Purity and maturity

Front matter

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PURITY AND MATURITY

CHAPTER I. Christian Purity

Purity a State ok Quality op Being 23

Bishop Foster ox Six and Deprayity 24

Holiness ax Uncompounded Element or Quality . . . . . 24 Dr. Chalmers ox Purity. Bishop Foster ox States and Tempers 25

Purity implies Entirety or Completeness 25

Holiness not expressive of Advancing Processes .... 25

No Absolute Perfection except in God . . . . . ' . .26

Christian Purity Defined 26

The Entirely Sanctified Perfect in the sense of Purity . . 26 Bishop Foster on the Elements of Holiness in the Regenerate . 26 Bible Terms sometimes used in an Accommodated Sense ... 27 No Perfectiox ix Degree except ix a Restricted Sexse . .27

There is a Sexse ix which all Christiaxs are Holy axd Saxctified 28

A Biblical Descriptiox of Christian Purity 29

Purity as a State is rather Negative than Positive . . .29 Purity the Negative and Perfect Love the Positive in Full Salvation . . 30

Purity is the Soul's Health . .30

Rev. John Fletcher. Rev. Richard Watson . . m ' - . • . .31

Purity Consistent with Small Spiritual Power 31

The Soul Cleansed is not Vacated 31

The Positive is involved in the Negative 32

The Positive Virtues all imparted in Regeneration . . 32

Purity requisite to ax Admission to Heaven . . . . . 33 iV CONTENTS.

CHAPTER II. Theological Authorities

Pagu

Purity the Bible Idea and Fact op Holiness . ..... 14

Eev. John Wesley's Views 34

Rev. John Fletcher. Dr. Adam Clarke. Richard Watson . . 35 Rev. Joseph Benson. Bishop Hedding . . . . • . . 36 Bishops Hamline, Thomson, Clarke, Foster ... . 37 Bishop J. T. Peck. Drs. John Dempster, H. Bannister . . 38 Drs. D. D. Whedon, A. Lowrey. D. W. C. Hunttngton .... 39 Drs. Daniel Curry, L. R. Dunn 39

BlNNEY'S COMPEND. METHODIST CATECHISM 40

Matthew Henry. Prof. Jacobus. Robert Hall. Dr. John Dick 4i Rev. G. Burder. Albert Barnes. Drs. Watts, Woethington . 42

Rev. Dr. Leonard Woods 14

Holiness no Exemption prom Temptation 45

Purity not Incessant Rapture • 46

CHAPTER III. Scripture Testimony

The Great Evangelical Fact op Holiness 4»

Bible Purity Illustrated. Albert Barnes. Richard Watson . 43 Who shall enter Heaven? John Wesley ...... 50

Purity by Ablution. By Purgation. By Creation . . 51

Justification and Regeneration greater than Purification . . 52 Purity Typified by Cleansing with Water . . . . . .53

A Fountain opened for Sin- and TJncleanness 55

Bishop Simpson at Vineland. Rev. Jas. B. Taylor .... 56

The Purified Soul " Whiter than Snow " 57

Purity Spiritual Circumcision. Adam Clarke ..... 58 Christ the Refiner. The Purified like Refined Gold . . 59

God will not Accept Corrupt Service .61

The Kingdom of God, "Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy

Ghost" 62

Purified through the Truth. Rev. John Wesley .... 63

Death to Sin illustrated by Mortification 65

Destruction of Sin. Life of Righteousness. Rev. Dr. Hodgk . 66 Death of Corrupt Nature by Crucifixion. Dr. A. Clarke . . 67 Freedom from Sin the Finished Character of a Christian . . 68 The Author and Price of Personal Houuness .... 69

CONTENT S.

