H. CRANE
(Methodist)

February 6, 2017 // Story

 

  1. H. CRANE
(Methodist)

My early religious training was in the Baptist Church. The doctrine of Christian perfection

was first presented to my notice, clothed in derision. After my conversion, and reception in the M.
E. Church, for four years my progress was, after the fashion of the Israelites, going round and
round the mountain, rather than going up to possess the good land, — sinning and repenting
alternately. At the close of a series of meetings held on Augusta charge, Detroit Conference, by that
veteran of the cross, Rev. K. Klumph, in his admonitions he exhorted them to “resolve, by the
grace of God, that they had committed the last sin they ever would commit.” There was a novelty in
the expression that arrested my attention.

I retired to meditate. Is sin necessary to our earthly existence? I surveyed Calvary, and

dared not limit the Holy One of Israel. Hitherto I had looked out upon the beauty of my King; now
by the same light I explored the caverns of my own soul. I saw the alarming discrepancy between
my experience, and God’s demands. I locked my closet-door to fast and pray, determined to make
thorough work of exterminating inbred foes. I did not pause to ask, “Have other preceded me? and
can they guide me?” I seized prayer as my sword, declared war, and rushed into the contest. My
strokes but aroused my legion foes: they darkened the air; they wounded me on every side.

For weary hours I struggled on, sometimes almost ready to admit that my sins were

stronger than mercy. I thought of the derided terms, “Christian perfection,” “entire sanctification,”
”holiness,” &c.; and now began to pray for these blessings, entirely ignorant of what they implied;
consequently, not knowing what to expect, should the Lord answer my prayers. At last I sank down
in despair, conscious that my weapon, prayer, in which I had trusted, but rebounded and wounded
me at every thrust. I reasoned, “The way is dark; I cannot see through: my foes are powerful; I
cannot overcome them. Jesus is the sinner’s friend: I’ll cease my vain struggling; I’ll tell Him that I
would slay all my foes, but cannot; I’ll rest the case in His hands.”

A few moments elapsed; when Jesus, at whose feet I was sitting, rose, and came into my

soul. It seemed as though heaven was compressed, and thrust into my expanding, bursting heart.

 

Then my entire being seemed to be filled with, and surrounded by, not merely the love of Jesus, of
which I had previously tasted, but His very presence.

Some time was passed before I connected this visitation with my struggles. I reasoned,

“Yes, this is entire sanctification; or, if it not, I do not care for it. I have a complete Saviour: there
can be nothing more in the universe. Yes, this is holiness; for I am wholly lost in Jesus.”

There is no sin in me now; for Jesus is in every part. I am wholly His. A few hours ago,

had one asked me, “What is Christian perfection?” I could not have given a intelligent reply. Now I
know it is Jesus; more of Jesus; Jesus filling us with His Spirit, possessing us wholly.

Source: “Pioneer Experiences” by Phoebe Palmer

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THE END

 

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HOW THEY ENTERED CANAAN
(A Collection of Holiness Experience Accounts)
Compiled by Duane V. Maxey

Vol. I — Named Accounts

Interchurch Holiness Convention

18931 Route 522

Beaver Springs, PA 17812

Phone: 570-658-1030

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