A Commentary on 1 Peter 1-3, Exposition of chapter 2 · Exposition of verse 2

A Commentary on 1 Peter 1-3 · Exposition of chapter 2 · Exposition of verse 2

p. 221Verse 2.

As new borne babes desire the sincere milke of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

Hitherto of the things to be avoided.

NOw followes the second thing, and that is, what we must doe, that we may profit by the word, namely that we must get tender and constant affections to the word, if we would ever grow by it in knowledge and grace: and this is set out metaphorically by the comparison of appetite and desire in new borne babes unto milke. The meaning is, that Christians, that would profit, must be like children in their affections to the word: they must love it, and long for it, and delight in it, and have their hearts set upon it, as affectionately, as children doe naturally thirst after the brest: This is a point of singular use, and such, as all of us ought to take notice of, to get our hearts rightly framed, and firmed herein. The disease of the most hearers lieth in the defect of this: and the happinesse of such, as doe thrive apace in godlinesse, is to be ascribed to this affectionate love of the word.

There be three things about these desires for matter of observation, must be distinctly noted: The first concernes the necessity of this desire: The second, the utility: And the third, the true nature of this holy desire.

For the first: It is evident from hence, that all that come to the word, It is indispensably required, that they come with appetite: men must bring affection, and desire after the word, if they would ever grow by it. If we would ever drinke freely of the water of life, we must be such as thirst after it. Revel. 21.6. If we would have God to feed with milk and wine, we must be such, as have a true thirst after it. Isaiah. 55.1. If we would not have all successe blasted in us, we must take heed of loathing the meanes, that is, despising prophecie: 1. Thes. 5.21.

For the second: It is likewise evident from hence, that though wee have many wants, and ignorances, and weaknesses, yet if we have affection to the word, we shall never be destitute of some happy successe in the vse of it. The former places assure Gods blessing and confirme it, that God will not be wanting to any, that hath this appetite: It is all that God stands upon. Every one that thirsteth may come, and buy and eate, annd drinke aboundantly: Isaiah. …5.1.2.3. Let us be carefull of the condition: to desire the word, as the child doth the milk; and God will not faile to give the successe, we shall grow by it.

Now for the third point. It is here to be carefully noted what kind of desire of the word is that, to which this promise is annexed: The true desire after the word hath chiefly foure distinct things in it.

First, Estimation of the word above all other outward things. When wee can account it a great blessednesse to be chosen of God to this priviledge to approach unto him in the courts of his house. Psal. 65.4. Psal. 119.127.128. When we can say with David, Oh how amiable are thy tabernacles, and think it better to be a doore-keeper in Gods house, then to dwel in the tents of wickednesse Psal. 84.1.10. When we esteem the directions and comforts of Gods word above Gold and silver: Psal. 119.127. and with Paul account all things but losse in comparison of the excellent knowledge of Christ, which may bee heere had. Philip 3.9.

Secondly, Longing and appetite after it, as true and certaine, as the very appetite of a child is to the brest: this is expressed by the similitudes of panting, thirsting, and watching after the word in divers Scriptures: and when this longing is more vehement, it is set out by the passion of fainting for it, and of the breaking of the soule for it: Psal. 42.1. & 84.2. & 119.20.40. & 131.

Thirdly, Satisfaction and contentment, when we speed well in the word: p. 222as the child is quieted, and sleepeth in the rest and vertue of the milk it hath received: David saith, his soule was satisfied as with marrow: Psal. 63.1.5. and is graunted of all the godly and chosen ones, Psa, 65.4. When it is sweet like hony to our taste, Psa. 119.103.

Fourthly, Constancy, and the renewing of affection. A childes appetite is renewed every day, though it seeme to be full for the present, and such is the true desire of the godly. It is not a desire for a fitt, but is renewed daily, as the appetite to our appointed food is, Iob. 23. He that hath this desire may bee found daily waiting at the gates of wisedome: Prov. 8.34.

VsUs… 1. The vse of all may be chiefly threefold: For,

For tryall.First it may serve for tryall: we should every one examine our selves, whether we have this true desire after the word, or no. For, if we finde this, wee are sure to prosper: and if wee find it not, wee are nothing but starvelings in matter of godlinesse,

Question. But how may we know, whether we have this estimation, longing after, and constant affection to the word?

Answ. It may be known divers waies, especially if our affections be grown to any good ripenesse,How we may dis…e…ne our desire, and affection after the word. and tendernesse, in the measure of them: For it may be evidently discerned.

First, If we seeke the blessing of the word of God, as a chiefe happinesse, we would desire of him in his speciall merciemercy to give it unto us. Psa. 119.68, 132, 144, 155. and so by the constancy of prayer we may also discern the constancy of our appetite.

Secondly, if we can be diligent and content to take any paines, or be at any cost, that we may be provided of this food that perisheth not. Iohn 6.27.

Thirdly, if wee can hoord and hide up the word in our hearts, as worldly men would doe their treasures, Psal. 119.11. …oying in it as much, as in all riches, Psal. 119.14.162. especially, if we can batten and wax fat by the contentments of it; as carnall men doe, when they live at hearts ease. Psalme 119.70.

Fourthly, if it will still our crying, that is, if it will comfort us, and quiet our hearts in all distresses: Psal. 119.50, 143, 92. so as nothing shall offend us. verse 16….

Fiftly, If we make haste and come willingly at the time of assembling: Psa. 110.3. But especially, if we make haste, and not delay in practising, what we learne thence: Psal. 119.60.

Sixtly, if wee be thankefull to God, and abound in the free will offrings of our mouthes for the good wee get by the word: Psal. 119. 7, 108.164, 171. Seaventhly, if we can be truely grieved, and say with David, Sorrow takes hold on us, because the wicked keepe not Gods law, 119.159.

Eighthly, If we delight to talke of Gods word, and to speake of his wondrous workes discovered in his word. Psal 119.27, 172, &c.

These things and the like are in them that have their affections tender, and striving in them: Now whereas many of Gods children may have true desire to the word,Note. and yet not find evidently some of these signes: therefore I will give other signes of true affection to the word, though there be not alwaies such delight in it, as they desire. The lesser measure of true appetite to the word may be discerned by some of these signes that follow.

First, it is a signe that we doe heartily love the word, when wee can from our hearts love and blesse them, that doe love the word, accounting them happy for their very love to the word. Psal. 119.1.12.

Other signes of true desire.Secondly, it is a sign of desire after the word, when we can stick to the word, and the constant frequenting of it, notwithstanding the scornes and shame of the world: Psal. 119.31.46, 141. It is a sure testimony of our love to the p. 223Gospell, when we can forsake father and mother, brother and sister, house and land for the Gospels sake: Mark 10.29.

