Christian purity...

Front matter

m^sm-i.:

L'BRARY^CONGRESS.

ChapS.._. Copyright X

Preface To Revised Edition

Having received many gratifying proofs that former editions of this work were not only acceptable, but highly useful to many devout and thoughtful people, and having beenimportmied by many Mends to revise and extend it, particularly with reference to later phases of the subject of which it treats, we have been prevailed upon to attempt the work, and herewith submit the result. It is a pleasant reflection that twenty years of added experience and extended research have not materially changed the views at first expressed. The careful re-exammation which we have been required to make in the preparation of the present enlarged statement, leaves not a doubt in our mind of the substantial correctness of the doctrines herein set forth. The first writing was undertaken mider the inspiration, anil conducted during the evolution, of an exalted experience, and amid the glow of intense zeal. The present writing is the fruit of calm study and mature and deliberate judgment. We are not aware that a single point has been relinquished or materially modified. The revision and enlargement of the work has been prompted by the same aim, and carried forward by the same inspiration which gave birth to the original writing — a supreme desire to advance Christian holiness, and the hope that, at least, some disciples of our Lord might be through this means guided to the higher experiences and more solid attainments of grace. We have ventured to hope, also, that the miimj^assioned counsels and unpartisan spirit of this utterance, at the same time that it stimulated the earnest mid good, and aroused the lukewarm and indifferent to greater devote ^n and entireness, might also reconcile the differences, haruioiiize the sentiments, and quiet the unseemly strifes of those

who disagree chiefly in words, and perhaps not at all in substance.

The revision has extended to almost every page of the book, inv^olving an amount of labor nearly ccxual to tliat required for the original production ; but the chief additions will be found m the chapters discussing the difference between regeneration and entire sanctification, (in which is included the sulyect of sin in l^elievers,) and the question whether entire sanctification IS a progressive or instantaneous work. Tliese points have given rise to the greatest apparent differences, and have been discussed with the most seemmg temiDcr; and the disputes upon tliem have most threatened the quietude of the Church. On tlie points of the means of attainment, the necessity and measure of profession, and the propriety of segregating the body of believers into classes, by the institution of special means restricted to those professing this high experience, former utterances have been repeated with some additions, the justness of which, we trust, will appear to all, and the sj)irit of which will, we hope, offend none. Claiming only for our discussion this merit, that it has been earnestly and faithfully prosecuted with a " single eye," we venture to hope that it brings forth a statement of a great scri]3tural doctrine in a form that will be acceptable to all who can rise above partisan prejudginents, and regard their Christian brethren with that charity which no child of God can be without.

Whatever may be the result, we shall lx)ar with us the consciousness of having sincerely sought the peace of the Churcn of God, the highest develoj^ment of Christian life, and the greatest glory of the Master. Neither a word of teaching has been uttered, nor a word of advice given, nor an admonition conveyed, nor a reproof hinted, that was not Ijorn of tendcrneys and that is not suffused with love. May the infinite Spirit attend with his blessing the humble effort which, emanating from bis inspiration, we thus send forth with tremblmg and prayer. A voice among the thousands, may it be a messenger of peace and healing and salvation.

CONTENTS ohaptkb paqh

Introduction 9

I.— Preliminary Reflections 21

II. — Discrimination op Theories 44

III. — Christian Privilege or Entire Holiness Defined... 61

IV. — Entire Holiness Distinct in Degree fuon Regeneration 105

V. — Entire Holiness Attainable 129

VI. — Objections Considered 161

VII. — Means for the Attainment of Entire Holiness. . . . 180

7III.— Evidences by which one may know that he is entirely Sanctified 221

IX. — How Entire Holiness may be Retained .- 250

X.— Hinderances to the present Attainment and permanent Retainment of Holiness 269

XL — Advice to Christians professing this high Attainment ,, 282

XI I. — Motives to Entire Holiness 311

Apr ENDix 325

Introduction

In writing, as we must do, a hasty Introduction to Mr. Foster's book on Christian Purity, we deem it improper and out of taste, though it may not be out of fashion, to introduce extraneous subjects. In our judgment an introduction to a book should be a modest, truthful statement of its character and claims. We shall proceed upon this principle. *■

The work is divided into ten chapters, with de^ scriptive headings. The first is properly the author's introduction. It is addressed to the reader, a,nd headed, "The Occasion, Nature, and Object of THE Work." The too great influence of " the things which are seen" and temporal, the exigences of the Church, which imperiously demand that all her members should come "unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ," and the author's intense desire to see the Church awake and put on her strength, and put on her beautiful garments, are the occasion of the book.

