The Wonderful Mystery of Spiritual Growth, Chapter 1
THE CONTENTS of the firſt Chapter.
WHerein is prooued that we muſt grow in grace.
1 By the Command of God.
2 By the Grounds of our new birth.
3 By the Meanes of our calling.
4 By the Condition of the new birth.
5 By the Reſemblances thereof.
6 By ſuch Metaphors as expreſſe the ſame.
7 By the Vſe and benefits thereof.
8 By the Prayers of the Saints.
9 By the contrary Condition of the wicked.
10 By the continuall malice of Satan againſt the new birth.
11 By the continuance of the means heereof.
12 By the End, which is ſaluation.
13 Danger of the contrary.
The vſes hereof.
Generally to conuince the Papiſts in their hereſie of Merite, and falling from Grace.
To confound the carnall Chriſtian.
To reproue the weake Christian.
For instruction how to grow in grace.
For triall thereof, and
For comfort therein.
A TREATISE OF GROWING in Grace. CHAP. I.
WHerein is proued by many infallible Arguments, that we muſt grow in Grace.
Together with the ſeuerall vſes thereof, both of
1 Conuiction of Papiſts.
2 Reproofe of Carnall and weake Chriſtians.
2 Of inſtruction.
3 Of Comfort.
That we muſt grow in grace is apparant.
1. By the Commandement and will of God. As that wee muſt not ſticke in the beginnings of Chriſt, but goe on to perfection. Heb. 6.1. That wee muſt bee holy as God is holy; Which is dayly to labor to perfection of holines like vntounto God, though not in meaſure, yet in truth, and ſo farre as the meanes enables vsus, and our condition will endure. 1. Pet. 1.16.
3 We muſt grrow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Sauiour Ieſus Chriſt, where both the thing is commanded, and the meanes propounded whereby we muſt grow. 2. Pet. 3.15.
4 And we muſt as new borne Babes deſire the ſincere Milke of the Word, that we may grow thereby. 1. Pet. 2.2. 1. Theſ. 4.3, 4.5. Heb. 6.12.2. Cor. 7.1. Secondly, wee are commanded to imitate our Sauiour Chriſt in the worke of ſanctification.Phil. 2.6 And therefore as hee grew in grace, &c. ſo alſo muſt we. 1. Iohn 6.2. He that ſaith he abideth in him, muſt himſelfe alſo walke euen as hee walked. Heb. 12.2.
Thirdly,Phil. 3.17:18. we are alſo to imitate the Saints who grow in grace, encreaſed in ſtrengh. Pſal. 84.7. Who bring forth more fruit in their old age. Pſal. 92.14. Yea, we are to follow them as they followed Chriſt. 1. Cor. 11.1. That is growing as hee did, to perfect holineſſe, and to fulfill all righteouſneſſe. Mat. 3.25.
4. We are commanded to be perfect; that is, not onelyonly to bee ſincere, without guile. Pſal. 32.2. Pro. 14.2. but to be perfect & intire, wanting no grace, neither any meaſure thereof. Iam. 1.3. Phil. 3.12, 13. which cannot be without continuall growing and encreaſing in grace. Ephe. 4.9, 10.
5. The ground and foundation of our new birth neceſſarily emplyeth the ſame. Namely our election from the good pleaſure of God. 2. Tim. 2.19. Epheſians 1.4, 5. which is, that wee ſhould grow in holineſſe, and perfect the ſame in louelove. Verſe 5.6.
6 Our calling to holineſſe doth e…ince as much, wee are not called to vncleanea but to holines. 1. Theſſ. 4.7. yea to ſuch holines, as wherin we muſt abound more and more, ver. 1. that you would abound more and more in pleaſing of God.
7 And this is alſo iuſtified from the meanes of our Calling. And that both inward, namely the ſpirit of God, which leads vsus into all truth, & daylie encreaſeth in vsus all ſauing grace Eph. 3.15.16. Col. 1.19.
And alſo outward, namely the word preached; which then is effectuall, when being begotten therby to a liuely hope, we grow vp therby to perfect holines 1 Pet. 2.2. 1. Pet. 1.3. Ephe. 4.8. It being both ſeed to beget milke for babes, and bread to nouriſh.
