ght have been living in this blessed
Canaan rest of soul soon after my conversion. But God was good and full
of tender mercy. He carried me along and forgave my defeats and so
lovingly bore with me, even though my heart was divided between him and
some things of this world. I had forsaken all that I had to follow
Jesus, but unconsciously these objects would come between Jesus, the
object of my love, and myself, and thus hinder the perfect communion of
the Holy Spirit. About one year prior to my entering into this perfect
rest, the doctrine of sanctification was quite thoroughly agitated. Some
advocates of the Zinzendorf doctrine produced some strong efforts to
overthrow the doctrine of the second work of grace. I had studied the
scriptures carefully and honestly, and while I did not have the
experience of the second grace myself, I was certain that the one-work
teaching was not correct; for I knew I had received all that my heart
could receive in the grace of pardon, and knew also that I soon found
that I needed just exactly what the term sanctification implies, and
what the dear ones who believed in and were advocating the second work
of grace were testifying to by word and deed.

In the winter of 1883-4, while dear companion and myself were engaged
with some sanctified ones in a protracted meeting, to rescue the
perishing, we were brought as never before face to face with the stern
necessity of more spiritual power and life. We were shown by the Holy
Spirit that there is but one route to the promised land and that is by
crossing the Jordan. Death was inevitable if we would come into this
abundant life. We paused and reflected, looked backward and forward, but
there was no alternative--death was our doom. One day while I was absent
from home, and dear companion was left alone, the Lord spoke to her so
plainly that she had one cherished idol that must necessarily be
sacrificed. It was a God-given blessing, but must be yielded freely to
him. She obeyed and entered into the glory of sanctification. When I
returned home I soon found that the work in her was done. Something
marvelous had been accomplished. It was wonderful what a change. She
told me of the death she had to pass through and I fully realized it.
The divine glory which had come into her heart was unspeakable. She
tried to show me how to die the same death. I was desirous to yield and
cross over with her, but I found a resistance in my will which held me
back.