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Tha last racordad frama on aach nticroficha shall contain tha symbol -^> (moaning "CON- TINUED"), or tha symbol y (moaning "END")/ whichavar applias. * Maps, platas<^chartsi, ate. may ba fiimad a diffarant raduction ratios. Thosa too iarga antiralyJncliidad in ona axposura ara film baginning in tha uppar laft hand cornaj'. i right and top to bottom, as many Umtn raquirad. Tha following diagrams illustrata tha mathod: %. L'axamplaira flimi fut raprodult grida i li v g*n4rOsit4 da:^ -, ■ TNUsHiiClMiwIiafCMMihAMMwt , Las imagas suh^SntaS ont Atd raproduitas avec la plus grand soln, compta tanu da la condition at - da la jiattat* da l'axamplaira film*, at an conformh* avac IdLconditions du eontrat da - . filmagif,-^ . ■; ■J^^--,^ .--^'i^^ .- Laa axamplairas originaux.d^nt la couvartura an papiar astnimprimte sont filiate an commanpant par la pramiar plat at an tarmlnant soit par la damlAra paga qui comporta una ibmprainta d'impraaslon ou d'lllustration, aolt par la sacond plat, salon la cas. Tous las stutras axamplairas . originaux sont filmfo an commanpant par la prariiiira paga qui comporta una amprainta dimprassion ou d'iiliistr^tiph at en tarmlnant par la darnlAra paga qui comporta una talla amprainta. Jin das symboias sulvahts apparattra sur la Idarniira irriaga da chaqua micrbficha, salon la cas: la symbols -^signlfia "A SUIVRE", la symbols V signiffia "FIN". ias cartas, planch^', tabiaaux.^tc. pauvant fttra fllmte A das taux da reduction diff«rants. Lorsqua la docujriiant ast trop grand pour Atra ' raproduit an un saul ciich«. il ost filhi« « partir da rangia sup#riaur gbucha. da gaucha A droita. at da haut an bas. .an pronant 1% nombre d'imagas nAcassaira. Las diagram mas suivants illustraht la mAthoda. vV^-.- I IS." -■ moKoqon nsoiUrioN rwsi chart (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No, 2) ' ' . 1.25 IM 'Itt Itt Itt 1^ jy^ 2.r 3.2 3^ ■ 2.0 • 4 11 1.6 / I 1 » /APPLIED IM^E Inc 1653 East Main ^frwkt Rochntcr. Htm Yorfc 14609 USA (716) 482 - 0300 -. Phon« (716) 288 - 5989 >- Fox ■'% ' '•^.'"■l^ OmBCTIOHS TO SBHKHRS ES^KITII^E. ©AKOTlF|C5A^fCfXl5» BY ELE V. RICliARID VV^IlvSQ^N > OP THK MONTRBAL bONFERKNCB. 1WITH RH IHTHOPVCTIOH ttHV. JOHN POtTS, D. D. StCONO EDITION. ENLARGED AND IMPROVED. ^ ^#^ ■pi^ieE. 10 etf. ul .V- "■ :.:i ■.*■,: ''^l. ^:^ EnVreA afeoordlng to Act of Parliament of Gan^a, in the Office of the Minister )f, Agriculture, by Rev. ttiCHAnn Wilson, in the year one thousand eight mihdred and ninety-four. ' . / 0. J. Pratt, Printer, Owen Sound. .V- "■ :.:i ^*.■, :,i V r' t- r . linister id eight ■^:^ INTRODUCTION. The subject of this little bookfet is J[hat the late Bishop Jesse T. Peck well defined it to be "The Central Idea of Christianity." The Bible isfull of it in the form of precept, prayer and promise, (,^_^ftnd the Holy Spirit influences all true believers to enter into the experience of the beatitude. ♦'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Literature on Holiness is of the greatest benegt to all who are seeking to be thoroughly consecrated disciples^^he Lord Jesus. While the Bible is the great text-book of Honf ess, intelligeny expositions of the Scripturgs on the subject are helpful in a very high degree. Many in all the churches are athirst for God and ;will hail with gratitude the guidance of this precious little volume. Let it be remembered that Holiness is not only essential to admission to the Roeiety of the' Spirits of just men made perfect, but it is also a prerequisite of the highest and best christian service on earth. It is as much needed to glorify God on earth as to enjoy God in heaven. No doctrine is more clearly taught in the Scriptures than that of *'Holines8 unto the Lord." Instead of looking at it in a controyersial light, as, alas» it has been too often studied, let all the people of God contemplate this glorious doctrine of graco as one of the greatest blessings of the atonement of the Lord Christ, Tf ho "gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto hiniself a peculiar people zealous of good works." . # The King's Highway is a safe book to recommend to seekers \.. r 73 I '; ^-'iy^'m!"- )Z' : ■•.'••• :._ ;rp'>'^!w^',; ■. •■' ■■'■<>'.''■ .;.!. : ■ : , . -a- >^- .•..-'■■■:■■■ ^; of tlM higher life, and it will be found refreshing and comforting to all who are journeying through • "Tho land of rest from inbrod flia, The land of perfect hoUnesB." . May it prove a benediction to all who prayerfully ponder its pages. ^, ' This book-cannot bo read without the conviction that it is the fruit of the scriptural, diligent and sympathetic study of one who is no stranger to the King's Highway. ' JOHN POTTS. Good Pridav, 1894. ^ /. r V ;f •^'h ♦ ■■■■■-■■ ■■ f ^ - ..'■-■■".■ . ' '. ' ■■'■.■ ■'■■:■'' '• . ' . .'■■'_ ■ ■ .' . " ■ ' ■. ■ ■ j w •jp-p • :v^; /. :^>: THE KING'S HlGHWflY i DIHECTIOHS TO SEEKERS OF ENTIRE SAHCTIFICATION. By Rfi^. RICHARD WILSON, —OF TllK— MONTREAL gONFKIlENCE. "TTT'E send forth this short treatise to all anxious inquirers about the highest type of religious life, with the prayer andhope, that it may prove helpful to all those who read its pages. We would point to the highway of holiness, as the direct, and only safe way to eternal blessedness. Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the ; good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. — Jer. vi. 1(5. Our object is to reach and instruct busy men and women, who think that they have no time to devote \o the study of a more lengthy, or elabor^|filjrfeatment of ^ur life. h^^\^ei.GS, 15, mdmive. . - ^_ Paul the Apostle, who was a most eminent example of sanctity, says: Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved; let us cleanse ourselves from all iilthiness of the flesh a^ spirit, per- 7Tny^'"''ti ■ fecting holiness in the fear of (iod. TI. Cor. vii. 1. Again: And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved hlameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He thatcalleth you who also will do it. I Thess. v. 28, 24. And John, the "disciple whom Jesus loved," puts this subject before us, m the following inspiring words: Butwhoso koopeth His word in hnn verily is the love of Ood perfected, her^hy know we tha^we are in Hini. I John 11. 