The Hidden Life: special manifestations

Monday, March 30, 2026

Living by Signs vs. Living by Faith (Rewritten)

Why looking for signs can quietly undermine faith

While we consider life of faith we need to clearly address a common tendency among Christians: the desire for signs, tokens, or special manifestations as a kind of foundation for peace with God and for holy living. This impulse shows up again and again. Sometimes it comes from lack of understanding. But more often, it grows out of something deeper and more troubling — the sin of unbelief.

However it begins, this habit of looking for signs is wrong in principle and harmful in its results.

THOMAS COGSWELL UPHAM

Thomas C. Upham (1799–1872) was an American psychologist, author, teacher, poet, social activist, pacifist, and spiritual writer. Though trained as a Congregationalist pastor, he spent his life as an academic, serving as Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy at Bowdoin College from 1825-1868. He not only taught this subject, he wrote the primary textbook on the subject: Elements of Mental Philosophy (2 Volumes). (Mental Philosophy is what we would today call Psychology.) His textbook on Mental Philosophy was reprinted more than 50 times, going through various editions, over a period of more than 70 years. Thus, Upham's thinking was extremely influential in its day. At the urgings of his wife, Upham attended some of the meetings led by Phoebe Palmer for the promotion of Christian holiness. Here he encountered the message and experience of entire sanctification by faith. After this, he wrote several books explaining, and defending this experience. He also wrote spiritual biographies of Madame Guyon and Catherine of Genoa. I recommend (if you can find a copy) Darius Salter's 1986 book Spirit and Intellect: Thomas Upham's Holiness Theology.

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Monday, March 30, 2026

Living by Signs vs. Living by Faith (Rewritten)

Why looking for signs can quietly undermine faith