erfect, hath not a particular reference, but
refers generally, to those who have been renewed by divine grace. But
when applied to a fallen creature it must be understood with
limitation. We have seen it applied to Job: Hear him then speaking of
himself--"If I justify myself, my own mouth shall condemn me. If I say
I am _perfect_ it shall prove me perverse."

St. John held a high rank among the faithful; yet speaking of the
saints, and including himself, he observes--"If we say that we have
no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us--If We confess
our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins". * St. Paul had
before declared that "there is none righteous, and that the Scripture
hath concluded all under sin."

* 1 John i. 8-10.

In what sense then are the saints perfect? And wherein consists the
excellence of their character?

1. The saints are _perfect_ in Christ. "In him dwells all the fulness
of the Godhead bodily." His righteousness is made theirs. "They are
complete in him. He is made of God unto them wisdom and righteousness,
sanctification and redemption." In this view every good man is a
_perfect_ man.

The saints before the gospel day were but very partially instructed
respecting the way of salvation. They knew not how they were to be
saved through a Redeemer who had not come in the flesh. But the matter
was open to the divine eye. And it is observable that the term
_perfect_ is never assumed by the saints. They confess their own
emptiness and abase themselves before God. Where perfection is
attributed to them, it is always by those who spake as moved by the
Holy Ghost.

2. The saints are the subjects not only of an imputed, but also of an
inherent righteousness: And have been so from the beginning. Noah
was a just man and perfect--Job _perfect_ and upright. In this respect
they were not made to differ from other saints. All the saints are
born of God--they are renewed after the image of the Creator and made
to bear the image of the heavenly. The change which takes place in
them causes them to favor the things of God; to love holiness, and
delight to do good as they have opportunity and ability.

They are just and upright; just toward man, and upright before God.

Justice respects the part which mankind act toward one another. It is
opposed to fraud and injustice. The just man is fair in his dealings
--gives to all their dues--is careful to fulfil every trust, and to
do by others