5. The texts above, ^re suttlcient for the answer to our question. However: a great number of passages besides these could be quoted; which— in one form, or another— teach this great truth so plainly, and so fully, that it is matter of surprise that the subject i*s not more generally understood by the pious readers of ^ God's Book. Moreover:— by the commands which it gives- to all ' christians to live holy lives; by th§ noble examples which it holds up for imitation; by the provisions which it makes for the develop- ment of high religious character in every believer; and, by the ♦'exceedmg great and precious promises" upon which it expects all the godly to rely:— by these things, and many more that we do not mention, the Bible seeks to win, or ta urge, all Gb^'s children to this blessed condition of spiritual life. The scriptures are full of this subject. In our estimation— so far as the Church of Christ is concerned— this doctrine is the ruling truth of ■ Revelation around which all other truths revolve, like the planets f around the sun. "Holiness to the Lord" is its leading thought. Bishop Foster eloquently writes, that: "It breathes in the prophecy; thunders in the law; murmers in the narrative; whispers in the promises; supplicates in the prayers; sparkles in the p^try; resounds in the songs; speaks in the types; glows in the imagery; voices in the language, and burns in the spirit of the whole scheme, from its Alpha to Omega, from its beginning to its end." Ques. II.— Should the people of Goc^ press after 'the att9inment of Entire Sanctification? Ans.— Of course they should; until 4hey. are able to measure up *^\ .«.. T- ■.■■■*•■*.. - to the staadaid of the Bible. Ghdst also loved thc^^hurch, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse 'it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to. Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any sueh thing; but that it" should be holy and without blemish. Eph. V. 26,26,27. \ * , ... We can scarcely estimate the grandeur of christian : privilege a>at is found in the l3ospel. It towers away above us, like mountain heights,, its summit flooded with the light of heaven! God's people are "the children of light; ^' they are to be "full of light;" and they are to be "the light of the world." Divine radiance is to surround them atalltimes. They are to dwell in God. A poet anticipates all this as their portion: "Now then my God.thou hast my soul; '■■■'■■.,/_ No longer mine, but thine I am; Guard thoy thine own, possess it whole; %, Cheer it with hope, with love inflame; Thou hast my spirit; there display Thy glory tor the perfect day. " Thou liftst my flesh, thy hallowed shrine, . Devdted solely to thy will; Here let thy light forever shine; This house still let thy preseft^^ fill; O source of life — live, dwell and naove, , In me, till all my life be love." " These people are to possess great liberty in their approaches to ' God in acts of worship. At the foot of His throne where: "bright with excessive blaze," Divine gjory shines so attractively; they have the assurance of Christ, that: If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John xv. 7. The right to pray to God— under these cpnditions — is a most marvellou^'thing. "O wondrous powe^of faithful prayer! What tongue can tell the almighty grace? ; God's hands or bound or ppen are, ;•' As Mosea or Elijah prays!" . Now: we argue, that privilege — and we have been able to \f ii 'I lurch, and ise 'it with esent it to« [le, or any Qish. Eph. ^privilege le us, like of heaven! be "full of .." Divine to dwell in pproaches to lere: "bright itively; they ne, and my ihallbedone -under these e? t)een able to touch, only the border of it in this brief space— ought to regulate, and bound christian duty in regard to the attainment of entire sanctification. This is blessedly possible : it should, therefore, be exemplified by all christians. Ques. III.— What is Entire Sanctification ? Ans —It is that high state of grace, in which the child of God is perfectly cleansed from all outward and inward sin. The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son cleanseth us from all sin: IJohn i, 7. It is to be so filledwiththejgivinelife, that it becomes possible to freely and fully obey the E^d Jesus Christ when He says : "Thou Shalt IdVe the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, afid with aU thy mfnd. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." This state of grace means also: to be set apart wholly to the Divine service, for this life and for that whicji is to come; so that the absolute ownership of God shall be fully acknowledged a^d honoured. Ye are not your own, forye are bought with a,priice; therefore glorify God, in your body, and in your spirit; which are Gpd's. I Cor. vi. 19, 20. X A person who is thus cleansed from sin, and filled with the life of God, and fully consecrated to the Divifie service is entirely sanctified. This is our scriptural limit. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a^jD^r/^c/ TWflTZ, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ- Eph. iv. 13. This was typified by the sanctification of the priesthood of Aaron, and by that of the iitensils which were used in the Jewish religious service. Of it, the Rev. John Fletcher, vicar of Madeley, writes'.— **It is that maturity of grace and holiness which established adult helievers attain to under the Christian dispensation. * -'= * A spiritual constellation made up of these gracious stars— perfect repentance, perfect faith, perfect humility, perfect meekness, perfect self-denial, perfect resignation, perfect hope, perfect charity fo r ou r visible enemies, as well as for our ea rthly re- ;-1-, ; ,.^,. lationa; and above all perfect love for our invisible God^through the explicit knowledge of our Mediator, Jesus Christ." The profound Rev. Richard Watson sets it biefore his kaders in the. following words:— * 'We conclude, therefore, as to ihe{time of our complete sanctification/ or,— to use the phrase ofytbe Apostle Paul 'the destruction of the body of sin,'— that it ^n neither be referred to the hour of death, nor pla'ced subsequent! to this present life. The attainment of perfect freedom from sii is one to which believers are called during the present life; and is necessary to that completeness of holiness, and of those active and passive graces of Ohristianity by which they are called to glorify God in this world, and to edify mankind.