The Wonderful Mystery of Spiritual Growth, Chapter 3
THE CONTENTS of the third chapter.
OF the cauſes, meanes, and helps of ſpirituall growth.
1 Cauſes both internall and principall.
1 The power of Chriſt.
2 The inhabitation of the ſpirit.
2 Inſtrumentall generall.
3 The renued heart.
Specially therein.
1 Sound knowledge, and that
1 Of the power of corruption.
2 Of the meaſure of grace attained.
2 Spirituall experience, and that
1 Of the deceitfulneſſe of the heart in miſleading either way.
2 Of the ſleights of Satan.
3 Of the power of God in preuenting and diſappointing theſe, or turning them to good.
2 Outward meanes and cauſes And theſe inſtrumentall. Namely,
1 Conſtant vſe of Gods ordinances, As first, Hearing the word preached.
2 Receiuing the Sacrament.
3 Prayer.
4 Meditation.
5 Conference.
Acceſſarie, as
1 Afflictions.
2 Examples of the Saints.
Helpes hereto, are
1 Soundneſſe of iudgement and wherin.
2 Sinceritie, and how.
3 Dayly renued repentance, and why.
4 Propounding the example of Chriſt and why.
5 Looking to the reward in heauen.
6 Dayly thankefulneſſe, and how.
7 Labouring dayly the conuerſion of others.
8 Conſtant watch ouer our hearts and how.
9 Dayly encreaſe in ſauing knowledge, and how.
10 Contentedneſſe in our eſtates.
11 Sobrietie in the vſe of Chriſtian libertie.
12 Dayly encreaſe of faith, and how.
13 Putting on dayly the ſpirituall armour.
14 Patience.
15 Continuall prayer.
16 Conſcience of the Sabaoth.
17 Daily conſtant holineſſe.
18 Daily preparation to afflictions, and how.
19 To nouriſh tenderneſſe of conſcience in all things and how.
20 To hauehave the feare of God alwaies before vsus.
21 To bee continually iealous of our ſelues.
22 To nouriſh ſpirituall pouertie, and hunger after the beſt graces.
23 Daily preparation to our death, and how.
24 Daily reſigning of our ſelues into the hands of God.
25 Spirituall wiſedome, why and how
26 Maintaining ſpirituall ioy, why and how.
CHAP. III. Of the cauſes of ſpirituall growth.
IT appeareth hitherto that we muſt grow in grace, as alſo what ſpirituall growth is.
Now we are further to conſider the cauſes of this growth,
Theſe are,
1. Internall, that is, within vsus. And theſe are meritorious, and effectuall of themſelues, Such are
1. The power of Chriſt dwelling in vsus. 1. Col. 19. which is both, the meritorious cauſe of our growth, as whereby we obtaine grace from God to enable vsus to grow: as alſo the principall efficient cauſe thereof. As by it vertue ſubduing mightily in vsus the remaindures of corruption, and body of ſinne; and ſupplying ſuch graces as may further our ſpirituall growth, as alſo enabling vsus in the vſe and improuement of them, to that end, eſpecially preſenting them in the perfection of his merit, that aboue their worth they may be acceptable vntounto God his Father, and ſo by vertue of our vnion with him dayly, leading vsus forward to perfection.
A ſecond effectuall cauſe of this growth, is, the holy Ghoſt, which being giuen vntounto vsus by Chriſt, & dwelling in vsus, doth work effectually in vsus to a dayly diſcouery and ſubduing of corruption, by reprouing for ſinne, yea for righteouſnes, conuincing all naturall abilitie, and remaindure of goodneſſe in vsus, all conceited righteouſnes in the law, or any thing ſaue in Chriſt: yea ſtil conuincing the imperfection of all inherent righteouſnes attained, & ſo ſtill intereſſing in Chriſt, and ſo by it power encreaſing grace.
The inward inſtrumentall meanes, it,
The renued heart, which being now quickned and actuated by the ſpirit becomes miniſterially a fellow worker therewith in all ſuch workes, as may any way further our ſpirituall Growth. 1. Cor. 3.
More particularly theſe Graces in the heart are ſpeciall inſtrumentall cauſes of our Growth in Grace.
