Phoebe Palmer
1807-1874 19th century
Holiness open to all, given in the moment to whoever surrenders without delay.
Who was Phoebe Palmer?
A Methodist laywoman of New York, a mother marked by the death of three of her children, for decades she led the 'Tuesday Meeting' that gathered men and women to pray. A preacher, a writer, active among the poor of the slums, she taught that holiness is not reserved for an elite.
In their own words
She now saw that holiness, instead of being an attainment beyond her reach, was a state of grace in which every one of the Lord's redeemed ones should live.
How many, whom Infinite Love would long since have brought into this state, instead of seeking to be brought into the possession of the blessing at once, are seeking a preparation for the reception of it. […] Just at this point some may have been lingering months and years.
Faith is taking God at his word, relying unwaveringly upon his truth.
It is not the worthiness of the offerer, nor the greatness of the gift, that renders the offering "holy, acceptable," but the virtue of the altar upon which the offering is laid. "The altar sanctifieth the gift."