FRANK G. ALLEN.



fect righteousness is required.  One must be righteous
even as Christ Himself is righteous.  Knowing this to
be true, and knowing our own imperfections and short-
comings, even in our best estate, it is no wonder that
the way is described as narrow. One can not but see
at a glance his utter hopelessness if he has to depend
on himself. If Christ has made any provision by
which this righteousness can be attained then one can
not but appreciate what Christ has done for him and
his absolute dependence on Him for salvation.
   Two distinct kinds of righteousness are clearly
defined in the Word of God. They are in striking
contrast.  One is approved; the other condemned.
One is of God; the other of men. One is of faith; the
other of law.
   God's righteousness is not only a divine, holy
principle of justice and mercy, but is also a system or
plan of salvation. When Jesus applied to John for
baptism, John declined.  He was preaching the " bap-
tism of repentance for the remission of sins."  He also
required a confession of their sins. They were baptized
of him in Jordan, " confessing their sins." While lhe
did not know Jesus to be the Christ, he knew Him as
his kinsman, and he knew enough of the purity and
sinlessness of His life to think that He should not con-
fess His sins to be baptized for their remission. Besides
he doubtless hoped that Jesus would be the favored
one on whom he was to see the Holy Spirit descending
and abiding upon Him. He, therefore, felt himself un-
worthy to baptize his cousin Jesus.  But Jesus said,
"Suffer it now, for thus it becometh us to fulfill all
righteousness." No matter what John's personal feel-
ings were, or the sinlessness and purity of Jesus, it



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