ENTIRE CONSECRATION by J. CLARKE.

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 5, 1861

ENTIRE CONSECRATION.

By J. CLARKE.

If one may credit the reports of modern revivalists, this blessing of entire consecration is a work often attained in a moment, as it were, by a simple act of the mind, an act of faith. I have now before me the report of P. P., who views it thus. Now it strikes me that the expression, entire consecration is often misunderstood, and of course misapplied.

When I was first converted to God (in my youth) it seemed to me that my consecration was entire, and for months this earth seemed like a new world to me; but trials put my consecration to the test, and I found that it was not as entire as I had supposed; or if it was as entire as I had supposed, it was not as effective, and my experience was often in doubt and sorrow, until I found the people of God who have the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

My consecration was genuine, and it led me to take means to make it entire and whole; but how could it be entire while I was imperfect, living in the violation (weekly) of the fourth command of the decalogue, while I held erroneous views of the work of redemption, and while evil passions were still active in my bosom.

If because of remarkable experiences, I fancied I had attained to entire consecration, what word could I get to express my condition when all these sins are overcome, and when I should show to all around that I had really attained to holiness.

I discover that many popular modern writers on this subject, carry the idea that entire consecration prepares the heart and mind to overcome our besetments, and in one sense this is correct. But the difficulty with this idea as it is generally understood, is, it puts matters in a reversed order, and only causes disappointment and loss. That the mind should first be prepared is indisputable; but for one I value that preparation the best which produces the best effects; and how often do we see those who in time past have made highest claims to sanctification, when they hear the claims of God’s law upon them, reject it with indignation, thus showing their mistake; while some person who felt his unworthiness, readily and joyfully accepted the truth. Now which of these are most consecrated? The event shows clearly enough.

Since joining with the commandment-keepers, I have found all these theological vagaries, dispelled in the one clause, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Here is the test of character. All my thoughts, words, and acts, must be squared by these rules. And when I can find myself obeying from the heart these commands and this faith, then I find the witness brightest, of my acceptance with God.

Overcome! is the burden of the message to us. It comes from the messengers, from the Review, and first of all, from the word of God. Overcome! Overcome all besetments. Overcome, and thus be sanctified in obeying the truth; not that sanctification is the means of overcoming, but overcoming is the means of sanctification. These move together. As one overcomes, he is made sensible at every step, of the work of the Spirit in his heart. J. CLARKE.