Thus we find Christian justice raised by two degrees towards its proper height: — above that of the wise heathen, and above that of the followers of the old law. Hence it is that Pagan and Jew will bear testimony against us — the Ninevites, the Queen of Saba, Sodom and Gomorrha — whose iniquities we shall have surpassed, because we ought to surpass the holiness of even the most virtuous. This will help us to form some idea of the grandeur of Christian justice.
But we have to reach something yet more excellent: that is, the third degree, which is perfection. In this degree Christian Justice is to rise above itself ‘Not,’ said St Paul, [1] ‘as though I had already attained and were already perfect: but I follow after: ’ — like a man who does not hold himself to have obtained what he desires: Unum autem: — that is, all I do, my whole aim, my one thought, is, ‘ forgetting the things that are behind ’: — observe, all the progress he has made is nothing; he neither stops nor rests there: — ' to stretch forth myself to those that are before.’ Mark that word he ' stretches himself forth ’: he makes an effort: he in some sort comes out of himself: he, after a manner, dislocates himself, by the exertion he makes to go forward.
- ↑ Philip. iii. 12, 13.
