Perfect love; or plain things for those who need them; concerning the doctrine, experience, profession, and practice of Christian holiness

Front matter

JUDGE and IIS. ISAAC R. MITT,

Washington, d. c.

i>

Preface

The following pages are designed for the especial benefit of those believers in the church of God who are " hungering and thirsting after righteousness," and are seeking light concerning the doctrine, experience, profession, and practice of Christian holiness.

During the brief years of my ministry, and especially since it pleased the Saviour to cleanse my poor heart from all sirs I have found multitudes who have desired to ask many questions concerning this subject. ■ I have found it no small tax upon my time, in pastoral labor, to rectify mistakes, meet objections, and answer interrogations respecting this subject. * I have often been grieved and astonished at the amount of carelessness, opposition, unbelief, and ignorance, I have found in regard to it.

To save time, to present the plain truth, to remove prejudice, and to encourage effort for the attainment of Christian holiness, are the aims of this book. It is with prayerful and peculiar feelings that these pages have been published — feelings of desire that they may have a candid perusal, a prayerful attention, and the blessing of God in every house.

The writer has given no new and novel theory. He sets up no rivalry with other writers on this subject. His views, as far as he understands the subject, are strictly Wesley an , consequently he makes no assault upon the standard Wesleyan

4 PREFACE.

authorities. Were these generally read, less occasion would exist for additional volumes on the same subject. Dr. Jesse T. Peck observes, " Will not the truth compel the confession, that the majority of the church utterly neglect the great productions of our master minds upon this subject ? The pure and excellent books which pour a flood of light upon this subject are not read."

No opinion has been adduced that does in the slightest degree militate against the grand fundamental doctrines of our holy religion. I am not conscious of having endeavored to support any practice, principle, doctrine, or faith, but which I wish to live in, and die possessed of. While I submit the same to my Christian reader, I do not expect to escape the censure of the enemies of truth. Let them quake that fear ; by the grace of God, I love every man, but fear no man, and will proclaim humbly and fearlessly what I understand to be " the truth as it is in Jesus." I humbly trust neither men nor devils can shake my faith in the blessed verity of perfect love. And I can not be silent in recommending with my tongue, or humble pen,' all believers to seek it without delay. I would like to do, as Dr. Gibson, Bishop of London, advised Mr. Wesley to do — " Publish it to all the world."

Let it be properly understood, and it is found to possess none of those forbidding features which are so often attributed to it by its mistaken opponents. That I may harm no one, and that what I have written, or collected from the writings of others, may do the reader good, is my sincere prayer. What is wrong may the Lord pardon !

Every man has a given circle of friends to whom he has access, and over whom he has an influence. The author trusts that some who would not be reached otherwise may be reached by this book, become interested in its theme, and led to seek that holiness " without which no man shall see the Lord."

The matter of the book is put into catechetical form, in order to meet the many interrogations so often made upon

PREFACE. 6

this s abject, and also to help the memory of the reader. This form allows the author to present a general, though brief, view of the whole subject.

I do not presume to set myself up as umpire on this subject, nor to pronounce by authority upon it ; nor do I suppose that I have given answers to all the interrogations to the entire satisfaction of even all good men, nor that I havo replied to them as well as a wiser and more pious man would have done. I have answered them, I humbly trust, with a single eye to the glory of God according to the light I have. He that has more light, and can do it better, has the liberty of doing so.

Should any object to the amount of compilation in this book from the writings of others, my answer is, —

1. Mr. Wesley himself often did this.

2. My object has been to clearly present, and strongly enforce gospel truth, and when I have believed I could do this more efficiently in using the language of others, and by quotations from others, I have freely availed myself of their help. I have (with the exception of those cases where I have changed the words or phrases) given credit for what I have selected, and trust I have in no case misquoted or perverted the meaning of any. The Italics in many of the quotations are my own.

3. What I have brought together in this book is, in its original form, dispersed through many volumes, which thousands in the church have neither money to purchase nor time to read.

