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PErfection is another Attribute of this les∣ser Sun, much more of Christ the great∣er and brighter Sun. In the one is a Perfe∣ction of Light, Lustre, Beauty, no spot, darkness, or defect in it; in the other, is all Perfection of Wisdom, Righteousness, San∣ctification, Redemption: all Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg, all fulness of the God∣head bodily.
Perfection implyeth two things.
1. Perfectum est id cui nihil addi, detra••ive
potest. That is Perfect, to which nothing can be added or diminished: both are so. The Suns light is of that perfection, that all Stars shning, add nothing at all to it: All hid, lessen not the Suns light. All Angels and Saints add nothing to Christ. Though the Sun enlighten all the Stars, it hath ne∣ver the less; Christ beggars not himselfe at all, by relieving us. The Sun hath the same light, if there were no eye did heed it; Christ had the same glory and blessednesse be∣fore the world began, when none to ob∣serve it.
2. That is perfect, which is not possible to be tainted, corrupted, or prejudiced by a∣ny object, opposite, change or chance, what∣soever that may fall out. The Sun beholds all objects, all the works of Nature, many of which have a natural ill savour; all the Acts of men, many which have a wo••se moral noi∣someness; but the Sun is not at all tainted, nor his beams defiled by the sight. Christ Jesus is privy (not accessory) to all the Oppres∣sions, Treasons, Murders. Whoredomes, &c. acted under the Sun; an observer of all the damnable Heresies, and pernicious Doctrines that are broached; but his Per∣fections are not in the least impaired, because he receives no taint, he is no approver of them.
1. This shewes us, that God receives nothing from the Creature. He did not out of any necessity or indigence create the
world; we want a house, therefore build; a horse therefore buy; a servant therefore hire: but God did not create heaven be∣cause he needed a house, or the Angels and men, because he wanted Servants: He had the same perfect blessedness in himself be∣fore there was a world or Creature. The Sun receives not his light from our eye, but our eyes from his light.
2. If he be perfect, then cannot wicked ones when they do their worst, hurt or pre∣judice him; Whoredomes, Heresies reach not him. Look unto the Heavens, and see, and behold the clouds which are higher then thou. If thou sinnest, what dost thou against him, or of thy Transgressions be multiplied, what dost thou unto him? Thy wickednesse may hurt a man as thou art, and thy Righteousnesse may profit the son of man.
3. Lesse doth hee need our Duties. If thou bee Righteous, what is that to him, or what receiveth he at thy hands?
Set not up thy rush candle to the Sun, it needs it not, it beares it not, but puts it out: All the Starres in Heaven, and Lights on earth are abashed and appear not in the Suns presence. Even that which was made so glorious (that is the face of Moses) had no glory (said the Apostle) in this respect, by reason of the glory (of Christ) that excel∣leth. But he that put on a Vayle when hee came from God to speak to Israel, that hee might hide his Glory, needed to put on an∣other
Vaile when he went in unto God to hide his Imperfections.
1 Cor. 1. 30: Col. 2. 3. 9
Nunquam no∣vus, nunquam vetus, sempe•• a∣gens, sempe•• quietus, colli∣gens & non ••∣gens ••o••tans, & implans & pro∣tegens; creans & nutriens & p••••ficiens▪ qu••∣rens cum nil de∣sit tihi. Reddis debi••a, nulli de∣bens; do••••s om∣nia nihil per∣dens, Aug. Conf l. 1. ••. 4
Amas nec aest••∣as; zelas & s••∣securus es; poe∣nitette, & non doles; iras••eris & tranquillus es. Aug. ibid.
Applic. 1.
Recipis quod in∣venis, & non amittis; nunquam inops, et gaudes lucris; nunquam avarus & usuras exi∣gas. Idem
Job 35. 5. 6, ••.
Job 35. 7
2 Cor. 3. 10.
Exod. 37. 33.