Christ Crowned Within

Author's Preface:

This book has been written because the author believed that the Master wished him to write it. It is published chiefly for use among those with whom he personally labors, for he is assured that many will read a book of this nature written by a pastor or a personal friend that otherwise would not be reached at all by any book of like character. Of course, if it proves worthy a wider circulation, no tears of sorrow will be shed on that account.


The writer is conscious of his inability as a composer, and of defects in the book; but trusts that there are no errors that will lead from Christ. If any be shown, they will be corrected as speedily as possible.


The design of the book is, avoiding the controversial forests where so many have been bewildered and lost, to show the gracious privilege of the constant reign of Christ within each human heart, and persuade, if possible, all who have not clone so to "open the door" at once, and "crown him King."


The book is not written for the "itching" eared curiosity seeker anxious only to hear or tell some "new thing," nor for the critical questioner of the Nicodemus school; but for honest, earnest seekers of the truth, and if such receive one-half the pleasure and profit in the reading that the author has in the writing, he will feel gratified.


The words of others have been quoted when they seem suited to the thoughts at hand, and credit given.


The book has been written among the multitudinous duties of a busy pastorate, and the author claims to have done simply "what he could." It is hoped that the reader will —


"Clothe with life the weak intent,

Let it be the thing that's meant."


Should any harm be the outcome of this effort, to the writer be all the blame; if any good, to God be all the glory.

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The Table of Contents follow:

Chapter 1: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — THE SOUL'S DESIRE

Chapter 2: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — THE OBJECT OF MAN'S CREATION

Chapter 3: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — PROMISED

Chapter 4: OBJECT OF CHRIST'S ENTHRONEMENT

Chatper 5: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN THE GREAT NEED OF THE CHURCH

Chapter 6: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — RESULTS — PURITY

Chapter 7: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — RESULTS: A DIVINE FULLNESS

Chapter 8: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — RESULTS: PERFECT LOVE

Chapter 9: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN: RESULTS. HOLINESS

Chapter 10: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — RESULTS: GROWTH AND FRUIT

Chapter 11: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — RESULTS: POWER AND PROSPERITY

Chapter 12: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — RESULTS: A STABLE EXPERIENCE AND SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT

Chapter 13: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — RESULTS: ASSURANCE AND HUMILITY

Chapter 14: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — RESULTS: PEACE, JOY, AND DIVINE GUIDANCE

Chapter 15: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — RESULTS: FALSE FEAR BANISHED

Chapter 16: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — RESULTS: RELIGION MADE EASY

Chapter 17: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — RESULTS: HEAVEN ON EARTH

Chapter 18: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN — RESULTS: HEAVEN ABOVE

Chapter 19: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN: HOW AND WHEN

Chapter 20: CHRIST CROWNED WITHIN: HOW RETAINED

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About the author:

M. W. Knapp was born in 1853 in a log cabin in southern Michigan. With $50 received from selling a calf, Martin enrolled at a Methodist college in Albion, Michigan at the age of 17. He continued his work on the family farm while balancing a rigorous schedule at school. Knapp’s first pastorate was a circuit assigned to him in 1877 by the Methodist Michigan Conference. Eleven years later, in 1888, he founded the magazine God’s Revivalist. In September 1897, the International Holiness Union and Prayer League was organized in Knapp’s home. He also started God’s Bible School (later renamed God’s Bible School and College) in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1900. He lost his fight with typhoid fever and died December 7, 1901, at the age of 48, leaving behind him a legacy that would impact many for generations to come.