Grace: the truth and growth and different degrees thereof. The summe and substance of XV. sermons. Preached by that faithful and painful servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. Christopher Love, late minister of Lawrence Jury, London. They being his last sermons. To which is added a funerall sermon, being the very last sermon he ever preached.

Sermon II. At Law¦rence Jury, London. 1650. (Book 2)

1 KING. 14. part of the 13. verse.

—Because in him there is found some good thing towards the Lord God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam.

HAving dispatched the Observations which may be gathered from the cir∣cumstance in the Text, I come to that main Doctrine which I intend to handle, which is;

God doth not onely exactly take notice of,* 1.1 but also tenderly cherish, and graciously reward the smallest beginnings, and weakest measures of

grace, which he works in the hearts of his own people.

I might produce a cloud of testimonies to confirm this point. Our Saviour Christ said, that be wil not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax. Observe,* 1.2 it is not said; the strong Oak shal not be broken, but the brui∣sed reed shall not be broken; not the light and flaming torch, but the smoking flax, shal not be quenched.—Smoking flax, where there is but little fire, and much smoke of infirmity, yet Christ will not quench it,* 1.3 i. e. he will-cherish it; here is the figure Meiosis, here is lesse spoken then intended.—He will be so far from quenching, that he will cherish the smoking fl••x; as in another place God is said,* 1.4 that he will not despise a broken heart, i. e. He will highly esteem it.

Solomon speaks of the fig-tree putting forth her green figs, and the Vine with her tender grapes gives a good smell, that is, the little measure and weak beginnings of grace in young Converts, do please the Lord Jesus Christ, and are as a sweet smel in his nostrils. Again, Christ saith,* 1.5 Let us see if the vine flou¦rish, whether the tender gr••p•• appear, and the po∣megranate bud forth. The green buds re∣garded by Christ as well as the ripe and grown fruit.* 1.6

In opening of the Doctrine, I shall endea∣vour to clear these two things;

1. That some of Gods people have but weak measures and small beginnings of grace.

2. Though there be but a little grace, yet God will regard and reward it.

1. That some of Gods people have but a little grace,—,* 1.7 have but the beginnings of grace wrought in their souls.

In the handling whereof are three things,

1. The truth of the Proposition may be made good from the Scriptures.

2. I will lay down notes of discovery, to know such as have but small measures of grace wrought in them.

3. And then shew why God in his wis∣dom will not suffer his people to be all of an equall strength and stature in grace.

1. How douth it appear that some of Gods peo∣ple are but weak in grace?* 1.8

1. By the different names and titles that are given unto Christians in holy Scriptures,* 1.9 ar∣guing they are of different measure and growth in grace. 1.s 1.10 Some are called strong men, and others weak. 2. Some are called t 1.11 Babes in Christ, and others called grown men. 3.* 1.12 Some are calledu 1.13 Trees of Righteous∣nes••,* 1.14 Plants of renown,* 1.15 that grow like Cedars in Lebanon: Others are but a bruised reed. Some arex 1.16 Kids in Christs flock, and Lambs:* 1.17 O∣thers are as the He-Goats that go stately before the flock. 4. Some have grace flaming forth in much zeal and vivacity, they havey 1.18 the spi∣rit of burning; and others are but smoking flax, i. e. Christians that have much of the smoke of infirmity, & but little of the flame of grace.

2. By the Analogy that is between spiritu∣al and natural differences of age,* 1.19 strength, and stature in man; the Holy Scripture ex∣actly sets down all the different degrees of grace, under the similitude of the different ages of men.

1. There is az 1.20 forming of Christ in the heart, and so a spiritual conception.

2. There are those that are but new-born Babes in Christ.* 1.21

3. There are some that are advanced from infancy to be Young-men.* 1.22

4. There are some that are grown men in Christ,* 1.23 Old men.—And all this doth but set forth the different degrees of grace that are in Christians, some having less some more. —In the Church of Christ, which is his Orchard, there are trees of all sorts, Spike∣nard and Saffron, Calamus and Cynamon with all trees of Frankinzense,* 1.24 Myrre and Aloes,* 1.25 &c. Brightman on this Scripture notes, that hereby is meant the several sorts of Christians. Spikenard & Saffron are young weak Professors; these are tender Plants that scarce lift up the head above the ground. Ca¦lamus & Cynamon which are shrubs of two cubits high, more Christians of a middle size; & the other trees note Christians of a more eminent measure and growth in grace.

A second question, How may a man know himself,* 1.26 that be is but of a little measure and small beginning in grace?

1. To be much in dependance on duties,* 1.27

argues thou art but weak in grace. A young Christian is like a young Carpenter, he makes many chips, & hath many blows, but doth not make such smooth work as an ex¦perienced Carpenter, who will make fewer chips, and at fewer blows better work: so young Christians, they are much in the use of duty, but they are ap to relie upon duty; they think duties make them Saints, & they are apt to make Saviours of their duties. Young Christians are 1. Affectionate in du∣ties, and 2. Frequent in their duties. 3. And see not their failings in their duties, and so are apt to rest on their duties. As it is a signe of an Apostate Professor to cast off duty, so also a note of a young and weak Professor to rest too much upon his duties.

