Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

1. And first it is necessary that we be convinced that we are very far short of that fullness of God, which is attainable even in this life: Many might have had more grace, if they had not been under the delusion that they had grace enough already: The dream of Perfection attained, has prejudiced the perfection which is attainable: As Tully observes, Multi ad sapientiam pervenissent, nisi eo jam see pervenisse putassent: Many Men had arrived at a high degree of Wisdom, had they not fondly conceited that they had already reached the top of it: The Apostle's frame was most excellent and imitable, Phil. 3.12, 13. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after it, that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. He considered more what was before, than what he had left behind; that is, he more looked forward to what he had not yet attained, than backward to what he had.

1. And first it is necessary that we be convinced that we are very far short of that fulness of God, which is attainable even in this life: Many might have had more grace, if they had not been under the delusion that they had grace enough already: The dream of Perfection attained, has prejudiced the perfection which is attainable: As Tully observes, Multi ad sapientiam pervenissent, nisi eo jam se pervenisse putassent: Many Men had arrived at a high degree of Wisdom, had they not fondly conceited that they had already reacht the top of it: The Apostle's frame was most excellent and imitable, Phil. 3.12, 13. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after it, that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. He considered more what was before, than what he had left behind; that is, he more lookt forward to what he had not yet attained, than backward to what he had.

2. Let us pray that we may know more of the Love of Christ to us, as the proper mean to be filled more with the fullness of God in us: This is the expedient of the Text; and what greater encouragement can there be, to love, serve, obey and glorify our God, than that he has so freely, wonderfully loved us in Christ?