*' The Rev. John Hannah, D. D. states:--' 'Entire Sanctification, according to the principles of our lecture on the holiness of God should denote entire separation from sin, an entire preparation for God, and an entire dedication to his service." Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean : from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within yovit and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you', and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and dcTthem. Ezekiel xxxvi. 25, 26, 27. Ques. iV.— Do the sacred writers use any other terms in describing the state of Entire Sanctification ? Ans,— They do. In this way the vfOTrd. Bishop PeckySay-s:-— "By theassumptions and requirements oKthe Bible, and by experience, it is liettled that its commehce- raem is simultaneous with regeneration, or the new birih ; and , withXeqi^al clearness that it is not completed at thati time." V \Ve\argue, that it is unscriptural, abd therefore injurious to ' confound these two most distinct' states of religious Ufe. The one^ iS the pardon and regeneration of the sinner ; the other, is / the cle^slng from all unrighteousness of the believer. One of/ them is theystate of spiritual childhood ; the otherlTthat of spiritual maturity. ' One is the beginning of life in Jesus ChrisV, and the other la the peHestion of that life^life developed and fu^. On this distinction, we have seen^ that the Bible utters no uncertain sound;Vnd \^e therefore see the necessity for this deejper work of grace in the hearts of truly pious p^qple. Therefor^ leaving the principlW of the doctrine of Christ, ie|^ us go oh unto perfection. . Heb. vi. Qaes. VI.— Is the experience of Entire Sanctificafcion a very blessed one? \ ' •••■/.-^ ■ ', \,r .■"'■■■^ Ans.-^It is a jjaost blessed and happy state, both of heajTt and life. In it, all the graces \)f the christian character— in^eir :/■•■ k: ■ ■■:■■ . _io_:;.;.-,-^ ■■;■,: ■"-,.■■.■■■■; maturity— are 80 united, that they "illustrate each other like the colours in the rainbow." A good writer calls it: "The christian's secret of a happy life. It is to live constantly in the glory of the blessed Redeemer I "I'he Saviour obnoei and walks vrith me, And Bweei oommunioii here have we; He gently leads me with HiB hand, For this iB heaven's border land." It is looked upon in this way, by^all those who livein its light and joy. They are so filled with the Spirit of Christ, that all the events of their life are regarded as the best thmgs which could occur ; because God orders or allows them. They have- in their every day-life— reduced the advice of St. Paul, to a prac- tical form:— "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." The happinoss, or bliss, of the state of justification is often very great. It means, the forgiveness of all past sins; a new life unto righteousness ; and an introduction to all the blessings of the gospel o(, Christ, Sin is a coiiquered enemy. Satan is now no longer the master of the soul. "Old things are passed away."- At the same time : we are bold to affirm that this blessedness — ^great as it confessedly is— cannot be properly compared with the greater blessedness of this higher state which we are trying to describe. Art has done much to paint in glowing colours "the beauty of holiness;" Poetry has sung in, sweetest strains the richness of this "inheritance of thesaints;"PhilQ8ophy has thrown out its longest line to sound the depth of this "river of God;" Theology has plumed its most vigorous pinions to reach the sub- lime height of this "mountain of the liord;" and yet its fuU-orbed gloify has never been presented for the admiration of the world. W0II might a poet give expression to his rapture in the following' graceful words : ::; , ««0'erwhelm'd with thy Btnpendous grace, I Bhall not^in thy presence move, , But breathe nniitterable praise, And.raptnroiiB awe and Bilent love." '4 ^•••^ -) 11 Ques. VII—Does the experience of Entire S^nlstification se- cure to the believer a great increase of spiritual power f Ans.— Yes it does. Ah almost unlimited amount of this power will result from its enjoyment. It means the strength of Godj allied with the devoted christian, in all his requirements. He .will find himself able to accomplish— to the glory of God— all things that he may be called upon to do, or to suffer for Jesus Christ his Lord. To keep himself "unspotted from the worid;"he will soon learn that much spirii ual power is needed'. This will/ not be doubted for a moment,by any one' who has engaged in this struggle. Failure is sure to follow in the train of weakness. He must therefore be strong in the Lord, if he would succeed. « Besides this: there are manydutieswhichheowes to mankind, that he must discharge, if he would at last give a good account of his stewardship. He ought to strive, as far lets lies within him to instrumentally save all those who come within the circle of his influence: and this will prove to him that this power is in- dispensable. If christians be not indued with this power when they put forth efforts to evangelize the world and thus bring it into subjection to Jesus Christ; it will be in vain for them to point at the splendid equipment with means for usefulness at the disposal of the Church of Christ; atthe tens of thtitisands of learned and eloquent preachers of the word of life; at the large congre- gations that regularly listen to the sermons of this ministry; at the numerous and costly structures which are built for these congregations to w6tship in; and at the intensity of denominat- ioual love which these great gatherings of people often exhibit . All these things— and many more that might be mentioned— will not avail if this induement be not possessed. This is the baptism of power which the Holy Ghost alone imparts by His indwelling. Dr. Whedon says:— "Pentecostal sanctification is the normal privilege of the truly faithful for all ages." But ye shall re- ceive power after the Holy Ghost iscomeupon you: and.ye shall be. witnesses unto me both in Jersusalem. and m all Judea,and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts i, 8; "'w-^. ■-/■■ **'■ - Look at this induement as exemplified by the disciples at the "dawn of The Faith." "Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on l^igh" was Christ's command to His followers. United, earnest/ importunate and believing prayfer was offered up to God for ten days, and then the promised baptism of the Spirit came. It filled every soul. What a won- derful change in the views, and feelings, and spiritual life, of those disciples, was efltected by this baptism. They were^uUy transformed in the grandeur of their character. They became conscious of marvelous strenfi^th for the performance of the:r work; perfect assurance, both in jbhe character and work of Christ, scattered all their doubts to the'winds; and a true courage— equal to every emergency that might arise— banished all timidity and f«ar ! They were starting in a course of universal triumph. They felt that through Christ, all things were possible to them. So it will be in our case when we are perfected in love. Ob- stacles will melt away before us. Nothing will prevent our ultimate and complete success. Let us illustrate. There is a train of cars. Mechanical skill has dope all that it could to make the proposed journey, for the eager tourists, as rapid,, and as pleasant as it was possible to do; but it is stationary as the road upon which it lies.' Look at the engine. It is a large and very heavy , and a strongly -built kind of thing. To ma ke them move as they were designed to do, a hundred men may try their strength in vain. As they are, both train and engine can do nothing for the tourists. But: the requisite water is supplied— the fuel is put in order — the fire is kindled- the engine is fastened to the train ; and with a full head of steam, away rush the engine and train as if they were instmct with life 1 What the steam is^o them— that and more— is the indwelling Spirit of holiness.to all christians in every walk of life. How mifch then is this grace to be desired, because of the power it implies! We believe that this is ih:^ great ^ want of Ihe Church; and that God waits to bestow it plenteously upon those who hunger mnd thirst after righteousness. ; All may ■ /■ ■•■• .i -y ■ — 1-8— . ■ ■■:•-•..* .. Qiies. -VIII.— Is there any possible growth in the state, of Entire Sanetification? Ans.— Of course there is. Instead of causing them to remain stationary— if indeed that were at all possible — it helps christians to advance in religion much more rapidly than they otherwise can do: as seed which is sown in a garden, when not obstructed oif dwarfed by noxious weeds. In spiritual life ; if you remove from the soil of the human heart, all "roots of bitterness;" then you will properly increase in every excellence. All the fruits of the Spirit, will abound in your experience jiind life. There can b€! no possible growth in the '*charftctef* oi theVblessing of entire sanetification: it is a perfect work of God wrought iij the hfe of the believer; just as the pardon of sin is a perfect justifi- cation of the sinner. A person thus saved can be no more than entirely sanctified as long as he lives. But whilst this is true, there is the growth of "development* in this high state of grace, which will doubtless last forever. From the nature and capacities of the human soul, it is reasonable to conclude, that there will be enlargement and progress in every excellence when we shall be, surrounded and glorified by the effulgence of the I)iety in heaven. ■'■-■'■■■■ ■.'■:, ^ Ques. IX.— Does Entire Sanetification free the believer from mistakes of judgment and practice? Ans.— Certainly not. We should not expect deliverance from infirmity , long as we live. We are writing abotit deliverance from sin— evangelically considered— and not about deliverp,nce from mistakes, which have no moral qualities in them. The saintly Rev. John Fletcher furnishes the following ex- amples:— Does a well meant mistake defile the conscience? You inadvertently encourage idleness and drunkenness, by Mndly re- lieving an idle drunken beggar, who imposes upon your charity by plausible lies : is this loving error a sm ? A blundering apothecary sends you arsenic for alum; you use it as aliim, and chi l d; but are yon a murderer it you gav e the f a tal poison your tau ilh . dose in love? St. PauJ was perfect in love, whi casta out feaf, and therefore he boldly reproved the high priest : but when he had reproved him more sharply than the fifth commandment allowed, he directly confessed his mistake, and set his seal to the importance of the duty, in which he had been inadvertently wanting. Then Paul said:-! knew not brethren that he was the high priest: for it is written, thoii shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. Acts xxiii. 8j 4, 5. St. John was perfect in the courteous, humble love which brings us down at the feet of all. His courtesy, his humility, and the dazzling glory which beamed forth from a divine messenger— whom he deemed td be more than a creature— betrayed him into a fault contrary to that of St. Paul : but far from concealing, he openly confessed it, and published his confession for the edification of all the churches: When I; had heard and seen, says he, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel whp showed nie these things. Then saith he unto me, -see thou do it not, for I am thy fellGW-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets,and of them which keep the Idyings of this book; worship God. Rev. xxii. 8, 9." Examples of this kind of mistakes among the holiest of men, could be given almost without number. They mar the perfect symmetry of human religious character in its best estate ; but they are not sins. We think that both scripture and reason clearly 'show, that mistakes are compatible with the most exalted state to which we can attain in the present world. We.therefore, claim no infallibility of judgment for entirely sanctified people. Ques.X.— Are persons who enjoy Entire Sanctification ever tempted by Satan ? , -" Ans. -Yes. They are often troubled in this way just as other christians are. Indeed our Lord Himself was subjected to very great annoyance on this account. At one time— perhaps only a sample of His trials, from this source— He was tempted for forty days. The servant in this matter could not expect to be above bis Lord. In Paradise, when Eve was perfectly innocent, she was tempted^by Satan. We should not look for deliverance from this peril, for even the most holy of her children in their fallen 46—. 