I. 9 Christian perfection does not imply (as some seem to have imagined) an exemption either from ignorance or mistake or infirmities or temptations. Indeed, it [Christian perfection] is only another term for holiness. They are two names for the same thing. Thus, every one that is holy is, in the Scripture sense, perfect. Yet we may, lastly, observe that neither in this respect is there any absolute perfection on earth. There is no perfection of degrees, as it is termed; none which does not admit of a continual increase. So that however much any person has attaned, or in how high a degree a person is perfect, one still needs to 'grow in grace,' and daily to advance in the knowledge and love of God his Savior.

II. 1. In what sense, then, are Christians perfect? This is what I shall endeavor, in the second place, to show. But it should be premised that there are several stages in Christian life as in natural life; some of the children of God being but newborn babes, others having attained to more maturity. And according to St. John in his First Epistle (2:12) applies himself severally to those he terms 'little children,' those he styles 'young men,' and those whom he entitles 'fathers.' 'I write unto you, little children, ' says the Apostle, 'because your sins are forgiven you'" because thus far you have attained; being 'justified freely,' you 'have peace with God through Jesus Christ.' 'I write to you, young men, because you ahve overcome the wicked one': or (as he adds afterwards), 'because you are strong and the word of God abides in you.' You have quenched the fiery darts of the wicked one, the doubts and fears wherewith he disturbed your firt peace; and the witness of God that your sins are forgiven, now abides in your heart. 'I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him that is from the beginning.' You have known both the Father and the Son adn the Spirit of Christ in your inmost soul. You are 'perfect men,' being grown up to 'the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.'