Thirdly, It is a signe of love to the word, and of desire after it, when we can mourne for the famine of the word, as a bitter crosse. Psal. 42.3.4.

Fourthly, Yea, when men have the word, and yet find not comfort in it, it is a signe of their true affection when they long for those comforts with heavinesse of heart, and account themselves in an uncomfortable distresse, yea bitter distresse, till the Lord returne to them in his person in the power of the meanes. Psal. 119.82, 83, 123, 131.

Fiftly, It is a signe we love the word, when such as feare God are glad of us: it is a signe, that the Godly doe discerne appetite in us, though we do not, when they are tenderly affected toward us. Psal. 119▪74.

Sixtly, We may know our affection to the word, by our willingnesse to be ruled by it: if we can make the word our Counseller, it is sure we do delight in it, whatsoever we conceive of our selves. Psal. 119 24.

Lastly, to strive against our dulnesse constantly, and to pray to be quickned, is a good signe, that we have some desire to the word. One may love Gods precepts, and yet need to be quickned. Psal. 119.159.

Vse 2. Secondly, this doctrine of desire, and appetite after the word, may much humble the most of us; some being altogether void of all desire after it, more then for fashion sake: and the better sort have their appetites either dull, or decayed.

Quest. Whence comes it that people have no more affection to the word, or that men are so cloyed with the word?

Ans. The lets of appetite and affection to the word may bee considered two wayes:Impediments to true desires: externall.

First, as they are without us.

Secondly, as they are within us.

Without us, the cause of want of affection is sometimes in the Minister: sometimes in the Divell: sometimes in the company men sort withall: and sometimes in God himselfe.

1. In Ministers there are two things, which marvelously hinder the admiration, and desire after the word. The first is, the manner of their teaching, when they teach unskilfully, deceitfully, vaingloriously, negligently, or coldly. When there is not a majesty, and purity, and life in the teacher, it is no wonder if there be no affection in the people. 2.Cor. 4, 2. 1. Thessa. 2. 2, 3, 4, 6, 8. 1. Cor. 2.4. 2. Tim. 2, 15. The second is their ill lives. What made the people in Elies time so loath the service of God, but the wicked lives of Hophn… and Phineas. 1. Sam. 3. Ministers must teach by example as well as by doctrine, if they will not be despised. 1 Tim 4, 12.

2. The Divell, that god of this world, doth mightily labour in this point to keepe men from affecting the Gospell. If he cannot hinder men from hearing, then his next worke is by all possible indeavours to blinde their mindes, and marre their tastes, that they may not perceive nor regard the glorious things of God in Christ: 2. Cor ▪ 4.4.

3. Evill company is a wonderfull impediment, it causeth perpetually hardnesse of heart, and carelesness: it keepes the hearts of the wicked men in a continuall habituall deadnesse, and the best men seldome light into prophane company but they get some degree of dulnesse, and deadnesse of affections by it. Prov. 9.6. Psal. 119.115.

4. God himselfe being provoked by mans extreame wilfulnesse in sinning, gives them over to a spirit of slumber, and curseth their very blessings; yea, restraineth sometimes the very gifts of his servants, that so hee may execute his judgements upon a rebellious people. The Lord hideth his p. 224statutes from them, and with-holding his spirit, keeps backe the life of the word in their hearts. Esay 6.10. Yea many times to scourge the unthankfulnesse, and unprofitablenesse, of his owne people, he doth for a time hide his testimonies from them. Psal. 119.19.

Thus much of the lets without us.

The internall lets must be considered. First, in the wicked. Secondly, in the godly.

The cause of this heartlessenesse, and want of affection in the wicked, is,

Inwa…d … wicked m…n.First, their ignorance, they know not either the word, or the worth of the word, or their owne need of it.

Secondly, their prophanenesse and irreligiousnesse: they live without God, or without Christ in the world, they make no conscience of their wayes. They forget their later end: they mind not the good of their soules, but only earthly things: they never tasted of the bountifulnesse of the Lord, but were altogether corrupt, and strangers from the life of God, only greedy in sinning.

Thirdly, Atheisme: there is in the hearts of all wicked men in some degree abominable conceits concerning God and his word▪ They either doubt, whether the Scriptures be the true word of God: or else they are strongly carried to resolve, there is no profit in the knowledge of Gods wayes, or in serving the Almighty. Iob. 21.14. Malac. 3.15.

Fourthly, Cares of life: The love of the profits, or pleasures of this life, cheak the word, and the power of it, as is apparent by these places. Matth. 13. Luke 14. Psal. 119.36, 37, &c.

Fiftly, In some eyther whoredome or wine: for these two sinnes together, or either of them take away mens hearts, they are voide of all due consideration, and of all affection to Gods word: They are senselesse creatures. Hosh. 4.

Thus of the chiefe lets of the wicked.

The lets of affection in the godly are divers.

… of affection in the godly.First, Sometimes it is their worldlinesse, their too much minding and plodding about the things of this life, or their excessive burthening of their heads about their calling; they have too much to do, or they have too much care; care I say, that is, distrustfull and c…rking care. Psal. 119.36.

Secondly, Sometimes it is want of comfortable fellowshippe in the Gospell. Affection, that is alone, is seldome constant in the same degree. There is much quickning and comfort and incitation in a constant, and tender, and profitable society with such as love the word, Psalm. 119. verse 63.

Thirdly, Sometimes it is some secret sinne that gets too much dominion over them. As affection may stand with meere frailties and infirmities: So, on the other sid…, if any sinne once get head, and men yeeld to it, and agree to obey it, their affections to the word presently dye within them, Psal. 119.133. Yea, if this sinne be but in the thoughts, and be yeelded to and delighted in, and that constantly they seeke the pleasure of contemplative wickednesse, and doe not resist it by praying against it, even vaine thoughts may dead the affections, and poison them, Psal. 119.113.

Fourthly, sometimes it is neglect of mortification: the s…ule will gather aboundance of humors, as well as the body:and therefore Christians should not goe too long, especially if they …eele a kind of fulnes to grow upon them, but take a purge, that is, seriously and secretly set time apart to humble themselves before God, purging out their most secretest corruptions with all hearty confession before God.

Fiftly, sometimes it is want of practice or want of an orderly disposing p. 225of their waies in godlinesse. If they rest onelyonly in hearing, their affections cannot last long sincere: and, besides, the most Christians burden their own harts for very want of order, and that they goe not distinctly about the works of godlinesse, but rake together a great heape of doctrine which they know not what to doe withall. Psal. 50. ult.

Sixtly, sometimes againe it is occasioned by inordinate feeding: when Christians begin to affect novelties, and seeke to themselves a heape of teachers, they scape not long without fulnesse, and the fits of l…athing. 2. Tim. 4.3.

