Morning Star

For the Morning Star.

LETTER ON SANCTIFICATION, NO. 2.

But another question, growing out of the first, remains yet to be noticed, viz.: Is sanctification a progressive, or instantaneous work?

My Dear Bro. M-, I believe the whole theory of human redemption is in perfect keeping with the known laws of mind. Thus I have received it, and thus have endeavored to compare it with my imperfect practice. I know there is a theory, which makes the time and circumstances, in regard to the doctrine of sanctification, perfectly comparable to regeneration. There is a theory which makes it instantaneous. It esteems conviction, repentance and faith as conditions to his blessing. When these conditions are met, then God comes with overwhelming power and sanctifies the soul. I have seen many prostrated, while seeking for sanctification, and arise, declaring the reception of the blessing. I have frequently been puzzled and tried, while witnessing scenes like this.

I felt within my heart, a strong and deep spiritual love, but my physical powers remained in their wonted vigor; and when I was taught that this physical prostration was the effect of the sanctifying power of God, I began to be filled with doubts and fears, until the tranquil sunlight of love divine drove them all away. No doubt that the mind, sometimes, in contemplating the glories of heaven, or some awful truth connected with the salvation of the soul, may forget her duties relative to the motion and power of the body, and leave it prostrate. No doubt but God's special power sometimes paralyzes the body, and interrupts the current of life, but then this, in my mind, is no evidence of sanctification. If the Bible doctrine of sanctification is instantaneous, as some assert, I must confess, there seems to exist, in this theory, an irreconcilable difficulty, with the plain and simple laws of mind. I know "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and we hear the sound thereof, but cannot tell whence it cometh or whither it goeth, so is every one that is born of the Spirit."

But our advancement in the divine way, after we are "born again" is progressive. "The path of the just is as a shining light, growing brighter and brighter till the perfect day." It must be so. Our sanctification will not be completed until we are glorified in heaven. If we are true and faithful to the grace given us, if we walk in Christ Jesus as we have received him, we shall advance from infants to men and women in the Lord, and enjoy a "peace which is like a river." The varied powers of our souls will gradually become subservient to the word and spirit of truth. I cannot believe that so elevated and glorious a position as I deem sanctification to be, can be attained by one giant stride of the mind.

If, as has been averred, in some cases, sanctification is instantaneous, if the position gained by the sanctified, is reached at once, then, certainly, the fall is just as sudden; a fact which seems in strange contradiction with the permanency and consequence of our holy religion. I do not doubt, that many devoted souls have experienced the descent of the Holy Ghost, and have felt to exclaim with Peter, "It is good for us to be here," but I have no sufficient reason, either from the laws of mind or the word of God, that from such seasons we may date a definite and distinct era in our life, viz., sanctification. If, indeed, it be true, that sanctification is instantaneous, then many people are sanctified many times, and as many times are unsanctified. I have frequently watched the struggle between a highly nervous temperament, and some strong influence, arising mainly from the mysterious connection of our social natures, until the bodily powers gave way, and the soul was said to be sanctified. Now, such a condition of the body is no more an evidence of a sanctified soul, than is a physical prostration from sudden fright or any other cause. It may be nothing more than a kind of mesmerism.

I have seen persons who were said to be sanctified, and whose minds were not in this world, but in heaven, and have thought that if such was the case, the work was not only instantaneous, but very miraculous. They were said to talk with angels, to converse with the deep and wonderful things of eternity—a privilege which the intelligently pious and heavenly minded, are denied only through an enlightened and unwavering faith. Never can we be completely sanctified until the warfare is ended. True, we may be victorious in every struggle, through Christ our strength, but never until we fight and gain the last battle, shall we be made completely holy. "When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." If we continue to "look into the perfect law of liberty," we shall by and by be made completely free.

It is enough for me to know that I am advancing in moral purity, that I am becoming more and more like the great Pattern. O, I love this doctrine of progression. This primary idea of increase. I do not suppose that we need any uncleanness to keep us alive. Purity will not destroy the body. With this idea of sanctification, I hope you and I, my dear brother, will follow on to know the Lord. And O, may we never be left to risk ourselves upon any false basis, upon anything short of the Rock of Ages. Do not wax impatient at this casual view of the doctrine of sanctification, but receive it with many prayers, from one of the humblest of God's children.

Aff. Yours,
JAMES.

Kendall Mills, N. Y.