Principles of the Interior or Hidden Life; Designed Particularly for the Consideration of Those Who Are Seeking Assurance of Faith and Perfect Love

by Thomas Cogswell Upham (Creator)

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404 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Thomas Upham was an American philosopher, psychologist, pacifist, poet, author, and educator. He was an important figure in the holiness movement.

He became influential within psychology literature and served as the Bowdoin College professor of mental and moral philosophy from 1825-1868.

Reviews

[Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written in 1947, this "abridged holiness classic" suffers from archaic language. I have read many books (and heard many sermons) on the subject of the holy life and this was the first place I'd ever seen the term "inward recollection," which is a "fixed habit of the soul of realizing the presence of God."

I appreciated Upham's chapter on Signs and Manifestations because there is quite an emphasis on those in Brazilian Pentecostalism. His chapter on the regulation of appetites hit a sour note with me, not because I don't think Christians should be self-controlled, but because I think it's okay to delight in God's good gifts. This chapter talks as if eating should only be done for the purpose of strengthening one's body for service. I happen to think that we can also eat the wonderful foods God has given us while rejoicing in their textures and flavors. Christians ought to enjoy God's creative goodness more than anyone.

Finally, I think there are more accessible books on the subject of sanctification than this one. Dennis Kinlaw's The Mind of Christ, Tozer's Pursuit of the Holy, and Called to be Holy by John Oswalt are just a few titles that come to mind.

[Gary Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Christian classic (originally published in 1843). Upham comes from the total sanctification crowd, but it's an inspiring message we all should heed even if we might quibble with the end conclusion of perfect sanctification. So inspiring, helpful and challenging. A classic I plan to read again and one that should get far more attention than it does.