But to proceed. This is the calling of God ; for by nature we are dead, and it can be none but God that re\ives the dead. God, together with the voice of his ministers, sends his quickening Spirit ; giving eai's to hear, and understandings to understand.
Again, We are not only dead, hut in thraldom under the devil. It must needs be one that is stronger than this strong man, that must dispossess us of him. This calling is God's calling in Christ, and that is first as our head. God looks on us as we are in him ; and he elects us as in Christ. For from eternity he appointed so many to be members of Christ, as he meant to save. We are called and justified in Christ. He must be ours before his obedience be ours. We are sanctified in Christ. We must be in him as branches in the vine, partaking in the quickening jsap and juice of his grace ; and when we are glorified, we must be glorified as being of his members. Then we are called by Christ, who is the author of this holy calling ; and, lastly, we are called through Christ as our mediator. And thus chiefly is it meant here, not through works, as the papists will have it. No. Christ is the author and finisher of our faith, Heb. xii. 2. In him are we crowned, as the body is said to be crowned when the head is. Let us therefore cherish this communion with Christ by all means, for thereby we shall communicate with him of his fulness.
VERSE 15.
Let us therefore, as many as he perfect, he thus minded.
St Paul he proceeds to others. If any of you be perfect as I am, be you also thus minded as I am. Perfection in this place is not meant of that perfection we shall have hereafter, or should have now, or legal per- fection ; but he is said to be perfect, that is, in his growing estate, increas- ing more in grace, righteousness, and sincerity ; or it may be meant of perfection in regard of degrees, comparatively, whereby one out-goes another that is but a novice in religion. Such are those that can rule
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114 EXPOSITION OF
their affections, and can live in a settled course of holiness, called in Heb. V. 14 men of ' full age.' For there are children in religion, new entered into Christ's school. Then those that are come to 'full age' surely are exercised to discern good and evil. And then those that are come to their full pitch in heaven, between whom and the former there is no more com- parison than is between the sun and a star for light. So as in regard oi the saints in heaven, the best here are imperfect ; yet in regard of the beginners, they^ may be said to be perfect. However, we may safely gather this,
Doct. That in Christianity there are degrees of holiness ; divers grounds, some bring thirtyfold, some sixty.
Let this comfort those that discomfort themselves in regard of their imperfections. Grace must be at the first as a grain of mustard seed, and therefore let such with patience attend the means, and trust God for the issue.
Doct. Secondly, We may observe, that there is a hind of perfection attain- ahle in this life, which we ought to strive to. The reason is, that in all things God hatli ordained a set pitch, beyond which they cannot come, and to which they all tend ; and as it is in nature, so in grace. Though he hath appointed to every one his several portion and measure of grace here, j'et a pitch he also hath set to all, w'hich we are to aim at, to grow better still, though in this life we cannot attain to it ; and the reason is, because we know not how God will exercise us. He doth exercise all his children, but some with greater trials than others. Besides, we have a perfect God and a perfect word, that is able to make the man of God perfect to every good work. And these are not given to us for nought ; and therefore it is a shame for a Christian to sit down at any degree upon pre- tence of imperfection. We see plants in nature desire growth, that they may be able to stand in and withstand storms. And where this spiritual nature is, and this new creature, there will be endeavour to increase in strength, to undergo and overcome all temptations and hindrances what- soever.
And to know whether we have this perfection or not.
1st Sign. There will ever he a hase esteem of these outivard earthly privi- leges and honours; unj, of the good endowments of our minds, counting them loss in comparison of Christ ; and this will work a sure settled hope in Christ evermore.
2d Sign. Again, TJiere will he a perfection of holiness; a neglect of things past, and an earnest endeavour to things before, ' to press to the prize.'
3d Sign. Thirdly, A p)crfect Christian desires the corning of Christ; but the weak one ever cries, ' Let me, 0 Lord, recover mj'self before I go from hence.' He has not that assurance of his good estate that a well-grown Christian hath.