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PREFACE

This book is a compilation. The aim has been to bring together in one volume the very best that has been written by the very best writers on the various phases of the doctrine of Entire Sanctification between the year 1739 and the present.

While many of these chapters have never appeared in print before, others have been published in the columns of various papers and magazines and in tracts and pamphlets, and are republished here with the consent of the writers.

The doctrine of entire sanctification has always had a place, not only in the theological text-books, but also in the history, biography and current literature of Methodism. The position of any branch of the Methodist Church upon this doctrine, and its attitude toward the experience implied, are not matters of doubt when this literature of the church is read without prejudice. It has been the purpose of the author of this book to bring together a series of papers which will set forth in the most complete and comprehensive way the doctrine as taught in the Methodist Church, as experienced by the Methodist people, and as it has affected the church during the period mentioned in the title.

For about twenty years there has been much contention in the M. E. Church, South, over this doctrine and experience. The claims of the so-called Holiness People have been strongly and conclusively maintained. They have proven beyond the possibility of successful controversy that the doctrine is Wesleyan; that it is scriptural and that it is confirmed by multitudes of our very best men and women.

But the facts and arguments by which these points have been established have been widely scattered through books and papers, very few of which could be in the hands of any one person. We believe the reader will here find the most compendious statement of Methodist teachings upon this interesting topic that can be found anywhere. We are persuaded that many persons have felt the need of a hand-book which would give them the very information herein contained and that they will approve the efforts of the author in his attempt to meet the demand.

Our thanks are due and are hereby tendered to all who have furnished papers, or have otherwise aided us in preparing the book. And now for each of our readers we earnestly pray: "The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do." - 1 Thes. 5: 23 b.