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Our Sanctification God's Will both P.ermissiyely and Authoritatively 70

Sanctified by the Holy Ghost. This Fire Metapho:: ... 72

CHAPTER IV. Scripture Testimony

Confession Precedes Pardon and Purity 74

Human Agency in Christian Purity 75

Soul and Body both to be Sanctified 76

God no Respecter of Persons. Purity by Faith . . . . .78

Holiness Commanded and Expected . .79

The Blood of Christ Infinitely Efficacious. Krummacher . . 80

Christ Died to Sanctify his Church 82

Sanctification by Faith. Matthew Henry ...... 83

The Mighty Efficient Agent. Rev. C. H. Spurgeon .... 84

The Infinite Merit of Christ's Blood 85

Superiority of Christ over the Levttical Priesthood . . . 86

The New and Living Way 87

Christ can Save to the Uttermost . . .88

The Instrument of Purification. Matthew Henry . . . .89

The Fruitful Branch. Rev. John Wesley 90

The Heart a Treasury of Good or of Evil 92

Love the Substance and Fulfillment of the Law . . . .93

Christ Divine, therefore Able to Save .94

Saints Washed in the Blood of Christ 95

Christ the Great Physician 96

The Scriptures regarding Purity Clear, Definite and Positive . 97

The Bible a plainly written Book . .98

No Figure or Term used Limits the Cleansing 100

. CHAPTER V.

Regeneration is not Complete Purity. Regeneration the Commencement of Purification. Mr. Wesley

Depravity not Sin strictly speaking

Depravity Evil in Nature and Tendency . . . - . The Soul the Seat of Moral Quality. Bishop Foster Regeneration and Entire Sanctification not Identical Nature of Regeneration. Dr. John Dick. Bishop Hopkins Depravity and Holiness Antagonisms, and Moral Opposite s . Purity can not be Transmitted. Dr. Curry . .

VI

CONTENTS.

The Testimony of Consciousness Positive and Certain ... 109 No Combination or Composition of Inbred Sin and Holiness . . 110 They are Antagonisms, Distinct in Nature and Tendency . . Ill Condemnation Consequent only upon Actual Sin . . . .113 The Zinzendorf and Maxwell Error. Mr. Wesley . . . .113 The Testimony of Mr. Wesley and John Fletcher . . . .114 Dr. Adam Clarke. Bishop Hedding. Wm. Bramwell . .115

Rev. Dr. Hodge. Dr. N. Bangs. Rev. Wm. McDonald . . .116 Prof. Upham. Bishop Janes. Drs. Mattison, Curry, Smith . 117 Dr. John Dick. Bishop Thomson. Richard Watson. Dr. Dempster 118 Dr. George Peck. Bishop Foster. Disciplinary Questions . 119

Bishop Hamline. Who have Professed Purity ? 120

Bishop Asbury's Profession 121

Bishop Whatcoat's Profession 122

Why so many Lose it? Mr. Wesley 123

Purity should be Preached Constantly, Strongly and Explicitly 123

Grace Dominant in Regeneration 124

Justification Negatived by Committing Sin 125

CHAPTER VI Christian Purity not obtained by Growth in Grace

Impurity remaining in the Regenerate

Sin and Depravity not the same. Bishop Foster.

. 129 Mr. Wesley 130

Depravity Original and Acquired— Inborn and Inbred . . . 131 Guilt involved only when Depravity is yielded to . . . .131

Growth in Grace may abate its Force 132

Depravity not Action or Deed. Bishop Hamline .... 133 It can not be Imperceptibly outgrown. Dr. Steele . . .133 The Subjugation of Depravity is not its Destruction . . .135

The Soul Passive in Purification. Dr. Steele 135

Dr. Hodge. Sanctification not by Moral Culture . . . .136

Rev. Timothy Merritt on the Gradual Process 137

Bishop Foster. Means of Sanctification 138

Mr. Wesley. "Second Change" Instantaneous Deliverance . 140 Depravity sometimes a Hidden and often a Latent Evil . . 141 Dr. John Dick. Dr. Steele. Depraved Inclination . . .142 Purity by Purgation— Ablution— Extermination— Destruction . 143