Seaventhly, sometimes very idlenesse is the hindrance. The want of a particular calling to imploy themselves in the sixe dayes, breeds a generall kinde of wearinesse and satiety; which extends the heart of it, not only to the times of private dutyes in the working dayes, but to the very Sabbath also. They cannot worke at Gods worke with any great delight, that had no more minde to their owne worke.

Eighthly, sometimes it is neglect of preparation and praier, before we come to the word.

Ninthly, sometimes it is a violent kinde of ignorance and unbeliefe, when a Christian knowes not this right to the word, and will not be perswaded of the fatherly love and presence of God in his ordinance. If Preachers must say, I have beleeved, therefore I will speake: so must Hearers say, I have beleeved, therefore I will heare. They should know, that they are welcome to Christ, and may eate and drinke Cant. 5.1. And that their heritage lieth in the word. Psal. 119.

Tenthly, sometimes it is a very disease in the body; as, melancholy, or some other: which doth so oppresse the heart, that it doth not take delight in any thing. But of this more in the next Use.

Lastly, any of the sinnes mentioned in the former verse, will hinder affection: Malice, Hypocrisie, or Envy, or any of the rest.

Vse 3. The third use may be for instruction, to teach us to strive for affection to the word, and to provide to order our selves, so as we be not wanting in the direction of the Apostle: and so two sorts are to be taught, that is, such as want appetite; and such as have it, that they may keepe it aright.

Quest. What must such doe as finde either want of appetite, or decay of it?

Ans. Such as would get sound affections to the word, must doe sixe things.

First, they must refrain their feete from every evill way. It is impossible to get sound affections, without sound reformation of life, Psalm. 119.Meanes to get true desires …o the word

Secondly, they must pray for it: they must beseech the Lord to quicken them, Psal. 119.37. and to inlarge their hearts, verse 32. especially to give them understanding, verse 34. and to open their eyes to see the wonderfull things of his law. verse 18.

Thirdly, they must chuse an effectuall Ministery to live under it, such as is executed with power and demonstration to the conscience, 2. Cor. 4.2.

Fourthly, they must remember the Lords day: and that they doe, when they empty their heads and hearts of all cares of life which might choak the word; diligently doing their owne works on the sixe daies, and finishing them, that they may be free for the Lords work on the Lords day. The cares of life choake the word, Matthew 13.

Fiftly, they must converse much, if it be possible, with affectionate Christians. For, as yron sharpneth yron: so doth the exemplary affection of the tender-hearted whet on the dull spirits of others.

p. 226Sixtly, they must purge often: they must be frequent in the duties of humiliation, by solemne fasting, and prayer, and sound confession; striving, when they feele fulnesse to grow upon them, to disturden their hearts, and to quicken their spirits more forcibly to the love of Gods name and word.

Quest. But what must such doe as have gotten some affections to the word, that they neither lose them, not be unprofitable in them?

Ans. They must looke to diverse things.

Rules for the preserving of good desires.First, they must hate vaine thoughts, take heed of those secret vanities of imagination, and that delightfull contemplation of evill in the minde, Psalm. 119. 113.

Secondly, they must trie all things, and keepe that which is good; they must heare with judgement, and make speciall account of such parcels of doctrine as doe most fit their particular needes; labouring by all meanes, that such truths run not out, 1. Thess. 5.21.

Thirdly, they must take heed of itching eares. For, where mens desires are still carried after new men, they are in great danger of fulnesse, or of declining; and, which is worse, of being carried about with diverse doctrines, and at length to be a prey to deceitfull mockers.

Fourthly, they must preserve by all meanes the feare and trembling at Gods presence, and humiliation of minde. For, so long as we can dread the presence of God in his ordinances, we are in no danger of losing our love to the word, Psalm. 119.120.

Lastly, in Esay 55.1, 2, 3. wee may note diverse things that God requires in such as have the same thirst.

1. They must come to meanes.

2. They must buy and bargaine with God by prayer and vowes.

3. They must eat, that is, they must apply it to themselves.

4. They must be instructed against merit in themselves, and bring faith to beleeve success, though they deserve it not▪ they must buy without mony.

5. They must hearken diligently.

6. They must eate that which is good: that is, they must apply effectually that doctrine they feele to have life in it.

7. Their soules must delight in fatnesse: that is, they must be specially thankfull and cheerefull, when God doth enlive his promises, and sweeten his words to their tastes.

8. They must, after all this, incline their ear, and come to God: they must make conscience to strive against dulnesse and distractions, and seeke God in his word still, or else their affections may decay: and then if they doe this, they shall live and enjoy the sure merciemercy… of David by a perpetuall covenant.

Rules for such as be afflicted with melancholy.Quest. But what shall such godly persons as are afflicted with melancholy doe in this case of affections?

Ans. They must attend these things.

First, they must be perswaded to see the disease in the body which extends the oppression of it to the very affections.

Secondly, they must remember times that are past, and judge of their estate by what it was before.

Thirdly, they may bee infallibly assured, that they are in a right way, because they desire to live uprightly, and to forsake the corruptions that are in the world.

Fourthly, they must know, that it is a greater glory in faith to beleeve now, when they feele not, then to beleeve when the heart abounded with joy.

Fiftly, they may judge of their affection to the word by their preparation p. 227before they come, and by their onelyonly liking of such as love the word, and by their constant frequenting of it, and by their sorrow for their dulnesse, and unprofitablenesse.

Hitherto of the duty, to which hee exhorteth: the motives follow,The Motives. and they are some:

First, ye are new borne babes:

Secondly, the word is sincere milk:

Thirdly, ye may thereby grow:

Fourthly, ye have tasted the sweetnesse of the bounty of God in his word already.

The first reason tels what they are: the second, what the word is: the third, what they shall be: the fourth, what the word hath beene.

As new borne babes.]

These words are taken in diverse senses. For properly they signifie infants, while they are tender and unweaned from the breast: Sometimes they signifie unable men, and such as have no fitnesse for their callings: so Isay. 3.4. Sometimes they signifie such as be weake in saith and in the gifts of the spirit, whether they be newly regenerated or lying in sinne. 1. Cor. 3.1. Heb. 5.13. and so it is taken here.

And so the words are a reason to induce them to an affectionat… desire after the word, in as much as they are so weake, they can no better live without the word, then the childe in nature can live without milk.

Divers things may be from hence noted.

First, that grace is wrought in Christians by degrees, Christ is revealed in us by foure degrees. First, as a childe or little babe new formed and borne: Secondly, as a young man in more strength, and vigour, and comelinesse, and activenesse: Thirdly, as a father, or old man setled with long experience: these three are in this life, and mentioned 1. Iob. 2.14. Now the fourth is, when Christ shall appeare in us as the Ancient of daies, like God himselfe in a marvelous glorious resemblance of the holinesse, and properties of God: And this shall be in another world. The use should be both for thankfulnesse, if Christ be formed in us to any degree, and to in…i…e our industry in all the meanes appointed of God, seeing we receive gifts by degrees, and not all at once.