What does the Gospel propose to us as our present personal privilege f What, as to moral and spiritual excellence, has it for me now } These are the grand lO mTRODUCTION:

inquiries which the author proposes to answer. Consequently his theme must be, "The fullness of the Gospel of Christ," the holiness of the Bible, the perfectness to which Christians may attain by Divine grace in this probationary estate. What a theme! What spiritual beatitudes has Infinite Love secured to us in this life by the agonies of Calvary } How fully can the Infinite Spirit which worketh in us mightily transform us now while on earth .'' To what present attainments does the word of God invite us, and the authority of God bid us } How sweet and sublime the office of answering these questions ! — to concentrate the rays of Holy Scripture on this glorious subject, and in the strong light thus furnished, enable the inquiring disciple to see clearly and fully his high calling of God in Christ Jesus. This work has been happily performed by the author in this book.

In executing this important work, the author has not set himself forth as a theological reformer. He has given no new and novel theory. He has set up no rivalry with other writers on the subject. He has made no assaults upon standard Wesley an authorities. He has not attempted to modify the long and generally received and cherished doctrines of the Methodist Church on this question ; nor has he, as a sectarian, labored to controvert the opinions ot other Churches. The work is also unencumbered with philosophical and metaphysical speculations.

IKTBODUGTION. II

It is an earnest, practical treatise on the subject. It IS a meek, ardent, prayerful effort, vividly to exhibit the principles and glories of Christian Purity, and to urge and enforce its claims. Surely such a book needs no apologist. It cannot find opponents among earnest, devoted Christians. All such will hail its advent. They will welcome it as another welladapted instrumentality to promote vital godliness in the world ; as a channel through which the crystal waters of the river of life may flow into human hearts, which are thirsting after righteousness ; as an efficient agency for leading sinners to that blood which cleanseth from all sin. Such are the manifest as well as the professed objects of the work, the spirit with which it is imbued, and the ability with which it is executed, that they cannot fail to secure for it the favorable regard even of those devout, holiness-loving Christians who may differ from the author relative to some of the views he has set forth. If they cannot embrace all his sentiments, they will fellowship his spirit. No one in the enjoyment of Bible holiness, and anxious for its spread and prevalence in the Church and in the worldj will doubt that the circulation of this ]itlle volume will do good — will be promotive of the glory of God in the sanctification of his children. In order to this, it is not necessary that the book should be better than the Bible, or even superior to the writings of Wesley, and Fletcher, and Watson, and Mer-

1 2 INTBOD UGTION.

ritt, and Peck, and Bangs, and others, on this subject Without claiming this pre-eminence, the work may be highly useful. It may relieve some minds of their perplexities concerning the nature of sanctification, the way of its attainment, or its evidences. It may present the motives to its pursuit in a way that, to some persons, will be more fascinating, or more pungent and successful. Again : every man has his circle of influence. Each author on this subject will secure some readers that would not give attention to the writings of others. Here is a power for gooc" that ought not to be lost. Verily, if there is any subject on which we need precept upon precept, and line upon line, the theme of this book is that subject. If there is any religious truth that should be urged upon the disciples of Jesus with the sweetness of his constraining love, and the solemnity of his Divine authority, it is the truth that Christians may and ought to be holy. O that tens of thousands of individuals, filled with its bliss, and inspired by its power, were telling of its charms, and inviting to its pursuit ! O that tens of thousands of spiritual limners, the Holy Spirit guiding their pencils, were actively and ceaselessly engaged in portraying the glories of this subject to the vision of the Church until every member of it, ravished by its beauties, and impelled by its attractions, would aspire to its attainment, by faith enter mto its enjoyment, and then join in labors to spread it ! Reader, before you pro-

