This book is experimental and practical rather than theological. But since every scriptural experience must be based on the truth apprehended by the intellect, there should be a clear and scientific statement of this truth. Hence the first few chapters of this volume on the various offices of the Holy Spirit are filled with arguments in proof of His personality and divinity, after the style of the systematic theologians. The scriptural proof texts will be found in the notes.

One of the favorable signs of the times is the increasing number of books on the Holy Spirit. Quite an extended examination of these recent volumes reveals in nearly all of them one obvious defect, the omission of the direct witness of the Spirit to the believer's adoption into the family of God, and His agency in entire sanctification in this life. In guarding against these omissions, we ourselves may have omitted some important topics in a theme so vast as that which is the subject of this volume. If we have done so, we ask the forbearance of the Christian public for our inadequate treatment of a theme which has occupied our thoughts during more than a quarter of a century. As we advanced the subject enlarged in our thought until we had transcended the limits of a single volume. For this reason a long chapter in eight sections on "Assurance Through the Spirit" has been reluctantly omitted. It may be the Lord's will that my life be so prolonged as to enable me to expand it into a future volume. If this be so, in the words of St. Peter, "I will endeavor that you may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance."

D. S.

Milton, Mass., Nov. 8, 1897.