However imperfect his work in us now is, it must afford us consolation to consider, III. Wherever he has begun the good work, there is reason to hope that he will carry it on to per- fection—
[Never did our Lord leave one of his miracles imperfectly wrought. In the instance before us he presently perfected the cure he had begun. Thus may we hope he will do with respect to the illumination of our minds. If indeed, like Balaam, we be only illuminated, and not really sanctified by the truth, we may justly expect to perish with a more aggravated condemnation1: but if we walk according to the light we have, that light shall surely be increased, and all saving blessings be communicated with itk. Hence the Christian's path is com- pared to the sun rising to its meridian height1. We have none of us reason to doubt, but that Christ will thus perfect that which concerneth us. He has promised to do som. On this ground St. Paul expresses his confidence, that he will com- plete the good work wherever he has begun it". We too may be confident, provided our faith be tempered with a holy fear0. We may well argue with Manoah's wife, that he would not have revealed such things unto us, if he had intended to destroy us p. We may regard his smaller gifts as an earnest and pledge of greater ; and may be assured, that he who has been the Author of our faith will also be the Finisher of it*.]
Surely this subject may well teach us, 1. Candour in respect to others —
e John xvi. 13. h Eph. iii. 18, 19.
* Numb. xxiv. 3, 4. Heb. vi. 4— G. k 1 John i. 7.
1 Prov. iv. IS. m Ps. cxxxviii. 8. n Phil. i. 6.
0 Rom. xi. 20. P Judg. xiii. 23. i Heb. xii. 2.