Should any object to a repetition, or redundancy of testimony, on certain points, my answer is, —

1. I have written mainly for those who need " line upon line, and precept upon precept." Some persons are very dull of apprehension on this subject, and I had rather repeat an important truth many times, than be misunderstood and mis represented.

2. It may serve to prevent the idea that I teach strange

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6 PREFACE.

doctrines, or a faith or practice contrary to the standards o* Methodism.

In regard to style, I have endeavored in writing, as I endeavor in preaching, to use plainness 'of speech. ' The terms " perfect love," " perfection," " sanctification," and " holiness," I understand to have substantially the same signification ; and I have entitled this volume " Perfect Love " (notwithstanding some of the other terms are used in it more frequently) in view of the fact, that this sweet name has been neglected and passed by, while the other terms have been employed for titles to works on this subject.

And now, my friendly reader, with the testimony -of my conscience, " that in simplicity and godly sincerity " I have done the best I could to present God's truth, I submit to you this my humble effort to do good, trusting it will be helpful towards elucidating the principles, experience, and practice of holiness. I entreat you to read so slowly, studiously, and candidly, that you may gather up all the good things, new and old, that are contained in this little legacy of a dying man to dying men. If its perusal shall afford you a tithe of the profit which tie author has derived from its preparation, you will indef d bf richly repaid for the time thus spent.

Section I. Terms Signifying A Complete Gospel Salvation

* Perfect Love." — " Perfection." — " Sanctification. ' — " Holiness." — These Terms synonymous. — All scriptural. — Should not be ignored.— Other Terms used. — The Saviour's Declaration , . . . . 23

Section II. Regeneration And Entire Sanctification Not Identic A L

Scriptures teach a Distinction. — They assume a Distinction. — Methodist Discipline recognizes it. — The Hymn Book teaches a Distinction. — The leading Writers in the Church teach it. — The Views of Wesley. — Watson. — Fletcher. — Clarke. — Bishop Hedding. — Bishop Hamline. — Dr. George Peck. — Dr. R. H. Foster. — Dr. Upham. — This Distinction harmonizes with Christian Experience. — Mr. Wesley and Dr. Adam Clarke never knew a Case of Entire Sanctification at Conversion. — Mr. Wesley's Views of the Idea that we are entirely sanctified when justified. — William Bram well's Views. — Dr. George Peck's Views • . . . 15

Section III. The Nature Of Regeneration

What is the Work of Regeneration ? — Its Nature and Extent. — The Views of Dr. Dempster. — Luther Lee. — Dr. Foster. — The Work of Regeneration perfect. — Justification not retained while Sin is committed. — Views of Wesley.— Luther Lee.— Timothy Merritt.— Dr. J. T. Peck.— The Conditions of receiving Justification are the Conditions of retaining it. — The Standard of Justification too low among Professors of Religion. • . 21

SECTION IY.

THE NATURE OF CHRISTIAN PERFECTION.

What is Christian Perfection ? — The Views of Mr. Wesley. — Mr. Fletcher.

— Bishop Hedding. — Dr. G. Peck. — Luther Lee. — The Difference between Regeneration and Entire Sanctification. — Mr. Wesley's View. — Bishop Hedding's. — Dr. Dempster's. — Richard Watson's. — Luther Lee's. — Rev. W. McDonald's. — Difference between Sin and Depravity.

— Wesley and Foster. — The Graces of the Spirit without Alloy in the sanctified Soul. — Dr. Foster's View. — Sanctification adds no new Virtues to the Soul. — The Regenerate often think all Sin gone. — The Cause of Prejudice and Opposition to Holiness. — A Negative Aspect of the Subject. — No absolute Perfection but in God. — Christian Perfection not Angelic Perfection. — It does not dispense with the Atonement. — It does not exclude Growth in Grace. — The Perfect in Love grow faster than others. — The great Hinderance to Growth in Grace. — Christian Perfection does not exclude a Liability to fall away. — It does not exclude a Liability to Temptation. — The Temptations of the Sanctified. — Where Temptation ends and Sin begins. — Dr. Foster's and Mr. Wesley's Views.

