THE RICHES OF OR THE BLESSING OF PERFECT LOVE, AS EXPERIENCED, ENJOYED, AND RECORDED, BY LIVING WITNESSES. EDITED BY REV. D. S. KING. 2d Thousand. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, BOSTON: GEORGE C. RAND AND COMPANY, BINNEY & OTHEMAN. 1847. KD39110 HARVARD Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1847, BY GEORGE C. RAND & CO. In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. Stereotyped and Printed PREFACE. FOR several years past, I have noticed in conference and prayer meetings, that the relation of Christian experience has been peculiarly interesting and profitable; and as editor of the "Guide to Holiness," I could but be sensibly impressed, by public and private correspondence, as well as by personal interviews, with the importance of those communications which have described the deeper workings of grace in the hearts of God's people. Being desirous that the Church may know her highest privilege, and that her members may be filled with all the fullness of God, these observations have led me to the production of this volume. It is published not for the critic's eye, but as a portion for those who are panting after holiness. Some of these experiences may well defy the scrutiny of the philosopher, or the criticism of the rhetorician; but others are from the pens of such as are unaccustomed to write for public observation. These writers, and indeed I may say the same of all, designed, by this public memorial, to give glory to God for his loving kindness to them, and to lead others to these same heavenly treasures. A literary display has been the object of none; while all have aimed to give an unvarnished account of their trials in the way, the victories which they have achieved, and the joys of the full salvation which they have felt. For reasons which the reader can fully appreciate, the names of the writers are not given; but from personal acquaintance and good vouchers, I depend on these experiences as from persons of responsibility and established Christian character. It has been evident to me, that the experience of individuals of different temperament and different education, reciting their trials and temptations, relating the various encouragements which they met, and also the peculiarities of their frames of mind in the reception and enjoyment of the same blessing, could but be beneficial to the earnest seeker after holiness. In this volume will be found the records of sanctifying grace as manifested to the old pilgrim and the young convert; to him who has had but few obstacles to overcome, and to the doubting, tempted, and tried; to the Christian of sufficient leisure, and to the one overwhelmed with the cares and toils of life. And they have all found grace sufficient for them, and specially appropriate to their circumstances. In the account of such various trials, temptations, and encouragements, it would seem that any one, earnest for the pearl of perfect love, would find something peculiarly adapted to his own emergencies. And if such be the result, the object of the compiler will be entirely answered. And now, Father of Mercies, in honor of Thy Name for Thy great work of redemption, and the riches of Thy grace as recorded in this humble volume, to Thee we reverently dedicate these pages. Through the Son of Thy love wilt thou be pleased to accept the offering. May the Holy Spirit attend and bless them, to the edification and sanctification of Thy people, and Thine shall be the praise and the glory for ever. BOSTON, April 22, 1847. |