TNTRODUGTIO.K 1 3

ceed further, s^op and pray for this. Holiness is the greatest good, the highest destiny of the militant Church, and the most precious interest of the race. A holy Church would soon make a holy world. If the Church were " without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing," her light could not be hid. When the Church puts on her entire strength, her influence must be triumphant in the world. When her hearts, and hands, and means, and influences are all devoted to God and his cause, her aggressive movements will be mighty, will be world-saving. As this book wisely instructs, judiciously and faithfully admonishes, and aflectionately and earnestly invites the Church to heed this duty, to secure this interest, it cannot fail to be highly useful. Its literary character is good. The style will interest most readers. But the author has not been careful about this. He has sought to give the work higher claims. In this he has succeeded. To interest the reader in the subject, and not in the book, is his aim.

The author, in the first chapter, having in a general way set forth his subject, in the second chapter takes up this specific topic. Christian Privilege, or the Jiighest Attainable Moral and Spiritual Excellence. In the commencement of the chapter he gives a very succinct statement of the different theories, both philosophical and religious, which have been propagated. This grouping together of these theories enables the reader to discern the beauty and harmony of the

14 INTRODTIGTION.

true, and the deformity and deficiency of the false ; a most happy method of exhibiting truth. In giving his own views, the author shows the difference between justification and sanctification. He does not, however, depreciate the former in order to exalt the latter. They are not rival but mutual truths. They are not conflicting graces struggling for pre-eminence in the heart, but harmonious graces ; the grace of regeneration leading to the grace of sanctification, and sanctification perfecting what is begun in regeneration. It is not therefore necessary to lower the one in order to elevate the other. The glories of the latter are so excelling that it is not necessary to obscure the real glories of the former to render them visible. In stating the nature of this attainment the author has not so sublimated and etherealized it as to make sincere inquirers utterly despair of attaining it : neither has he so simplified and explained away the subject of sanctification as to lead ordinary believers to say, The state is so little in advance of what I now enjoy that I feel no great concern about it. These extremes have been carefully avoided. I will ask the candid reader of this chapter to mark what is said of the effect of sanctification upon character. From not understanding this, most unfortunate mistakes have occurred. Let the point be well considered. A correct understanding of it will aid us greatly in judging of our own experience, and appreciating tiie Christian character of others. This chapter con-

INTBODUCTIOK 15

eludes with a most pungent appeal to the reader to become holy ; by grace, through faith in Christ, immediately to attain to the highest moral and spiritual excellence.

The object of the third chapter is, to prove the attainableness of the state of grace presented and illustrated in the preceding one. This is, therefore, a chapter of engrossing interest. Is the beautiful theory of holiness exhibited a true one } Is the blessed experience of moral purity described a real one .-* May all Christians understand this subject, and enjoy this felicity, in this life 1 Who can answer these questions satisfactorily.? What authority can determine them infallibly and eternally, beyond doubt and beyond controversy "i Every pious heart will say, Let me hear the voice of God in response to these inquiries. Nothing but a "thus saith the Lord," can remove all my doubts and confirm my faith. In reading this chapter your utmost wish may be gratified. The author invokes no other authority, consults no other oracle. He rests the entire question upon the Scriptures of divine truth. By an ingenious yet simple and ample collation of Scripture proofs, he has demonstrated the truthfulness of his doctrines. He has done more : he has shown most conclusively that this is the great object and aim of The Gospel economy; that for this purpose Christ died, the Holy Scriptures were given, the means of grace instituted, and the offices and agency of the l6 INTRODUCTION,

Holy Ghost furnished. Verily no one can carefully consider these Scripture arguments and not feel in his heart that it is the will of God, even his sanctification.