Secondly, that true grace may stand with many weaknesses. A childe doth truely live, and yet it is very ignorant, and infirme, and wayward, and fit for little or no imploiment: such may Christians be for a time, such were the very disciples of Christ for a time: such were the Corinthians, 1. Cor. 3.1. and the Hebrewes, Heb. 5….3. The use should be to restraine censuring of others, because of their infirmities, to have no grace at all: Whereas wee should rather bear with them, and beleeve all things, Rom. 15.2. 1. Cor. 13.5. And besides, those that are distressed in minde should comfort them-selves with this, they may bee full of weaknesses, and very unprofitable, and yet have the true life of Christ in them.

Thirdly, that the most Christians are but new borne babes, infants in grace, not only such as are newly converted, but such as have spent a longer time in the profession of godlinesse: the Apostle here takes it for granted, that all they to whom he writes were little better, or stronger: and so it is usuall in all times and places.

Question. How comes it to passe, that the most Christians live still but as weak ones and babes in Christ; especially why thrive they not according to the time of their age in Christ.

Answer. In nature a child gets out of his childhood, as his yeares grow upon him, but in religion and grace it is not so: It is not time brings any of p. 228necessity out of the cradle of Religion.The causes why the most are but babes in religion. Now the cause why the most are but babes, and that after a long time, may be such or some of these.

First, some as soone as they are borne, are destitute of the breast, have no nurse, are taken away from their meanes, and deprived of the powerfull preaching of the word, which did beget them unto God: this comes to passe sometimes by the violence of others, or by the afflicting hand of God upon their bodies, or sometime by their owne carelesnesse, that for worldly respects remove to places where they have not the meanes to build them up.

Secondly some are infected with some bitter root of passion, or envy, or malice, which was left behind in their repentance, not fully subdued, and this holds them so downe, that they cannot thrive, but are stocked in godlinesse; that after many yeares, they shew little bigger or better, then they were in knowledge or grace: 1. Cor. 3. 1.2.3. 1.Pet. 2.1.2. Eph. 4.15.16. ….Pet. 3. 7.

Thirdly, others at their first setting out are intangled with doubtfull disputations, and carried about with odde opinions, or strange doctrines, and so insnared with controversies about words, or things of lesse value; that misplacing their zeale, and mis-led in their knowledge, they thrive little or nothing in the maine substance of godlinesse, but need be taught the very principles, Rom. 14.1. Heb. 13.7. 2. Pet. 3.17. Especially when they be apt to receive Scandall, and admit offence: such were the beleeving Iewes the most of them.

Fourthly, some are meerely held back by their worldlinesse, they relapse to such excessive cares of life, and so devour up their time about earthly things, that they cannot profit not prosper in better things.

Fiftly, many thrive not, or not sensibly, being hindred by the ill company, which either voluntarily or necessarily they are plunged into, and cheefly for want of fellowship in the Gospell with such as might bee patterns to them in knowledge, and the practice of faith, and piety.

Sixtly, spirituall lazinesse and idlenesse is the cause why many grow not. They wil take no paines: but after they have repented, and beleeved in some measure, Heb. 5.13. and be gotten a little whole of the wounds they were diseased withall in their conversion, they fall into a kinde of security, and rest in the outward and formall use of the meanes, and neglect many precious things, which from day to day they are moved and counselled to by the word, and spirit of God: and this disease is the worse, when it is joyned with spirituall pride, and that vile conceitednesse, which is seene to come daily in many.

Seventhly, some Christians after calling are insnared, and deceived by the methods of Satan, and so live in some secret sinne against their own knowledge In f…vour of which they forbeare the hearty regard, and use of Gods ordinances, and so dangerously expose themselves to the raigne of hypocrisie. These are wonderfully stocked, and grow worse and not better.

These are the reasons why Christians thrive not: and who also is it whose case some one of these seaven is not? Let us every one examine our selves: for a thousand to one we are kept back by some one of these.Note. It were singular wisdome to note which it is, and to strive to amend that we may not be such starvelings in godlinesse still.

The point then is cleare, that most Christians are but as new borne babes. Now what use should we make of it.

First, It may serve to humble many of us, that have had time enough, and abundance of meane… and helps to have beene like teachers, and yet have even now need to be taught the principles again. To us belongs justly that reproofe in the fift to the Hebrewes. 13.

p. 229Secondly, many d…ties must be vrged upon us, if we grant our selves to be but as new borne babes. For,

1. We must therefore be teachable and tractable, obeying them that have the oversight of us, bearing their words of admonition, and loving them with a singular love.Speciall duties of such as be but new borne babes.

2. We must therefore be the more willing to beare the chastizements of God, that father of our spirits. For if we have had the fathers of our flesh, which in our young yeares have corrected and that often for our profit, to subdue the faults in us, which that age did breed, and sometimes, when they corrected for their owne pleasures, more than for our profit: How much more should we subject our selves to the corrections of God, that finde in us, being but babes, so much perversenesse, so much negligence, such head strong passions, such frequent disohebience: and the rather, because he never corrects us for his pleasure only, but for our profit, that he might make us more holy and more fruitfull, and more meeke, as the Apostle shewes, Hebrewes 12.

3. We must therefore sticke more affectionately, and constantly to the word, and suffer our soules to be daily fedde with this sincere milk of the word; without which it is no more possible for us to grow in grace then a weake child can doe in nature without milk and food.

4. Yea the consideration of our estate, that we are but children, should beget in us a desire to expresse those praises spiritually, which that infant estate in nature doth resemble. For,

1. Children in nature are without malice,Speciall praises in children by nature to be expressed by us. they may fall out one with another, but they carry no malice, they are quickly friends againe: so should we much more. 1. Cor. 14.20.

2. Children live without care, they are never troubled for what they shall eate, or what they shall put on for the time to come: so should wee doe, as our Saviour Christ shewes. Matth. 6.

3. Children are not lifted up with pride for the great things they are borne unto; nor doth the childe of a Prince scorne the fellowship of the childe of a begger, but can play with him, and make himselfe equall to him: so should it be with us, we should bee void of great thoughts of heart, and not be lifted up in our selves, or despise others; but make our selves equall to them of the lower sort, especially seeing there is no difference in our birth. They are borne againe by the same immortall seed that we are, which our Saviour Christ is peremptory in. Matth. 18.3.

Thus much of the third point.