2. A weak Christian is not clearly insight∣ed into the close & spirituall failings,* 1.28 which cleave to his performances. He doth see his gifts, and takes notice of his affections, but he doth not see the vanity of his minde, the un∣soundness of his ends, his carnal dependance upon his duty, self-love and vaine glory; but in tract of time a grown Christian doth take notice of these things in himself; an experi∣enced Christian will take as much notice of his failing in duty, as of his ability in it, and though he discerne an inlargement of gifts and graces in him at some times; yet he still discerns much spiritual pride, popular ap∣plause, ostentation of gifts, too much for∣wardnesse in setting out his parts, which a

weak Christian seldom perceives.

3. To have a scrupulous conscience about* 1.29 matters of indifferency argues a weak Chri∣stian;* 1.30 for so the Apostle cals them, weak in the faith,* 1.31 such as did binde the conscience when the Scriptures left it free. One believer thought he might eat any thing, and another doubted of the lawfulnes of eating sundry things. Now those that doubted, the Apostle cals* 1.32 Weak; and the weak conscience is apt to be defiled. Not to know our liberty, & to abuse our liberty,* 1.33 is an argument we have but little grace. Young Converts make more sinners then ever God made, they perplex and in∣tangle themselves meerly in indifferent things. It is true, there ought to be a consci∣encious tendernesse in all Christians: tender∣nesse of conscience is our duty, but a tormen∣ting, intangling scrupulosity is our infirmi∣ty: and yet as a weak Christian is better then no Christian, a weake faith is better then a dead faith; so a scrupulous conscience is better then a seared conscience.

4. To be so intently set on the exercises of Religion as to neglect our particular cal∣lings,* 1.34 is a signe we are but weak in grace. It was a good saying of that famous man of God, Dr. Sibbs; I like that Christian well, that will hear much and live much, that, will pray much and work much.* 1.35 In young Converts their affections are strong and stirring, and they think they can never hear enough, and they many times do neglect the duties of their

callings, which doth argue their weaknesse and infirmity. An experienced grown Chri∣stian, is regular in his general and particular calling; so as the one shall not justle and hinder the other.

5. To have mens persons in admiration argues weaknesse in grace;* 1.36 such were the Corinthians who had mens persons in admi∣ration: the Apostle calls them, Children, Babes and poor, low, and carnall Christians: Babes, though they had the life of Christians; yet they had but little of the strength of Christi∣ans. —They were carnal,* 1.37 they savoure'd more of the flesh then of the Spirit. Ignorance is often a cause of admiration; weak Christians who have but little knowledge, are apt to be so taken with mens persons, that one cryes, I am of Paul,* 1.38 and another, I am of Apollo, and so fall into the sin condemned of having the faith of Christ with respect of persons, to cry up one Minister, and to cry down others. To idolize some, & to despise others argues that thou art weak in faith. A solid Christian loves all good ministers, and can contemne none.

6. To be easily seduced and led away into error, argues but weaknesse in grace.* 1.39 Those the Apostle calls Children who are tossed to and fro,* 1.40 and carried about with every winde of doctrine. Weaknesse of head doth argue that grace is not very strong in thy heart. The way not to fall from our stedfastnesse, is, to grow in grace; for the Apostle Peter doth joyn

those two duties together,* 1.41 having given a caution, vers. 17. not to fall from steadfastnesse, vers. 18. He gives counsel to grow in grace; strong Christians are stedfast, whereas weak ones are inconstant; and therefore those Professors that have been whirl'd about with divers opinions, it is an evidence they have but weak grace, if any.

7. Such as are only acquainted with the common Principles of Religion,* 1.42 without further search into the depths and mysteries of Religion.—There are some Professors who may be fitly stiled Babes in Christ, be∣cause they have need of milk, being unskilfull in the Word of Righteousnesse,* 1.43 that is, in the more solid doctrines of the Gospel, concer∣ning Christ, who is our Righteousness. Thus the Disciples and Apostles of Christ knew but little of the mystery of our Redemption at first, and were ignorant concerning thea 1.44 Passsion of Christ, of theb 1.45 Resurrection, as also of thec 1.46 Ascension of Christ, till the Holy Ghost came and taught them these things, and brought those things to remembrance that Christ had taught them.

8. Weak Christians are strong in affecti∣ons,* 1.47 and not in judgment, they have usually more heat then light; young Christians are like young horses, they have much metal, but are not so fit for a journey, because they are not so through paced: there are many Chri∣stians that have much zeal and affection, but are not so solid in their judgments; but

this argues much weakenesse in grace.

