There are many excellent books on the subject of "Christian Holiness;" but most of these treat of the nature of sanctification, its distinction from and subsequency to, regeneration, and the conditions of obedience, consecration, prayer, and faith necessary to its obtainment. Holiness is also abundantly defended by them and proven to be the "Central Idea" of the Bible; all churches are shown to teach the subject; the doctrine is also proven historically and experimentally.

The casual observer, however, must readily admit, amid the voluminous writings on holiness, few books have been distinctively written on "Progress After Entire Sanctification." The preachers of holiness, too, with a few exceptions, confine their efforts to leading the regenerate on to "Full Salvation" -- possibly they say so much on this phase of the subject, because others, who, according to their instructions to "do all in their power to build up their members in that holiness without which they cannot see the Lord," say so little. But the fact remains, brethren, that much of our work is lost because of a lack of definite teaching, preaching, and literature, on "Progress After Sanctification." How many of our hearts have been saddened by seeing, after a year or two of absence from a victorious battlefield, "Ichabod," "The glory is departed," written on the features of some of the brightest professors of sanctifying grace! Some new light came subsequent to sanctification and refusal to walk in it brought darkness!

The "Holiness Movement" for the past forty years has dealt ably with the "how into" sanctification, but the "how after" has not received so much attention. At the present time a crisis is on us and there is great need of rational teaching on advancement in holiness. Not advancing brings stagnation; on the other hand, not knowing wherein rational advancement consists, brings fanaticism which is far worse.

Many have ably written on "Progress after Sanctification" but their writings are scattered incidentally through books which treat on how to obtain the blessing -- in fact most of these books only devote a small chapter to going on, which is equally, if not more important, than obtaining the blessing. The writer has long had the conviction that the choicest thoughts of the most prominent teachers, together with original matter, put in special book form, treating alone on "Progress After Perfect Love," would be useful as a means of growth in holiness, as well as valuable as a reference book. He believes this book unique in its exclusive treatment of advancement after entire sanctification. The author aims to be simple, plain, practical and helpful in his presentation of the subject, more than scholarly. The subject is treated largely from an experimental standpoint.

It has been thought best to include in the "Second Edition" a concise Appendage chapter on "Entire Sanctification" embodying its nature, distinction from, and subsequency to, regeneration and conditions necessary to the obtainment of the blessing for the benefit of those who may read this volume not in the experience of Perfect Love. We advise such readers to turn to the Appendix and read this chapter first, seek and obtain the experience set forth and then they will better understand the teaching of this book.

The writer is aware there is repetition of one thought, i.e., distinction between purity and maturity; and yet sees an advantage: in the numerous writers quoted we have the benefit of the cumulative method of treating a subject. It acquires strength and force by repetition and is thus riveted on the mind as it could not otherwise be. Then too, the diversity of style in writing on the same theme by different writers will give variety of expression and relieve from monotony. Repetition seemed inevitable as his object was to gather from the whole range of authenticated Holiness Literature the choicest teaching on the subject.

Another advantage -- In his thousands of miles travel in Evangelistic work he has had access to scores of the best books on holiness which many of his readers can not afford. The reader has the cream of these books.

A. C. Zepp