Some of the reasons for writing the following pages may be of interest to the prospective reader. In our association with the holiness movement we have encountered two extremes in statement: one so thoroughly negatives the human element as to intimate that the life of a holy man will be all but angelic, while the other allows so much for the human that, in some respects, there would be very little difference between the life of the sanctified and that of the sinner.

Again, in our study of the literature of holiness we have noted the fact that, with few exceptions, writers stop short of the practical application of the experience by failing to show how grace does co-exist with human frailties, and by so doing they leave the inquirer to grope his way through the mazes of disturbing elements as best he can. Religious teachers of all classes are too often content to deal with generalities and seldom descend to particulars. But the thing that puzzles the average disciple is to be able always to properly apply general rules to the intricacies of their own daily lives and feelings.

Often in the public utterances of teachers of holiness there is such a confusion of claims and counter claims that we have feared the novice would be placed somewhat in the position of a mariner with a defective compass, or a traveler with a number of disagreeing guides.

We do not claim to have settled all the questions that may arise, neither do we claim to have settled any question to the satisfaction of all. We have just done our best to discover the proper line and to keep to the divine order of things. Others might have done better had they set themselves to the task, but since, as far as we have been able to discover, they have not done so, we trust the reader will accept our effort as well-intentioned, and, to the best of our light, after years of study and observation, as far as we have gone, a true analysis of the heart, feelings and life of holy men who are still living in the flesh and compassed about with human infirmities. We would not knowingly draw the line in such a way as to allow for or excuse evil, neither do we wish to make that man sad whom the Lord approves.

The various sections of the following work were originally published as newspaper articles, and we have made little or no attempt to change or improve them, and bespeak the forbearance of those who would be critical because of either literary deficiency or lack of theological statement. It is experience and not dogmatic accuracy for which we aim. Our attempt is to win the soul not to please the intellect. If we succeed in this, or in assisting towards this end even in the least degree, we shall consider the result well worth our labors.

H. A. BALDWIN.

March 22, 1919