1 . and rodeomed condition. All through our present life we shall be exposed to these attacks. Canon Farrar ix) his eloquent "Life of Christ," very, properly says: — ••No amount of temptation can ever necessitate^ sin." Indeed these temptations— when prop- erly resisted — will always be the means of greater grace, and brighter glory tofjiUy devoted souls. God is ever watchful, to behold the meaau re of danger and suffering, which is caused by them. Blessed consolations flow from such assurances as the fol- lowing:— There hath no temptation taken you but such as is cummon to man: but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. I Cor. X, 13. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be ye are in heaviness through manifold temptation^: that thj3 trial of your faith, being much more precious than 0f gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be fou^d unto praise and honour and- glory at the appearing of Jesus IChrist. ,1. Peter, i, 6, 7. ).■ ■ -.'■':■/.■'' \- ' -.'^j '■ \\'''-'^y' Ques. XI,— Can Entire Sanctification never be logt-jfti^ its l^oasessora impeccable f ' • v^ Ans.— It may be forfeited through unfaithfulness. There is no scriptural assurance tbM we are out of all peril-reven a' peril that means this great loss- while we remain in this world. The whole course of our present existence necessarily implies trial, danger, and the' possibihty of failure. When therefore we are • rejoicing in this "fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ," we are Btill only in Q> probationary state. All dep^ds upon our fidelity. We must still walk bj faith. We must be true tb our convictions of privilege and duiy. • We must never falter. We shall find that entire sanctification is the best possible preventive of falling into sin. No excuse foir any degree of. backsliding, is to be found ioUhe Book of Godi The grace of God is sufficient for every emergency, and for every condition of human life. l ^t. Peter gave JLhe follo w ing sound and wise advic e to the christians of his own time— and the advice is as needful now as it ip- X ■ — 16— ■■ ■■■ was then:— Yg therefore, beloved, seeing ye know those things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. II Veteriii. 17. And, in order to give comfort to the tempted disciples of his precious Lord he says:-^Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; For so an entrance shall be miniatered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingglom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. II Peter i. 10, 11. Ques. XII.— Have any christians ever lived in the enjoyment of^ntire Sanctification? Ans.— Certainly. Many sWing examples of this state of grace have been seen in all the Wngelical churches. They have adorned every age. All the disciples were thus savel on the day of pentecost. They^ere all filled with the Holy G host. ^Pheir love of God was perfected. Their whole nature was brought under the most powerful divme influence. Stephen was thus saved— his countenance beamed with holy radiance when he stood before the Jewish council— and when his murderers were doing their cruel work upon his innocent person, he prayed to God for their fprgivenees. . St. Paul, in writing to the Philippian chufqh, professed, tiiat not only himself, but^lso some of the memberB of that church were perfect. But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things whict are before, I press^ toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.. Let us therefore, as many as he perfect, be thug minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal i^ven this unto you. PhiL iii. 1», 14, 15^ In the days of the Wesley s, there were many unexceptionable witnesses of God's power to save unto thp uttermost. Rev. John Wesley says:—* 'In London alone I found six hundred and fifty- two members of our Society who were exceedingly clear in their experi<^nce, and whosei7 ' (tily I'm constrained to be 1 j'et thy goodness, like a fetter, ^- . Bind my wandering heart to thee: . Prone to wander, liord, I feelit, , /;, Prone to leave the God I love." This proneness to forsake God ought not be tolerated by any believer: for God waits to take it all a w ay by the Spirit of HoU- ness. Entire devotion has '*a vigorous pinion; by it the spirit 3^-. •' • ■ t\ ■ , both the f. • . . imonnt of ation? Let 1^ irfHeeking )r it, but, r pursuing Itbrislipe; fcbristian ve piety of lids fellow- ,1 realities a meetings regularly ir ideal of s and pray iened with aware ieir us ingle year, churches. meetings ted by any r it of Holi- \, the spirit t *< ^ -%- # }oiiU)H buoyant; it spurns the earth and its allureiiaontB--riRe8 mtijeHtic ease, ability and pleuHure—and Ho»rs, and sits Christ in hoavonly places." , fues. XI v.— What reasons would you assign why the majority of christians do not enjoy Kntire Sanctitication? Ans.— We cannot look for any reason for this state of things, in the arrangements of God, for the restoration of mankind to / p His favor or likeness. It is our conviction, that the chief cause, or reason is to be found in the fac^, that this sui^ect is not as -, frequently — as lovingly— or as attractively preached as its position in the Bible demands. It will not be quGWtioned, that the pulpit is very largely the educator of the people in mailers of religion. True,— this great subject is **not all the gospel but * the )^A'(7/zrf r^5/y// sought in the gospel." f Then^ in aom^ cases, when this subject is presented with all wisdom and fidelity for the acceptance of the people;»-they are slow of heart to learn— or backward to practice, its weighty les- sons. They should take heed how they hear what God speaks to them by the mouth of his servants. They should tnasure up His most gracious words. They should not be indifferent to the claims of Ohrist upon their perfect service. At a most vlonderful sacrifice He has opened up a way i«nto this holy state for all His servants;— He has become their untiring and powerful Avocate with the Father in order that they mi^?ht be fully 'prepared unto every good work;— He has commissioned them to witness to the efficacy of His blood to cleanse from all unrighteousness;— and, in one way He has placed His honour in their hands:— eurely then, they ought to be entirely devoted to His service. Indeed, it is in this way only that they can properly represent Christ to the world; or secure for themselves the grandeur of their ctwistian character. They should note, thiat they wiU be sure to lose much comfort-^and influence— and spiritual triumph, by not -living in the enjoyment of perfect love. .v ' ^ Ques. XV. — Should the doctrine of Enti r e Sanctification be — often made the subject of pulpit ministration? ;V , % & 1' I . ■;■■-:■- ■-..;■■:;■/ —20— :■ ■.;-••■■;...