Obj. THe Scriptures ascribeth perfection to the workes of the Saints, as it is said of Noah, Gen. 6. 9. that he was a just man, and a perfect man in his time. Hezekiah also saith, I have walked before thee with a perfect heart, 2 King. 20. 3.
Ans. These and the like sayings must be understood of the perfection of the parts of obedience, not of the degrees of perfection; that is, the faithfull doe even exercise their obedience in every part of the Law, but not in a perfect degree, or measure. 2. They are said to be perfect only in comparison of such as are weake, and imperfect. 3. Their sincerity and perfection is understood, as be∣ing opposite to dissimulation and hypocrisie, that their hearts were perfect towards the Lord, that is, unfainedly, without dissi∣mulation, in which sence the Prophet David saith, Judge me ac∣cording to my innocency, &c. Psal. 7. 8.
Obi. The Apostle saith, Whosoever is borne of God sinneth not, 1 Joh. 3. 9. The faithfull being borne of God cannot sin.
Ans. The Apostle in that place doth not understand the dwel∣ling of sin, but the reigning of sin, for otherwise he should be contrary to himself, who had said before, Chap. 1. 8. If we say we have not sin we deceive our selves, and the truth is not in us. So they which are borne of God sin not; that is, sin though it re∣maine in them, it reigneth not in them, as the Apostle saith, Though we walke in the flesh, we are not after the flesh, 2 Cor. 10. 3. neither was the Law given to justifie men thereby, for the Apo∣stle saith, That by the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justifled in his sight, for by the knowledge of the Law commeth the knowledge of sin, Rom. 3. 20. this then is the end and use of the Law, viz.
- 1. It sheweth what God is, viz. one that loveth Justice, and hateth iniquity.