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In one of the compartments of the London Express the other day, an eminent artist was trying to hurt the feelings of a Baptist minister who was travelling in his company. The artist said, contemptuously, "Preaching is such a very low occupation!" The minister replied, "Pray, sir, will you tell me what is your chief object in life?" The painter said, "Why, of course, my chief object is to make great pictures." The minister observed, "Well, that may be a worthy object; but, in my opinion, the highest aim in life is to make good men. Pictures perish; men are everlasting." "Ah," said the painter, "you are right; the humblest preacher who by example as well as precept inspires goodness in men is much more useful to the world than the most eminent artist."

(W. Birch.)

I. THE FAITHFUL ARE SAID TO BE PERFECT.

1. Comparatively with the unconverted. Religion will make a man perfect in comparison of that which by nature men can attain unto.

2. They may be said to be perfect who want nothing that is absolutely necessary for salvation.

3. In righteousness there is perfection, .and so they shall be absolutely perfect at the day of judgment, and are already perfect in respect of justification; yea, this word is given to the sanctification of the faithful, and that two ways —

(1) As to be perfect notes nothing else but to be a strong man in Christ (Hebrews 5. ult.).

(2) As to be upright is accepted with God for perfection, by the benefit of the covenant of grace and the intercession of Christ. Thus I think the very word is used in these places: 1 Corinthians 2:6, Philippians 3:15, James 1:17, Hebrews 6:1, 12, 13, Thus there is perfection in doctrine (Hebrews 6:1), in faith (James 2:22), in hope (1 Peter 1:13), in love (1 John 4:18 and John 17:23), in understanding (1 Corinthians 14:20).

II. BUT WHO IS A STRONG MAN IN CHRIST OR A PERFECT MAN?

1. He that can forgive his enemies, and pray for them, and do good to them (Matthew 5:48).

2. He that finishes his work; he doth not begin slightly and work for a spirit, but perseveres (John 17:4).

3. He that holds constant amity and holy communion with God's children (1 John 4:12; John 17:23).

4. He that renounces the world, denies himself, and consecrates his life to God (Romans 12:12).

5. He that is not carried away with every wind of doctrine, but follows the truth with all constant unmovableness (Ephesians 4:13, 14).

6. He that presseth after perfection (Philippians 3:13, 14, 15, 10: 9).

7. He that hath a plerophory or full assurance of the will of God towards him (Colossians 4:12).

8. He that can digest the stronger doctrines of religion (Hebrews 5:14).

9. Patience hath in him her perfect work (James 1:4).

10. He sins not in word (James 3:12).

11. He keeps the word (1 John 2:5).

12. He is settled in the love of God, and hath not fear, but boldness (1 John 4:17, 18).

(N. Byfield.)

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KJV: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

WEB: whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;