■■ ^ '■'■■■'■:' ■ •' AniJ— Without any hesitation we say that it should be. The great salvation of the gospel, is the pardon and regeneration of 8inners,-and the purification and perfectit>n of chnstians. Full salvation means this. The pulpit is charged with this grand, twofold theme. Pardon and holiness should tl»«'^«^o';^» "°» out their beautiful chimes in the brightness of the babbath morfiing;-and when eventide is flooded with the radiance of the setting sun. St. Paul said in his last message to the elders of Ephesus—I take you to record this day, that I am pure frOto the blood of all men. For Ihave not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Acts xx. 26, 27. We.need only to tefer to the brilliant examples of a Bramwell, aStoner, aSmith, and a Gaughey; to see how wonderfully useful holiness makes men to be. These men were fuU of this theme. They frequently preached upon it. And the liord set the seal of His approbation upon them. When the day of Christ's coronation shall come-- when His welcome words of commendatiwi shall be uttered conceWiBK His ministerial servants-when His highest rewards shaU be distributed to the most faithful among them: then will beseeninallitsglory,thegreatesteemwhich He places upon men- who have /«Z;^^ ;or«flcAe^ the gospel of Christ. They that be wise shatl shine ai^ the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn iriany to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever, Dan. xii. al This subject should be presented, as an experience to be enjo/ed, especially, when efforts are put forth to promote a revival 6t reKgion in any chutch. In revivals, we ought to look for J Wide spread bestowmeht of this grace upon God s people, i^othing ought to hinder this. "All things are ready." Bishoi Peck says:-To set this-before the world, and by all persuasibns to induce them to seek, labor, and fight for it, is the ^'peciai province oUhe min^try. y^ * * Toholdout, wiih the climess of light, to the Israel of God' everywhere, the glorious privilege of perfect loye; and urge it, not merely as a privil/ge and a probabiUty, but as a duty ,-as an attainm6rit whic^ we ar« in danger of missing, and which is indispensable ie. The ratiou of IS. Full 8 grand, ore, ring Sabbath ice of the elders of are frOta lare unto id only to a Smith, 3SB makes frequently iprobation 11 come— e uttered it rewards then will aces upon They that ; and they and ever, experience 6 promote i ought to pon God^s tre ready." md by aU )r it, is the 1 out, with where, the aerely as a attainments dispensable to our ultimate preservation in the favor of God, and our intro- duction to heaven." * Ques. XVI.— It will now be in order to ask,— By what means can we enter inio the enjoyraent of Ent^fe Sanctification? Ans.— As it is purely the gift of God to His children, it should be sought for by the exercise of faith alone. Just in the same way that we received the pardon of our sins, are we to receive this grace of the Holy Spirit. Some think that we ought to grow up into it. We think that this i^ both unphilosophical and unseriptural. Many of God's most precious gifts are suspended upon the exercise of our fiaith, and this most valuable one is no exception to this rule. To seek for it by any other way, therefore, is to simply lose time, or to utterly fail in the attempt And God which knoweth the hearts, bear them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us; and put no difference betwe^i us and thep, purifying their hearts by faith. Acts xv. 8, 9. For by grace are ye saved— justified and sanctified-^through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of Geid: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Eph ii. 8, 9. We believe that it is a great mistake to teach that we must labor and strive for months or years before we can reach this blessed experience. "Behold now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation;" not a partial, but a full salvation. Ques. XVII.— In exercising faith for Entire Sanctification what are the successive steps usually taken by those who enter into its experience? Ans.— First of all, they are led by the Holy Spirit to become deeply conscious of indwelling sin as the plague of their hearts —a terrible tendency to unbelief, and to backsliding from God. Take heed, brethren, lest there l)e in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. Heb. iii. 12. This consciousness of in ward moral evil, will cause much real regret, and oftentimes deep sorrow. Of course it is not apprehensive of the wrath of God: but is accompanied by a loathing of one's self. This state of feeling is fcalled by Mr. Wesley '-the repentance of "a!'!7"=- :•■■'■':': ' — 22— "■-. • helievers " This repentonce is often exceedingly deep and S Versons ,vl«, are passing through this »rrow. some- Tmes get very clear vie™ Lo( the "beanties. of holiness;" and r atlea l put fort2»vigoro«s efforts for their attamment, W * such vie«l of sweet rest in Jesu^f commumon jUh the Infinite One^f the complete mastery of »> »!»"'»»' oonosing forces-vo, and oj all they are, to the Divine Srtheir time, their talents, their finances, their influence, S friends, their life and death, their- whole self: all these thtogs they ;iace in the hand of God, to be used by Him, as it shall seem good in His sight. They wish this consecration to remain binding long as life shall last. This may appear o be • a great sacrifice; but it is the duty of redeemed creatures to be thus devoted to God! nfeeech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a livmg sacnflce, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your r&sonable