Bible Christian Magazine.

FEBRUARY, 1864.

Dibinity.

HOLINESS: ITS NATURE, ATTAINABLENESS, AND IMPORTANCE.* This subject is of a sublime, momentous, and comprehensive character. As a great diversity of opinion prevails respecting its nature and attainableness, I cannot hope to give satisfaction to every person.. I shall only attempt to offer a few plain and practical remarks, hoping they will be profitable to sincere, humble Christians. I. THE NATURE OF HOLINESS.

What does Scriptural holiness imply? It is a comprehensive term, and includes several things. Among others,

1. It implies a dedication, or consecration to sacred purposes. Thus the temple at Jerusalem, and all the things connected with it, were regarded as holy, because all were dedicated to the worship and service of God. The holiness of believers includes, not only separation from the world, but an entire consecration of all to the service of God the body and soul, with all their powers and parts; time, talents, everything devoted to God.

2. Gospel holiness also includes the restoration of God's moral image in the soul. Sin supposes guilt and defilement; holiness the removal of both. Adam was created holy; in his Maker's image; but this he lost by the fall. He then became "earthly, sensual, devilish." By the second Adam holiness is restored. By faith in his blood the guilt of sin is taken away; and by the agency of the Holy Spirit, which Christ has procured for us, its defilement also. Thus we put off the old man, and put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

3. This blessing we think also includes Christian perfection; entire sanctification; a clean heart; perfect love, which casteth out all

* The substance of an address delivered at the District Meeting held in London, July 2nd, 1863, by J. LISLE.

VOL. XXIX. FEBRUARY, 1864.

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