The author, in his intense desire to leave no lingering doubt upon any mind, to remove every stumbling-block out of the way of every person, and to hold up the truth in undimmed effulgence to every beholder, devotes the fourth chapter to answers to the various objections which have been (sometimes honestly and sometimes captiously) urged against the doctrine of Christian holiness, as he inculcates it. These objections are candidly stated, calmly considered, and fully answered. The reader will find in this chapter an able exegesis of those passages of Scripture which have been supposed to teach a different doctrine from the one set forth in this treatise. The harmony of the Scriptures on this subject is made most manifest.

Most of the readers who have progressed through a careful examination of these several chapters will be led with more or less anxiety to inquire. How is this great good to be obtained.^ How is this lich grace to be sought and realized } We believe many of those who have read the portions of the book already noticed will ask these questions with trembling concern, with burdened hearts. The author has anticipated the uprising of these questions in the minds of his readers at this point, and in the next chapter furnishes his answer. Probably no portion

INTRODUCTION. \j

of the work will be read more frequently, or with more intense concern or greater profit than this. Fisher Ames, in his funeral eulogium upon Hamilton, states that that illustrious orator made his discourses complete maps of his subjects. The subject of this chapter is, the way of attaining Christian holiness. The author's map exhibits the way of faith in Christ. Then the several stand-points on the road, and the different stages of progress, are carefully noted. The dangerous diverging paths are also faithfully exhibited. Still the way is not, in itself, a difficult, tedious, and tiresome one. It is not a long, weary, and perilous pilgrimage to travel the whole length of it. We are sanctified by grace through faith — therefore it may be now. That blood which cleanses from all sin has been shed ; Christ ever lives to intercede for those who seek its application ; the Holy Spirit waits to aid them in their exercises, and to transform them into the Divine nature and image ; all things are ready — consequently, whosoever exercises the faith described m this chapter will enter into the fruition of holiness. The sixth chapter explains the evidences of entire sanctification. These are the direct witness of the Holy Spirit, and the indirect, or inferential and confiimatory evidences of its fruits. Certainly a state of grace so exalted and blessed is not without its corresponding manifestations. It is reasonable here to expect the richest, ripest, and most luxuriant and l8 INTRODUCTION

luscious fruits found in the garden of the Loid. We ask the reader's attention to the distinctiveness of these evidences — or their variations from the evidences of justification — as the author has stated them.

Tlie seventh chapter is one of great practical importance. It discusses these two topics : How may hoHness be retained, and, when lost, how may it be regained 1 Few, if any, writers have treated these topics specifically and formally. And yet how vast their importance ! Nearly, or perhaps all, evangelical Churches have their books of counsel, and admonition, and encouragement, for young converts. They are entering upon a new life, assuming new :-esponsibilities and duties, and going into new scenes and untried circumstances ; and all feel that they should share, in a special degree, the sympathies and assistances of the Church, and pre-eminently so of their pastors. But who has evinced a corresponding interest in behalf ofethose who are just entering upon the enjoyment, the profession, and the practice of holiness "^ Are there no special responsibiHties devolving upon them ? Are there not temptations and rials in their path .? Will no evil one seek to rob them of this richer treasure } Will no malicious foe seek to cast them down from this loftier eminence } Such persons are still in probation ; they are still encompassed with infirmities ; they are still surrounded with wily and potent enemies ; they will have an

INTRODUCTION. 19

additional and new class of temptations to contend with ; they will be called to a new and higher series of exercises, both of heart and life, and, consequently, will need all the aids which the entire economy of ihe Gospel provides and permits. How kind and useful, then, is the office of one who is experimentally and practically acquainted with all the peculiarities of this station, to furnish to all who will receive them such warnings, and directions, and exhortations as are needful and appropriate ! This has been done by Mr. Foster in this chapter with an affectionate pastoral spirit, and with great plainness and considerable minuteness. I regard this as a very important service to the cause of Christian holiness, and one that gives to this book much of its intrinsic value.