service. ^^last'step Wch they take in securing this ^le»«i:^.i« their exercise of lith in Christ for this perfec ion of »'«. ^^ remember that sanation from first to last-as far as the huma^ Xnt is co/icLed-cometh by faith alone. This is their crowning act./ k other things which they may ^|«e done without this iil/bein vain. They believe, as individSals, *»» (iod has proii»M full salvation «o them-that he is able and wUMng to beW" it upon them-that it is God's will concemmg 'f^fF'^-f i )p and some- ;" and amenti n with piritual I— they istence., unto it Bervici^^'^;,^,- a. fuU B Divine ifluence,' 11 these' m, as it ation to ar to be es to be I, by the sacrifice, service. )8sing, is ve. They e human 3 is their we done, lalsy that able and Dnceming ^^ them, that in the present life they should fully exemphfy His grace-that He waits to do this thing for them now— and finally: they believe with all their heart that He now does it Exercismg faith in this way, the work of entire sanctification will certamly be accomplished. He is faithful that promised. Heb. x. 28. God will then come into His purified temple with all the fulness . of His love. Of course, it is to.be understood, that these steps— whether they occupy a long, or otjly a short time— or whether they be apprehended by the mind, in this ordel: or not— are taken in the true spirit of prayer. Enlightened, tamest, importunate, mighty, believing, triumphant prayer is absolutely necessary. • * ^ "Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, ^ : And looks to that alone; V Laughs at impossibilitieia. And cries, it sWll be done/' Qae3. XVIII .—By what evidence does a christian know that he is Entirelv Sanctified? ; Abb.— Bf the fesiimonj/oi the Holy Spirit to the fact;— m the same way as that by which he' was assured of the pardon of his sins. The Spirit of adoption came theninto his heart, telling 'him that he was born of God. So now, the same Spirit witnesses to this further work of grace. AH light upon our spiritual condition, as changed, and renewed, and purified creatures; must - —in the first instance— com'e from the Holy Ghost. .He is the great enlightener of men. This Divine witness is u most precious truth of the iiible:— . That "bright cAndle of tne Lord." From it we see,that this comforting and establishing testimony is a part of the glorious inheritance of the saints. - How import- ant, in our lifeof faith, this assurance is ! Without it we should walk in darkn^s and uncertainty. But the anointing which yej have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that anj man teach you : but as the same anointing teacheth you of aj things, and is triith, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught yo|^ ■/,-r.#s;;- - .:^%j ■L '4 ye8haUabidemHim*IJohD, ii, 27. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. I John iii, 24. Now we have received, not the Spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we might Jcnowihe things that are freely given to us of God. I Cor. ii, 12. . Added to this witness of the Holy Ghost, is ihe testimony oi his own^conscience or his own spirit, that he is fully saved from allsin» The christian knows this because he brings forth the fruits of the gpirit in their perfectness. As soon as possible, after ; the Holy Ghost, has borne His testimony to the soul that the work is accomplished ; his own consciousness will assure him that the work is done. Thus these two testimonies blend. They form one grand, dear light. For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience^ that in sin^plicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the worid. II Cor. i, 12. His freedom from ail inward and outward sin will prove it to a demonstration. His life has become just what the Bible says it should be--peace- ftil and joyous and thankful ; in a word, he has become fully transformed by the renewing of his inind^ so that he now lives entirely to God. When this state of the religious life within him is reached, he cannot, will not doubt that God has given tohim the great desire of his heart— a perfect salvation. Now his efforts to do good unto all those with whom he has any intercourse will be bounded only by his ability and opportunity. At the same tinie he will be abased in his own eyes; for perfect humility has taken possession of his soul. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, tem- perance : against such there is no law. Gal. v, 22, 23. Now : with the assurance of this two-fold testimony— the witness of the Holy Spirit, and that of his own spirit— the sanctified believer may sing with the poet:— "Gheer'd by ft witness 80 Divine, , ; Unwavering I believe; . And 'Abba; Father,' humbly cry; Nor can the sign deceive." i —26- Qnes. XIX.-Oaght those who enjoy Entire Sanctification to^ '"'IT-Lv should profess it o.. all suitable occasions^ For „4 the heart man believeth unto vighteousnes^^nd «Uh *e mouth confession is made unto ^l'""""- ^^J:^' „Lntog would say to every one, that, as you have recevyed the e"™" °B to o your religious life-the perfection "^ 1°^ '^T^Z M chll-you willfeelinclined to -"f-^'^tothe glory of jour g precious Redeemer. Li'-e'he Psalmist you w.ll he g^^to^y. L.Come and hear, all ye that fear God and I "^l/^^^ He hath done for my soul." Not >°d«««' '"^.'''" *""f"r "owd who can have but little interest in th.s thmgi-but t^the : :?pious wherev^ you have fitting oPPO^'-''^ y^;^ ^ sweetly tell of thi»^e''t salvation-^ in private «»°™«»;"°°V '» ^ ;our Ls rooj^your meetings for f -«- f -*^f * in your lo.«iasts. Be always "^'^f"! t" "^^n'ty *e grace^ol Gy any means, ^^^'J'^ to others, I myself should be a cast-away. I CorM^. -S^-^™ against Satan: he will try you in every possible waj-hut resist •^•.'l .