I

want to see among believers more of a pilgrim spirit, a
more decided separation from this world of sin, a
conversation more evidently in heaven, a closer walk with
God.

Is it not true that we need a higher standard of personal

holiness in this day? Where is our patience? Where is our
zeal? Where is our love? Where is our works? Where is our
faith? Where is the power of religion to be seen, as it was in
time gone? Where is that unmistakable tone which used to
distinguish the saints of old, and shake the world?

My friend in this, I say verily that our silver has become

dross, and our wine have be mixed with water, and our salt
has very little savor, we are all more than half asleep. The
nigh is far spent, and the day is at hand. Let us awake, and
sleep not more. Let us open our eyes more widely than we
have done hitherto “Let us lay aside every weight, and the
sin that doth so easily beset us”. Let us cleanse ourselves
 from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and perfect holiness in
the fear of God” (Hebrews chapter 12vs1, 2Corinthians
chapter 7vs1).

“Did Christ die”, of this check page 33, Owen? And shall
sin live? Was he crucified in the world, and shall our
affections to the world be quick and lively? Oh, where is the
spirit of him, who by the cross of Christ was crucified to the
world, and the world to him,

3. Now let me, in the last place, offer a word of advice to all
who desire to be holy.
Would you be holy? Would you become a new creature?
Then you must begin with Christ. You will do just nothing at
all, and make no progress till you feel your sin and
weakness, and flee to him. He is the root and beginning of
all holiness, and the way to be holy is to come to him by
faith and be joined to him.

Christ is not wisdom and righteousness only to his people,

but sanctification also. Men sometimes try to make
themselves holy first of all, and sad work they make of it.
They toil and labor, and turn over many new leaves, and
make many changes; and yet, like the woman with the
issue of blood, before she came to Christ, they feel
“Nothing bettered, but rather worse” (Mark chapter 5vs26)

They run in vain, and labor in vain; and little wonder, for
they are beginning at the wrong end. They are building up
a wall of sand; their work runs down as fast as they throw it
up, they are boiling water out of a leaky vessel: the leak
gains on them, not they on the leak. Other foundation of
“Holiness” can no man or woman lay than that one which
Paul laid; without Christ we can do nothing” (John chapter
15vs5)

It is a strong but true saying of Traill’s “Wisdom out of

Christ is damning folly, righteousness out of Christ is guilt
and condemnation. Sanctification out of Christ is filth and
sin, redemption out of Christ is bondage and slavery” Do
you want to attain holiness? Do you feel this a real hearty
desire to be holy? Would you be a partaker of the divine
nature? Then go to Christ wait for nothing, wait for nobody.
Linger not, think not to make yourself ready. Go and say to
him in the words of that beautiful hymn.

Nothing in my hand I bring, to you oh God, simply to thy

cross I cling; naked flee to thee for dress, helpless, look to
thee for grace.

My friend there is not a brick not a stone laid in the work of

our sanctification till we go to Christ. Holiness is his special
gift to his believing people. Holiness is the work he carries
on in their hearts, by the spirit whom he puts within them.
He is appointed a “Prince and a savior, to give repentance”
as well as remission of sins. “I as many as receive him, he
gives power to become sons of God” (Acts chapter 5vs31;
John chapter 1vs12,13). Holiness comes not of blood;
parents cannot produce it in himself. Not yet of the will of
man.

Ministers cannot give it to you by baptism. Holiness comes

from Christ. It is the result of vital union with him. It is the
fruit of being a living branch of the true vine. Go then to
Christ and say, Lord, not only save me from the guilt of my
sin, but send the Spirit, whom thou didst promise, and save
me from its power, that is the powers of sin. Make me holy
teach me to do thy will” as Jesus says Father I come to do
thy will

Would you continue to be holy? Then abide in Christ, he

says himself, abide in me and I Jesus in you, he that
abideth in me and I in him, the same beareth much fruit”
(John chapter 15vs4-5). Our Lord Jesus Christ say that it
pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell, a
full supply for all a believer’s wants. He is the physician to
whom you must daily go, if you would keep well. He is the
manna which you must daily eat, And the rock of which you
must lean, as you come up out of the wilderness of this
world. You must not only be rooted, but you must also be
built up in him.
Paul was a man of God indeed, a holy man, a growing,
thriving Christian and what was the secret of it all? He was
one to whom Christ was “All in all”

He was ever “looking unto Jesus” I can do all thing says

“Paul, “Through Christ which strengtheneth me. I live, I live
by the faith of the son of God”. Let us go and do likewise
(Hebrews chapter 12vs2, Philippians chapter vs13;
Galatians chapter 2vs20).

May all who read these pages know these things by

experience, not by hearsay only. May we all feel the
importance of holiness, far more than we have ever done
yet,

May our sec, min, hour, days, week, not years be all holy
with our souls. And then they will be happy ones. Whether
we live, or die. May we live and die unto the Lord, or if he
comes for us, may we be found in him and in peace,
without spot, and blameless. So you must be holy, if you
want to live for God.