An expository comment, doctrinal, controversial, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…

First, That even in real Saintship there is a great latitude and difference. ¹All are not Saints alike. The Scripture speaks of babes, of young men, of old men. It speaks of some that are spiritual and perfect; others are imperfect, and even carnal, 1 Cor. 3. comparatively: so that we must always distinguish between the truth of grace, and the degrees of it. A Saint is a Saint, though but a bruised reed, and a smoking flax. This is good to be observed, that we may not judge of Saintship by such degrees, and high attainments, but by truth and sincerity. No, there will be always difference both in Illumination and Sanctification, and that amongst the Saints themselves. And this should teach a mutual bearing and forbearing of one another. Let not him that is strong, who doth far surpass others, though true Saints, in gifts and graces, despise ⟨p. 87⟩and contemn such as are below them, to judge them no Saints, or not godly at all. That there is such a disposition even in grown Saints, appeareth Rom. 14. where the Apostle giveth several Rules to strong Christians, especially, That they judge not, or despise him that is weak; and one reason amongst others is, Because God hath received him. If therefore he be one, whom God hath received, for whom Christ died, though subject to many weaknesses and infirmities take heed of contemning him. Such a supercilious, censorious spirit, is far from the Spirit of Christ, who when he saw one not far from the Kingdom of Heaven, though not yet in it, yet it's said, He loved him, and encouraged him.

First, That even in real Saintship there is a great latitude and difference. ¹All are not Saints alike. The Scripture speaks of babes, of young men, of old men. It speaks of some that are spiritual and perfect; others are imperfect, and even carnal, 1 Cor. 3. comparatively: so that we must alwayes distinguish between the truth of grace, and the degrees of it. A Saint is a Saint, though but a bruised reed, and a smoaking flax. This is good to be observed, that we may not judge of Saintship by such degrees, and high attainments, but by truth and sincerity. No, there will be alwayes difference both in Illumination and Sanctification, and that amongst the Saints themselves. And this should teach a mutual bearing and forbearing of one another. Let not him that is strong, who doth farre surpass others, though true Saints, in gifts and graces, despise