The Scripture doctrine of Christian perfection stated and defended: with a critical and historical examination of the controversy, ancient and modern

Preface

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It is a correct opinion, and one generally admitted, that no one should obtrude a new book upon the public without good reason. He must have something important to communicate — must be able to shed new light upon some theme or doctrine which holds an intimate relation to the good of society — or he must, at least, attempt to restore some neglected or rejected truth to its proper influence, or to defend it against the assaults of error.

The reason which has induced the author at this time to execute the laborious task of writing a book on Christian Perfection is, that in his opinion it is wanted. The subject has been discussed in various forms, and a variety of theories have within a few years been presented. Efforts have aot been wanting to modify the true Scriptural and T^^tslt^yan theory, in such a manner as materially to mar iti? inmetry, and to injure its practical influence. A y us origin has also been given, and a relationship to led heresies erroneously, attributed to the doctrine. Add to this, tnat too many who acknowledge the truth of the doctrine are little concerned for its practical influence —are too indifferent in'*relation to its experimental and practical bearings. These facts have deeply impressed the mind of the writer with a conviction that a thorough historical, exegetical, argumentative, and practical investigation of the subject is loudly called for by present emergencies.

The writer professes no new light — broaches no new theory; his views, as far as he understands the subject, are strictly Wesley an. These views he has endeavoured to free from false glosses, to vindicate against objections, and to enforce by reasons which address themselves to the highest principles and susceptibilities of our nature.

The doctrinal and practical lectures were delivered in several churches in the city of New- York during the

PREFACE.

winter of 1840-41. The historical, and some of the controversial matter, has been added. The form of lectures has been retained, as being, upon the whole, the most convenient.

The historical portion of the work may, by some, be supposed to occupy an undue proportion of it. But when it is considered that the subject has seldom, if ever, been discussed historically, and that a want of light upon the different forms and phases of the controversy has materially embarrassed the subject, and been the cause of no little misjudgment in relation to it, the work will not be considered faulty in this respect.

The course adopted has necessarily led to numerous references to the writings both of the friends and enemies to the doctrine of Christian perfection. The writer first hesitated between the plan of stating objections and arguments without giving the authorities, and the one finally adopted, which is to quote authorities for almost every thing which bears at all upon the controversy. He finally fell upon the latter course, as best calculated to guard him against the charge of presenting objections to our system, and views on the other side, which are entirely apocryphal, and merely got up for effect. For the living authors quoted, in the main, the writer has a high and sincere respect, and is not conscious of having done them injustice.

It would have been a much more pleasant task, could he have done it consistently with a sense of duty, to have waived the consideration of the polemics of the question. Controversy, though sometimes necessary, owing to the manner in which it is prosecuted is not always happy in its results. The writer has endeavoured to avoid the bitterness of feeling which is but too common in religious controversies, and to deal kindly with those from whom he is compelled to diflfer.

The whole is submitted to the inquisitive and candid reader with ardent prayers that it may assist him in the great business of his salvation.

GEORGE PECK.

IVew-ForA:, November 10, 1842.

Contents

LECTURE 1. Page We must leave Elementary Principles 7

LECTURE 11.

Tlie Nature of Perfection. 24