Saints duty discoursed, from 2 Pet. 3. 18. and the saints dignity handled, from Eph. chap. 1. v. 7. with directions to both, delivered from a chatecheticall dialogue by him that was, and is ...

2 PET. Chap. 3. ver. 18.

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST.

THe Penman of this Epistle is specified in the first Chap∣ter and first verse, thus: Peter a servant and an A∣postle of Jesus Christ. The persons to whom this Epistle was de∣dicated, to such as from free grace had obtained like precious faith with them that were of the Privy Councell: the Apostles, by the righteousnesse of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ, verse the first, even to such contemned, con∣demned, poore, scattered ones, through

Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, By∣thinia, as in The scope, is to fore∣warne them of dangerous dayes and perillous times approaching, in which many will endeavour to pervert their life, and subvert their faith, even to the making shipwracke thereof; whereby they might prove as ignominious to themselves, so inglorious to the Gos∣pell of Jesus Christ; he therefore in the precedent, and in this present Chapter reminds them of divers and dangerous positions and practices of men, that forewarned, forearmed; and walke as Pilgrims, and strangers warring against whatever will endanger their precious soules, holy faith, or godly life, not knowing when the day of the Lord comes nor with what speed, nor dread; by a convincing interrogatory he winds up their faith, to an exact pitch of the power of godlinesse, and holy conver∣sation, verse 11. seconded by variety of arguments, ver. 14, 15. that they may keep themselves from being plucked away with the errour of the wicked; either 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which to prevent, he prescribes my Text as an Antidote. As the last words usually best

remembred; So, But grow. The words containe a needfull direction for all Christians scattered to and fro through∣out the face of the whole Earth. If any aske the question, what is required in the Text? 'tis answered, To grow; In what? In grace and knowledge; Of whom? Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; In what order? here the method, In grace and knowledge: from which might be raised these three observa∣tions:

First, 'tis our duty to grow in grace. [Obser. 1]

Secondly, 'tis our duty to grow in [Obser. 2] knowledge.

Thirdly, 'tis our duty to grow in grace [Obser. 3] and knowledge.

I shall insist on the first only.

'Tis the duty of Christians to grow in grace. In the handling of which, I shall according to my usuall method, First open the termes of the Doctrine, grow and grace; Secondly, prove the point by the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of Scripture, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of rea∣son; and Thirdly, make the use and ap∣plication; and the strength and blessing of the Lord be in and on us all.

To grow, is a metaphoricall expres∣sion, and may fetch its illustration from

Plant, Trees, Flowers, Corn, &c. which from small spires, sprigs, seed, augment, spread, enlarge themselves, so may be said to increase, grow; this the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifies: As these grow deeper, bigger, stronger, higher; so must a Christian sprout, flourish, waxing stron∣ger and stronger in the strength of the Lord, and power of his might: Or to grow; may send forth an understanding to us of the duty, by observing of our naturall or civill growth; as we desire to manifest our selves by our long tra∣ding, to be richer, wiser, better: So by our longer continuance under the brea∣things of the spirit in Gospell-dispensa∣tions, shew ye your selves to have re∣ceived an increase of more light, life, zeale, love, knowledge, &c. this is to grow in grace. I conceive the grace in the Text, is not that grace of graces, free and perfect, displaid upon a soule by the infinite riches of wonderfull mercy, that admirable free, full grace of Justification. But by grace here, the graces of Gods holy Spirit, through the Word, with power and life, con∣veighed into the beleevers soule, by the Holy Ghost; which may therefore fitly

be phrased, the fruit of the spirit,b which are thus in Apostolicall account enumerated; Love, Joy, Peace, long-suffering, gentlenesse, goodnesse, faith, meeknesse, temperance. These are gra∣ces of Gods Spirit, and this grace in the Text includes the graces of this kind, in which we must endeavour to grow; to which knowledge is added in the verse, even that distinct under∣standing of divine truths revealed in the Word, concerning the knowing of God and Christ, whom to know aright is not lesse then life eternall. The summe is, that little grace of Gods Spirit in thee, thou must be sure to act, that it increase more and more: that as to men there is evident a growth in your body; so to God and men you may make it apparent there is an increase in your soule, in the gracious exercise of a conscience and conversation void of offence before God and man. This I conceive, with submission to better judgements, the sence of the terme of the Text. I proceed to the point to be proved.

'Tis a Christians duty to grow in grace: which growth may have a re∣ference

to the number of graces, or to the measure of graces; in respect of both, we must grow.

