This it was which he esteemed beyond all other
things —
[In comparison of this, his civil distinctions, his moral qualities, and even his religious attainments, appeared to him " as dung and dross." He clearly perceived that none of those things could ever justify him at the tribunal of God ; and that, if ever he were saved, he must " be found in Christ, not having his own righteousness, but the righteousness which is of God by faith in Christ :" hence he accounted his former gain to be not only dung, but " loss," that is, not only useless, but prejudicial, if it diverted his eyes from Christ, or weakened his dependence upon him. Nor did he entertain the smallest doubt respecting the justness of his views; but repeated his assertions in the strongest and most decisive terms, " yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss." Nor did his con- fidence proceed from inexperience ; for repeating the same thing a third time, he adds, " for whom / have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung."]
The propriety of his judgment will be seen by con- sidering,
III. The grounds of his preference —
There was an " excellency" in that knowledge that far surpassed every thing else —
The object of it was truly wonderful —
[Who can think of an incarnate God, bearing the sins of his rebellious creatures, and not stand amazed? Who can view the wisdom, power, and goodness of God, as exhibited in the face of a dying Saviour, and not confess, that " great is the mystery of godliness ? " The consideration of this alone had been a very sufficient ground for his declaration in the text.]
The effects of it transcend all that eye hath seen, or ear heard, or heart conceived —
[The knowledge of this adorable Saviour will comfort us under all troubles. None ever endured greater bodily trials than Paul ; yet " none of them could move him ; and he was exceeding joyful in all his tribulation"." The trials of his soul were far greater ; yet while he was groaning under their utmost weight, a view of Christ instantly turned his mourning into thanksgivings and the voice of melody0: and, on another occasion, while he was cruelly buffeted by Satan, an answer
11 Acts xx. 24. 2 Cor. vii. 4. ° Rom. vii. 24, 25.