To be completed in Seven Parts. REVIVAL MISCELLANIES; OR, HELPS TO A Life of Holiness & Usefulness, CONTAINING Thoughts on Entire Sanctification-Revival Preaching— TWELVE REVIVAL SERMONS. SELECTED FROM THE WORKS OF THE REV. JAMES The Eminently Successful Revivalist. TWENTY-FOURTH THOUSAND. "We recommend it to all who wish to cultivate a LONDON: HOULSTON AND STONEMAN. 1854. REVIVAL MISCELLANIES. PART I. CHAPTER I. IS ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION A GRADUAL OR AN INSTANTANEOUS WORK? IT is frequently asked, "Is the blessing of entire sanctification gradual, or is it instantaneous?" I answer, in three respects it is gradual, and in one only is it instantaneous. 1st.—It is gradual, from the fact that it begins in the moment of justification; and so long as the new convert is faithful, the work steadily advances in his soul, till he is sanctified entirely, throughout soul; body, and spirit: and, 2nd. So long as he continues faithful, there is no pause in his advancement to higher degrees of love and holiness, until he is released from his tabernacle of clay. This is what the apostle meant, I imagine, by "perfecting holiness." 3rd. Nor does the work pause in heaven; it is gradually progressive throughout eternity. In one respect only is entire sanctification instantaneous-the entire separation of sin from the soul. This must necessarily be in a moment, if the believer is purified before he enters eternity. The argument may, therefore, be brought within a narrow compass; nor need brevity induce obscurity. If you admit the following simple propositions, a multiplicity of words will be avoided, as they frequently only darken counsel. 1st.-That justification and "entire sanctification" are two distinct blessings. 2nd.—That each is to be distinctly apprehended and received by faith. This you will not be inclined to doubt, if you have consulted Romans v. 1; Acts xxvi. 18; and Acts xv. 9. 3rd. That justifica 1854. |