02.1.2.2.10 Holiness

Book Second

CHAPTER II.

SECTION X. - HOLINESS.

GOD IS IMMACULATELY HOLY.[54]

Goodness, truth and justice, are moral attributes of God. Holiness is not an attribute distinct from these; but a name which includes them all, in view of their opposition to contrary qualities. It implies the perfection of the assemblage;--the absence of every thing in it contrary to either of the properties included.

Men are unholy. Even the purest of men have their spots. It is useful to contrast the character of God, in this respect, with that of men. It increases our admiration and love, adds fervor to our devotion, incites to worship him in the beauty of holiness, and to imitate him in our character and lives. "Be ye holy, for I am holy."

[54] Exodus 15:11; Leviticus 11:44; 1 Samuel 2:2; Job 4:18; Psalms 5:4-5; Psalms 22:3; Isaiah 6:3; Habakkuk 1:13; Matthew 5:48; 1 John 1:5; Revelation 4:8.