This Paul adviseth Corinth.d Therefore (as ye abound in every thing, in faith, utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in love to us) see that ye abound in this grace also: a bundle of beautifull excellencies are here col∣lected. And our Apostle in the first Chapter, the fifth, sixth, and seventh verses: And besides this, give all dili∣gence, adde to your faith vertue, and to vertue knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godlinesse; and to god∣linesse, brotherly kindnesse; and to bro∣therly kindnesse, charity. An addition, increase and growth of graces in the number. Is not this intimated in the parabolicall History of the Lord and his servants concerning the expected in∣crease of the talents? in which the ho∣nouring Encomiums, speaking them good and faithfull, that increased and multiplyed their two to other two, their five to ten, with an euge, well done good and faithfull servant, thou hast been faithfull over a few things, I will make

thee ruler over much, enter thou into thy Masters joy.e

For the growth of the measure of grace; grow in it: hath not Christ given grace that wee should grow to a higher measure, even to the perfecting of the Saint, and come up to the mea∣sure of the stature of Christ, the ful∣nesse of Christf for-which Paul greatly rejoyced, hearing the faith of the Thessalonians grew so exceedingly, and their charity toward each other so aboundedg to this Paul expects in theh that as they had received of them that were dispensers of the Go∣spels-mysterie, so they would walke in pleasing God, and abound therein more and more, as in the fore-mentioned place; as man, so God, calls for more weight, more measure; to adde to the number and measure of grace; grow. Christians had need to looke to their growth, Non est bonus qui non vult esse melior, hee that hath no care for the growth of his grace, will soone bring the truth of his grace into suspition: by an Apostaticall revolt, or Cork-like levity in being removed from, or wa∣vering in the first and best principles.

Need we have to grow in grace, from the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

[Reas. 1] The Lord hath more to bestow on thee than yet appears to be in thee; what ever grace thou art enriched with, God hath more yet in the granary of his goodnesse for a poor soule: Think not thy selfe more than a broken Ci∣stern; plume not thy selfe to sing a Re∣quiem to thy soule, as if thou hadst grace, holinesse, righteousnesse, know∣ledge enough; bee not deceived who∣ever thou art, endowed with an ad∣mired competency of gifts and graces, yet you need more than yet you enjoy; that great measure of knowledge is not the least of that you are ignorant of: Should I say be yee warm'd and fil∣led, and give not that which is need∣full for the body, it would little pro∣fit: should I preach, grow in grace, and not tell you, God hath more for you than yet appeares in you, lesse rea∣son, to be up and doing. But God is an inexhausted Fountaine, that both can and will bestow, more upon every soule that truely desires the growth of grace: Aske thy soule if it had not need be better stocked, and more stirre

up it selfe to lay hold on God, if he wil not give further supply of grace and knowledge: Tis my happinesse, I know in my need how to be furnish∣ed, it shall bee my reason; Therefore Ile grow.

Therefore grow in grace: The more [Reas. 2] grace the more strength: The infusion of grace puts life and energy into the soule, the addition of grace renewes the active faculties with greater strength: that as of the heroick Cham∣pions enroll'd in the eleventh Chapter of the Hebrewes, of weake (by the grace of faith) they became strong, strong to an unmatchable power: So by the growth of grace, the soule that was wont to be as water, becomes to be as strong as steele it selfe; the Apostles witnessing the truth of this to the world. The want of saving grace hinders the want of saving knowledge, that enlightens, emboldens: when hea∣ven afforded many an advantagious opportunity to satisfie thy darkened judgement, doubting spirit, let mee appeale, if thou hast not returned home, likewise, as came out: the sad experience of our owne heart, dictates

want of grace proudly kept backe, that in many things, we remaine as new∣borne Babes, poore, weake Creatures. The truth of grace (O Christian) quickens, but the growth of grace strengthens thy soul: that panoply of God makes the Saints strong, the brea∣thing of the spirit of grace makes a stripling more puissant than the Goli∣ah's of the Nations. 'Tis recorded of Father Abraham, being not weake in faith, he staggered not at the promises of God, but being strong in faith, hee beleeved in hope even against hopei Christians meet with Principalities, Powers, and the Rulers of the dark∣nesse of this world, a terrible army; how shall a poore soule encounter with this maine body, when onely the strength he hath is little more than a forlorne hope? let him strengthen himselfe with the graces of Gods Spi∣rit, and hee shall finde a power invin∣cible; none more need of strength than a poore Christian: The more grace the more strength; Whe∣ther,

1. Against sin, that is not satisfied with a being in, but would dominiere

over a Christian: or what strugling with secret corruptions, as wrastling with too many corruptions, hard to be subdued, enforcing Paul to cry outk Oh wretch who shall deliver me from this body of death? Oh, the sobs and groanes, teares and feares of a weak Christian, when corruptions be∣gin to discover themselves, then they in apprehension, the undone of all the world: Amaleck fights and sometime prevails, the want of strength foiles the soule, the height of grace upholds the soul, the more grace the more strength against sinne.