8 The verie nature and condition of our new birth implyeth and teſtifieth the ſame, which being like that of children new borne, doth thereby inferre, that, as new borne babes, we ſhould deſire the ſincere milke of the word, that we may grow vp thereby. 1. Pet. 2.1.
9 Hitherto ſerue alſo thoſe liuely reſemblances, whereby this new birth is ſhadowed out and illuſtrated in the word. As firſt, that as by this new birth, we are now ingrafted into Chriſt, and become members of his body, ſo wee grow vp in him which is the head, euen Chriſt, and that as members. From Chriſt, as frō whō the whole body fitly ioyned together & cōpacted by that which eueryevery ioynt ſupplyeth according to the effectual working in the meaſure of eueryevery part, maketh encreaſe of the body to the edifying thereof in louelove. Ephe. 4.15.16. Col. 2.19.
10 Our new birth is reſembled to a Vine and trees. Ioh. 15.1.2. & Pſal. 1 3. and 92.11.12. which imply a growing and encreaſing dayly.
So in particular, is it reſembled to a grain of Muſtard-ſeed, which frō the leaſt beginning encreaſeth to a great tree. Mat. 13. So to Cedars, to Bay trees, for that ende, ſo is it reſembled by Light, yea by the morning light, which ſhineth more and more vntounto the perfect day. Prouerbs 4.19. So alſo to Seed which is caſt into the ground, and by degrees groweth vp to ripeneſſe. Pſal. 97.17.
So to a Treaſure hid in the field, which firſt muſt bee digged, then refined, then framed to a Veſſell then vſed. Mat. 13.
Hitherto alſo ſerue ſuch Metaphors as are vſed to expreſſe our ſpirituall life, as that it is called a Walke, implying a dayly motion and haſtening to our iournies end. 2. Coloſians 7.
2. A Race to a Goale, implying a dayling, running & haſtning for the prize of our high calling in Ieſus Chriſt. 1. Cor. 9.20.21. Heb. 12.1. Phi. 3.13.
Rom. 7.18.19.3. A Combat wherein the fleſh is dayly weakened, & the ſpirit waxeth.
4. A Pilgrimage to our Country aboue, which inferreth a continuall proceeding and preparing thereto, Hebrewes 11.10. Pſalme 84.6, 7.
And thus alſo doth the Word expreſſe our different meaſure of grace by ſuch metaphors as doe neceſſarily inferre a growing therein: As that firſt we are infants and babes in Chriſt, implying our entrance and beginnings in grace. Secondly that we are ſtrong and perfect men in Chriſt, inferring our growth and proceeding therein. Heb. 11.12:13.
As alſo the wiſedome of our God is admirable herein, as by theſe different degrees to continue a propagation of his Church: that the ſtronger may confirme the weaker, and ſo dayly encreaſe the Church. That they may exerciſe their compaſſion in raiſing them vp with the ſpirit of meekeneſſe if they be fallen. Gal. 6.1. That they may diſcerne of their eſtates by comparing them with the weake, and ſo be dayly enlarged with thankfulneſſe for their greater meaſure, and exerciſed with humility, to remember from what weake beginnings they hauehave riſen. And ſo may be prouoked to perfection out of former experience.
2 That the weaker may ſubmit to the ſpirits of the Prophets, following ſuch as are before, as they follow Chriſt, as knowing ſeeing that ſuch hauehave ſo gained, therfore they alſo may in time obtaine the like meaſure.
Laſtly, that by theſe mutuall differences of growth, louelove on either ſide may be continued in bearing one anothers burthen, and walking by the ſame rule, whereunto they are come, which is the bond of perfection, Col. 3.14. that ſo they may grow vp in the vnitie of the ſpirit, to the full meaſure of the age of Chriſt. Epheſ. 4.13. By edifying of each other in louelove. ver. 16.
Hereunto ſerue the continuall prayers of the Saints, for the encreaſe of grace in themſelues and others: for themſelues. Pſal. 51.11.12.
For others, for generall Churches, as Epheſians 1.8.16. and 3.15. Coloſsians 1.12.13. 1. Theſſ. 5.23. Heb. 13.20.21.