9. A weak Christian is one that cannot bear reproof.* 1.48 Sharp weather will discover whether thou art of a weak or sound body;—so a sharp reproof will discover whether thou art of a weak spiritual temper & consti∣tution. When Nathan came to David he could bear the reproof, though the Prophet told him to his face, He was the man that had sinned; but Asa,* 1.49 though a good man, could not endure the faithfull reproof of a Pro∣phet,* 1.50 But was wroth with the Seer, and put him in the prison-house.

10. A weak Believer is one that can trust God for his soul,* 1.51 but not for his body.—So Jesus Christ argues that those had little faith,* 1.52 who did expect heaven and happinesse from God their Father, and durst trust him with their souls and eternal concerments, & yet durst not trust him for food & raiment. There are those that dare trust God for hea∣ven, and yet not trust him for earth, but these are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of little faith. The Disciples when they wanted bread,* 1.53 began to reason a∣mongst themselves how they should be sup∣plyed. —Oh ye of little faith (saith Christ) Why do you thus reason?* 1.54 Can you trust me for the bread of eternal life, and dare you not trust me for the bread of this life?

Be not then discouraged you that discern in your selves but small measures of grace;* 1.55 look on your wants and imperfections, so as to grow in grace, and not to be content with

any measure: But look not on the small be∣ginnings in grace, as discouragement to you. When you see in a field a great Oake, you may say, this great tree was once but a small acorne. Those Christians who are now but small spriggs, may hereafter be tall Cedars: say to thy soul, though I am but weak, yet I shall be strong: grace where it is true will be growing, the smoking flax may be a burning and shining lampe in Gods Candlestick: and therefore as you must not be content with the greatest measure of grace; so neither be discouraged with the least measure of Grace. A grain of mustard seed,* 1.56 may grow a great tree.

Content not your selves with small mea∣sures of grace;* 1.57 a little of the world will not content you.—In the womb a foot con∣tents us, three foot in the Cradle, and seven foot in the grave: but betwixt the Cradle and the grave, a whole world will not con∣tent us, and shall a little grace content us? For wealth and desire of it, thou art as the Horse-leech which cries, give, and as the grave that never saith it is enough; and for grace wilt thou be content with a little?

Notes

• * 1.1

  Doct.
• * 1.2

  Mat. 12. 20
• * 1.3

  Verba p••••i∣u•• ad cor nostrum quàm ad cor Dei ac∣commodata.
• * 1.4

  Psal. 51. 17
• * 1.5

  Cant. 2. 13.
• * 1.6

  Cant. 7. 1••.
• * 1.7

  1. Prop∣sition.
• * 1.8

  1 Quest
• * 1.9

  1. Answ.
• s 1.10

  Rom. 15. 1
• t 1.11

  1 Cor. 3. 1
• * 1.12

  1 Joh. 2. 14
• u 1.13

  Isa. 61. 3.
• * 1.14

  Psal: 92. 12
• * 1.15

  Mat. 12. 20
• x 1.16

  Cant. 1. 8.
• * 1.17

  1 Joh. 21. 15, 16, 17.
• y 1.18

  Isa. 4. 4.
• * 1.19

  2 Answ.
• z 1.20

  Gal. 4. 19
• * 1.21

  1 Pet. 1. 23 &c. 2. 2.
• * 1.22

  1 Joh. 2. 13
• * 1.23

  ibid.
• * 1.24

  Cant. 2. 14
• * 1.25

  Brightman.
• * 1.26

  2 Quest.
• * 1.27

  Answ. 1.
• * 1.28

  Aasw. 2.
• * 1.29

  Answ 3.
• * 1.30

  Rom. 14. 1.
• * 1.31

  Rom. 15. 1.
• * 1.32

  Rom 14. 21.
• * 1.33

  1 Cor. 8. 7. c. 9. 2.
• * 1.34

  Answ. 4.
• * 1.35

  Dr. Sibbs.
• * 1.36

  Answ. 5,
• * 1.37

  1 Cor. 3. 1, 4.
• * 1.38

  Jam. 2. 1. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.39

  Answ. 6.
• * 1.40

  Eph. 4. 14.
• * 1.41

  2 Pet. 3. 17 18.
• * 1.42

  Answ. 7.
• * 1.43

  Heb. 5. 12, 13.
• a 1.44

  Luke 9. 45.
• b 1.45

  Mar. 9. 10.
• c 1.46

  John 10, 16, 17.
• * 1.47

  Answ. 8.
• * 1.48

  Answ. 9.
• * 1.49

  2 Sam. 12. 7.
• * 1.50

  2 Chron. 16. 10.
• * 1.51

  Ans. 10.
• * 1.52

  Mat. 6. 30.
• * 1.53

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.54

  Mat. 16. 8.
• * 1.55

  1 Vse.
• * 1.56

  Mat. 17. 20
• * 1.57

  2 Vse.