4. A fourth thing may be here noted, and that concernes the priviledge of weake Christians, viz. that they are esteemed of God, and not deprived of his favour and care for them because they are weake.

1. Parents love their little children, as well as their elder children:Priviledges of weake Christians. so doth God.

2. Parents provide meanes to bring up their little children, so doth God: they shall have sincere milk to make them grow.

3. Parents provide such as shall tend their children, and litt…e ones: so doth God, he hath committed them to the charge of Christ, so as the least grace in them shall be preserved, though it were but like a bruised reede, or the smoaking weeke of a candle. Matth. 11.

4. Parents beare with the naturall weaknesse of their children, without lessning their fondnesse to them: so doth God with infinite indulgence. Psalme 103.

5. Parents will not endure it to let them be wronged, or hurt, and much more wo shall be unto them, that offend one of Gods little ones, Mat. 18.

p. 2306. Parents provide portions and inheritances for their little children: so doth God acknowledge them for his heires, yea heires with Christ his eldest sonne. Rom. 8. 17.

A fift point that may be noted from hence, is, that only converted christians can desire the sincere milke of the word with true affection: wicked men can no more affectionately desire the word, than a dead childe or no child can doe the breast.

Quest. But, have wicked men no desire after the word?

How far wicked men may desire after the word.Answ. They may have: but onelyonly it is for the most part in two cases. First, when they desire to hear the word onelyonly for mens wits or eloquence, or the like carnall ends: and so they desire not the sincere milk of the word. Secondly, in the case of a temporary faith; where the delight and desire after the word is not constant, like the appetite of a child to the breast: for, they will fall away in the time of temptation; and all their desires prove but as the morning dew.

Desire the sincere milke of the word.]

Hitherto of the first reason taken from the consideration of their present estate, and neede of the word. The second reason is taken from the consideration of the nature of the word which they should desire. It is sincere, pure: there is no deceit, no mixture in it. And it is milk: it is wonderfull apt for nourishment.

There are two things then here said of the word in praise of it: First, that it is milk; secondly, that it is sincere.

Milk.] This is a metaphor. Sometimes by milk is meant a man that is godly cast into affliction; by which, God straines all the moats of corruption from him, while his heart is poured out like milk with griefe and feare. Thus Iob saith of himselfe, God had strained him out like milk, Iob 10. ve…. 10. Sometimes by milk is meant the rudiments of religion, the principles, and grounds of Catechisme: and so it differeth from strong meat: so it is taken, Heb. 5.12. 1. Cor. 3.2. Sometimes it signifieth the word of God in generall, which is given to the Church for nourishment of their soules to eternall life: and so it is taken here; as, in Esay 55.1. the word is called both milk, and wine, and water; and, in other places, hony. It is hony, for the sweetnesse of it. It is wine, for the power it hath, to revive and refresh the spirit of man, and make his heart glad. It is water, for cooling and quenching of his spirituall thirst: and it is milk for nourishment. It doth more for nursing up mans soule, than the milke of the breast can for the bodies of infants.

The consideration whereof should work in us the desire to which the Apostle here exhorteth: and withall we should bring with us faith to beleeve, that God… word shall turne to our nourishment. Shall we trust nature for the goodnesse of milk? and shall we not trust God for the efficacy of his word, when he tels us it will nourish like milk? And the rather should wee make our recourse with gladnesse to the word, because it is so cheap a food: we may buy this milke without money: that is, without merits: only, if we will heare▪ our soules shall live. Esay 55.2.4; yea, let us for ever be thankfull to God for his word, in this respect. Was it so great a blessing, that God brought the Israelites to a land that flowed with milk and hony, for their bodies? for the greatnesse of which blessing, God doth so often put them in minde of it:Note. How great then is the marvellous goodnesse of God, that hath made us to live in these times of the Gospell, when the Land flowes with this spirituall milk and hony! Let us labour to be thankfull, and bring forth fruits worthy the bounty of God; left the Lord send the men of the East to dwell in these palaces, and to eat our milk, and wee p. 231be cast out, as it was said in the Letter, Ezech. 25.4.

Oh that we could see our happinesse in these daies of salvation! this is that milke of the Gentiles prophecied of, which wee enjoy, and sucke now from the breasts of Kings, living under Christian Magistrates that command the preaching of this sincere word of God, Esay 60.16.

Sincere.] The word may besaid to be sincere in two respects. First, in it selfe: secondly, in effect: in it selfe it is sincere, because it is without error, without sinne, and there is no deceit in it at all. Prov. 8.7.8. Psalm 19.8.9. And because it hath no composition in it, but is the very pure word of God, as it came from God himselfe at first: there is not a word in it, but it was written by men inspired immediately by the holy Ghost, 2. Pet. 1. ult. And as it is in it selfe, so it is by effect. It makes men sincere, It makes crooked things straight. It purgeth out hypocrisie and all leaven out of the minds and hearts of men; it both teacheth and worketh in the godly a spirit without guile, Psalm 19.8.9.

The Use may be both for instruction and reproofe. For instruction both to the people and to Ministers.

To the people: and so men should here learne,

First, to love the word, and long after it for this very reason, because it is so pure and sincere, so void of harme or danger: so did David, Psalme 119.146.

Secondly, when we finde our natures crooked and corrupt, and deceitfull, and tending to hypocrisie, we should bring our hearts to the word to be mended. For, this you see is a property of the word, it will make men sincere, Psal. 19. 8 9. and 119. Iohn 17. 20. and as any men have more betaken themselves to the word, the more sincere, they have alwayes growne.

Thirdly, to receive the word with full assurance: we may trust upon it: it cannot deceive us: what we finde for comfort or directions in Scripture, we may build upon it. Never man was disappointed of his expectation, that trusted upon the word of God: but in God they have ever praised his word, 2. Pet. 1.20. Psal. 56.10. and 10.1.

Fourthly, as the Ministry of Gods servants doth more declare the sincerity of the word, so we should bee more in love with it: wee should like praier, preaching; I meane, not witlesse and unlearned preaching, but such preaching as maketh demonstration to the conscience, out of the pure word of God, in things that concerne the good of the soules of men, and the glory of God: the word doth ever profit men most, when it is most sincere, that men onelyonly speake the words of God.

Fiftly, to stick to the word of God, without going to the right hand or the left: there can be no sinne but what is condemned in the word: nor can there be duty not commanded therein: nor can there be matter of faith not propounded therein. Oh how happy were we if we could stick to the old foundation, even the sincere word of God, and not adde nor diminish▪ the hatefulnesse of departing from the word on the left hand, is in most places discovered. But Oh the deceitfulnesse of mens hearts; and the wretched pronenesse of men to sinne, by finding out many inventions! Men runne out, and that very fast on the right hand: we have new opinions and strange fancies coyned every day. Little doe the better sort of people (many of them) think of traditions on the right hand: their faith is led into bondage, when they can yeeld no better reason, than it is such a mans judgement, or else he thinketh so himselfe: or the reasons brought are urged without any demonstration from the word of God, and Scripture. Happy,Note. above the most Churches under heaven, were this nation, if this point were understood p. 232and carefully observed, if we could sticke to our first grounds in parting from the Church of Rome; viz. to admit no opinions, nor charge our conscience with more obligations, but out of the word of God.