For particular Chriſtians, as for Timothy. 2. Tim. 1.7.8 &c.
And ſo ſuch teſtimonies as do euidence their encreaſe of faith, and ſo of all other graces, as 2. Theſſalonians 1.3.
The contrary condition of the wicked, who grow worſe and worſe 2. Tim. 3.13. implyeth alſo, that wee muſt grow, if we be ſound. 1. Ioh. 2.19
As alſo the danger of this Apoſtaſie, that it were better neuer to hauehave knowne the way to ſaluation:2. Pet. 2.21. that there is no hope of recouery. Heb. 6.4.5.
That it is the high way to the ſin againſt the holy Ghoſt, if not the ſame Heb. 10.27.28.
The continuall malice and policie of Satan againſt Chriſtians euinceth this growth: who not ſo much labors to hinder our entrance, as our proceeding in grace. While we are his, he is quiet: but when the ſtronger man hath caſt him out, then he vſeth all force and policy to reenter againe, or at leaſt to hinder our proceeding, either by caſting in floods of perſecution. Reuel. 12.8. or by ſowing Tares. Math. 13.
The different diſpenſation of Gods graces euen in this growth: who giueth not to all alike, nor to all at once here a like meaſure, and therefore according as he giues, ſo he requires, and enables to performe. Ro. 12. 1. Cor. 12.
The benefites that ariſe from our growing in grace, do alſo neceſſarily conuince the ſame. Which are,
1 That hereby we are ſure of ſound entrance. 2. Pet. 18.9.
2 And ſo make ſure our election, gaine particular knowledge thereof, and ſo reape much ioy in the ſpirit, much comfort in afflictions. 2. Tim. 1.12. Great encouragement to perfection, gaine more glory to our God Iohn. 15.2. Math. 5.16.
3 Encourage others to holineſſe. 1. Pet. 5.9.10.
4 HaueHave hereby an entrance to eternal life, 2. Pet. 1.11.
5 Are confirmed in the hope of our glorification. 1. Iohn 3.3.
6 And make our ſelues meet for that glorious inheritance. Col. 1.11.12.
As being intereſſed in the promiſes of God hereby. 2. Cor. 7.1.
…nd hereby made like vntounto him, that we may ſee him as he is. 1. Iohn. 3.2, 3.
Laſtly, the continuance of the Ordinances of God, as the word, Sacraments, what vſe eſpecially ſhould they hauehave in the Church, if that wee ſhould not grow vp thereby: ſeeing there is more neede of encreaſe then begetting to the faith, there being more temptations to hinder our growth in Chriſt then our firſt receiuing of him. 1. Pet. 2.12.
To conclude, if we conſider the End of our ſanctification, which is to be made meet to the enioying of the promiſes of life and ſaluation, this alſo neceſſarily inferreth our ſpiritual growth. 2. Cor. 7.1. 1. Iohn 3.3. Hebr. 12.1.
Becauſe, ſeeing our beginnings in Chriſt, are in much imperfection and corruption, no way competent and ſutable with the glory that is ſet before vsus: therfore we muſt dayly clenſe our ſelues of all wickedneſſe of the ſpirit and the fleſh, that we may grow vp to perfect holineſſe in the fe…e of God,1. Cor. 7.1. therefore we muſt caſt away euerything that preſſeth downe, and the ſinne that hangeth ſo faſt vponupon vsus that wee may run with ioy the Race that is ſet before vsus.Heb. 12.1.2 Heb. 12.1.
Therefore we muſt worke out our ſaluation in feare & trēbling. Ph. 2.13
Laſtly, conſider we the danger of not growing, as 1. That we neuer ſoundly entred. 1. Iohn 2.1.15.16.
