The Globe-republican., 1890-03-26
Glto,,pt1ts by the atoaa3.

@hn,.pi,ts by the anaB.
Written expressly for the GLOBE REPUBLIcAN
HOLMES AGAIN calls for our atten-
ton. Mr.. L. K. Mcintyre has called in
question statements made In this column
two weeks ago. Let US 60 over the SUBJ
ject again, for truth is what we are seeking.
First, the writer tries to ''turn the tables
on us by quoting our remark that ''most
of those who claim perfection appear no
better, no truer, no more honest, no more
truthful than those who make no such
claims" and continues by saying If this
kind of statement be admitted as argu-
ment, then the skeptic's standpoint that
most of those who claim to be christians
appear no better, no truer, etc, must be
also admitted" Let Us ''turn the tables
back. Every christian can easily see
that in neighborhoods, towns, cities,
states, nations where the christian relig-
ion is believed and obeyed that the peo-
pie are ''better, truer, more honest, more
thoughtful, than in similar places where
christianity is not; but christians in gen.
eral do not see that those who claim per-
lection are ''better, etc." than other
christians. But again, the agnostic and
infidei see that the civilization of chris
tan nations is more perfect, on higher
plane, than that of unchristian or pagan
nations. however they may account for
the fact. So 10 the aggregate the agnos-
tic must admit that christian people pos
sess the qualities above referred to in a
higher degree than those who are avOw-
eddy unchristian, whatever they may
think of individual cases.
tt
HOLINESS IS DEFINED as purity -
''cleanliness;'' and holy is used in the
sense of devoted, coLsecrated, set apart.
Holiness is a term applied to God and
also to man. Holiness is said to be the
browning attribute of God, and is used
in sense that conveys the idea of absO-
lutte perfection. that which is necessary
from his very being. Let us not con-
found things that are different, as the
being of God and the being of man; or
as the projections of God and the imper-
fectiOns of man. God is holy of neces-
sity. because of the absolute perfection
of His being; man is holy only by grace.
and then but relatively so. Man cannot
be perfect as God is perfect, else we
should have an almost infinite number of
gods. Man may be set apart for a holy
life and strive to live it; but perfection is
only relative, and by continual effort he
improves and does better.
tt t
AGAIN. JUSTIFICATION and sanctifica-
ton seem to be COMPOUNDED. Justifica-
ton is an instantaneous act. as one is
justified before the law. SanctidcatiOn is
a continual work, work of improve
ment. work of development, constant
''setting apart of ones self for divine
service. The Bible everywhere recogniz-
es mans imperfections. A few Bible
Noah, Job. David. Paul, each
and all sinned; yet they sometimes are
spoken of rs perfect. How? Not in
their acts or words. but in their motives,
aims. purposes. The scripture nowhere
foil ftaf ISvvA ,s,Stt o,,f
And we must take the whole
scripture if we would know its meaning,
not take few isolated passages. The
Savior said BE We therefore perfect even
as your Father in Heaven is perfect" In
the light of other parts of the Bible this
cannot mean "absolute perfection" but
the ideal, the standard which is before
the christian, both for his encourage
nent and for his humility.
IT I
Iris A MISTAKE about Paul being per-
feet. He, himself, disclaims it. In the
seventh chapter of ROmans-please read
the chapter-he says. II find a law.
that. when l would do good, evil is pres
ent with me. What law is that? The
law of the flesh" (See verses Is and 23.)
So while one is in the flesh he will have
this law in 1.-the members to contend
with. Among the last letters Paul wrote,
the one to the Philippians. he says:
(chap. 3: 12-15.) "NOt as though I had
attained, either were made perfect; but
l follow after-Brethren. l count not my
self to have apprehended; but this one
thing do press toward the mark for
the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus" What prize? The prize
Of eternal life in Christ, and perfect
and joy in the Savior. He con-
tinues. LET us. therefore. as many as be
perfect. be thus minded" Absolutely
perfect, sinless: No! he has just denied
that for himself. and now includes him
self in the ''Iet u.s. He evidently
means. let us" whose motives and
purposes. ''let US" who have ''set our
selves apart" to this high work. ''be
thus minded" Paul wrote this letter