Sanctification
Is it by labouring to purify the conduct , that we can reasonably expect to remove the ungodliness in which we are involved ; that we can render ourselves holy and acceptable in the sight of the Lord ; that we can obtain a mastery over all the unhallowed desires and propensities which bind us to a wicked and transient world , which obscure from our view the surpassing glory of eternity , and which are carrying thousands forward to the grave in a state of estrangement from God , and in a state of disobedience to the Gospel; of his Son ; and in short , is it by outward purification , that we can be turned into vessels fit for the masters use , or temples prepared for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit ? Of a truth , it were entirely in vain to confine our desires to external reformation ; to begin , to continue , and to end , with the lopping away of a few of these barren and unfruitful and evil branches , which are obvious to the world around us , or to seek to secure the favour of Jehov...