— Sanctification makes no one perfect in Knowledge. — It does net exclude the Infirmities of Human Nature. — Holiness may be perfect, and yet progressive, . 36 b t CONTENTS.

SECTION Y.

HOLINESS ATTAINABLE.

Argued from the Commands of the Bible. — The Exhortations. —The Promises. — The Commands and Promises stand correlated to each other. ~- The Declarations of Scripture. — Christ and the Apostles prayed for it.

— Taught as having been experienced. — Provisions are made for it. — It is the declared Object for which the Holy Ghost dwells in the Heart of the Christian. — The Word is given as the Instrumental Means. — It is the Object of an established Ministry. — Its Attainableness lays the only adequate Foundation for Efforts to be holy 13

SECTION VI.

THE TIME BETWEEN REGENERATION AND ENTIRE SANCT1-

FICATION.

No Period stated in the Scriptures. — The only Prerequisite is the Regenerate State. — The Commands, Promises, and Invitations of the Bible all in the Present Tense. — IsraeL — Wilderness. — Canaan. — When first converted we should seek Holiness. — Six Hundred Thousand in the Church now who ought to enter the Spiritual Canaan at once.*— Mr. Wesley's Views. — The Work in Macclesfield. — Mr. Wesley's Letter to Freeborn Garrettson. — Mrs. Hester Ann Rogers. — The Views of Rev. Asa Kent. —Benjamin Abbott. — Luther Lee. — Dr. Jesse T. Peck. — President Mahan. — Rev. James Caughey. — The Scripture Imagery employed to illustrate the Work of entire Sanctification. — Mortification. — Oucifixion. -Refining Metals. — Leaven. — Cleansing the Leper it

SECTION YII.

HOLINESS NOT OBTAINED BY GROWTH IN GRACE.

All Sin must be renounced. — He who does not seek Holiness tolerates some Sin. — Dr. F. G. Hibbard's View. — Seeking a gradual Purity renders the Attainment of Holiness impossible. — This a mooted Question

— A serious Mistake. — Sin after Regeneration. — A justified Soul does? not commit Sin. — The Question. — Growth in Grace involves just what its Terms indicate. — What Growth in Grace will do. — The View ol Rev. William Reddy. — The Difficulty which Growth in Grace does not reach. — The Expulsion of inbred Sin instantaneous.— Rev. Timothy Merritt's Views. — Quotation from Wesley. — Sin suspended, not destroyed. — Growing in Grace not the Process of separating Sin from the Soul. — Dr. Hibbard's Opinion. — Mr. Wesley on simple Faith for Sanctification. — Inbred Sin a Unit. — The "Works of the Flesh" and the " Fruit of the Spirit." — Grace implanted in the Soul instantaneously.-- Dr. Clarke's Opinion of a gradual Purification. — Mr. Wesley's View. — James Caughey's View. — Mr. Wesley on the Manner of obtaining Perfection — The Idea of Holiness is that of Purity, and not of Maturity. — Dr. George Peck on the Destruction of Sin. — Growth in Grace before and after Sanctification. — The Commands and Promises of God. — Dr. Adam Clarke on a present Salvation. — Fletcher's Opinion. — Purity not a Question of Time. — The Work of God at Macclesfield. — Maturity a Question of Time. — Dr. Hibbard on Obstructions to Growth in Grace. — Holiness secured by creating cleansing Power.— Dr. Bangs on gradual Sanctification.- The Views of Hester Ann Rogers. — Rev. Daniel Wise on why Believers are not holy. — Dr. Foster's Views. — Mr. Fletcher on the gradual Process. — The uniform Experience of the Sanctified. — Witnesses of Perfect Love in London. — The Change wrought in a Moment

— Some may not know the Time when iustified or sanctified. — Question.

— Approach to Death sometimes gradual. — A gradual Process befo reconversion or Sanctification. — The Scripture Figures. — Two Classes: Purity and Maturity 5*

CONTENTS. V

SECTION#VIII.

