Preface

This book has been written at my request. I have read it with thankfulness to God. I feel that in its preparation He has evidently helped and influenced the author, who is an Officer of The Salvation Army, at present labouring in the United States of America, and the writer of two other useful publications on the same subject: namely, Helps

to Holhiess and Heart-Talks on Holiness both of them in our ‘Red-Hot Library.’ What subject can be either of greater importance or interest to our Young People, for whom ‘ The Warriors’ Library ’ is especially intended, than Holiness? The notion that the deep things of God are only open to the experienced and the wise, has, surely, no longer any place among us. It is in the mouths of the babes He has perfected praise; it is those who seek that shall find. whatever their age or history or worldly wisdom may be; and a Full Salvation, so greatly needed by those who have to find their way amid the pitfalls and allurements of youth, is provided for them all in the unsearchable riches of the grace of God. It is the common heritage of every Soldier of Christ.

A holy life is a life given to God and accepted by Him. He is the holy man who lives no more to himself; who lives no longer for his own will, or in the way or spirit of the world, but who lives to God and in His will; who loves and obeys Him, considers and serves Him in everything, and who makes all the common, as well as the sacred, things of his life honour his Lord by doing them in such a manner as pleases Him. To help every reader of this book to understand and experience this is the purpose for which it has been written.

But that purpose will not be attained without sincerity in the reader. Religion is in a very large measure a matter of motive and intention. If you are really as forward

in the life of God as you can be, if you have set your heart upon an entire conformity to His will, and are seeking it day and night, then, notwithstanding many defects and imperfections, your Master will bless and reward you; but if your weakness and unbelief, your want of humility, and courage, and love are the fruits of your own neglect, and the want of a sincere determination to be a holy servant of God, then you have no more excuse for your falls and failures than have those who commit open and shameful sins.

I call you, then, while you read here the counsels of the Spirit of Jesus speaking through His servant, to make up your mind to live a holy life, to resolve that by the power of the Holy Ghost you will work out your own Salvation, and walk the world in white.

Bramwell Booth.

London: April, 1902.

NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION

It gives me great pleasure to know that a Second Edition of this little book is called for. May it prove of even greater and wider blessing than the First Edition, with reference to which I have heard many expressions of appreciation.

W. B. B.

London: November, 1902.

Restored from a scan of the 1902 edition, with page headers and numbers removed and words rejoined across line breaks. Scan-derived text, still being proofread; compare the original scan before quoting.