11. Again, the same words often have a
different meaning. For instance, we call God good and a man good;
but it bears in each case quite a different meaning. Cic. de
Off. III. 4, § 16. We call God just in one sense, man in
another. So, too, there is a difference in meaning when we call
God wise and a man wise. This we are taught in the Gospel:
“Be ye perfect even as your Father Who is in heaven is
perfect.” S. Matt. v. 48. I read again
that Paul was perfect and yet not perfect. For when he
said: “Not as though I had already attained, either were
already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend
it.” Phil. iii. 12. Immediately he
added: “We, then, that are perfect.” Phil. iii. 15. There is a twofold form of
perfection, the one having but ordinary, the other the highest
worth. The one availing here, the other hereafter. The one
in accordance with human powers, the other with the perfection of the
world to come. But God is just through all, wise above all,
perfect in all.