1 A ſauing knowledge: and that
1. Of our particular eſtates, and this twofold.
1. Both of the power of corruption that remaines and cleaues vntounto vsus, & alſo of that truth & meaſure of grace whereto we hauehave attained. For as the true diſcerning of corruption, and the power and meaſure thereof in vsus is a meanes dayly to worke in vsus a denyal of our ſelues, and renouncing all abilitie in vsus, as of our ſelues to go forward: ſo the ſight of our inabilitie ſends vsus dayly to renue our ſtrength in Chriſt, in whom we ſhall be enabled to grow in grace. Now we ſhall diſcerne the power of corruption generally by a dayly view of our hearts in the Law. Romans 7.8.
2. By daily obſeruing of the pulſe of the conſcience, anſwering the ſame more particularly, we may diſcerne the power of corruption.
1. By obſeruing the inward temper of the heart, and continuall boyling and raging thereof, with that infinite ſwarme of all ſorts of blaſphemous, vaine, filthy, abſurd, and impoſſible thoughts and imaginations.
2. By a wiſe diſcerning of our deſperate rebellion againſt the ſtrict rule of the word. And
3 Moſt prone and greedy attempting and perſecuting of our owne deuices and voluntary conceits beſides, and contrary thereunto.
4. By an vnpartiall obſeruing of thoſe ſinnes, to which either we are, or hauehave been moſt addicted, ſtill to reuiue or proſecute the ſame.
5 By thoſe violent and deſperate oppoſitions of our thoughts and imaginations intruding into, and polluting our beſt actions and pureſt endeauours.
6. By diſcerning the ſubtilty of Satan inueighling vsus to the abuſe of our Chriſtian libertie in things that are lawfull; for where ſin hath a cloke and colour to defend it ſelfe by lawful meanes, or elſe to creepe in therewith, there will appeare moſt liuely the power of corruption in deuiſing pretences, either on the right hand or on the left, to abuſe thoſe lawfull meanes for the effecting of what is vnlawfull.
7 And ſo whereas to commit ſin is naturall, but to continue therein, is diuelliſh: the power of coruption is not ſo much ſeene in doing euill, as in the applying of ſuch ſhifts and pretences for the hiding or excuſing of ſin, that ſo we may with ſome pretence of ſecuritie, continue therein, and ſo defeat and exclude true repentance-
8 And ſo herein the power of corruption is ſpecially diſcerned, by deceiuing the heart with a falſe imagination of true happines in theſe earthly things, that ſo it may ſettle hereon, and ſo renounce the happineſſe of the life to come.
Thus may we diſcerne the power of corruption, and this wil gratiouſly further our growth in grace. As firſt,
The ſpirituall Law diſcouering the inward corruption, and conuincing the conſcience therewith, proues hereby a meanes ſo to abaſe vsus in our ſelues, as that hereby we are ſent vntounto the righteouſnes of Chriſt, and thereby enabled to a further meaſure of holineſſe.
2. Hereby our vnruly and rebellious thoughts and affections being diſcerned, do proue alſo a gratious meanes to humble vsus vnderunder the hand of God to labour the purging of that corrupt fountain more and more in the blood of Chriſt, to preuent hypocriſie, ſpirituall pride and ſecuritie, which are manie hinderances to this ſpirituall encreaſe.
3 By diſcerning our rebellion againſt the preſcript of the word, wee are alſo ſtill more abaſed in our ſelues & ſo caſt vponupon the free grace of God.
4 The apprehenſion of our proneneſſe to wil-worſhip and ſelfe conceits, proues a gratious means to confound the wiſedome of the fleſh, as the greateſt enmity againſt God and ſo to intereſſe vsus in the free goodneſſe of God.
5 By diſcerning our moſt inward and boſome ſinnes, ſelfe louelove the bane of ſpirituall thriuing is gratiouſly renounced; preſumption is reuealed the mother of ſecuritie, and ſo an enemy to this growth; and ſinceritie is auouched and confirmed, which is the ſpurre to ſpirituall growth and touchſtone thereof.
6 By diſcerning our abuſe of Chriſtian libertie, wee grow to ſob…ietie and watchfulneſſe ouer our hearts and occaſions, more wiſe to redeeme the time, for ſpirituall theft; more skilfull to take the aduantage of our occaſions, and ſo to grow in all heauenly meanes.
