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Of the Covenant of Grace
perfect then Infants new borne, and Striplings then Children: but they are not said to be perfect, because the growth is but small: but when they are come to ripe age, although as age encreaseth much may be added, they may be called τελειωθῆναι ac τελειοῦθαιperfect, because then they have attained as it were a new forme. So to be perfect and absolute, the Philosopher doth attribute to men of ripe age. Arist. Hist. Ani. l. 2. cap. 1. de part. Animal. lib. 4. cap. 10. Strong meate (saith the Apostle) belongeth to them that are perfect, or of full age. Heb. 5. 14. those that have left the Rudiments of Christian ReligionHeb. 6.1,2.
Eph. 4.11,12,13. are called perfect, perfect in respect of them that be babes in understanding, and stand in need of milke. 1 Cor. 14. 20. The Law makes nothing perfect. Heb. 7. 19. because it was a rudiment only which was delivered to children, so that he that is seasoned with the knowledge of the Gospell, is perfect in respect of them that be instructed only in the Law. We speake wisdome amongst them that are perfect. 1. Cor. 2. 6. here some understand men, and by perfect they understand all Christians in generall, who are perfect in respect of them that knew not the Gospell: Others them that in speciall had made greater progresse in the faith: others understand the word things or somewhat, that this sence should be, that this wisedome doth consist in perfect things. But however this text be interpreted, the Apostle elsewhere manifestly confirmeth this point, shewing that some were perfect in comparison of others, who had not yet attained to perfection. Here it must be remembred, that howsoever the word perfect be referred to knowledge in the mysteries of Religion in the writings of the Apostles, yet it is not seldome referred to practice and manners. In the first reference, they are said to be perfect, who have obtained an high degree of knowledge in heavenly and divine mysteries: In the second, they that teach in deed and fact that they have learned what they professe. Let patience have its perfect work, Jam. 1. 4. that is, let it shew its sincerity and constancy in works, that not in words and gestures, but in deed and truth it be approved; that it cannot be overcome in the greatest evils, but doth hould out and remaine invincible. He that can bridle his tongue, is a perfect man indeed, Jam. 3. 2. that is, he is not one that is in exercise to learne, which is the meane to perfection, but hath learned indeed what he professeth. He calleth that perfect which is performed in truth and deed, and is not counterfet: and so sin is said to be fini-
Eph. 4.11,12,13. are called perfect, perfect in respect of them that be babes in understanding, and stand in need of milke. 1 Cor. 14. 20. The Law makes nothing perfect. Heb. 7. 19. because it was a rudiment only which was delivered to children, so that he that is seasoned with the knowledge of the Gospell, is perfect in respect of them that be instructed only in the Law. We speake wisdome amongst them that are perfect. 1. Cor. 2. 6. here some understand men, and by perfect they understand all Christians in generall, who are perfect in respect of them that knew not the Gospell: Others them that in speciall had made greater progresse in the faith: others understand the word things or somewhat, that this sence should be, that this wisedome doth consist in perfect things. But however this text be interpreted, the Apostle elsewhere manifestly confirmeth this point, shewing that some were perfect in comparison of others, who had not yet attained to perfection. Here it must be remembred, that howsoever the word perfect be referred to knowledge in the mysteries of Religion in the writings of the Apostles, yet it is not seldome referred to practice and manners. In the first reference, they are said to be perfect, who have obtained an high degree of knowledge in heavenly and divine mysteries: In the second, they that teach in deed and fact that they have learned what they professe. Let patience have its perfect work, Jam. 1. 4. that is, let it shew its sincerity and constancy in works, that not in words and gestures, but in deed and truth it be approved; that it cannot be overcome in the greatest evils, but doth hould out and remaine invincible. He that can bridle his tongue, is a perfect man indeed, Jam. 3. 2. that is, he is not one that is in exercise to learne, which is the meane to perfection, but hath learned indeed what he professeth. He calleth that perfect which is performed in truth and deed, and is not counterfet: and so sin is said to be fini-
shed,