Growth has no Cleansing Power 144

Rev. Wm. Reddy. Weeds in a Garden. Dr. F. G. Hibbard . 145

CONTENTS. Vli

CHAPTER VII. Christian Purity not obtained by Growth in Grace

Page

Inbred Sin not Removed in Parts 148

Mr. Wesley. "The Seed of all Sin." 149

Dr. Steele. Dr. Adam Clarke. Holiness by Gradation . . 150 Purity by Faith. Purity and Impurity Facts of Consciousness 151 Dr. F. Hodgson. Mr. Wesley. Growth in Grace not Enough . 152

Growth a Naturalism. Purity not by Works 153

Dr. F. G. Hibbard. Purity Preceded and Followed by a Gradual Work 154

Rev. Daniel Wise. Subduing Particular Sins 155

Inbred Sin not Improvable. Mr. Wesley 156

Growth and Holiness distinct Things. Dk. Clarke . . .157

Dr. G. Peck. Death of Sin. Life of Righteousness . . .158 God requires Instant Obedience. Bishop Janes .... 160 Conditions of Purity. Meritorious. Instrumental. Proximatk 161 Crucifixion. Mortification. Creation. Cleansing the Leper 162 Refining Gold — Leaven. Ablution. Bishop Peck at Round Lake 163 Dr. Nathan Bangs. A Great Mistake. Dr. A. Clarke . . 164

CHAPTER VIII. Christian Purity not obtained by Growth in Grace

Believers Purified at all Periods after Regeneration ... 166

Bishop Foster. Mrs. Hester Ann Rogers 167

Dr. F. G. Hibbard. Cleansing Baptism. Testimony . . .168 Definite Experience of Purity. Three Things Prominent . . 169 Me. Wesley. London Witnesses. Bishop Janes on Testimony . 170

Rev. H. Boehm. Bishop Asbury. Pentecost 171

Bishop Thomson. Faith for Purity 173

Analogy between Regeneration and Entire Sanctification . 174 Purification by Faith. Dr. Fuller. Bishop Janes . . .175 Dr. McCabe. Consecration a Condition of Faith . . .176

The Great Battle-Cey of Methodism 177

Dr. F. G. Hibbard. Purity Instantaneous 179

Israelites Crossing Jordan. Death Instantaneous .... 180

Illustrations. Vegetable Kingdom. Leaven 182

A Misstatement Corrected 183

Pardon. Life. Adoption. Purity Instantaneous and Supernatural 185

V1U CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IX. Christian Maturity

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Life. Purity. Maturity. Dr. Nast 186

Steps of Preparation. No Growth from Vice to Virtue . . 187

Maturity Gradual. Mushroom Growth 188

Key. L. R. Dunk. Pure but Immature 189

No one Born into Maturity. Bishop Foster ..... 190

An Apple Tree. Mr. Wesley's Definition 191

Dr. Dempster. Bishop Foster. "Rooted and Grounded in Love" 192

Bishop Hamline. Millions Die Immature 193

Important Distinctions. Maturation. Total Deprayity . . 194 A Garden — A Tree Pruned and Cleansed of Worms and Insects . 195 "Little Children." "Young Men." "Fathers." . . . .196

Not to Progress is to Regress. Intermingling Tares . . .197 Dr. F. G. Hibbard. Unobstructed Growth ...... 198

The Positive Enlightenment, Endowment and Adornment . . 199 After Purification, Growth Rapid, Uniform and Solid . . .200

CHAPTER X. Results of Purity, or of its Neglect

Purity Spiritual Freedom 201

Internal Foes most Troublesome and Dangerous 202

The Fountain open. All may Come . . . . . ... 203

Neglecting Holiness Disobedience to God . . . . .203

Mr. Wesley. Bishop Foster. Dr. D. W. C. Huntington . . 204 Dr. John Dempster. Bishop Peck. Dr. Stephen Olin . . .205

