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 ...

§. 112. Of the perfection of the souls of Saints in heaven.

THE consummation of the Spirits of just men is in this word a 1.1 made perfect.

This sets out the estate of mens souls after they leave their bodies, and ascend to heaven: they are then perfect, perfect I say, truly, and properly, and fully: not in part only, but in degrees also; not in the manner only of what they do, but in the measure also; not by imputation of anothers perfection, or by a gracious acceptati∣on of that which is not perfect for perfect, but by a full and compleat performance of what they are bound unto. So as there is no defect at all therein, no not in any thing, nor at any time.

This perfection is an universall and perpetuall perfection. This is it which is in∣tended, 1 Cor. 13. 10. When that which is perfect is come.

Here he taketh it for granted, that there is a perfection to come.

That place, Phil. 3. 15. may be taken of the future thus, b 1.2 whosoever will be per∣fect; and this most fitly agreeth to the scope of the Apostle, (for he had before deni∣ed a present perfection in this world v. 12, 13.) Thus the point is there also taken pro concesso, that there is a perfection to come.

This Christ seemes to aime at, Ioh. 17. 23. c 1.3 That they may be perfect in one, where the very word of the Apostle here is used. That Christ prayeth for the fu∣ture glory of such as beleeve in him, is evident in the following verse: Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me. The Apostle Eph. 4. 13. aimeth at this perfection. Most fully is this future perfection set out, Eph. 5. 27.

It is set out,

• 1. Generally, in this word glorious.
• 2. Particularly, in the words following. And that privatively, by removing all blemish and defect, (a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle) and

• ... positively, by expressing an especiall perfection, which is to be holy; a property which most of all makes us like to God, Eph. 4. 24. Of a more distinct meaning of these words, See my Domest. Duties, Treat. 1. on Eph. 5. 27. §. 50, 51, 52.

Take we a view of the distinct perfections of the severall faculties of a glorious soul, and the compleat perfection of the whole will better appear.

• ...

  1. The understanding is endued with perfect knowledge. Whatsoever may any* 1.4 way make to the glory of God, or happinesse of the creature, it perfectly under∣standeth. It is ignorant of nothing that it may, or must know, or is any way meet to be known. Neither doth it misconceive, or know any thing amisse. Nor igno∣rance, nor error is in it. This phrase (1 Cor. 13. 12.) Then shall I know even as I am known, importeth as much. For our knowledge is there compared to Gods, though not in equality, (for there is no proportion betwixt finit and infinit) yet in simili∣tude of perfection, and that according to the extent of created capacity.

  And that the comparison lyeth in such a perfection, is evident by the opposition of this phrase, to that which goeth immediatly before, thus, Now I know in part, but then shall I know even as I am known.

• 2. The will is only and wholy in every thing plyable to Gods will; no relu∣ctancy at all against it. If the Lord should will it to go from heaven to earth, and again to dwell in the earthly tabernacle of the body, it would therein readily yeeld to Gods will. Instance the soul of Lazarus, that had been dead four daies, and of others raised from the dead.
• 3. The memory never lets slip any thing that is treasured up in it: and nothing is treasured up in it but that which is good, heavenly, and divine, and every way worth the keeping, and fast holding.
• 4. The conscience is accessary to no evill that may any way disquiet, or trouble it: but exceedingly cheereth the soul by the witnesse it beareth to the good, perfect and constant course which it taketh; and to Gods approbation thereof: so as it is ever quiet, comfortable, and cheerful.
• 5. The heart is most pure, sincere, and entire. Its said, Rev. 14. 5. that no guil•…•… is found in them. They shine as the Sun, Matth. 13. 43. They are transparent; they have no cover for hypocrisie. Such as make lies, or love lies are without, Rev. 21. 8, 27. and 22. 15.
• 6. Their liking affections are wholly set upon the chiefest and highest good; from which no inferior good can draw them. So ravisht they are with God, as in compa∣rison of him, they desire, love, and delight in nothing else, at least in nothing more then in their sweet communion with him.
• 7. There is nothing in heaven to stir up in the souls there any disliking affections, as of fear, grief, anger, hatred. In this respect its said, that all tears are wiped from their eyes, Rev. 7. 17. that is, all matter of grief, the like may be said of other disli∣king affections.
• 8. That use which souls have of senses, as of seeing, hearing, and the like, in∣creaseth that admiration which they have of those excellen•…•… objects which they see and hear, and more ravisheth them therewith.
• 9. That utterance or expressions which they make of their mind is most divine, tending only, wholly, continually, to the praise and honour of God. Note how in this respect they are set out, Rev. 19. 1, 6, 7.
• 10. Souls in heaven are every way so perfect, as they will be most fit to be united to glorified bodies, which shall be made like the glorious body of Christ, Phil. 3. 21. which are said to shine as the firmament, and the stars, (Dan. 12. 3.) Yea, as the Sun, Matth. 13. 43. which are incorruptible, and spiritual (1 Cor. 15. 42, 44.) spiritu∣all I say,
  • 1. In regard of their freedome from all dulnesse and heavinesse.
  • 2. In regard of their wonderful agility, activity, celerity, and other like proper∣ties.
  • ...

