Present to My Christian Friend on Entire Devotion to God

Though the new edition of this little work is presented to the public in a new form, and with a large addition of new matter, it comes with no new doctrines. Every truth in religion is as old as the Bible; and the aim of the author of this work is not to set forth any new phases in piety, or to develope new and unauthorized views that have not been clearly presented in the Scriptures of truth to the aspiring gaze of the Christian. Her simple aim is to bring up with freshness, and describe in scriptural phraseology, —

“The way the holy prophets went,” —

the way that has been trodden by the truly devoted of all ages and of every evangelical sect.

It has been the effort of the author to maintain holiness as the great leading doctrine of the Bible, rather than as a doctrine peculiar to any sect. Occasional illustrations from the experience of individuals connected with various denominations, both from among the ministry and the laity, are interspersed, as confirmatory of the fact, that holiness is not merely the doctrine of a sect, but the doctrine of the Bible.

In endeavouring to commend and enforce the importance and excellency of the theme, the author does not attempt to evade the offence of the cross, by employing other than scriptural phraseology. “The inglorious task of endeavouring to make the doctrine, experience, and profession of holiness popular, has not been undertaken; efforts of this sort ever have been, and ever must be, ineffectual. The hearty reception of a doctrine which makes it the duty of men to become Christ-like, and exhibit in heart and life entire devotedness to the interests of Christ’s kingdom, is not to be expected either of the world or worldly-minded professors. An embodiment of holiness once appeared in human form. Immaculate purity, ineffable beauty of holiness, was once personified, and walked and talked with men. Was He, or were His sayings, popular? Listen to the questionings: “Is not this the carpenter’s son?” “Have any of the rulers and Pharisees believed on Him?” “This is a hard saying; who can hear it?”

And, as the term “holiness” is used by Divine dictation to express a state in which all who would see the Lord must live, is a modification of the term to suit the worldly or fastidious professor permitted to the creature? Let those who would avoid the experience or the phraseology because of its unpopularity, remember the words of the Saviour, Mark viii. 38.

My beloved Cheistian Feibnd, — Will you accept of this little token of regard from one deeply interested in your welfare? I have received your friendship as a precious gift from God. Yes, “Jesus gives me my friends,” and I have resolved on valuing and also cherishing your friendship as a precious gift from Him. Tou will feel with me that friendships thus bestowed are Divine responsibilities. Then, beloved one, let us be faithful to each other; and may our communings during our short sojourn here be so directed as shall in the highest possible degree tell toward our mutual welt-being in eternity.

I would not needlessly sadden your heart, but my thoughts are now dwelling on the certainty of that period when our friendship on earth will close. Perhaps before the expiration of the present year, you or I may be called suddenly, “in such an hour as we think not,” to meet the Son of man. My intense solicitude for you moves me to faithfulness beyond what cold formality might warrant.

Permit me, then, beloved one, to ask. Are you ready? Have you on the white robe? No longer think of holiness as a doctrine peculiar to a sect, but rather as a doctrine peculiar to the Bible, as the only fitness for admission to the society of the blood-washed in heaven.

If you are not a hol Christian, you are not a Bible Christian. I have been much concerned, that till this period you should have remained indefinite in your experience on this point. In endeavouring to show the standard of Bible fitness for heaven, and the manner of attaining it, I have taken it in my way to answer three questions, which I am sure you will regard as infinitely important.

I hope you will take this small token of affectionate regard to your closet, and, in solemn, prayerftd waiting, decide there on perfecting holiness in the fear of God. May the Sun of righteousness shine upon your mind, and the Spirit of holiness guide you into all truth, so that, as you read thid communication, you may, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, enter into the holiest!

P.P.

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