diff --git a/lib/log4js.js b/lib/log4js.js
index fbf929c..a7cc168 100644
--- a/lib/log4js.js
+++ b/lib/log4js.js
@@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ function Logger (name, level) {
 util.inherits(Logger, events.EventEmitter);
 
 Logger.prototype.setLevel = function(level) {
-    this.level = levels.toLevel(level, levels.TRACE);
+    this.level = levels.toLevel(level, this.level || levels.TRACE);
 };
 
 Logger.prototype.removeLevel = function() {