I have had a deep conviction fro many years that practical holiness and entire self-consecration to God are not sufficiently attended to by modern Christians in this country. Politics, or controversy, or party spirit, or worldliness have eaten out the heart of lively piety in too many of us. The subject of personal godliness has fallen sadly into the background. The standard of living has become painfully low in may quarters. The immense importance of "adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour" (Titus 2:10), and making it lovely and beautiful by our daily habits and tempers, has been far too much overlooked. Worldy people sometimes complain with reason that "religious" persons, so-called, are not so amiable, and unselfish, and good-natured, as other who make no profession of religion. Yet sanctification, in its place and proportion, is quite as important as justification. Sound Protestant and evangelical doctrine is useles if it is not accompanied by a holy life. It is worse than useless: it does positive harm. It is despised by keen-sighted and shrewd men of the world, as an unreal and hollow thing, and brings religion into contempt. It is my impression that we [need] a thorough revival about scriptural holiness. [emphasis mine]It's hard to believe he wrote this in 1877! Sounds so much like our day doesn't it? The whole book brings a certain needed wisdom and insight to our day, good reason for all of us to make sure we read it!
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1 comment:
Perhaps one of the most important books ever written.
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