HUGO OF ST. VICTOR

 

HUGO OF ST. VICTOR

[It may be correctly stated that the material below does not contain an account of the

subject’s entire sanctification nor a direct testimony to the experience. It is inserted as a matter of
interest and evidence that Christians from the earliest times were aware of the need of that
”holiness without which no man shall see the Lord.” And, in some cases their written insights on
the subject may indeed have originated from personal experience. — DVM]

Hugo of St. Victor, who lived in the 12th century, speaks of the purification of the soul in

the following manner: “Fire is applied to green wood, it kindles with difficulty; clouds of smoke
arise; a flame is seen at intervals, flashing out here and there; as the fire gains strength, it pierces
the fuel; presently it leaps and roars in triumph — the nature of the wood is being transformed into
the nature of fire. Then, the struggle over, the crackling ceases, the smoke is gone, there is left a
tranquil, friendly brightness, for the master-element has subdued all into itself. So, do sin and
grace contend; and the smoke of trouble and anguish hang over the strife. But when grace grows
stronger, and the soul’s eye clearer, and truth pervades and swallows up the kindling aspiring
nature, then comes the holy calm, and love is all in all. Save God in the heart, nothing of self is
left.”

Source: “Objections to Holiness Considered”
by H. A. Baldwin

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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