    3. In regard of their sustentation only by their spirits, without food, apparel, sleep, Physick, or any natural help.

    By these forementioned particulars you may discern the perfection of glorified souls; which God is pleased to communicate unto them.

• 1. Thereby to give evidence of the perfect •…•…ulnesse of his goodnesse unto man. A great evidence was given at first, in mans creation. A greater evidence in mans re∣novation, and regeneration. This the greatest in regard of the absolutenesse, and unchangeablenesse of it.
• 2. To magnifie the glory of the Son of God, the head of Saints. Note 2 Thes. 1. 10. where it is said, that Christ shall be glorified in his Saints. The perfection of Saints verifieth, and gives proof of the fulnesse of the merit, and vertue of the things which Christ hath done, and suffered for mans Salvation.
• 3. To give proof of the victorious power of the regenerating Spirit in Saints. For the perfection of Saints gives demonstration of the Spirits full conqu•…•…st over the flesh, and all other enemies of the soul. The rest which Solomon had, was a good evidence of the full conquest which David had got over all the enemies of Israel.
• 4. To satisfie the longing desires of Saints. For all they in whom the good work of grace is once begun, most earnestly desire the perfection thereof. This they do
  • 1▪ Partly in regard of the flesh, which lieth heavy on their souls, as appeareth, Rom. 7. 24.
  • 2. And chiefly in regard of their earnest desire to have as neer a communion with God, and as full a participation of his Image, as may be: note Phil. 3. 13, 14. Brethren, I count not my sef to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those which are before, I presse towards the mark, for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Iesus.

• ...

  1. This is a ground of comfort and consolation to such as are much troubled and perplexed at the manifold imperfections, whereunto they are here subject in this world. Fitly may I apply in this case, Isa. 40. 1, 2. The warfare of a righteous soul against the flesh, the world, and the devill is accomplished: as her iniquity is pardoned, so is it utterly subdued, and she made perfect.

  An assured expectation hereof is the sweetest comfort that can be thought of a∣gainst our present imperfections. Hereon therefore meditate while here you live. Its some comfort, that imperfections are a common condition; and that men may be truly righteous, though imperfect: but this is a far greater, that their imperfections shall all be taken away, and they made perfect.

• 2. This may be a motive to set before us for▪ a pattern the Spirits in heaven, and that upon this ground, because they are made perfect. This is the main scope of the third petition in the Lords Prayer. This is intended, Heb. 6. 12. where the Apostle exhorteth us to be followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
• 3. This may afford ground of exultation and rejoycing upon evidences of the ap∣proach of our dissolution: because the time of our being made perfect then com∣meth.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• b 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• c 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.4

  The perfecti∣ons of the se∣verall facul∣ties of a glo∣rious soul.