DIRECTIONS FOR THE ATTAINMENT OF HOLINESS

First Direction. — Second. — Third. — Fourth. — The proximate Condition of Sanctification. — Ten Interrogations. — Mr. Wesley's Views of the Faith that sanctifies. — A distinct and naked Faith. — The Foundation" for Faith. — Christ will save just now. — The Distinction between Consecration and Sanctification. — Consecration previous to Justification, and . to entire Sanctilication. — Conviction preceding the Seeking- of Holiness.

— The Light of Justification sometimes obscured while seeking Holiness.

— Convictions of a Sinner seeking Pardon and those of a Believer seeking Holiness. — Exercises of Mind while seeking Holiness. — Prayer should be definite and discriminating. — Evidence of Justification should precede the Seeking of Sanctification ?fc

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SECTION IX.

THE EVIDENCES OF PERFECT LOYE.

The same as those of Justification. — Mr. Wesley. — Witness of Regeneration and of Sanctification. — In what Respect they differ. — What is the Witness of the Spirit ? — Not always clear at first. — Sometimes possessed without Intermission. — Faith accompanied with the Witness of the Spirit.

— Not retained while any Sin is allowed.- — A pure Heart has its Fruits. — The Fruit of Holiness. — The Fruit of inbred Sin. — The emotional Experience of the Sanctified. — Naming the Blessing. — Does not make all Persons act alike. — Evidences itself in the Absence of Sin. — Will comfort in Affliction. — Deep Grief not incompatible with it. — Some give up in Affliction. — The Character of the Evidence '. . 89

SECTION X.

THE PROFESSION OF PERFECT LOYE.

The Scriptures authorize a Profession. — The Church generally recognizes the Duty of a Profession of Religion. — Holiness deserves a grateful Acknowledgment. — Christians are God's Witnesses. — Pastoral Address of the General Conference. — Not retained without Profession. — The Views of William Bram well. — Mrs. Phoebe Palmer. — Rev. Asa Kent. — Mr. Fletcher. — He lost it four Times. — Lady Maxwell. — The Good secured by Profession. — Spirit, Conversation, and Example not enough. — Promiscuous Audience. — The best Terms to be used. — A definite Profession.

— Objectionable Terms and Manner of Profession. — The Spirit in professing. — Assumed by some as Evidence of Pride. — Did Mr. AVesiey profess the Blessing? — Did Mr. Wesley encourage a Profession? — He saw there would be Opposition to it. — Mr. Bram well on Opposition to a Profession. — The Experience and Profession a common Thing in Mr. Wesley's Day. — Records of Professions. — Pastoral Address. — Bramwell. — Carvosso. — Benjamin Abbott. — Mrs. Hester Ann Rogers. — Mr. Wesley in London. — Bishop Asbury. — Caution to be used. — Points of Danger 10$

SECTION XI.

WITNESSES OF PERFECT LOYE.

4"he Apostle Paul. — John Fletcher. — William Bramwell. — James Brainard Taylor. — William Carvosso. — Dr. Adam Clarke. — Benjamin Abbott. — Bishop Hamline. — Father Reeves. — Mrs. Hester Ann Rogers. — Dr. IJpham. — Mrs. Upham. — Dr. Olin. — Mrs. Phoebe Palmer. — Rev. Henry Smith. — Rev. Joseph Benson. — Rev. Asa Kent. — Rev. David Stoner. — Dr. Fisk. — Mrs. President Edwards. — Dr. Payson. — Rev. Epenetus Ow^u. — Rev. B. W. Gorham. — Lady Maxwell. — Bisliop Whatcoat. — Rev. William Hunter. — The Psalmist David 124

10 CONTENTS.

(SECTION XII.

REASONS WHY EV KY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE ENTIRELY SANCTIFIED.

ft is their Duty. — It is the most useful Life.— It is the happiest Life. — It is the safest Life. — It avoids much of the Danger of Backsliding". — God desires it. — Holiness is intrinsically excellent^ — Gratitude to God demands it. — The Interests of Christ's Kingdom demand it. — Future Rewards are graduated by it. --Dr. Foster I3f

SECTION XIII.