A Mistake. A Great Danger. An Objection 206

Spurious Holiness. Human Activities . . . . . . .207

Moral Phenomena Proclaim Moral State . . . . . . .208

Dr. L. T. Town send. Bishop Hedding 208

Purity Establishes Believers. Clear Spiritual Vision . ... 209

Purity gives Weight and Spiritual Power. Bishop Simpson . 210 A Pure Heart will Sanctify the Tongue . . . . . .. .211

The Great Problem with Many . . . . . . . .. .214

Purity will Cure Vacillation . . ..--'■- • - : • . . - . 217

CHAPTER XL

Introduction

rpHIS book has been written with much solicitude, not from any doubts regarding the subject of which it treats; but from its practical importance, and the fact that there exists such a diversity of views concerning it.

While the experience of purity is sweet, and reasonably plain to those who enjoy it, — as much so as regenerating grace : to write of it, so as to make it plain to those who have not experienced it ; useful to those who are seeking it; effective in removing prejudice against it, and harmful errors regarding it, is not an easy task.

"Perfect Love" was written sixteen years since, two years after the precious Saviour fully cleansed my heart : this is written after much more time for reflection, prayerful study, and the careful examination of every thing available on the subject.

I am very willing to admit, Christian Purity

is a specialty with me, and has been for nearly

twenty years. As much so, perhaps, as Sabbath a* 9

School work with Dr. Vincent, Church Extension with Dr. Kynett, or, any other specialist in the Church.

I believe Christian holiness, in its true evangelical sense, should be the great specialty of the whole Church ; — that she ought to give great prominence to it, as the " central idea " of the Gospel.

It is believed, if some of our very learned ministers would give more attention to Christian Purity, and less to some other specialties, which appear to consume their attention ; this subject would be relieved of much harm in their unhappy presentations of it.

Even, great and learned men can not be supposed to know every thing, nor is it given to any one man to excel in every thing. It is a mistaken idea, that large ability and much learning exempt men from making great mistakes. Many, who have been regarded by the world as profoundly learned, and were so in some things, have made some of the most shameful blunders, of which humanity has been the victim.

In the preparation of this work, I have written for serious and earnest minds, to whom sin has become hateful, and holiness attractive; who always regard the practical side of this subject, as of the highest importance.

It has not been my design to present any novel notions, but to clearly state, guard, and defend what has been taught for centuries ; though often mixed with much error. I have not written, so much, for the learnedly critical, as for the common mass of Christian believers, many of whom appear perplexed and mystified on this plain and intelligible subject.

Experience is worth more than theory. The heart illuminated by the Spirit, is usually truer and safer as a guide through the entangled difficulties of life, than the head. And the soul in earnest for purity, will regard the plain teachings of the Bible, rather than his own or others' theories. To this fountain of truth he will find his way, — open the volume, read the promises, seek divine aid, and learn by experience, that w T hosoever doeth His will " shall know of the doctrine"

The Church has always prospered in her great work of soul saving, proportionate to adherence to the Bible in her teachings. An appeal to human philosophy has usually interrupted her work, and left her bleeding. The philosophy of Christian purity we do not attempt to teach. The metaphysical nature of regeneration is left a mystery in God's word; the same is true of entire sanctification. It is no province of philosophy or theology to explain these mysteries.

To those who have experienced purity, it is no greater mystery than regeneration ; neither is it removed any further away from the laws of human thought, but is as plain as any other* fact of ^consciousness.

We use Bible terms and Bible figures in their commonly received sense. The Bible, I take it, is written for the common people, and is a common sense book. We are aware, some object to the terms we use, as too physical to be predicated of the soul. We cannot speak of spiritual things without using terms, which primarily relate to material things.

The terms used are physical, as no others are appropriate, and because nearly all of them are given by Inspiration, as expressive of the work of the Holy Spirit in our salvation.

The Bible terms and figures are very expressive, and God uses them in their common, every day sense, as used among men.