2. That wee are certaine to fall away. Luke 8.
3 That the caſe is deſperate: better neuer to hauehave knowne the way of righteouſneſſe: better neuer to hauehave been borne. 2. Pet. 2.22. Mat. 26
4 Falling into the ſinne againſt the holy Ghoſt. Heb. 10.26.
5 And ſo condemnation aſſured and vengeance encreaſed. Luk. 12.47 4 This conuinceth that Popiſh opinion of merit, as if we could deſerue ſaluation of our ſelues; were wholy purged from ſinne at our baptiſme, and ſo enabled to fulfill the law perfectly, ſeeing our ſtate in grace, is a growing from weakneſſe to ſtrength from infirmitie to perfection, which is not attained in this life, but onelyonly aimed at, and laboured to. Phil. 3.13.
Whereas this doctrine of merite ouerthroweth it ſelfe: in that they which pleade merite, acknowledge alſo ſuch a falling in thoſe that are truly iuſtified, as that they may bee ſo farre from going forward, or perſeuering to the end, that they ſhall fall away without recouery.
2 This alſo refuteth their opinion of finall Apoſtaſie. Whereas the ſtate of a Chriſtian is alwayes growing, though not ſenſible to vsus, yet wrought ſecretly by the ſpirit, thogh we know not ſometime whence it came, nor whither it goes. Ioh. 3.8.
3 This reproues ſuch as flatter thē ſelues in the ſtate of Grace, when yet they grow not: but either
1 HaueHave onelyonly ſome ſodaine flaſhes and taſts of goodneſſe to their further condemnation. Heb. 6.4.
2 Or hauehave onelyonly ſlight meanings and purpoſes like the morning dew, which vaniſheth away, either altogether without fruit, or elſe if any fruite appeare, it is but ſummer fruite laſting onelyonly in time of proſperity, but when affliction comes it withereth. Luke 11.8.
3 Or, their fruite is not of any growth to perfectlon, as meaſured by the falſe ballance of the Time▪ Cuſtom Example, and ſuch like carnall rules, as if they could bee too holy, might be more preciſe then wiſe.
4 Or, ſuch, as are alwayes at a ſtay in Religion, contenting themſelues with ſuch and ſuch a meaſure as may ſerue the preſent occaſions of this life not being able to ſee a farre of within the vaile into the hope of glory.
5 Or, laſtly ſuch, as remit of their former ſinceritie, and zeale out of wiſedome and policy, as if the times would not beare ſuch ſtrictneſſe, as if leſſer would ſerue the turne then heretofore.
6 And ſo ſuch as fall away from that they ſeemed to hauehave, ending in the fleſh though they ſeeme to hauehave begunne in the ſpirit, as Demas. Galat. 3.2.3.
4. This alſo reproueth ſuch weake Chriſtians, anſwere not theſe courſes. 1. Either by ſticking in the beginnings of Chriſt, and not labouring ſtill to grow in knowledge and all ſpiritual wiſdome. Heb. 6.1.
2 Or not keeping a dayly and conſtant courſe of holineſſe, that they may ſtill grow in grace. 1. Theſſ. 5.15.16.
3 Or that hauehave left their firſt louelove, and ſo buy their decayes deerly with many a bitter pang of conſcience, make their life vncomfortable, and proue a reproch to the Goſpel, and offence to their brethren. Reuel 2.34.
Or, that becauſe they cannot alwayes diſcerne the worke of the ſpirit, in leading them forward, do therefore feare that they hauehave either neuer ſoundly begunne, or that they are fallen away without recouery. Pſa. 77.11 12.
Or, that through Ignorance and want of ſpirituall wiſedome, eſteeme the tēpering of their zeale with patience & diſcretion, to be a decay; and ſo condemn thēſelues & others, as decliners, wheras this is a gratious proceeding in grace, as arguing more wiſedome, more humilitie, more abilitie to doe good to others, more readineſſe to worke out our owne ſaluation.
A ſecond generall vſe of this doctrine of growing, is for inſtruction: and that both to teach vsus how to grow in grace and ſo to diſcerne this growth, of which hereafter.
As alſo to make triall of our growth in grace by ſuch infallible endeauours as may euince the ſame: of which alſo in it ſpeciall place.
The laſt vſe of this doctrine, is for comfort. And that many wayes:
As firſt, to refreſh the weake Chriſtian, both in thoſe ſoundings and decayes which he is ſubiect to; as alſo in that want of feeling of the worke of grace, how it is led forward, of which alſo in the Concluſion.