MINISTERS SHOULD BE ENTIRELY SANCTIFIED.

It is an Element of Efficiency. — Pentecost. — Views of Dr. Jesse T. Peck. — President Mahan. — President Finney. — Dr. George Peck. — «Rev. Henry Smith. — Letter to Bishop Asbury. — The Want of it the Cause of so little Preaching on the Subject. — Dr. Jesse T. Peck. — The Want of Harmony in Mr. Wesley's Views at Successive Periods of his Life 145

SECTION XIY.

HOLINESS MUST BE PREACHED.

[t should have a prominent Place in the Pulpit. — The same as it has in the Bible. — Dr. Foster's Views of its Prominence in the Bible. — Mr. Wesley's Views. — Dr. Adam Clarke's Views. — The Views of Jesse T. Peck. — r Dr. Stephen Olin. — Bishop Asbury's Letter to Rev. Henry Smith. — Bishop Whatcoat. — Dr. Foster's Opinion. — Bishop McKendree's Letter to Suramerfield. — George Pickering and the Preachers of Boston. — The venerable Henry Smith. — Bramwell's Letter to a Young Minister. — A serious Lack of Preaching on the Subject. — The Doctrine a Peculiarity of Methodism.

— To disseminate it her special Mission. — The Design of the Methodist Ministry. — The lamented J. V. Watson. — Dr. G. Peck's View. — Adam Clarke's Opinion. — Mrs. Hester Ann Rogers's Account of one of Mr. Wesley's Sermons. — Carvosso and "old and proved Methodism." 154

SECTION XV.

HOLINESS PREACHED IN EARLY METHODISM.

!The Testimony of Mr. Wesley. — Of Mr. Bramwell. — Of Rev. Wm. Hunter.

— Mr. Bramwell's Biographer's Account of Mr. Bramwell's Preaching. — The Opposition of Mr. Bramwell. — Holiness preached during early Methodism in America. Father Kent. — Dr. Olin. — Bishop George. — Benjamin Abbott. — Dr. Bangs's History of the M. E. Church 162

SECTION XVI.

HOLINESS IDENTIFIED WITH THE PROMOTION OF THE GEN- ERAL WORK OF GOD.

Mr. Wesley's Testimony. — Wesley's Letter to Freeborn Garrettson. — Dr. Olin's Views. — Rev. J. V. Watson's Views. — Bishop McKendree's Views. — William Bramwell's Opinion. — Lady Maxwell's Journal. — Dr. Stevens's Opinion given in his " History of Methodism." — A Modern Writer. — The Pastoral Address of the General Conference of 1840 ... 166

SECTION XYII.

RESULTS OF NOT SEEKING HOLINESS.

Affords an Advantage to the Devil. — Lavs the Foundation for Defeat in spiritual Conflict. — Dr. J. T. Peck's Opinion. — The Occasion of Apostasy.— The Views of Drs. George and J. T. Peck. — Rev. Timothy Merritt. — Prof. Finney.— Mr. Wesley. — President Malum. — It tills the Church with Backsliders. — Dr. Foster. — Dr. Doddridge. — A fruitful Source of Opposition to Holiness . 172

CONTENTS. 11

SECTION XVTTT.

TRIALS OF THE SANCTIFIED.

Profession tried. — Faith tried. — Charity tried.— Patience tried. — Firmness tried. — Fidelity to God and Man tried'.— Trials the best Helps to Growth in Grace. — "Eternal Weight of Glory." o . . 173

SECTION XIX.

HOW A STATE OF ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION MAY BE RETAINED.

It must be confessed. — A continued Consecration. — A continuous Faitli.

— A Life of Self-Denial. — Continued Watchfulness. — Obey the Teachings of the Spirit. — Studying the Scriptures. — Constant Advancement. — Living as under the Eye of God. — A Life of Prayer. — Labor for the Saltation of Sinners. — Opposition to Sin of every Name and Kind 183

SECTION XX.