2 Against suffering, the Church and people of God meet with opposition, contradiction, persecution, who more? it was the Fathers appoint∣ment, as the sonnes predictionl and this Apostles, the great Doctor of the Gentiles oft in sacred Writ, To passe by bad report, hunger, nakednesse, pri∣son, &c. 'tis difficult, for some, not all. When strongly growne in the grace of Christ, Paul can conquer, the A∣postles with admired resolution, daunt their enemies; when formerly all left he Lord Jesus Christ, and why? they

were growne in grace, and more grace, more strength against suffering.

3. Against Temptation: our Saviour would not have taught his Disciples to pray, Lead us not into temptation, had not he known, the devill and an evill heart, laid snates to tempt; which of Gods choisest Jewels free? Not Abra∣ham, Job, David, not Christ himself; And canst thou expect or request to be above thy Lord? Poor weak Christi∣an, thou must look to be buffeted, as∣saulted. Labor for more grace; so more able to resist: for by the grace of God you may stand, as withstand.

4. Against Desertion: The more grace the more strength. Tis a conditi∣on Gods people sometimes meet with, and complaine of: A bitter expostula∣tion, My God, my God why hast thou forsaken? Faith and feare in a double combate: Whither in reference to Da∣vid, the Type, or the Son of David the Antitype, The Lord Christ: And may not your full tide ebbe? Your bright moon ecclipse? Your fair day cloud? and your clear Sun misten? Oh know ye that are dandled in the armes of an everlasting God may yet not be

ever danced in Gods everlasting arms? He may shoot bitter Arrows against you, and his everloving smile may frown it self to a momentary indigna∣tion, as bitter as death, as dreadfull as hell it self; Labour therefore for more grace, so more strength to suffer all, and endure hardship, as the good soul∣dier of Jesus Christ. So that either si∣lently with Aaron hold your peace: or with David religiously Language, It is the Lord, let him do as seemeth him good. The more grace the more strength in all, against all. Ergo.

The more grace the more comfort; [Reas. 3] many that regard not to live conscio∣nably, yet are desirous to spend their years in prosperity, and their daies in comfortable pleasures; but as without grace little conscience, so without true grace little true comfort; the more sin in us, the more opposition, the more trouble, griefe, and fearefull horrour, to the appaling of spirit, and deading of heart. But let a soul reflect, and in sim∣plicity speak, an increase of humility, faith, zeal, love, knowledge, grace, more comfort questionlesse; not more rejoicing can a condemned Malefactor

receive by the tender of a Princes par∣don, than a poor soul comfort, con∣tent, in the truth and growth of grace; were it not for the grace of God in them, of all men Christians were most miserable: in the sad apprehension of many and mighty corruptions within them, diverse and great troubles upon them, and severall scandalous reproa∣ches against them: Whither shall the soul search for comfort? To whom fly for solid consolation? Can that honour that is fading, that estate that is flying, that name that is blasting, that friend that is dying afford any? Alas, misera∣ble comforters all! nothing so much as the least spark of divine grace; and if a little will cherish, what strong con∣solations will the growth added to the truth of grace afford? view and re∣view the instances of Sacred Writ, and you shall find, where most grace, there most comfort; Therefore grow in grace,

[Reas. 4] This comfortable evidence, the sin∣cerity and truth of your grace, shew me your faith by works, a dead faith, no life in works? The soule is barren and unfruitfull: What is a body without a

soule? a poor body: What is a soule without grace? a poor soul: And what is grace without the growth thereof? uncomfortable grace: What advantage to have a name to live, and want life? What profit to have a forme, and void of the power of godlinesse? This will upon good ground witnesse to the world the truth of grace is in you, when they see your light shine, that they may glorifie your father in hea∣ven; and your light which was at first as the dawning of the day, appea∣ring as the Sun heightned to the top of the Zenith, fairly discovers the truth of grace in you to men: And to con∣science an evidentiall sign of truth, when that which flames as a fire begins to live, to a never dying worm, tis quenched and crashed by this: my con∣science bears me witnesse, that I, though my beginning was small, yet am encreased to a second, a fift, a tenth talent: behold oh conscience, did I make bones of Curse, Lye, Oath, Sabbath, Gospell, Ordinance, Hypo∣crisie, Pride, Passion, secret Impiety, or open Enormity, in times past? And do I not, dost not thou oh conscience, oh