7 And ſo when we can obſerue the ſubtilty of Satan detayning vsus in ſinne: we ſhall hereby labour to haſten our repentance by aggrauating and iudging ſin; grow more wiſe to arme our ſelues againſt new ſurprizalls, by taking vntounto our ſelues the whole armour of God; become more iealous of our ſelues in auoyding the occaſions of euill, be more diligent in the practiſe of contrary graces; more groane for our diſſolution, and prepare thereto: all which are good meanes and trials of our ſpirituall growth.
Laſtly, whereas hereby we diſcerne the power of corruption, in that for the maintenance thereof, it labours to fancy to it ſelfe preſent conſtant happineſſe, that ſo it may be depriued of that which is to come: this alſo proues a gratious meanes to further our ſpirituall growth. As prouoking vsus hereby to make cleerer vntounto our ſelues the euidences of our ſaluation, to become more ſpirituall in the vſe of all earthly things, and ſo to liue by faith in the vſe of all comforts; to renounce not onelyonly all hold in preſent fading comforts, but euen in all ſpirituall graces, as to bee iuſtified by them: or to reſt in the meaſure of them: to wayt dayly for the appearance of Chriſt;1. Cor. 1.7. and in that hope dayly to purge our ſelues of all wickedneſſe of the ſpirit and of the fleſh, that we may be pure as he is pure. 2. Cor. 7.1. 1. Ioh. 3.3.
Thus doth the knowledge of our corruption, further our Growth in grace.
A ſecond part of ſauing knowledg auaileable hereunto is the knowledge of our preſent eſtate in grace, which will alſo much further our growing therein.
Now wee may take notice of the preſent meaſure attained by theſe markes.
1 By the ſcantling of knowledge we hauehave attained in heauenly things, as that,Phil. 1.10.
1 Whether we can diſcern the ſtronger meate of the Goſpell, that we may diſtinguiſh of things that differ,1… Theſ. 5.1 that we can trie all things, and hold that which is good: or rather, that we ſtick in the beginnings of Chriſt. Heb. 6.1. not being rooted in theſe grounds by experimentall knowledge,Col. 2.6. but ſtaggering in iudgement and reſolution concerning the ſame. Becauſe
1. Without this knowlede, we ſhal not onelyonly not be able to grow forward, but are like to fal backward; and looſe all.
2 Hereby wee ſhall diſcerne the truth of our eſtate, and ſo out of the ſhortneſſe of our knowledge ſhall be ſtill ſent vntounto the meanes, whereby we may grow. 2. Pet. 3.18.
2 By our abilitie to practiſe according to our knowledge.
And that both in the mortification of the old man. And that firſt in regard of the roote of corruption: As our hearts are leſſe peſtered with noyſome and vile thoughts, in al occaſions; ſpecially, that the motions to ſuch as we hauehave bin moſt addicted vntounto, are more rare and ſeldome.
2 That if they do aſſault vsus, yet they are more deeply taken to heart, and more ſpeedily ſuppreſſed.
3 That we are leſſe troubled in holy duties, with worldly and prophane thoughts.
4 And ſpecially find our ſelues leſſe tickled herein with thoughts of vaine glory, cuſtomarines, formalitie, wilworſhip, &c.
5 That in our ciuill callings wee are leſſe ſwayed with thoughts of couetouſneſſe, diſtracting cares, feares and ſuch like.
2 In reſpect of the truth thereof, as that we hauehave got the better of ſuch ſinnes as we were formerly moſt addicted to. Specially
That we hauehave preuailed againſt vnbeleef, & the bitter fruits therof, hardneſſe of heart, and blindnes of mind.
That we hauehave caſt out that curſed leauen of hypocriſie in our conuerſing with God.
And hauehave alſo renounced deceit and fraud in dealing with men.
That wee are deeply greeued with ſuch ſinnes as wee cannot ſhake off: And ſtriue more earneſtly againſt them, by how much we hauehave beene more foyled thereby.
That we be more wary to auoyde the occaſion of ſinne.
And more compaſſionate and charitable in reſpect of our brethrens falls. And groane more earneſtly after our finall deliuerance.
Theſe are good endeauours of our ſpirituall growth, theſe are gratious meanes to further to perfection.
