The Psalmist says, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:  wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”  White is an emblem of purity.  When John beheld the multitude of all nations standing before the throne and the Lamb, clothed in white robes, he asked whence they came.  “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”  Rev. 7:14.

Purity of soul and heart and mind and conscience and thought and life is an experience to be attained to and enjoyed in this life.  Peter says, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth.” 1 Pet. 1:22.  Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart.”  Mat. 5:8.  Paul says, “I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience.” 2 Tim. 1:3.  Peter says, “I stir up your pure minds.” 2 Pet. 3:1.  Paul says, “Whatsoever things are pure, ... think on these things.”  See Phil. 4:8,9.  Christ is the standard of purity.  “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3.  Purity in all the affections, in all the desires, in all the motives, and in all the thoughts.  The heart that is made pure in the light of God reveals nothing contrary to heaven.  Nothing can be more noble and beautiful upon earth than a pure life.  Oh, how many unclean and impure thoughts and desires are filling the minds and hearts of men and women in these awful iniquitous days!  Dear reader, “Keep thyself pure.”

MEANS FOR GROWTH.

You have started out fairly upon the Christian way.  You have been “born again”; you have been immersed in water, or buried with Christ in baptism; you have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire.  With such an experience you are admitted to the contest for the “crown of life.”  Now since you are thus started out upon the Christian way, it is a fact that you must “grow in grace.”

There are certain means for you to use that will promote growth.  If you neglect these, you will not, you can not, grow.  You must live much in prayer; you must read the Bible; you must attend meetings that are ordered of God; you must partake of the Lord’s Supper as you have opportunity; you must wash the saints’ feet.  You will be blest with grace to your soul if you do these things as unto the Lord.  You must give of your means to God’s cause freely and cheerfully; you must diligently follow every good work; and you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge and grace of God.

LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE.

The “crown of life” lies at the end of the race.  Some run well for a time, and then because of slight hindrances turn from the way.  You must endure unto the end.  You must follow the example of the zealous apostle who said, “I reach forth to the things that are before,” and, “I press toward the mark for the prize.”  The prize was the crown of life.  He bends forward in the race with all the energy of his soul.  Down at the end of the race he beholds the crown.  Sin, Satan, nor the world shall not hinder him in securing it.  You must be just as much in earnest.  You must strive, and that lawfully, lest some one take your crown.