heart, hate and abhor every false way? Dost not performe and delight to do what God pleaseth, pressing hard to be found in the righteousnesse of Jesus Christ? Who in my Infancy hoped to be justified by duties, desires, well-mea∣ning, &c. whence comes my love to God and his? Whence Patience, Zeal, Faith, more then in times past? Comes not my growth from my truth? oh ene∣my be my Judge, speak righteously. And to God also, when at the houre of Death, day of Judgement, summoned to appear, disarmed of all hopes, & helps, no more muse or burroughs to save or shelter; This will witnesse for thee, though thou hast been a poor comfort∣lesse one, yet a true one; behold Lord, thy Talent hath gained, multiplied, tis encreased and grown, though little yet good evidence, the truth of grace is in thee: When as on the contrary, to man, to conscience, to God, I have no more grace now then from my Infancy and day of youth; This comes off with sin, shame, sorrow, to the blacknesse of de∣spaire it selfe: Therefore being the growth of grace evidences the truth of grace, good reason we should grow in grace, &c.

According to my usuall method, I proceed to the Use.

Learn hence, The life of a Christi∣an [Ʋse 1] must be a life of action; Tis shame∣full impiety to practice (when once enlightned, graced from God with precious Truths, Promises, Privileges) nothing: Such a lazy devotion as brings in question the truth of grace: Grace will make us faithfull husbands, wives, servants, as Christians: If man cannot endure a Lurdan Lozell, God cannot endure a loitering idle Christian, nor in reference to the things of this life, or that which is to come; I know not a Christian as a man or woman but have or might have employment, or in works of necessity or charity: And as a Christian man or woman hath to work out Salvation, a work hard enough, to so far from thinking them idle drones, that may spurre them to be as busie as the Bee, and all little enough to give a good account at the last day: Jacobs Ladder is usually applyed here, as Angels some ascending, some de∣scending, but none standing still, to in∣timate so it must be in the Church of God; Either looking up to God, or in∣to

the soul, that admire God for his Ma∣jesty, Glory, Mercy, or humble our selves for our unworthinesse, sin, and iniquity. Did not God set his Adam presently after he had made him a li∣ving soule into the Garden to dresse it, so to become a labouring soule; and why? But to tell the children of Adam that they must not be without motion, action; God gives no Supersedeas for a Christian to be idle, or standing still: Nay, he checks with a Why stand you idle all the day longm? Tis here in the Text required that he be doing, thri∣ving, growing, Grow in grace; This of the first Use.

[Ʋse 2,] If a Christians duty be to grow in grace: Try we then, whither we have performed this duty or no. But how may I know? I answer.

1. They are grown more and better in duties: Grace is like Ezekiels wa∣ters, though little at first, discovers it self by streames to run, rivolets, rivers, to waters impassable: Or as fire, that encreases in light, heat, more, greater, so grace in growth makes a Christian in his duties more frequent; whereas before he would court the Lord in a

morning, so bid him good morrow, or complement with a goodnight, he now begins to be more frequent, grace acts him to morning, evening, and when occasion serves, at midnight as high-noon: at first seldome, since he is grown more frequent.

2. They are more fervent, more zealous, if not, I could question that truth as growth of grace; Though at first grace as fire, of which compara∣tively we say, tis a cold fire; so a soul finds it self, in the dutie of hearing, praying, receiving, cold devotion in all, chill, almost stiffe, but by that time encreased, grown, grown warme 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, seething boyling hot; the affections kindled to a flame, a zeale as hot as fire.

3. More conscionable, what in times past was done in custome, formality, hypocrisie, education, selfe, is now steeld, from conscience he doth it, and dare not but do it, and delight to do it also: He at first saw the observing the Ordinances, and Sabbaths, of God his duty, now grown beholds them his privilege, so that as in time past he acted them as a task, now he performes

them as his delight, and joy to think of his communion with the Lord: Now he makes conscience and will not omit a duty, as not commit a sin, he makes conscience of all; so doth a Christian that is grown in grace: dis∣cover it in his duties, being more fre∣quent at them, fervent in them, and conscionable of them: Try and enlarge the particulars in your meditations, I must hasten.