While the infinite God " is a Spirit," he speaks to us of " the eyes of the Lord" and of " the ARM of the Lord" and the like, to give to us the idea that he sees and has strength ; yet we do not suppose that he has a material body with eyes and arms.

There is no necessity of mistaking their meaning. They are significantly expressive of the moral state required, and the work wrought, as a "washing"

"purging" " cleansing" " mortification" u crucifixion" and the like.

While we have no blind devotion to any special phraseology, we dare not abandon or repudiate Scripture terms standing forth so prominently in God's word. It is reasonable to suppose the Holy Ghost has given the best terms expressive of his own work ; and we can not, to please men, or to harmonize with their philosophy, relinquish terms sanctioned and given by God himself.

Names are signs of things, and wherever there is a Bible name used, there is a thing signified by that name. To say there is no process, or state indicated by the terms — "cleansed " "purged" "washed" "crucified;" or "holiness" "perfection" " pureness" " sanctification" and "purity " is not only to contradict the Saviour; but, to pour contempt upon the Holy Ghost, by whose immediate inspiration these names were given.

If these names do not imply a real work of God, and an attainable religious experience ; what better is the Bible than a Pagan Legend, which treats of imaginary things as if they were positive realities?

As rational creatures, we desire to understand the experience of our hearts; and the state which through grace, we have obtained, or may obtain. If true views are not apprehended, and correct ones adopted, false theories will be ; and false views often have a pernicious effect.

Definiteness and clearness in religious teaching and experience, are of the utmost importance. It is to be feared the day of reckoning will disclose the solemn fact, that millions failed to be pure in heart, because of the vague and indefinite teachings of those who were over them in the Lord.

Multiplied thousands are battling year after year with their inbred corruptions ; who, if they had been properly instructed and guided, would long since have been washed in the blood of Christ, and now living in established holiness.

Where will the severest responsibility rest for the mixed moral state of vast numbers of partially purified believers in the Church of God ; but upon the equivocal, indefinite, and but partially sanctified teachers; who like Caleb and Joshua, should be the leaders of the people out of their wilderness state into the goodly land of their spiritual Canaan ?

Ancient Israel entered not in because of unbelief, and the disbelieving, distrustful spies ministered to it, and God smote them dead on the spot.

What blessed results would be witnessed, if like Caleb and Joshua, every Christian minister would go into the good land himself, and courageously and faithfully say, — "We are well able to go up and possess the good land," and thus lead the dear people of God into the fountain of cleansing !

A congregation will usually follow its leader, whether to the heights of spiritual enjoyment, or into the depths of formalism. Great reformations, and great defections have usually come by the ministry.

It is sad to contemplate the responsibility of those who give the Gospel trump an uncertain sound ; and by vague generalities, make the whole subject of Christian purity fearfully indefinite.

God, at infinite pains and precision, has set forth with the utmost definiteness, the privileges and duties of Gospel salvation. Pardon, adoption, regeneration, and entire sanctification, are specific and definite.

The experience of the Christian Church has demonstrated, that, when the Gospel is preached to sinners in an indefinite and general way, only urging men to live sober, moral and exemplary lives, without setting before them the clearly defined, distinct blessings of justification, adoption, and regeneration, it has never resulted in any marked or decided success. This is seen in the whole history of Unitarianism in this country, and German Rationalism in Europe.

The opposite is seen in all evangelical Churches, and especially in the history of Methodism. Mr.

Wesley saw this, and said : — "Generally, wherever the Gospel is preached in a clear and Scriptural manner, more than ninety-nine in a hundred do know the exact time when they are justified"

The same general fact is true in the preaching of Christian purity. Many present this subject only in an indefinite and general way, which neither provokes opposition to it, nor leads anybody to seek and obtain it.

Indefinite teaching of purity never leads to definite or positive experience of purity.

