A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 5. Of endeavouring after perfection.

THe object, whereat Christians should aim in their continuall progress, is per∣fection: which whether it be taken simply, for an absolute perfection: or compa∣ratively,

for an increase in measure, tends in generall to the same scope: namely, that no stint must satisfie a Christian: he must not content himself with a medioc•…•…ity: but still proceed as far as possibly he can. We are hereupon exhorted, to seek 〈◊〉〈◊〉 we may excell, 1 Cor. 14. 12. To be rich in good works, 1 Tim. 6. 18. To abound 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the work of the Lord, 1 Cor. 15. 58. Yea more and more to abound in knowledge and in all judgement, Phil. 1. 9. To abound in hope, Rom. 15. 13. and in faith, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 diligence: and in love, 2 Cor. 8. 7. and to be filled with the Spirit. Eph. 5. 18. and to be perfect, 1 Cor. 13. 11.

The paterns that are set before us, do prove as much: for the choycest •…•…∣thies of God in all former ages are set before us, as examples for us to follow, He•…•…. Chap. 11. We are commanded to take the Prophets for an example, who were •…•…∣ed with an extraordinary spirit, Iam. 5. 10. and an Apostle requires us to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, as he followed Christ, 1 Cor. 11. 1. And, as if the best paterns on earth were not sufficient, we are enjoyned to pray, to do Gods will on earth, as it is in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Mat. 6. 10. and, as if the paterns of all mere creatures were not sufficient, it is re∣quired that that minde be in us which was also in Christ Iesus, Phil. 2. 9. yea, yet •…•…∣ther, we are exhorted to be followers of God, Eph. 5. 1. and to be perfect as he 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Mat. 5. 48.

Such is the excellency, such the commodity, such the sweetness of Christian knowledge and grace, as a man ought never to be satisfied therewith.

How corrupt is the treasure of the men of this world, who account an earnest •…•…∣suance after those things, to be more then needs? yea not only needless, but •…•…∣ness, as Festus said to Paul, Act. 26. 24.

Let this adde a spur to those who are most forward, still to press on further: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to do as the Apostle professeth of himself, Phil. 3. 13. &c.

Of propounding a perfect patern, and aiming at more then we can attain to. See The guide to go to God, or my explanation of the Lords prayer, on 3. Petit. §. 68, 69.