2. The growth of grace discovers it selfe by the death and dwinging away of sin, at first sin lives, but when grace comes sin pines, and graces growth is sins decay; as the house of Saul weaker and weaker, and the house of David stronger and stronger: So grace and sin in the soule. As tis in the body with nature and the humour: If the hu∣mour prove predominant then nature decaies, and soon man is gathered to his Fathers; but when nature gets the upper hand by degrees the killing hu∣mour lessens, and abates to a perfect recovery; so that the bed-red one walkes strongly and comfortably. This grace, like his bloud, runs through eve∣ry veine, actuates in every faculty of

the soule, as the soule in the whole body; Now mortifying this, now cru∣cifying that corruption, laying the axe of zeale, revenge, care, to the root, and so cuts down root and branch, he leaves not a hoofe behind, spares not the Da∣lila, the darling, the sweet bit under the tongue, or bosome sin in any corner of his heart, nothing in his Judgment, Understanding, Will, Memory, Affe∣ctions, but shall relate to grace; The Enemy thereof shall be brought and arraigned before Jesus Christ, and ca∣shiered for ever, his precious, gracious soule; he is grown and acts to the ut∣most, as fire, heat, and water moisten to the utmost, so grace, that dwinges sin to decay and dye: The gallant Adonijah shall not be spared, the deli∣cate Agag not connived at, nor the least of his sins (if sin against God can be called little) but shall be examined, traduced, and gibbited before the God of Israel: He spies the inside, he views the outside, what gracelesse thing is discovered, is discarded, he abstains from, and abhors secret as open wic∣kednesse: So that no sin shall have a willing being in his soule; but he is

sensible, so sensible of their imperfecti∣on, as a bone in throat, or mote in eye, never quiet till removed, using all means to recover the health of the soule into the state of strength, Oh try, which dwinge and decay grace or sin. So second triall.

3. Grown Christians more boldly, manifest the grace of God in them, confidently they dare to speak and act upon the growth than they did upon the first truth of their grace; The Apo∣stles would flie and deny Christ before they would suffer or die: But after the truth of their grace, faith, knowledge was strengthened, then they feared not the Synods, Councels, of countermand∣ing preaching Jesus Christ, as you that are versed in the Acts of the Apostles can attest. A soule at first is like Nico∣demus, it loves and would faine be with Christ, but a great deale of feare∣full sin clouds the new inspired grace, secretly it dare but appeare for feare of the Jews; I wave quotations for that I speak to (or I am much mis-inform∣ed and mistaken) Scripture-searching Christians: But grown as Daniel, & the 3 Children, they are gloriously manife∣sting

their zeale for God, and none but God, though controled by Soveraignty itselfe: As a child that hath life in ope∣rari & esse, goeth but by this support, and that assistance, for but weak now, new going; When a few yeares over-past, a shame to hold by a Finger, Chaire, Stoole, &c. but now strength encreasing hee goeth confidently by himselfe: So a poore soule at first creeps, cannot go; but his grace strengthened, renewed, he ventures in nomine Domini, as David against Go∣liah and dreads not, when all Israel is struck with a misgiving doubt, if not Panick feare. A grown Christian ma∣nifests his grace by undanted professi∣on in the hardest of body-torturing per∣secution, and middest of (precious name) disgracefull slander: In a word, by what contradiction soever of men, opposition of the gates (the power and wisdome) of hell the poore Christians grace is assaulted with it discovers it selfe void of feares as offence, in the flames of a Sacred love to God, Chri∣stian love to the Saints of God, in a steadfast resolution to walk up to Co∣venant and Gospell Reformation, and

in a Christian deportment of them∣selves, with the exercise of a good conscience before God and man: here I conceive is growth as truth of grace: Try, oh try if it be thus with thee or not. I must hasten, time bids a dis∣patch.

4. They can trust God with outward and inward estate also, sometime in weaknesse he feared one, sometime the other; Now steere over both, knowing that God hath given the Pro∣mise to godlinesse, of this and that life which is to come. No distrustfull thoughts for things temporall; Christ hath commanded, and his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 war∣rant for a growne Christian,n and assured for things of eternity to the truth as growth of grace, that nor faint nor feare: by which well may the soul relye on the Lord for its outward and inward estate. Abraham the Father of the Faithfull sometime doubted, but aftero Try how this reflects on thy soule, by a patient, humble waiting, till God answer.

5. Lastly, they that are grown in grace, grow and endeavour to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ more and

more in the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 thereof: truly to beleeve God and Christ, in God and Christ, and to acknowledge the Lord Jesus, by a separation from the goats, and communion with the sheep of Christ: Not only notionally to know and understand more of the hi∣story of Christ, but practically to doe for Christ more then in times past; that we may read in conversation one san∣ctified and strengthened in the grace of the Lord; and experimentally, that God may have experience, and the world also, that their grace, is a grace and knowledge of and according to Jesus Christ: making them more humblep and more desirous to know and find more, so the truly wise and knowing Christian; not to display the radiant beames of their vainglorious under∣standing, but to discover the riches of Gods free and infinitely full grace to their souls, in looking upon them when blind in understanding, and unsanctified in heart; after this they presse to know more of themselves, and more of Christ, to the praise of the Lord their God for bestowing as truth, so a growth in grace. Try, and by this comfortably

conceive growth of grace.

