nce between the two types is after all
not radical. Even in the most voluntarily built-up sort of
regeneration there are passages of partial self-surrender interposed;
and in the great majority of all cases, when the will had done its
uttermost towards bringing one close to the complete unification
aspired after, it seems that the very last step must be left to other
forces and performed without the help of its activity. In other words,
self-surrender becomes then indispensable. "The personal will," says
Dr. Starbuck, "must be given up. In many cases relief persistently
refuses to come until the person ceases to resist, or to make an effort
in the direction he desires to go."

[110] For instance, C. G. Finney italicizes the volitional element:
"Just at this point the whole question of Gospel salvation opened to my
mind in a manner most marvelous to me at the time. I think I then saw,
as clearly as I ever have in my life, the reality and fullness of the
atonement of Christ. Gospel salvation seemed to me to be an offer of
something to be accepted, and all that was necessary on my part to get
my own consent to give up my sins and accept Christ. After this
distinct revelation had stood for some little time before my mind, the
question seemed to be put, 'will you accept it now, to-day?' I replied,
'Yes; I will accept it to-day, or I will die in the attempt!'" He then
went into the woods, where he describes his struggles. He could not
pray, his heart was hardened in its pride. "I then reproached myself
for having promised to give my heart to God before I left the woods.
When I came to try, I found I could not.... My inward soul hung back,
and there was no going out of my heart to God. The thought was
pressing me, of the rashness of my promise that I would give my heart
to God that day, or die in the attempt. It seemed to me as if that was
binding on my soul; and yet I was going to break my vow. A great
sinking and discouragement came over me, and I felt almost too weak to
stand upon my knees. Just at this moment I again thought I heard some
one approach me, and I opened my eyes to see whether it were so. But
right there the revelation of my pride of heart, as the great
difficulty that stood in the way, was distinctly shown to me. An
overwhelming sense of my wickedness in being ashamed to have a human
being see me on my knees before God took such powerful possession of
me, that I cried at the top of my voice,