INTRODUCTION. ONE of the most gratifying signs of the present times is the unusual degree of attention given to the claims of the Scripture doctrine of Christian Holiness. Time was when this important doctrine was regarded as almost exclusively Methodistic, and when, therefore, it was considered a very orthodox practice either to treat it with ridicule or with silent neglect. Many members, and even many Ministers, of various Christian Churches, instead of regarding its professedly Scriptural claims as involving the duty of a calm and prayerful examination of the subject, quietly ignored, or warmly opposed it, and if anyone wrote in its defence or proclaimed it from the pulpit with special earnestness, it was customary to speak of him as a fanatic, and the doctine as Methodistic cant. Such, however, we rejoice to believe is far from being the case now. In the Established Church of this country there are many pious evangelical clergymen and laymen, who are among the ardent advocates of this doctrine, and who are not ashamed to maintain its Scriptural character, and to urge on their fellow-Christians the duty of entire consecration to God. Nor among the various sections of Nonconformity is the subject now overlooked. Scarcely a single denomination of English or American Christians can be found in which there are not many warm and eloquent advocates of what is called the "higher life," "Christian consecration," "entire holiness," "Christian perfection," or "perfect love." |