§. 172. Of being perfect in every good work.
THe first branch is a very large one, comprising under it every spirituall bles∣sing that is needfull for a Christian.
a 1.1 The first word in Greek is a compound. b 1.2 The Adjective whence it is derived doth signifie sound, not hurt, not defective. The compound wants not emphasis. It signifieth to make up a thing that is rent or defective: as where it is said, that the sonnes of Zebede were c 1.3 mending their nets, Matth. 4. 21. and where the Apostle exhorteth to restore one that is overtaken in a fault, Gal. 6. 1. Usually it signi∣fieth, as here, to perfect, 1 Cor. 1. 10. 2 Cor. 13. 11. It is used to Gods pre∣paring the body of Christ for a fit sacrifice, Hebr. 12. 5. and to the framing of the worlds, Hebr. 11. 3. Both Christs body, and also the worlds were perfectly made up.
It here intendeth a perfection; and giveth evidence that perfection may be prayed for, as 1 Cor. 1. 10. 2 Cor. 13. 11. Christ himself exhorteth us to be perfect.* 1.4 See more hereof in the Guide to go to God, or Explanation of the Lords Prayer, on the 3. Petit. §. 65, 68, 69.
The Noun translated d 1.5 work, is attributed both to that which God doth, and also to that which man doth. Of the notation of the word, See Chap. 4. v. 3. §. 28. Here it is applied to that which man doth: and is extended to every kinde of work to be done by man, either in reference to God, or a mans neighbour, or him∣self: therefore he here addeth this generall particle every. For man is bound to do what work soever is required of him by God: as is proved, Chap. 8. v. 5. §. 16.
Though the extent aforesaid be very large, yet it must be limited within the com∣pass of that that is good. Therefore this epithete good is here added, to limit and restrain that generall every.
The notation of the e 1.6 Greek word is taken from another word that signifieth f 1.7 admirable, or worthy of all admiration: For in truth nothing is so worthy of admiration as that which is truly good.
This is the commendation of every work that God made in the beginning, that it was good, yea very good, Gen. 1. 4, 31. There is nothing wherein the creature can be more like his Creator then in goodness. This was that Image or likeness of God after which God made man at first, Gen. 1. 26, 27.
Under this word good all fruits of holiness to God, and righteousness to men are comprised.
These then are the good works whereunto we are created, Eph. 2. 10. and unto which the man of God must be thorowly furnished, 2 Tim. 3. 17. and which he must learn to maintain, Titus 3. 8, 14. and whereof he must be zealous, Tit. 2. 14. These are they that must be seen that men may glorifie our Father which is in hea∣ven, Matth. 5. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 12. Dorcas is commended for being full of these, Act. 9. 36. These become women professing godliness, 1 Tim. 2. 10. A widow that is re∣ceived to do service in the Church, must be well reported of for good works, 1 Tim. 5. 10. Rich men must be rich therein, 1 Tim. 6. 18. Ministers must be a pattern therein, Tit. 2. 7. And we must all provoke one another thereto, Heb. 10. 24. See more hereof in the Saints Sacrifice, on Psal. 116. 9. §. 59.