Sanctification -- What, When, How It Is

By J. H. Collins

Preface

In writing this book, "Sanctification," I send it forth as the convictions of my heart, with a desire to be of some assistance to the many who are hungering for full salvation. I write from the experimental standpoint. In reference to sanctification, or purity, I am persuaded that it is ours, first, to humbly believe all that God has written for our comfort, instruction, and guidance; for "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. . . . that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). Second, to humbly receive all that God graciously wills that we should have. "This is the will of God, even your sanctification." (1 Thess. 4:3). And third, to humbly confess his blessed work in cleansing "us from all sin," that others may hear and know of his power through our testimony. "They overcame him [the devil] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." (Rev. 12:11).

In the short chapter of testimonies I have quoted freely from Wood's "Perfect Love." I have followed in the line of our Wesley, Fletcher, Bramwell, Stoner, Carvosso, Hester Ann Rogers, as well as those "who have obtained like precious faith" in other communions. My appeal has been to our standard authors, but principally to the Scriptures. I have aimed to be simple in arrangement, concise in statement, and have avoided the use of "big words."

This, my humble effort to do good, I give to thee, blessed Master. It is not much; but were it more, Lord, it should still be thine.

J. H. Collins