^ -26— \' ;><"■ C ^^,, him, and you will certainly conquer as Christ your Master always did. J^ever he censorious. In the manifestion of- christian ^charcter by those arOund you, there will be much that is faulty; but it will not do for you fo be a fault-finding chrfstian. Leave that work— if it must be^done at all— for others to do. Pure love should shine in your face, and always season your speech. As yoawish the sacred cause of holiness to universally triumph,you willshun this evil: for "it eats as doth a canker." > Bo not comfound this Messing with "faith cure" theories, or with mis-called "Diyine-Guidanee;" or with anything of that • kind. Against these things we say nothing,only,that they are not identical with entire sanctification. To confound them is an error. Do not allow yoqr attention to be distracted in this way, but keep your mind clear upon this subject. Mr. Wesley, wisely says:— "The ground of a^ousand mistakes, is,the not considering deeply that love, is the highest gift of God; humhle, gentUy patient love ; that all visions, revelations, manifestations what- ever; are little things compared to love. It were well you should * be thoroughly Sensible of this ; the hea vert of heavens is love. "^here is nothmg higher in religion: there is, in eflfect, nothing ■ else. If you look for anything but more .love, you are looking wide of the mark, you are getting out of the royal way. And when you are asking others, 'Have you received this or that blessing?' if you mean anything but more love, you mean wrong; you are leading them out of the way and putting them upon a false scent. Settle it then in your heart, that from the moment God has saved you from all sin, you arie to aim at nothing Jw^ more of that love described in thirteenth of the Corinthians. You can can gO no higher than this, till you are carried into Abraham's ^■;bosom.V ■>..■; *" ';. ■ ■■ '-r.y^- > j ^e> faithful io your profession. Give no occasion for any one to stumble over you. Live holiness. Let this great grace beautify your spirit-^let it adorn your conduct--and let it -so tillyou with all benediction, that you will always be a burning and a shining •tM.. i»^ If yP-^ V light to all those who become acquainted with you. •" Ques. XXL— What books— written upon the subject of Entire Sanetification— would you recommend? , Ans.— Of course you ought to learn everything you can, from a constant and thorough study of the Holy Bible. It is the only in fallible gvLiAo to the King's Highway. Make it "the man of your counsel." The riches of this inheritance will shine out' brilliantly to the devout readers of this Book. Mr. Wesley's "Plain Account of Christian Perfection" is an admirable book. It furnishes much valuable information on the subject. Bishop Peck says:— "The views of the great Wesley may be regarded as a clear, safe and fuU exhibition of the teach- ings of- B ivelation it|on the groat doctrine of holiness." "Christian Perfection," by Rev. George Peck, D. D., la a learned and exhaustive book written in the form of lectures; it is very interesting, and will well repay careful reading "Christian Purity," by Bishop Foster is a charming book. It is the eloquent production of a very gifted writer, and it cannot fail to instruct and stimulate every inquirer after this life of faith. "The Central Idea of Christianity," by Bishop Peck, is a grand and logical setting before the mind of the Church, of this im- portant doctrine with the experience which is implied in it, sd as to carry ctfnvictionto^ very unprejudiced reader. "Love Enthroned" by l>r. Daniel Steele, is a rich treat. It is written in a very sweet spirit. It will inspire with lofty impulse every seeker after the higher life. Much good will result froni a careful study of the, truth as presented in its pages. "Holiness with Notes by the Way," by Mrs. Phoebe Palmer is a precious contribution to holiness literature. <*The Experience and Spiritual Letters," of Mrs. H. A. iElogers wlio was a most saintly woman, will shed much light on this • - ■ . ■ ■ ■ work of faith. » "The Life of William Carvosso" is a delightful study to the truly devout. From hitti shone out with peculiar lustre this 1 grace of the Holy Spirit, in a beautiful and spotless life. , ' "4 Ana now : dear reader, having carefully studied the subject of Entire Sanctification as it has been unfolded in these pages; per- mit the application of it to your own religious life. You aye now a child of God. You love our Lord Jesus Christ. You have the witness of the Holy Ghost to the fact of your adoption,^ At the same time; are you conscious of the remains of the "carnal mind" within you ? Do the roots of pride, ahdJanger, and love of the world, and other evil things remain in your heart ? Is your piety not as perfect as you think it should be ? Do you perform the work of the Lord with less vigor and^light than you wish to do ?.Do you feel that you have not f ullyexplored the riches of your inheritance in Christ ? This Beulah land lies, spread out i before vou. enter it ! Why will you further delay ? ChristiaBi privilege incites you to a higher life-;4uty, looking in every direction urges you forward— swift-footed time utters the monitory ' words "the night cometh when no man can work"— hope inspires with great longing to reach the spiritual goal— and faith imparts fresh strength to your flagging spirit. Restnotas youare for a single day without this greatest boon on earth, and your only fit- ness for heaven. For this^ause I b(M||py knees unto^the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whorJp whole faijiity in|heaveh and earth is named, that He wouldV^t you, according tp- the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man ; that Christ may dwell in yOiir hearts by faith; that ye, be- ing rooted and grounded in love, raiy be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and iSiigth, and depth, and height; and taknow the love of Christ, whidh passeth knowledge, that ye- might be filled with all the fulness^ of God. Eph. iii, 14 to 19. Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,*" to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, bith now and forever, amen. Jude 24. 25. . ' THE END. i .. / tm " > it ( ^K) 1 * %'*■. % 'W #:: * i 3^ ;i y^^ .^^'- f £, m- .. v*- , ',■'*. ■ ' ■■■■*••.• ■ " i . •• # ; :'f.. ■;.' •■ ■* :' ■■ V '•'.'. ■ ■ ' ,. . ■• • ■.:• .■■ '■ ■ ' ■■ ■ ' * ■'■' . ■•. * . ''.-.■ • ■■ , ' ■' ■ \ .. ■ ■ -^ . ■ . . - .' . . j',. ; , ■. . .. »^*^-; .*--". ■>.*,,■*• '^ V . '. ' . . '^^'^\ ■■ ■ ■'■ — - — - — . — ■._._^_j. _ — ._; :_ ..V". , — -" — -■- -■--•-;— -^-^ ^ -rr- —--■■■-■— '— -- --—' --—■—■- ^^ ^^^ ^ ^^ ^^^.. 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 1 9 1 1 "^jT ^^H 1 r ." 1 I ^\ ^ C- '\ J ■• \f * ■ » - ^ 1 f ^^^^^ .\ • w . ;-* J^^^H ■ -. :;rt- ^^1 l\ .- ' i A ^^H r -.-*. -■ !■■',... ."-^xL- 1- i, ' . \. \ f ^':