(...)"
ENTIRE DEVOTION TO GOD.
I.
HOLINESS'.
Dost thou turn away with half-averted eye, yielding to an impression indefinitely formed, that this, for the present, is a subject that does not demand special attention? Let us for a few moments examine the foundation on which this impression rests, and know whether it is warranted. We will take the word of God for our text-book, and not, "What does my neighbour, or what does my Christian friend, think of the doctrine of holiness?" No; for thereby we should be in danger of being influenced by the traditions of men. To the law and to the testimony, and not to the experience or practice of this or that professor, however high in experience or station. What does God say to me on this subject? What does He Now require of me in relation to it? And how should these requirements affect my present conduct P And then let us firmly purpose, in the strength of the Lord Jehovah, that every future effort shall be correspondingly directed.
Let us take a declaration from the word of God,—a declaration which, at a glance, covers the ground we would occupy, involving requirements weighty and far-reaching as eternity. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness - without which no man shall see the Lord." Had attention been called to this article by the words, "To one who intends to see God, or to make sure work for heaven," your heart would probably at once, as your eye met the article, have said, "Why, that is something for me." Then you need not be assured that the attainment of the end is utterly impossible without the use of the means. Thus you at once come in possession of the knowledge that it is absolutely necessary that you should be holy - if you would see God.(...)"
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