The next effort of the author is, to show the insufficiency of the supposed or real hinderances to the attainment and permanent enjoyment of this grace. So clear and searching has been the investigation of these, that no reader can fail to see that there is nothing insurmountable in his difficulties, consequently no sufficient reason why he should not seek and- possess the blessing. Having brought his reader to this inevitable conviction, he now plies his understanding, and conscience, and heart, with the mighty motives of truth and love, to bring him to a prompt, determined, and successful pursuit of this high and glorious attainment. In this appeal to the reader to seek holiness, the transcendent and entrancing

20 INTRODUCTION.

glories of the subject itself are held up to win and allure to its pursuit. The authority of God, rightfully and positively requiring it, is urged. It is represented as the great pre-requisite for eminent usefulness. And the exigencies of the Church aie shown to demand such usefulness of all her members, and the glory of God to require it of all his people. The eternal interests involved are pressed upon the attention. This appeal is forcible, fervent, eloquent, searching, startling. O ! I pray that it may awake multitudes to the high destiny of holiness on earth, and its eternal beatitude in heaven !

The concluding chapter is taken up with general and particular advices to Christians, whether in the enjoyment of holiness or otherwise. These counsels are exceedingly pertinent and timely. They are highly instructive and interesting. They make a beautiful conclusion to this interesting volume.

I conclude this Introduction by expressing the hope that every one that reads it will also read, with candor and much prayer, the entire volume. I have noticed some parts more particularly than others, but all should be read. Study the book as a whole. If you find some things which you cannot approve, we are certain you will find much to admire, and much that will contribute to your religious edification.

Edmund S. Janes.

New York, March 18, 1851.

Chapter I. Preliminary Reflections

A MAIN object of the present volume is to gain the thoughtful attention of Christian mind (other will not be interested) to the question, What is the utmost privilege offered to faith as to spiritual healing and holy experience now, and to its answer ?

The question of privilege involves, of course, the correlative question of duty. In discussing fully the one, we necessarily fix the limits of the other. The utmost contents of the privilege of faith marks the boundary of the duty of faith. The believer is under obligatio7t to possess all, to the last degree, of that which he may possess in Christ. Present possibility of holiness determines present duty of holiness. The metes and bounds are common. However it ma}/ be with regard to other goods which a gracious Providence places within our reach, holiness is a form of good which, to the utmost extent possible, is obligatory. If we may forego others without guilt, we may not neglect this without fault.

The question, therefore, proposed for discussion is one of great practical importance. It stands related intimately to the dearest welfare of the soul ; it concerns the highest interests of the kingdom of Christ. Its correct answer or otherwise must to a large extent shape and fashion Christian experience and practice. It is impossible that it should be too earnestly pondered. The answer which it shall receive in the Christian consciousness carries in it that which will go far to determine what the Christian status shall be — whether the piety of the Church shall be deep, earnest, Christful, or superficial, sickly, and earthy.

" The things which are seen " attract us. A dewdrop sparkling on the rose-tree awakens more admiration than the priceless ingot which may be concealed amid its roots. The tmknown cannot move us. It is not enough that an object be of transcendent value to give it power over human affections ; it can awaken no desire, influence no act until it is brought within the sphere of cognition. Unknown, it is as impotent as if it were unbeing. The greatest good, containing in it the highest excitants to hope and endeavor, remains void and powerless if unapprehended. The Master tells of a man "who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it ;" * and of " treasure hid in a field, the which when a man hath found he hideth, and for joy

* Matt, x'lii. 46.

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thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth that field." * It was not until after the pearl and treasure were discovered, and their great value known, that desires were awakened and sacrifices made for their attainment.