3. Now after Triall the uses follow, of terrour to some, comfort to others, exhortation to all. If not growne in grace, come in, come in, I have bitter things against thee, yet shall this Law condemne none before it heare him speake: Ask conscience then if growne in grace; whence bleating of sheep, lowing of oxen? whence in the soule, or Family, or Congregation, neglect of duties, or if performed, resting on du∣ties? how many cast the word of God behind their backs? prophane the Sab∣bath, condemne the soule-ravishing promises of the everlasting Gospell? whence is it men trust to and rest in their duties? as the hypocriticall Jews,q rising to too lofty an expostulation, in questioning the Deity it selfe, a non∣timely answering, regarding their pray∣ers and performances? how many as the Pharisees vainly gracing them∣selvesr? A soule growne in grace, would nor make it an Idoll, nor a slight, yet how many of us thus guilty?

2. The falling of (too many) from their first love, like that Ephesine

Church in the second of the Revela∣tion; and is not the love and zeale of many waxen cold in this day of affli∣ction, in the winter of our adversity? when if ever, God, Covenant, Church and Kingdome had need of champions, zealous for the glory of the one, the re∣nowne of the other, the safety and ho∣nour of all; Now, but woe, and alas, oh what cold, dead spirits, hearts, are we possessed withall? when at first zealous, since remisse, matter of humili∣ation and feare: 'tis neither naturall, nor supernaturall, for either would make the nearer the center more life, vigor and activity: let conscience speak if thou didst not in time past better affect Gods wayes, Worship, Sabbaths, Ordinances, Ministers, People, then now: fear we may: guilty we are.

3. The pride of thy grace speaks the not growing of grace: and how many plume themselves in this unhappy age, with the men-admiring vertue, when they put off the God-bestowing grace? into what assemblies shall we enter? in what company shall we be? but God shall be robbed of his glory, by mans boasting of his grace; Grace keeps a

soule low, and exalts the Lord, know∣ing whatever received, received of God: the Apostle and the strong Chri∣stian, number not themselves with such as commend themselves, and measure themselves with themselves, for they are not wises the more grace the more humility, while men advance and exalt, so as boast of zeale, grace, John-like, &c. it speaks us not grown.

4. Lastly, the seldome searching of our hearts speaks no growth of grace, if I cast not up my account, I know not whither my receipts or disbursements be most, I feare a bad reckoning, in this the Lord be mercifull unto us, we know not the windings of our hearts, despe∣rately wicked and deceitfull, we try not, search not: how many (nay how few) Sermon after Sermon, Sabbath af∣ter Sabbath, moneth after moneth, commune with their owne hearts, to see in what this or that grace is increa∣sed since the reception of so many mer∣cies? When a man seldome looks into his heart, I cannot conceive how it should be discovered he is growne in grace, but must passe sentence: (I speak to wise men) are they not blame∣worthy?

And may I not?

1. When the Lord hath graciously affoorded time and space; it was a check severe; he gave her space to re∣pent, and she repented not:t And may not the Lord say, many a day and yeare have I offered free grace stretch∣ing out my hand all the day long, and ye despighted hitherto the spirit of grace? Goe gracelesse soule into gracelesse so∣ciety; sad sentence.

2. Yea, when in that space cal'd and tendred all the means that infinite un∣derstanding conceiv'd conducible to the growth of grace; no pruning, dressing, nor watering wanting; Judge I pray betwixt me and my vineyard, what could I doe more? 'tis heavens gracious con∣descending appeale: Oh England, what shall I doe unto you? Oh People, how should I intreat you? your goodnesse yet as a morning cloud, your grace so far from growing, as 'tis the early dew dismist, dispell'd: When a father thus by a child, or a Prince thus by a Tyrone, the doome of death must follow. A harvest is set, and at due time the axe must be laid to the root of the soule, and the tree cut downeu: What in

Christ? at his Church? and Ordinance? of his profession? and not fructifie, multiply, increase and grow? Seew he takes away God, and God takes away the firme influence of his spirit, from the possession of his inheritance, he takes away, and then the soule wi∣thers, and withers, till fuell for everla∣sting burning. Oh dismall: when man endued with such a soul as an Angel of God, should so undervalue it in the neglect of grace and sleight of God, the God of grace, such a grace, such a God vilifyed: what can be expected lesse then the height of calamity, and depth of misery to be inflicted, while Gods justice, and Satans tyranny shall re∣main? but hoping better things of you, and wishing better things to you, I wave the terrour, and passe to the use of comfort.