Hence it is, that many ministers do not witness a clear and distinct case of entire sanctification during years of ministerial work. They witness the legitimate results of preaching purity indistinctly and indefinitely, more or less — an uncertain and dissatisfied religious condition of those under their ministry.

This subject is the most important which can engage our attention, as it deeply concerns our peace and usefulness, and our preparation for death and eternity. Many place the standard of Scriptural holiness much higher than the Bible. If they do not get it up to absolute perfection, they make it a degree of development and maturity almost angelic. Such will talk about this " high state of grace," and " I can never climb so high," and " If I get it I can never keep it."

We understand simple purity, as not a high state of grace, when compared with the privileges and possibilities in the divine life. Purity is only the base, the substratum of a grand Christian life, and the present duty and privilege of all Christians. " With me (said the saintly Fletcher) it is a small thing to be cleansed from all sin ; but O ! to be filled with all the fulness of God."

The greater part of our growth in grace, and advancement in the divine life, should be subsequent to our entire sanctification ; as has been the case with many of the best men and women in the Church of God.

We have been pained to find so much misapprehension on this plain subject; that some of our ministers confound it with regeneration, and others with maturity; while many practically ignore it, after having declared before God, and whole conferences, that they expected to be made perfect in love in this life. But, in this world, every Christian doctrine has been perverted. No fact in history is more clear than this ; and it forms one of the most powerful proofs of human depravity.

When we consider how every Bible doctrine has been abused, it may not be expected that the doctrine of Christian purity will escape perversion, misapprehension, and dispute.

We are well aware of the bitter prejudice, apparent blindness, and mistaken notions of many of the opponents of this precious grace. Respecting the captiousness sometimes seen ; and the unhandsome flings made regarding it, we have nothing to say.

We have aimed at clear and distinct teaching, not philosophical, but evangelical and practical ; and trust we have been able to avoid many mistakes and dangers, while keeping the plain distinctions between regeneration, purity, and maturity before the mind.

We profess no exemption from errors of taste, judgment, memory, or manner; and have deeply felt our inability, and our liability to mistake ; and expect our views to stand on their own intrinsic merits, or otherwise, as they are seen to agree with the infallible Word. The subject has been examined with candor, diligence, and care, and with much prayer.

We acknowledge some repetition, which has been difficult to avoid, and confine ourselves closely to the subject; but writing for the common mind, this may be useful rather than otherwise.

I make no claim to originality. I have gathered truth from every available source ; and when I could state a sentiment, or proposition, with more precision and plainness in the language of another, I have not hesitated to do so. The italics in many of the quotations are my own.

The quotations made are numerous, but they are short, pertinent, and corroborative, and constitute a valuable part of the book. They are scattered through hundreds of volumes, many of which our readers will never see; having neither money to purchase nor time to read.

No writer has been misquoted or perverted knowingly. If it be said, some of the authors quoted teach sentiments contrary to the quotations given, and to the doctrines of this book, we have only to say : their quotations are correctly given, and if their writings do not harmonize, the responsibility is not ours.

It is clear that the times in which we live call for a great revival of personal holiness in the Christian Church. The necessity of this thousands feel ; and thousands more are praying for it God is moving mightily upon the hearts of his people in all lands ; and his children should shake themselves from indifference and lethargy, and as workers together with Christ, " arise and shine," and move on in holy triumph, evangelizing this world to God.

I confess, while I rejoice that this doctrine and experience is becoming more and more the doctrine of the universal Church, I am nevertheless jealous for

W INTRODUCTION.

our own loved communion, (with a Godly jealousy, I trust), lest by neglect, unbelief, inactivity, or silence upon this most precious subject, we, who have led the way, and borne a consistent and worthy testimony to the possibility and practicability of purity in this life, should be outstripped by sister Churches, and it should be said — "The last shall be first, and the first last."

Clear and distinct teaching of the doctrine and experience of holiness, has always been the peculiar and distinctive feature of Methodism. While it has been held with some clearness and accuracy, it has never been the distinguishing tenet of any other sect.

