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Sermon IV. At Law∣rence Jury, London. March 16. 1650/1. (Book 4)
—Because in him there is found some good thing towards the Lord God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.
BEfore we come to the use of Caution, I shall here state a case of conscience, which is this,* 1.1 That if amongst Gods People there are some found that have but little grace, and but small measures found in them; Then what is the least measure of geace, less then which a man cannot be said to be in the state of grace?
This is a practical and useful case.
First: this is of great use to Christians, who are but of a lower form in Religion, and have but little grace; yet they may know that little they have: and though they have not attained strength of grace; yet they may know the truth of grace in them∣selves: and although they come short of strong believers, yet they shall hereby know they go beyond the hypocrite: for the least measure of grace, is better then the greatest measure of gifts.
Secondly, the knowledge of this will quicken the soule unto due indevours after a further increase. This will teach them to a∣bound more and more.* 1.2