[Ʋse 4] To all such as Grow in grace, Com∣fort; for,

1. Thou art more then a naturall man, then take comfort: wert in na∣ture only, I could not line or letter of consolation thus, but daub with un∣tempered mortar; but intituled to, or invested with grace, true comfort in∣deed.

When a Parent sees a child out∣run his extravagant courses, to become a man, and a man of God in the world, is it not great comfort? so for a be∣leeving husband or wife, to perceive the worke of grace in each other, joy to ravishment. Nor can the Minister be silent in this, but when he beholds Jesus Christ formed in his Congregati∣on, he must rejoyce with joy unspeak∣able, & full of glory, for his people being filled with grace; and is it not a joy for the Church of God nigh you, by you? so let it be to thy soule also: Thou art more then a naturall man.

2. Art growne in grace? herein is comfort that more shall be given thee: to him, to her that hath shall bee given,x more given to you, more done for you, God himselfe will purge you, that yee may bring forth more fruity: the Lord seldome, never, meddles with a soule, but it fares the better, growes the faster: A secret influentiall vertue distils it selfe to the flourishing in grace and duty, and per∣fecting to every good worke; this talent doubled, thy grace blessed, that more and more fruitfull and abundant

in the worke of the Lord be com∣forted.

3. Ye can more boldly goe to the Throne of grace, the growne righteous man as bold as a Lion: so comfortably a weake new-borne babe cannot ap∣proach before the presence of a jea∣lous God and consuming fire, as one that with resolved exercise of sancti∣fying grace, hath waded through the troubled waters of mortification, &c. and landed at the haven of full assu∣rance: Jesus Christ being our High-priest warrants it, the Apostle inferres it,z for he by his one oblation for ever hath perfected them that are san∣ctifieda: He therefore exhorts and so comforts the Saints asb, and may not that comfort?

But oh, I see other that younger, more illiterate, unlearned then I, have more grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ then I; therefore I feare the truth, the growth of grace, and what can I take of comfort?

And what if so? why O soul shouldst thou be disquieted? take heed of a cu∣rious eye, when the hand of providence disposes as pleases him, beware it dis∣please

not thee; lest you murmure and suffer: it was none of Joshua's vertues to exasperate Moses for the prophe∣cying of Eldad and Medadc, but Moses is for our imitation: And blesse ye the Lord, that he adds to the number of his Church, and you behold others to magnifie the name of Jesus Christ. A grown Christians eyes gush out with rivers of teares, when men sinne against God, and their hearts leap with joy at the conversion, salvation of others, seeing the Gospell of Jesus Christ in∣larged. Goe ye and doe likewise: ye and they shall have eternall possession, be not overwhelmed with sorrow.

2. The lesse ye have, the lesse to answer for, the Lord requires no more then he gives: if you have five talents, five more will content; if you have but two, two more will satisfie: The Lord is not severe, austere; if you have not an oxe or heifer, a goat, kid or lamb, nay a turtle Pigeon; God will not ex∣tort, be but faithfull, fruitfull in thy lit∣tle, and he will make thee ruler over much: God looks to the truth of thy graces, to the quality rather then the quantity; so that if but a mite, a cup of

cold water, accepted, rewarded, be therefore comforted.

3. Thou that growest though but lit∣tle and other more, thou shalt never want, thou shalt hold out; 'tis to the happinesse of salvation, and why not to the hearts consolation? thy grace is Gods grace, he a fountain, when thou beginnest to be dry, know God can refresh, renew: In the Prophets phrase I end all; Thou shalt be as a Tree plan∣ted by the waters, whose root spreads out by the river: thou shalt not see when heat commeth, but thy leafe shall be green, thou shalt not be carefull in the yeare of drought, neither shalt cease from yeelding fruitd. Take this for thy comfort, and I am now dismissing this Assembly.

Suffer but a word of exhortation:

[Ʋse 5] First, Grow, grow, thrive and prosper in grace and knowledge of God, let me crave leave to prescribe meanes, to propound motives, and I have done.

1. Exercise of grace, that little, that truth of grace you have; do we not direct, use legs and have legs, use me∣mory and have memory? actions intend habits: Stirre up and exercise that grace

of God in you, and your morning, dawning, will appeare bright as the Sun.