" Knowing exactly what I say (says the learned Dr. John M'Clintock, in his Centenary Address), and taking the full responsibility of it, I repeat, we are the only Church in history, from the Apostles' time until now, that has put forth as its very elemental thought the great, central, pervading idea of the whole book of God from the beginning to the end — the holiness of the human soul, heart, mind,

and will It may be called fanaticism ; but,

dear friends, this is our mission. If we keep to

THAT, THE NEXT CENTURY IS OURS; if We keep

to that, the triumphs of the next century shall throw

those that are past far in the shade There

is our mission, there is our glory, there is our power, and there shall be the ground of our triumph! God keep us true ! "

O ! that our twelve Methodist Bishops, our twelve thousand travelling preachers, our fifty thousand class-leaders, and all our thirteen hundred thousand Church members, would respond — Amen! and AMEN ! !

And why should they not? This is the very doctrine which has always distinguished the theological literature of Methodism; which has been most powerfully proclaimed from her pulpits, and most beautifully illustrated in the useful lives of many of her members.

It was this precious grace which developed the consecrated, lovely, and useful life of the sainted Phoebe Palmer; and made her an evangel of light and love to thousands, and tens of thousands, on both sides of the Atlantic. "With her the doctrine and experience of holiness was first, midst, last, and always; and her spirit was fragrant with its sweetness and power. She believed it, and published it; she professed it, and enjoyed it; and lived and died in its inspiring triumphs.

The same was true in the experience, life, and death of our precious sainted brothers, Alfred Cookman, R. V. Lawrence, and George C. Wells, so recently among us, — whose sympathies ;

earnest efforts and useful lives were consecrated to, and greatly blest of God in the promotion of Christian purity.

I commit this volume to the public, with the prayer that it may do good, and no harm ; treating, as it does of the most important subject which can come before the human mind. I have abundant occasion for gratitude for the manner in which "Perfect Love" has been received, and for the kindly notices of it by the religious press, while twentyfour thousand copies have been scattered among the people. I trust this volume will be helpful to many who are seeking light, and are anxious to love GcxJ with a pure heart fervently.

The Authok.

Baltimokb.

Purity and Maturity,

CHAPTER I. Christian Purity

CHRISTIAN PURITY is the great, prominent thought and fact of human salvation in the Bible. There is none more so, or equally so, except, perhaps, pardon.

The heart, or soul, which is our spiritual being, is the fountain or foundation from which all conscious voluntary exercises proceed ; and purity ov impurity preceding these exercises or actions, determines their moral character. A pure heart is one " cleansed from all sin," hence it is morally " clean/ 7 unmixed, untarnished, — free from all pollution.

The heart is the soul, or that which thinks and feels, knows and loves, and wills and acts. A pure heart is a pure soul — a pure man — a pure Christian.

Hence, purity is a state or quality of being. It is the inversion of our sinful moral nature, — freedom " from all filthiness of flesh and spirit." It does not consist so much in a repetition of good acts, as in a moral condition of the soul from which all good actions proceed ; as depravity, or inbred sin, does not consist so much in vicious acts or habits, as in a state or quality which occasions those acts or habits.

Bishop Foster says, sin and depravity "are distinct the one from the other : since the depravity may exist without the act, and may be increased by the act, and the carnality may exist without the separate transgression to which it prompts, and is alleged to exist prior to the transgression." — Christian Purity, p. 121.

Holiness, like truth, is a simple, uncompounded . element or quality, and continues unchangeably the same at all times, and under all circumstances. It can never be made any thing else in its essential nature ; being the absence of all moral iniquity, in whomsoever and whatever it is predicated of, in God, angels, or men.

It is a pure nature, giving character and sweetness to our affections and activities — purity in the heart flowing through the life. It is not holy actions, primarily, which make a man holy, but a holy heart which makes the actions holy ; as a pure heart must be the source or foundation of all pure passions, appetites, and activities. "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things : and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."