What the Gospe^. proposes as the privilege of man, what it promises to do for him, particularly as it respects moral and spiritual elevation, must become the question which, by force of irresistible attraction, will yet draw all minds and sway all hearts. Philosophers and poets, statesmen and scholars, as well as divines and religionists, must yet do it homage ; and the collective intelligence of the world accord it attention. There is no question of comparable importance. The physical man has had his day — a day of darkness and debasement, of sensualism and crime ; the intellectual man is enjoying his — a day of refulgence and splendor ; the spiritual man must have his, and of as superior brightness as the interests pertaining to the soul are superior to those pertaining to the perishable body. It is now in the dawn. The oncoming of its glory is but a little in the future. The moral elements are in portentous motion. Borne along upon the resistless and excited current, one cannot but inquiringly ask, and prophetically anticipate, what the end must be. If he penetrate beneath the thin exterior crust of mere surface activity, into the discovery of hidden causes,

* Matt. xiii. 44.

24 CHRISTIAN PUItlTT,

he must soon perceive what is entirely obvious, that the great agency impelling the world forwaid with such momentum is none other than the spirit of Christianity — the omnipotence of the Gospel. Here, he must discover, are the interior sources of the matchless energy, stirring and heaving all around him ; the agency infusing the awakening spirit, evoking the resistless agitation, breaking the deathlike spell of ages, and rousing the central forces which cause the great heart of the world to throb and palpitate with a living excitement, quickening to the extremest fiber, and sending the life-current to the remotest nerve. If he thoughtfully ponder what he beholds, he must perceive in the Gospel the elements of the world's regeneration ; and in surrounding phenomena, predictive foreshadowings of the oncoming and never-ending glories of a reign of righteousness and peace, in which the knowledge of God shall fill the earth, and the moral perturbations of the race give place to quietness and assurance forever. Men must yet do justice to the highest questions, and give to them their rightful place in their thoughts.

But why shall we plead for our theme with you, Christian reader.? Surely, whoever may be indifferent, you cannot

If the blessings of the Gospel were unconditional — if without any agency of ours they were designed to be conferred upon us — we might in that case remain con-

PRELIMINART MEFLECTI0N8. 25

tentedl}/ ignorant of our privilege until we should find ourselves rejoicing in possession ; but if, on the other hand, there are riches to be sought before obtained, blessings to be specifically solicited before given, how manifestly important that we know the value of the treasure, its nature and extent, as well as the mode of its acquisition, that we may be stimulated to the pursuit and guided in its method ! If one knew that his domain embraced a mine of gold containing a million pounds, how much would he value it — how diligently would he seek the imbedded treasure ! If he supposed it contained no such wealth, it would be comparatively valueless in his eyes, and he would die without exertion. In exact proportion as the blessings of the Gospel are valuable, therefore, is it desirable that we clearly apprehend and definitely conceive them. At the present time particularly, when the mind of the Church is turned, with more than usual interest, to the subject of Christian privilege, and when the hearts of thousands in Christendom are peculiarly awake to it — when inquiry is abroad, and action is assuming form and direction — ^it becomes of deeper and wider consequence than ever before.

To say that the Church is now living, and from the time of the beginning has been living, beneath her privilege, below her mission, would certainly be but a mild and moderate though humiliating utterance of the conviction of Christendom. She has not

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entered upon her full heritage. She has conscious])- and knowingly left much land ^o be possessed. What is true of the aggregate of believers is mournfully true of almost each soul in the communion of Christ's body. Individual Christians have fallen below the standard. But few exceptions, comparatively, could m truth or charity be made. Only one in a multitude, with mightier impulse and greater faith than his fellows, has nobly dared to brook the difficulties, and go up to the possession of the entire promise. These stand as so many examples of the power of faith amid surrounding sterility and desolation, and at the same time are inspiring witnesses to the Church of her privilege, and reproving admonitors of her inexcusable short-coming. Why is this } Why, at least, has there not been in the general experience of the Church a respectable approximation to her privilege 1 Why has she so long, and so almost universally, remained content with an inferior piety "^ I know not what response v/ill come to your mind. A very plain and obvious one comes to mine. It is not alone, or even chiefly, because of the influence of exterior things. These outward impediments, united with the almost invincible depravity of our nature, have doubtless contributed to the result, But greater than these have been the conjoint hinderances arising, first, from an inadequate apprehension of privilege, and second, as growing out of the first, insufficient imuulse or effort after full attain-