2. Unite to gracious company, joyn to the assemblies of the Saints, with∣draw not from such as speake to edifi∣cation, giving grace to the hearers; the tongues that are tipped with the language of Canaan, will advantage to enlightning, to greater heat, and further growth: sit not in the seat of the wicked, that cooles; discourse furthers the Schollars studies; good counsell helps forward to heaven: 'tis sad (be∣cause oft too late) to say, oh that I had followed good counsell, of such Mini∣sters, friends, parents, I had never come to this place of execution: lest we re∣pent too late, use the society of the Saints.

3. Beware of secret corruption; as fame and credit wil keep a natural man from open, scandalous, transgression; let grace and piety keep a spirituall man from secret corruption; strive and pray against it, as David in the nineteenth Psalme. Dust, coales, and such trash, in secret, will overthrow the stomacke, and make the wholsomest food, loath∣some:

so will sinne, if we harbour with delight a close iniquity under our tongue, it will nauseate all the saving truths of Jesus Christ gloriously held out in his Gospell, and hinder the growth of grace.

Lastly, conscionably use the Ordi∣nances of God, doe not as many for custome, formallity; but hoc age, doe it in the integrity and simplicity of con∣science; the Law and statutes of Gode are beneficiall, that which issues out of the Sanctuary increasesf, when pray, read, receive, exercise your selves conscionably, and your benefit will be profitably discovered to all.

Motives.

Mot. 1. The more grace, the more exalt Christ, 'tis a soules burthen, I can∣not live to honour Christ for all his merit, goodnesse, truths, and mercies; labour then for more grace, so speake more of his name, and ye will be in life, death, to magnifie Christ little lower then Angels in their praises to their Maker: grace brings you higher and higher to these Seraphicall spirits; so you will chaunt the perpetuall Halle∣lujah's with the Quire of Heaven, of

whom Christ is to be praised: as of you to be honoured.

2. Grace makes the more eminent; grace and fame are said to be compani∣ons, as the righteous so the gracious is more excellent then his neighbour: the world cleares this truth when the most debauched wretch would not but seeme gracious; the strumpet, luke∣warme Laodicea: all outwardly as the Pharisees: yea the Devill, else why transformed into an Angell of Light, but that with more credit to act in the children of darknesse, and heires of light also; but grace with God and Christ, a name better then of sonne or daughter.

3. Time may come need of more grace, these are the plundring times, and exercise the faith and patience of many a precious soule, though (blessed be God) we heare it only with our eares, and see it not with our eyes, nor feele it to our hearts; but a time may come: one grace fits not for every temptation, no more then one shooe for every foot or one garment for every backe: The Apostles harnesse in his Panoplyg that compleat: some∣time

a Christian hath need of this grace, sometime of another, we know not which God will call us to exercise; leave not a hoofe behind, as in one, grow in all, and strengthen every one, fearing and feeling the time bad to be worse: be not unprovided, consider the season, and grow in grace.

4. This will keep you true and sted∣fast to God, to Christ, and the principles of Religion, that ye waver not in a corklike ventositie, to the hazard of faith and a good conscience: this will arme you against all delusions, errours, sinnes, feares; and keep you entire to Christ, till you come for ever to be with him, where is the Crowne of grace, glory; with which hee con∣firme you here, and assure you here∣after, for his owne name and glory sake. Consider what I have said, and the good Lord grant you a true under∣standing in all things, that ye may grow in grace & knowledge of Jesus Christ. To whom be glory for ever and ever.

Notes

• 1 Ep. ch. v. 1.
• Doct. 1.
• b

  Gal. 5.22, 23.
• John 17.3.
• d

  2 Cor. 18.7.
• e

  Mat. 25.21.
• f

  Eph. 4.13.
• g

  2 Thes. 1.3.
• h

  1 Thes. 4.1.
• i

  Rom. 4.20, 21.
• k

  Rom. 7.24.
• l

  Io. 15.16.
• Instru.
• m

  Mat. 20.6.
• n

  Mat. 6.25.
• o

  Rom. 4. from 16. to vers. 22.
• p

  Job 42.5, 6.
• q

  Isa. 58.23.
• r

  Luk. 18.11, 12.
• s

  2 Cor. 10.12.
• t

  Rev. 2.21.
• u

  Mat. 3.10.
• w

  Joh. 15.2.
• x

  Mat. 25.26.
• y

  Joh. 15.2.
• z

  Heb. 10.21, 22.
• a

  Heb 10.14.
• b

  Heb. 4.15, 16.
• Compl.
• Resp.
• c

  Num. 11.28, 29.
• d

  Jer. 17.8.
• e

  Ps. ••9.7, 8.
• f

  Ezek. 47.12.
• g

  Eph. 6. from 10. to 19.