The higher state of perfection of a Christian soul does not consist in sentiments or feelings of religious satisfaction, or even in desires and good intentions. These may all exist without any virtuous action. In such cases they are evidence of sinfulness rather than of grace, for they testify not only to the existence of good impulses but to the rejection of them. There are not a few who are in this state, who never improve, and who take credit to themselves for that which will perhaps be their condemnation. Neither does an occasional good deed, or even an act of high virtue, especially if it be of the natural order, testify to a man's perfection. All men have some good points in them, every one receives continual impulsions of grace from God, and even the worst of men are able on occasion to do acts of extraordinary brilliancy that are out of harmony with the general tenor of their lives. Real perfection requires two things, that there be a permanent disposition towards good in the soul, and that this be maintained in a state of constant activity. Take care not to be misled and not to mislead others. Do not rely on a few good actions of the past, or on good intentions and desires for the future. "Desires kill the slothful; for his hands have refused to work at all" (Prov. xxi. 25). The desire to do good must be trained into a facility of doing good born of repeated acts, and this must be kept in constant exercise.
