JANE COOPER
(Methodist)

 

JANE COOPER
(Methodist)

by John Wesley

In the latter end of this year, God called to himself that burning and shining light, Jane

Cooper. As she was both a living and a dying witness of Christian perfection, it will not be at all
foreign to the subject to add a short account of her death; with one of her own letters, containing a
plain and artless relation of the manner wherein it pleased God to work that great change in her
soul:

May 2, 1761

I believe while memory remains in me, gratitude will continue. From the time you [John

Wesley] preached on Gal. 5:5, I saw clearly the true state of my soul. That sermon described my
heart, and what it wanted to be; namely, truly happy. You read Mr. M-‘s letter, and it described the
religion which I desired

From that time the prize appeared in view, and I was enabled to follow hard after it. I was

kept watching unto prayer, sometimes in much distress, at other times in patient expectation of the
blessing. For some days before you left London, my soul was stayed on a promise I had applied to
me in prayer: “The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple.” I believed he would,
and that he would sit there as a refiner’s fire.

The Tuesday after you went, I thought I could not sleep, unless he fulfilled his word that

night. I never knew as I did then the force of these words: “Be still, and know that I am God.” I
became nothing before Him, and enjoyed perfect calmness in my soul. I knew not whether he had
destroyed my sin; but I desired to know, that I might praise Him. Yet I soon found the return of
unbelief, and groaned, being burdened.

 

On Wednesday I went to London, and sought the Lord without ceasing. I promised, if he

would save me from sin, I would praise him. I could part with all things, so I might win Christ. But
I found all these pleas to be nothing worth; and that if He saved me, it must be freely, for his own
name’s sake.

On Thursday I was so much tempted, that I thought of destroying myself, or never

conversing more with the people of God. And yet I had no doubt of his pardoning love; but,

‘Twas worse than death my God to love,
And not my God alone.

On Friday my distress was deepened. I endeavored to pray, and could not. I went to Mrs.

D., who prayed for me, and told me it was the death of nature. I opened the Bible, on, “The fearful
and unbelieving shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.” I could not
bear it.

I opened again, on Mark 16:6-7: “Be not affrighted; ye seek Jesus of Nazareth. Go your

way; tell his disciples he goeth before you into Galilee; there ye shall see him.” I was encouraged,
and enabled to pray, believing I should see Jesus at home. I returned that night, and found Mrs. G.
She prayed for me; and the Predestinarian had no plea but, “Lord, thou art no respecter of
persons.” He proved he was not, by blessing me.

I was in a moment enabled to lay hold on Jesus Christ, and found salvation by simple faith.

He assured me, the Lord, the King, was in the midst of me, and that I should see evil no more. I
now blessed Him who had visited and redeemed me, and was become my “wisdom, righteousness,
sanctification and redemption.” I saw Jesus altogether lovely; and knew he was mine in all his
offices. And, glory be to Him, He now reigns in my heart without a rival. I find no will but his. I
feel no pride; nor an affection but what is placed on Him. I know it is by faith I stand; and that
watching unto prayer must be the guard of faith. I am happy in God this moment, and I believe for
the next. I have often read the chapter you mention, (I Cor. 13) and compared my heart and life
with it. In so doing, I feel my shortcomings, and the need I have of the atoning blood.

Yet I dare not say, I do not feel a measure of the love there described, though I am not all I

shall be. I desire to be lost in that “love which passeth knowledge.” I see “the just shall live by
faith”; and unto me who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given. If I were an
archangel, I should veil my face before him, and let silence speak his praise!” — Jane Cooper

“The Works of John Wesley,” Vol. XI, pp. 409-411

Source: “And They Shall Prophesy”
Compiled by George E. Failing

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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