2 Our abilitie to practice is ſeene in the quickning of the new man, And that,
Firſt, in reſpect of the roote of grace: as that, generally,
1. Our hearts are more fraught with holy and heauenly thoughts.
Specially, that our thoughts are more frequent concerning the beautie and holines, the maieſty & goodneſſe of our bleſſed God and his word.
2. That they are more intire without interruption vponupon theſe bleſſed obiects.
3. That they are more conſtant & feruent, rauiſhing the heart with the apprehenſion thereof, from all earthly obiects, and fixing the ſame more ccrtainely thereupon.
4. That they are more pure and ſincere, ſeparated from all reſpect to our ſelues, and wholy imployed vponupon thoſe heauenly obiects.
5. That they are more familiar, eaſie, and delightfull, giuing the mind ſound contentment therein. And yet
6. Are ordered and limited with more wiſedome to their ſpeciall obiects, to preuent diſtraction, and cuſtomarineſſe therein.
7 And ſo furthered, not onelyonly by kindling the affections to what wee hauehave in hand, that we may be quickned to practiſe; but alſo by accompliſhing what is deſired, by ſeaſonable practiſe.
And this is a ſecond meanes of our growth in grace, and it is diſcerned generally in the performance of ſuch duties as belong to our callings, ſpecially of
Such as concerne our generall calling. As that
We performe duties to God, as with more zeale and power, ſo with more humilitie and reuerence in the denyall of our ſelues.
2 That wee performe them in ſingleneſſe of heart, not as vntounto men but vntounto God. And therefore
3 Are as carefull to performe them in ſecret as openly.
4 And grow more conſtant and familiar therein.
5 And yet diſcerne moſt of our faylings and corruptions therein.
More particularly.
1 That we are more powerfull and frequent in meditation, as being the life of all holy meanes and duties.
2 And are more frequent and feruent in prayer, to ſanctifie our perſons and actions before God. Yet
3 Making more conſcience of the publicke ordinances of God, wherby faith may be dayly quickned and encreaſed.
4 Adding withall a daily examinatiō of our hearts & wayes. And ſpecially
5 Making conſcience of the Sabaoth
6 Renuing our repentance daily for all knowne ſinnes. And ſtill
7 Caſting our ſelues vponupon the free grace of God in Ieſus Chriſt. Still
8 Endeauouring to practiſe more then we can do. And yet
9 Comforting our ſelues from the purpoſe of our hearts in our particular faylings. Rom 7.19.20.
Thus for our generall calling.
Concerning our ciuil calling, obſerue
1 That dependance on the prouidence of God with it.1. Pet. 5.6.
2 A ſpeciall reference of our endeauours to his holy wiſdome for the iſſue thereof. And
3 Cōtentednes in whatſoeuet it pleaſeth him to diſpoſe as being beſt for vsus
4 Vſing diligence in the meaneſt,Phil. 4.12. which our God hath allotted vsus.
5 And wayting wth patience the ſucceſſe of our labours.
6 Seaſoning our worldly occaſions with the meditation of Gods prouidence. And
7 Being faithfull in the meaſure the Lord hath diſpoſed, by
8 Referring our labors to the publike good, and
9. Diſpenſing liberally to the neceſſities of the Saints.
10 Bearing patiently what croſſes befall herein: and
11 Labouring to ſupply them with the inward thirſt.
Theſe are good euidences of our growth in grace, and ſhall alſo proue happy meanes to attaine perfection.
A ſecond generall cauſe of ſpiritual growth, is ſpirituall experience.
And that ſpecially of theſe things, Firſt, of the deceitfulneſſe of the hear…, either bearing vsus in hand that our caſe is better then it is, or that is worſe; the deceit of the hearts in conceiting our eſtates to bee better then indeed they are, may be diſcerned by theſe particulars.
1 If we conceiue our ſelues conuerted: either, becauſe
1. We hauehave aſſented to and delighted in the word, and done ſome things anſwerable to the letter thereof. Math. 6.20.
2. We are humbled and abaſed with the ſenſe of ſinne, which may be for feare of puniſhment, and not in hatred of ſinne, or louelove vntounto God: and may be but a flaſh and taſt quickly ſalued by ſome carnall remedie.