Ministers also may learne from hence, what and how to preach: that is the best preaching which is eminent for two things: First, that tends to beget sincerity, clearnesse of judgement, distinct evidence of assurance, and strict holinesse of life in the hearers; Secondly, that shines in the native lustre of the word, in it selfe without mixture, when men know no matter, no stile, no wisdome comparable to that which may be had in the word.

This also may serve for reproofe.

First, of such Ministers as preach not sincerely: and such are they that preach for corrupt ends, though they preach true doctrine, Phil. 1. 17. and they that preach obscurely and carelesly, and strive not to set out the glory of the truths they propound; and they that are like lewd Vintners, which mixe the word with the errour of their owne braines, or with the tradition… of men, or with a manifest strife to bring in mans wisedome to Gods word; more desiring to shew their owne wits and learning, than the glory of the scriptures. 2. Cor. 4. 2. and 1. Cor. 1. 17. and 2.4.5.13.

2. Of the people, for that great wan… of appetite to Gods pure word, and the plaine preaching of it.

Thus of the second reason: the third is taken from the effect, and the profit, which will follow: viz. they shall grow thereby.

That ye may grow thereby.]

This point of the growth of a Christian is of singular use, and meet to be fully and particularly opened: and therefore I will observe five things concerning it more especially.

First, that we ought to grow in grace.

Secondly, in what things we should labour to grow and abound.

Thirdly, what are the rules to be observed, that we might grow.

Fourthly, the signes of growth.

Fiftly, the uses of the whole.

First, for the first: Christians are bound not onelyonly to get grace, but they must labour to encrease in the gifts they have received: it is not enough to begin the worke of God, but we must labour to abound in it, and increase in well doing, we must goe on, and finish the measure of the worke required of us: these places evidently prove, that God looks for growth at our hands. 2.Pet. 3.18.1. Cor. 15.58.1. Thessa. 4.1.Prov. 4.18.1. Cor. 14.12.

Secondly, for the second: before I number particulars, I might tell you of divers kindes of growth,Divers kindes of growth. or increase in the kingdome of Christ. Christ himselfe is said to increase, Ioh. 3.10. The word is said to grow, Act. 6. and in other places: and Christians are said to grow: and so either first joyntly in the mysticall body, Ephes. 4. 16. Col. 2. 19. or secondly, severally every one by himselfe. Christ was said to increase not onelyonly in stature and the declaration of his gifts, Luke 2. 40:but also in the glory of his kingdome, and the advancing of his dominion amongst men. The word grew, when the number▪ of faithful labourers was increased, and when the light of the truth was more glorified, & received by the people. Christians are said to grow chiefly in two respects. First, in the number of beleevers, when there are daily added to the church: Secondly, in the power and practice of their gifts, and this last is here intended: the word rendred Thereby, might be read either in him: or in it, or, as it is, thereby. In him, that is in Christ: In it, that is in the word: or thereby, that is by the word. this last is intended here in all probability: Now then to the point; there are certaine things wherein a Christian should strive to grow: it is true wee should grow in p. 233every good gift and worke, but if we marke the Scriptures, these things in particular are especially to be laboured after as being things that doe wonderfully honour God, and credit the Gospell, and bring a singular increase of happines to a Christian mans life, and it is wonderfull profitable to keep a Catalogue of these particulars still before us, that wee may every day bee put in mind of what we should especially labour after.

These are the things then we should distinctly labour to grow in.

First, we should labour to grow in wisdome:In what graces christians ought especially to grow. Gods people should appeare to be a wise people above all the people of the earth. Christ grew in wisedome: Luke 2.40. Now wisedome hath two things in it. First, knowledge: and secondly, discretion. In both these we should grow: For knowledge, the word of God should dwell plentiously in us. Col. 3. 16. and we should encrease in the knowledge of God, Col. 1.10. and for discretion, we should abound in knowledge; yea and saith the Apostle in all judgement too. Phili. 1.10.

Secondly, we should grow in faith: that, which is lacking to our faith, must be made up: 1. Thess. 3.10. and we should still bee praying with the Apostles, Lord increase our faith, Luke 17.5. 2. Thess. 1.11. Now there bee two things distinctly, which we should grow in about faith: viz First, assurance; and secondly, the exercise of it. For assurance, we should he…eunto give all diligence, that we might get the full assurance of faith and hope to the end: we should never be quiet till it bee established, and rooted, and soundly grounded in our particular assurance of Gods favour in Jesus Christ, and our owne eternall salvation: Heb. 6.11. Col. 2.6, 7. And for the exercise of faith: we should strive to learne every day to live by faith: in all the occasions of our life; spending the remainder of our lives in the faith of the Sonne of God, holding fast our confidence, and not withdrawing our selves. Heb. 10. Gal. 2.20. yea we should strive to be examples one to another in our faith in God. 1. Tim. 4.12.

Thirdly, we should abound in love one to another, and towards all men: this the Apostle praies earnestly for,Philip. 1.10. 1. Thes. 3.12. Philip. 2.13.Phil 1:101 Thess 3:12Phil 2:13 and this we should shew by all diligence, in preserving peace and unity amongst our selves: so as there should bee but one heart and mind amongst us; to this end bearing, and forbearing,Ephes 4 3.4.Eph 4:3Eph 4:4 and supporting one another, wee should grow also in the tendernesse and heartinesse of our affections one after another, longing one for another, and delighting one in another, yea our love should grow even in seeking to enlarge our acquaintance with such as feare God, but especially in the labour of our love to doe good to such as feare God should we grow, &c.

Fourthly, we should grow in mercy, and that both in the bowels of pitty, and in the abundance of the fruits of mercy, Col. 3.12.2.Cor. 8.2. 7. and 9.11. Iames 3.18.

Fiftly, we should grow in patience, and meeknesse, and lowlinesse of mind. Patience should have his perfect work and it wonderfully would become us, if we could increase in the image of Jesus Christ for meeknesse and lowlinesse: to be free from passions and pride, oh, how it would adorne us! It is that one grace Christ so much urgeth upon us, and was most eminent in himselfe, Matth. 11.29. Iames 1.4.

