Scriptural Sanctification - Media Sabda Org

4. We have tried to harmonize as far as possible the apparently conflicting theories touching the
nature of this great blessing, and the time and conditions of its development. We have tried to show
that there is a broad scriptural and conservative platform, on which Christians of all parties and
communions can consistently stand. To what extent we have succeeded in this object the public must
determine. We frankly confess, however, that we are not sanguine about conciliating or convincing
extremists on either side of this question. Indeed, we have scant hope of such result.
5. As another has said substantially, it has not been our purpose to bewilder the reader with pages
of speculation, but to keep as near as possible to the teaching of Scripture, to our own experience,
and to the testimony of others on whom the Holy Spirit has poured his illumination. In our early
ministry we became greatly interested in this subject, and read the didactic writings of Wesley,
Fletcher, Clarke, Watson, Peck, Foster, and others, and the more hortatory and devotional books of
Mrs. Phoebe Palmer and others. Later on, and especially since deciding to write this volume, we
have reviewed or read more or less thoroughly some fifty or more volumes devoted to this theme,
trying to get the best thought on every phase of this many-sided subject. While we have been greatly
aided in our work by this reading, especially by the writings of Dr. Steele, Bishop Foster, and Dr.
Gordon, we have tried not to blindly follow the leading of any one, not even that of our illustrious
founder. On the contrary, we have endeavored to test the soundness of their teaching by the word of
God, reason, and experience.
We rejoice at the general attention that is being drawn to this and kindred truths. Christians of all
schools of thought seem more inclined to magnify the work of the Holy Ghost, in his baptismal and
anointing power, which, as we think, we have shown is substantially the same as the Pauline,
Johannean, and Wesleyan doctrine of entire sanctification, or perfect love. We believe that God is
in this movement, and that his Church, in all her branches, is coming to see more clearly not only
that Jesus Christ is his greatest gift to the world, but that the Holy Spirit is his greatest gift to the
Church. It is our ambition, in some small measure at least, to increase the momentum of this
movement. May God's blessing give success to the effort!
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