name
of Jesus, but like the disciples before Pentecost they were not yet
sanctified, and when the apostles at Jerusalem heard of this work of
grace at Samaria they sent down Peter and John, "who when they were come
down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as
yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name
of the Lord Jesus) then laid they their hands on them, and they received
the Holy Ghost."--Acts 8:15-17.

How clearly the inspired record here proves the second work of grace,
and how beautifully this event harmonizes with the others relative to
the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. And then, how glorious to have an
experience like it in our own hearts. Praise God for this glorious,
vivid, and living reality which by its divine power pales every theory
into utter obscurity.

CHAPTER III.

Consecration and Dedication

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which
is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be
ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is
that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."--Romans 12:1, 2.

In this chapter we will notice the scriptures upon the theme of
consecration and dedication--the important step necessary on the part of
the justified believer, before he can enter into this blessed grace of
entire sanctification.

We find that in the old dispensation everything that was to be employed
in the service of God necessarily had to be consecrated. In the
tabernacle and temple service every vessel and article of furniture,
even the smallest spoon, the tongs, and snuffers, together with the
building itself, and all the priests and their garments, were
consecrated wholly unto God, to be used for no other purpose than
divine service. This setting apart for holy service was the Old
Testament sanctification. The setting apart of these things, together
with the ceremonial application of what God had ordained to be used in
this dedication, was acceptable in his sight.

This consecration in the old dispensation is but a shadow of the new. It
was God's own way of sanctification--making things holy unto himself.
The mere declaration on the part of Moses, in the consecration of these
things, that they were now holy, would not have been sufficient without
the careful observance of the applicatio