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OF

CHRISTIAN PERFECTION

Stated and Defended:

WITH

A CRITICAL AND HISTORICAL EXAMINATION OF THE
CONTROVERSY, ANCIENT AND MODERN.

ALSO

Practical Illustrations and Advices

BY GEORGE PECK, D. D.

NINTH THOUSAND.

New York:

PUBLISHED BY CARLTON & PORTER,

200 MULBERRY-STREET.

"Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1842, by G. Lane & P. P. Sandford, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Southern District of New-York."

Gift

Prof. F. M. Taylor 6-11-32

PREFACE.

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 not been wanting to modify the true Scriptural and Wesleyan theory, in such a manner as materially to mar its symmetry, and to injure its practical influence. A spurious origin has also been given, and a relationship to exploded heresies erroneously attributed to the doctrine. Add to this, that 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 Wesleyan. 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

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