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. AVhat 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 booknaking,” “egotism,” or the like.
Not so with the traveller to the heavenly city. A field
c investigation, boundless as eternity, is before him.
Earth hath its boundaries: but the inquiring, insatiate
m)ir* of the heavenly traveller, is no where, in all his
“d 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 “AVay 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 Scriptures.
SECTION I.
Pagt
Long- waiting in order to get into the way not necessary. The mannei 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 oa being a “Bible Christian.” Perceives the duty of entire conseciatiou. Resolves on entire devotion. ..... 10
SECTION II. Questions which occasioned seriois 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.. 14
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.”. 19
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.;.. 84
SECTION V.
Holiness a state in which all the Lord’s redeemed ones should live. Its reasonableness. How we may know ichen God receives us. An increase of light in reference to the sacrednesa and immutability of the word of God burata upon her soul.
VUl CONTENTS.
Page Declarations of Scripture as truly the word of the Lord as though heard from Mount Sinai. Faith is taking God at his •vyord. 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. ... 32
SECTION VI.
Pngages 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, Sanctificah’on and PERFECT LOVE no longer incomprehensible terms, but infinitely expressive of the stale in which every believer should live. Infinite Wisdom halh 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. ... 38
SECTION VII.
Christians not of the world. The seal proclaiming them not of the world should be ensiamped. 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 uiged 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 bs 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.. 48
SECTION VIII.
Preciousness of the word of God. Proneness to follow the traditions of men rather than the oracles of God, foundation of former perplexities. No experience should be satisfactory but such as can be substantiated by an emphatic” Thus saith
CONTENTS. in
Pagt
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. 55
SECTION IX.
How did the process described pventuate in that disciple being br jught into the holiest by the blood of Jesus? The question answered. The pilgrim’s song. ... 8Q
SECTION I. Gracious remembrances. Entrusted to pious parents. Conrictions at an early age. Perplexity on account of not having an experience like others. Asks direction fiom the word of God. Receives it at several diffdrent periods, bui as often gives place to dissatisfaction by comparing experience with other travellei-s. instead of keeping closely to the Bible. Explanations of what and how to believe necessary for inquirers. The Saviour speaks consolation to her soul during sleep. Inconsistent with the word of God to give an established state of experience while unbelief is indulged.. 80
SECTION II.
Long season of wrestling with God. God imparts strong consolation during sleep. Proclaims his name. Manifestation apprehended in future experience. ... 84
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. 88
SECTION IV.
The student in search of earthly fame. The heavenly student. Tae literature of th3 Bible the literature of heaven. The
Page 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 that 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 wheiher a matter may be taken to God. ... 100
SECTION V. God disciplines his children. How lessons may be enstamped in living characters. Important inquiry. Decision. Trials. “Thou hast not forsaken me.” .... 106
SECTION VI. An entire onward course. Why many take years in accomplishing that which might be done in days. What maybe 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.”;.... 114
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... 123
SECTION VIII.
First principles being established, are left. Rapid progress. God no respecter of persons. Proneness of the heart to forget the admonition to remember “all the way.” Resolves to be more diligent in recording.. i.. 126
Page
Endeavors to place the standard of Chi istian 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.” 147
Prays to be sealed nnlo the day of redemption.^ Inquirer. Reposes in Christ as a present Saviour. 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 responsibihty 169
A new and singular source of temptation. A gay worldling transformed. “Do you hear the angels singl” The penitent and 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 shoald manifest a detachment from earth. ... ... 190
“I will pray one morning.” Praising God. Answer to prayer. Much lost by indefiniteness. 1 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. 222
Decision on a peculiar case. Infinite importance, excellency, and comprehensiveness of the Word of God. Are wo 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 iere.” Ambassador from the court of heaven. The marriage engagement. The interesting young friend. Election of city officers. Day of extraordinary trial. Answer to prayer. Ill health..... .231
Poetry, 253
BOOK 1.