OBJECTIONS TO SEEKING PERFECT LOYE.

The Course Multitudes pursue. — Fourteen Excuses stated and answered.

— The Sinner's Excuses for not seeking Justification are just as reasonable and plausible as those presented by Believers for not seeking Holiness 188

SECTION XXI.

ADYICE TO THOSE PROFESSING PERFECT LOYE.

Consecration. — Faith. — Live by the Moment. — L T se the Means of Grace. — Do all to the Glory of God. — Lightness, Levity, Moroseness. — Reverence. — Study the Bible. — Redeem the Time. — Watch against Sin. — Resist Temptation. — Profession and Practice. — Profession vindicated.

— Impulses, Impressions. — Writers on San ctifi cation. — Extremes. — Ostentation and Display. — "Stand up for Jesus." — Evil Speaking. — Opposition. — Fault-finding. — Unkindness. — Charity. — Excommunication. — Controversy l&l

SECTION XXII.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Wesleyan Reformation. — Want of the Church. — Church subject to Dangers, — Why so few enjoy Perfect Love. — " Perfect Love casts out Fear."

— Justification disparaged. — Holiness a Narrow Way. — Filled with the Holy Ghost. — Salvation from Sin. — Sanctified Souis distinguished from others. — The Foes of the entirely sanctified. — Discord among Brethren.

— Professors of Holiness censorious. — Two Kinds of Holiness. — Best Friends of the Church. — Need of the Atonement. — Sin and Humility. — Standard of Holiness. — The Limits of Christian Perfection. — Inbred Sin and Infirmities. — Holiness not a high State of Grace. — Mr. Wesley and the People called Methodists. — Sanctifi cation lost and Justification retained. — Mark xi. 24. — The Rest of Perfect Love. — Fruits of a pare Heart. — The Exercise of Faith. — Faith the Gift of God. — Faith voluntary. — Hinderances to Holiness. — The Hinderances to Faith. — Holiness and Growth in Grace. — Partakers of the divine Nature. — Progress from Grace to Sin. — Affliction. — Indifference and Apathy. — Why not sanctified when pardoned? — Results of staying- on the 'Wilderness Side of Jordan. — How can the Sanctified be. tempted? —Love is the highest Gift of God. — The Work of Justification and Sanctifi cation to be promoted simultaneously. — Baptism of the Holy Ghost. — Sanctification and Camp Meetings. — The Work of Holiness progressing. — Mr. Wesley's preaching Holiness. — Opposition in the Church. — The most virulent Opposers. — The Spirit of Holiness and the Spirit of the World antagonistic. — Compromising Spirit. — The Apostle Paul's Labors and Sacrifices. — Losing Perfect Love. — Difficulties of a certain Heresy. — The Secret of Holy Living. — Questions for Self-Examination '404

12 CONTENTS.

SECTION XXIII

MAKING A HOBBY OF HOLINESS.

How Opposition to Holiness manifests itself. — Accusation. — Some may go to an Extreme. — Objections to the Accusation, " He maizes a Hobby of Holiness." — 1. To make a Hobby of Holiness, according to Webster, is right. — 2. It indicates a Spirit of Opposition to Holiness. — 3. It is in Opposition to the Declaration of the Bishops of the M. E. Church. — . 4. It is usually made by those whose Experience in regard to the Blessing is indefinite and uncertain. — 5. It serves to quiet the Convictions of some who feel the Need of Holiness. — 6. The Point of Danger is not that men will go too far .264

SECTION XXIY.

WEARING JEWELR* AND COSTLY ARRAY.

Forbidden by the Scriptures. — Cannot be done in the Name of the Lord. — A Violation of the Discipline. — A Violation of Baptismal Vows. — It falsities a Profession of Religion. — It is a Sign and Fruit of Pride. — A Violation of Christian Propriety. — It squanders Money. — It engenders unhallowed Passions. — It tends to establish a pernicious Standard of Taste. — It misspends Time. — It furnishes the World with Argumentsagainst Christianity. — It is in Opposition to the matured Advice and Remonstrances of Mr. Wesley 271

SECTION XXV.

