To Mrs. Maitland

May 12, 1763.

Dear Madam, — Both in the former and in the “Farther Thoughts on Christian Perfection,” I have said all I have to say on that subject. Nevertheless, as you seem to desire I should, I will add a few words more.

As to the word -perfection it is Scriptural; therefore neither you nor I can in conscience object to it, unless we would send the Holy Ghost to school, and teach Him to speak who made the tongue.

By Christian perfection I mean (as I have said again and again) the so loving God and our neighbour as to “rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in every thing give thanks.” He that experiences this is Scripturally perfect. And if you do not, yet you may experience it: you surely will, if you follow hard after it; for the Scripture cannot be broken.

What, then, does their arguing reprove, who o1)ject against Christian perfection? Absolute or infallible perfection I never contended for. Sinless perfection I do not contend for, seeing it is not Scriptural. A perfection such as enables a person to fulfil the whole law, and so needs not the merits of Christ, — I acknowledge no such perfection: I do now, and always did, protest against it.

“But is there no sin in those who are perfect in love?” I believe not: but be that as it may, they feel none: no temper contrary to pure love, while they rejoice, pray, and give thanks continually. And whether sin is suspended, or extinguished, I will not dispute: it is enough that they feel nothing but love. This you allow we should daily press after. And this is all I contend for. O may the Lord give you to taste of it to-day!