Sixtly, We should grow in praier, and the gifts that concerne our communion with God, we should labour to be mighty and powerfull in praier, able to wrastle with God himselfe, and overcome him, as Iacob did: and to this end we should pray alwaies, and learne to pray all manner of praiers in all things, making our requests knowne to God with supplication, especially we should strive to abound in thanksgiving to God, in all things p. 234giving thanks: this is the greatest honor we can doe to God. 1. Thessa. 5.18.19. Philip. 4.7. Psal. 50.23. Col. 1.11. Ephes. 6.18.2.Cor. 4.15.

Seventhly, we should grow in the contempt of the world, and the lesser estimation of the things of this life, we should strive more and more to expresse a mortified conversation,using the world, as if we used it not, setting out affections on the things that are above, and having our conversation in heaven, confessing our selves to be strangers and pilgrims, and with all eagernesse embracing the praises of a better life, Hebrews 11.13. Philip. 3.20. in nothing being carefull. Philip. 4.6. hastning to the comming of Jesus Christ. 2. Pet. 3.11.

Eighthly, We should exceedingly strive to grow in the holy, and reverent use of Gods ordinances, striving to come with more feare, and sense of the glorious presence of God. This is a wonderfull hard lesson, and little heeded of the most. Oh that we could get it, to serve the Lord with feare, and to rejoice, but yet with trembling! Oh blessed is the man, that can feare alwaies, and worke out his salvation with feare and trembling.

Ninthly, there is another gift we should grow in, and it is marvelously necessary, and comely, and yet extreamely neglected, and that is utterance, of which the Apostle makes mention in his short Catalogue. 2. Cor. 8.7. Utterance (I say) to be able to speake one to another with profit and power in …he thing… of the kingdome of God. This is an admirable grace: and such as attaine it and grow in it, how precious are they amongst the Saints!

Tenthly, in that, 2. Cor. 8.7. You may see two other things wee should increase in. The one is, in all diligence: we should more and more every day cast about, how we might take more paines to doe good, and bee more profitable to others: and for our owne soules, wee should increase our paines.

Eleventhly, the other grace we should grow in, there mentioned, is the love to our teachers: as God abounds towards us in the profit of their pain…, so wee should grow in affection to them, till wee get that singular love of them, which the Apostle speaketh of. 1. Thes. 5.

Twelfthly now there is one thing more, which being added, would make us wonderful compleat Christians, glorious shining lights in the world, that hold forth the life and power of the word, in the midst of crooked and perverse multitudes of men; and that is contentation: Oh the gaine of godlinesse if we were setled and contented with that we have, and could learne of the Apostle in all estates to be content! To have the skill to want, and to abound, and yet by Christ to doe all things: this would finish the glory of the whole frame of godlinesse, and be like a crowne to all other gifts and graces. 1. Tim. 6.6.7. Philip. 4.11.12.18.

Rules to helpe our growth.Now for the third point, namely, the rules to be observed, that we may grow. They may be referred to these heads:

First, we must be diligent and conversant in searching the writings of the Prophets and Apostles, in the …ame of Jesus Christ, as the chiefe cornerstone, and then the promise is, that our hearts shall be so sweetned, and seasoned with these divine knowledges, that God himselfe shall bee with us, and dwell in our hearts as a holy temple, and we grow more and more in acquaintance with God, Eph. 2.20.21.

Secondly, we must bring so much sincerity to the grace of Christ, and the use of the meanes, as to resolve to seeke growth in all things, as well as one, setting our hearts wholy upon the kingdome of God; we must not goe about godlinesse with a divided heart, wee must grow up in all things, or else in none: wee shall not prosper, if wee bee false-hearted in any part of Gods service, Eph. 2.15.

p. 235Thirdly, we must in all things depend upon God, and seeke to him by daily prayers for a blessing upon our desires, and the meanes, and our endevours. For else Paul may plant, and Apollo may water, but it is God that must give the increase, 1. Cor. 3.6.

Fourthly, we must be carefull to imploy the gifts we have, and to practice, as fast as we heare. For to him, that hath for use, shall be given: but from him, that hath gifts, and will not use them, shall be taken away that which he hath, Matth. 13.11.

Fiftly, we must get an humble heart, and preserve in us the sense of our owne vilenesse, and a lowly minde, and conceit of our selves, accusing our every-daies evill waies before the Lord. For Gods promise is to giuegive more grace to the humble. Iames 4.7.

Sixtly, it is a great occasion of increase, when a man doth Gods worke, with as much cheerfulnesse as he can. God loveth a cheereful giver, and will make all grace abound to them, that strive to live to be his servants. 2. Cor. 9.7.8.

Seaventhly, You must pray, that your masters, or if you will, Ministers may have their hearts enlarged, and made fat, and that they may come unto you and convert you with aboundance of the blessings of the Gospell. For if there be famine, or scarcity, and barrennesse in Gods House, you will not thrive well at home, Rom. 15. 29.

Eighthly, we must take heed of all such things as hinder our growth, as namely:

1. Hypocrisie,Impediments of growth. when men advance a profession of Religion onelyonly for carnall ends, and seeke more the praise of men then of God. These mens hearts will be fearfully blasted,

2. Errors in opinion of strange doctrines. 2. Pet. 3.17.18. Hebrewes 13. &c.

3. Spirituall pride. 2. Cor. 12.6.7. For God gives grace to the humble. Iames 4.7.

4. Headstrong affections, as the passions of anger, or the like: these pull men backe, and hinder the growth marvelously. 1. Cor. 3.2.3. Eph. 4.30.31.

5. Living in places, where we have not powerfull meanes for our soules, Eph. 4.13. For where vision failes, they perish, must needs saint, and bee starved in the famine of the word.

6. Discord with such as feare God. For if we grow, we must grow up in love, holding communion with the body of Christ, Eph. 4.15.16.

7. Domesticall unquietnesse, and disorder: for that will hinder not onelyonly prayer, 1. Pet. 3.7. but all other parts of piety.

8 Worldlinesse. This was the sinne did undoe Demas.

9. Sinister judgement of our owne practises in godlinesse when wee are either just overmuch, that is, thinke too highly of what we doe; or wicked over-much, that is, thinke too vilely of the grace of God in us, or the good we doe: both these hinder Christians extreamely.

10. The love of any particular sinne. For if once wee dally with any corruption, grace is dulled, and the spirit of grace grieved and vexed in us.

Now for the fourth point: we may know whether we grow or no, by diverse signes.

First, i… we be planted neere the rivers of water,Signes of growth. if the Lord make us happy in living in such places where the meanes of grace abound, and the ordinances of God flourish in their life and power, Psal. 1.3. Eph. 4.13. Else if a good tree be planted in a dry heath far from water or raine, no marvell if it grow not. And when the Lord doth make the meanes plentifull, hee doth p. 236usually make his grace plentifull in so many as are ordained to life.