THE USE OF TOBACCO.

It is opposed to some plain Christian Duties. — It is an unseemly and uncleanly Habit. — Its Accompaniments are bad. — The Voice of the deeply Pious is against it. — Resolutions of the Ohio Conference. — Wisconsin Conference. — It is attended with much and needless Expense. — General Conference of the Wesleyan Church. — Dr. Adam Clarke's Views 277

SECTION XXVI.

ENTHUSIASM — CONFUSION — SHOUTING — FALLING, &c.

The Bible Standard of Religion has always been regarded as Fanaticism. — The Views of William Burkitt. — The Fate of the Apostles. — What Fanaticism is. — The Bible countenances Shouting. — It countenances Responses. — It countenances physical Prostrations. — No Religion in Bodily Prostration. — Views of President Finney. — The Views of President Edwards. — Wrong to pray for bodily Exercises. — The Bible the* grand Safeguard against all Delusions. — The Extravagances which Mr. Wesley condemned. . . * 283

SECTION XXVII.

THE AUTHOR'S EXPERIENCE.

When converted. — Distressed with Doubts. — How removed. — Convicted of his Need of Holiness. — Results of not seeking it. — Prejudice against the Profession of Holiness. — How removed. — Binghamton Camp Meeting. — Sought and obtained Perfect Love. — The turning Point. — The Baptism of the Holy Spirit. — A Night of refining Power. — Results of entire Sanctiiication in the Author's Experience. - Conclusion 295

Section First. Terms Signifying A Complete Gospel Salvation

1. What terms are commonly used to express full salvation ?

They are "perfect love" " perfection" " sanciification" and " holiness." These terms, properly speaking, are synonymous — all pointing to the same exalted state of grace. But while they all denote the same religious state, each one of them indicates some of its essential characteristics and peculiar phases. These terms are significantly expressive of the state.

The word " sanctification " has regard especially to the work in its connection with the entire consecration, of the soul to God. To " sanctify" means, to set apart ; to devote to holy uses. " Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy."

The term " perfection" refers especially to the completeness of the Christian character ; its freedom from all sin, and its possession of all the graces of the Spirit ; complete in kind. " Let us go on. unto perfection."

2 (13)

14 GOSPEL TERMS.

The phrase "perfect love" points more directly to the spirit, temper, and element in which the wholly sanctified and perfect Christian lives. " He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God."

The term " holiness" is somewhat more general and comprehensive than the others, and includes all things involved in complete salvation from sin, and the possession of the image and Spirit of God. " Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which na man shall see the Lord." These terms are used synonymously, and indiscriminately, in this book.

They are all scriptural, all significant, and all good ; and they never should be ignored by the church of God. No one of them should be employed to the exclusion of the others ; nor should other terms be chosen to their exclusion. The common use of other terms, such as " the life of faith," " rest in God," " full assurance," "the fullness of God," etc., in the place of the highly significant Bible terms, is at least of doubtful propriety. They are names given by inspiration to the work of God in the fully saved, and we do well to remember that our Saviour said, " Whosoever shall be ashamed of me, and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels."

Section Second. Regeneration And Entire Sanctification Not Identical

2. Do the Scriptures teach a distinction between regeneration and entire sanctification ?

They do. " And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. For ye are yet carnal ; for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men ? " " Having,, therefore, these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." " For the flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh ; and these are contrary the one to the other : so that ye can not do the things that ye would." " And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly." " Sanctify them through thy truth ; thy word is truth." All these passages have reference to Christians, who are in a regenerated state, but not entirely sanctified ; and these scriptures imply or teach that their entire sanctification had not yet been wrought.

3. Do the Scriptures assume a distinction betiveen regeneration and entire sanctification ?

They do. To sinners God says, " Ye must be born again." To the regenerate he says, " Be ye holy, for 1 am holy." These two classes of commands, in their various forms, are prominent through all the Gospels and Epistles.