Secondly, and especially if wee be conscionable in the use of the meanes: if we measure to God in sincerity, in hearing, praying, reading, and receiving the Sacraments, &c. there may bee no doubt, but God will measure to us in the plenty of his blessings: if we sucke the milke of the word with desire, we shall grow. We need no more doubt whether our soules grow in grace if we can bring constant affections to the meanes, than wee would whether the bodies of our children would grow, if they have good nurses, and doe sucke the breasts well.

Thirdly, grace growes in us, as humility doth grow: God will give more grace to the humble, Iam. 4.8. And looke how wee thrive and continue in true humility, so wee thrive in grace: and contrariwise, as pride and conceitednesse growes in us, so doth true grace wither. And the like may be said of meeknesse, which is a grace that orders the affections, as humility doth the minde.

Fourthly, wee may try our growth by our love to the godly, the members of the mysticall body: for the body of Christ increaseth in the edification of it selfe through love. As the love of Gods children growes or decayes in us: so doth grace grow or decay, Eph. 4.15, 16. This love is the bond of perfectness. Col. 3.13.

Fiftly, we must try our confidence in God, and the assurance of our faith. For, as grace growes, so doe wee grow more established and setled in God, and the hope of his kingdome. This is to abide in Christ: and thus to trust in the Lord, hath a promise of such a blessing, as that man shall not wither, Ier. 17.7, 8.

Sixtly, we may discerne our growth by the decay of taste in sinne and the world. As the violence of temptation, and the admiration of the pleasures and profits of this life goe out of us, by the same degrees doth the holy Ghost get the victory, and the Spirit settles the possession of grace in us, &c.

Seventhly, wee may discerne it by our teachablenesse, and honouring of prophecying, when our Teachers according to their lines may bee inlarged, and live without suspition or censure: when wee can beleeve them and rest in their testimony above the whole world, 2, Cor. 10.15. 2, Thes. 1.10.

Eighthly, we may easily discerne it by our constancy and frequency in good workes, either of piety, or mercy, or righteousnesse, either at home, or abroad. For▪ to such as have for use, it is certain more is given, Mat. 13.11.

Ninthly, wee may know it by the frequency of our communion with God. If the Lord daily dwell in us, or with us, and reveale himselfe to us by the signes of his presence, there is no doubt to bee made of our growing. The heart of a christian is Gods Temple: and you may be sure, all prospers well in the Temple, when the cloud sits there, or often appeares there. Eph. 2.20, 21.

Vse. The use of this whole doctrine concerning growth, may serve, first, for humiliation: and so in many things.

First, our hearts should smite us for our ignorance. There are many things of excellent fruit and praise, which we have not at all laboured in; divers of the twelve things before.

Secondly, for our deadnesse of heart, and unprofitablenesse of life, which is aggravated against us.

Vnprofitablenesse of life aggravated in many respects.1. VVhen God give us much meanes.

2. VVhen we are insensible, or at least incorrigible; know all is not well, and feele our selves to bee lashed, and yet mend not.

3. VVhen we are slothfull and weary, will not stirre up our selves, nor receive direction for the making up of what is lacking to our faith, or to p. 237any other gifts; especially when wee are weyward, and will goe about, rather than be at the tryall of direction or asking the way, Ier. 31.21.

3. Much more to such as are so farre from growing, that they fall away, and decline; lose their first love, and what they have wrought, begin in the Spirit, and end in the flesh. This much vexeth God, and is extremely dangerous to the parties. Esay 1.4. Ier. 7.24 and 15.6. 2 Pet. 2.20. But, that this may not either pearce too farre, or fall too deadly or flat upon any that are guilty, we must knowe, there is a double declining or apostasie: the one,Apostasie is twofold. inward; the other, outward. First, the inward is, when a mans heart is falne off from the care of godlinesse, and the meanes of it, and regards iniquity constantly, being possessed of the raigne of habituall hypocrisie: and this may be in men that outwardly frequent the meanes, and make a shew of godlinesse. Secondly, the outward declining or Apostasie is, when men outwardly live in grosse sinnes, or follow scandalous courses, and are at last relapsed to the violent courses of the world, so as the meanes of godlinesse is neglected. Againe, declining is, first, either totall: secondly, or in part. First, totall, when we fall off from all godlinesse, and all the meanes of it: and so onelyonly they fall, that sinne against the holy Ghost. Secondly, in part, is, when men fall into some sinne or error, and not lose all conscience of well-doing, and such is their Apostasie also, that fall off from the care of some of the ordinances of God, as, when men use the private, and neglect the publique: or use the publique, and neglect the private, &c.

Question. But what shall a man doe to helpe himselfe, that finds he hath declined, &c.

Answer. He must take unto himselfe words, and confesse his sinne to God, and returne to the Lord heartily, hee will heale even his backsliding Hose. 14.3, 4, 5.

Vse 2. Secondly, for instruction, and so it should perswade with us mightily to hold on, and never faint in the way, but strive to the perfection of every good gift of God, not being weary of well-doing, knowing, that it is a shame still to be children, and that God doth require a righteousnesse of us, that should exceed the righteousnesse of all the Papists, and Pharisees, in the world, and to this end, we should preserve in us this desire after the sincere milke of the word, and watch against security and slothfulnesse, the dangerous moaths of godlinesse.

Vse 3. Thirdly, such may be much encouraged, who have their hearts set upon growth, and doe prosper in Gods worke, though otherwaies they have many afflictions, or infirmities: yea such as with true hearts doe mourne for their not growing, as they think, may consider of many comforts to uphold themselves by: as,

1. Our Saviour Christ had not all degrees of grace at once,Encouragement for weake Ch…istians. but grew in grace by degrees.

2. Though thy gifts be small, and grow in thee like a graine of mustardseed: yet it may grow to a marvelous increase, Matth. 13.

3. Though thou have many infirmities, yet thou maist beare abundance of fruit: as the vine, which is the weakest plant, yet is not therefore barren, Isaiah. 27.2.

4. Though thou have little meanes to help thy selfe by, yet thou maiest by the blessing of God grow: the lilies spin not, and yet are gorgeously cloathed, Matth. 6.28.

5. If wee sowe good seed, it is certaine the Lord will give increase, 1 Cor. 9.10, 11.

6. Though we sowe in teares, we shall reape in joy, Psal. 126.5, 6. yea though we be extremely oppressed and reproached: as the Israelites grew p. 238even the more they were hated and oppressed in Aegypt, Mark 4.8.

7. Wee have great helps: the word is more effectuall to the soule, then milke to the body; and we receive influence from Christ our head, Coloss. ….19. and every member of the mysticall body makes some supply to further the growth of the whole body: Eph. 6.16.