3. If we continue in the courſe of profeſſion ſo long as winde and tyde ſerue vsus, as we are vpheld by proſperitie and outward meanes.
4. If our carriage paſſe currant in the world, and bee free from ſuch groſſe euils as are obuious to men, howſoeuer our hearts may be corrupt and rotten. And
5. If our conſciences be ſecure, and ſo ſeeme cleere from ſinne, and to hauehave obtained true peace; whereas this may bee the effect either of a drowſie or ſeduced heart, either ſenſleſſe of it eſtate, or iudging the ſame by falſe rules, as the letter of the law, opinion of the world, it owne ignorance, or peruerſe application of the word, or compariſon with others.
6. Generally, if the compaſſe of our practiſe look not higher then our ſelues and preſent reſpects, to Gods glory, and reach not further then this life to that which is inuiſible. And
7 If we cary our obedience currant, reſting in any meaſure thereof, and ſtinting our ſelues therein, as if we had done enough; or doating on the beauty of the ſame, as if it were without blemiſh not diſcerning corruption in our beſt actions, and ſo denying euen our greateſt perfections, that ſtill wee may be found in Chriſt.
By theſe we may be deceiued in the iudgement of a conuerſion, in iudging our eſtates to be better then they are.
So alſo may we be deceiued on the other ſide, in deeming our eſtates to be worſe then they are.
As that we are no better then hypocrites, becauſe our practiſe anſwers not our profeſſion, ſeeing hypocriſie is not ſo much in what we cannot do, as in what we would ſeeme to do, & meane it not, or do it not with the inward integrity of the heart, & by making ſhew of well doing intend the contrary.
2 That we are caſt-awayes, becauſe our conſciences ſpeake fearefully, as in tentation, and the world accounts vsus no better, ſeeing we muſt not iudge of our ſelues by tentation, neither eſteem what the world iudgeth of vsus in this ſecret, belonging onelyonly vntounto God.
3 That we arc decaied in grace, and left our true louelove, becauſe wee are grown more moderate in our affections, more ſober in our iudgments, cō cerning indifferent things; more charitable in iudging others, more wiſe in prouiding neceſſary things & auoiding vnneceſſary troubles & ſuch like ſeeing all this may be the fruit of the ſpirit of meeknes, & wiſdom, & ſo an euidence of our ſpirituall growth.
4 Becauſe we are more ſenſible of corruption, & hūbled therewith, this howſoeuer with the world may ſeem either hypocriſie, or guilt of cōſcience yet indeede it is the power of grace that giues this light; and it ſeemes to prouoke in vsus a greater hatred againſt ſinne and watchfulneſſe againſt the ſame, and makes vsus more iealous, and lowly in our beſt actions.
By theſe and ſuch like may wee be prouoked to eſteeme worſe of our ſelues then indeed there is cauſe, and ſo had need of ſpirituall experience to diſcerne of things that differ, that ſo knowing the true ſcantling of our eſtates, we may prouide accordingly.
A ſecond experience neceſſarily furthering our growth in grace, is concerning the manifold ſleights and methods of Satan.
Which we ſhall attaine vntounto.
1. By dayly viewing and ſearching of our hearts, as being the ſinke wherein he wallowes, and the matter whereupon he workes.
2. By a ſerious meditation on the word, whereby wee ſhall be enabled to diſcerne his deepneſſe.
3. By feruent prayer vntounto our God to reueale theſe ſleights vntounto vsus.
4. By a wiſe obſeruation of his deepneſſe, and two maine pollicies; either in lulling vsus a ſleepe, or affrighting vsus with falſe feares, or rackeing true cauſes vponupon the tenters of extremity, eſpecially.
If we be acquainted with the trouble of conſcience, for therein he vtters all his wayes.
2 If we take notice of his dealings on the bed of ſickneſſe and ſummons to death, for now he will beſtirre himſelfe on all hands, as being his laſt opportunity.
3 If we obſerue ſuch accidents as doe vſually mingle themſelues with our ſweeteſt cōforts; for here we may diſcern him moſt dāgerous to poyſon theſe ſweets vntounto vsus. And ſo to this end ſhall be often conuerſant in the caſes of our brethren: in whoſe ſeueral tentations we ſhall diſcerne the rather the deepneſſe of Satan, becauſe now God cals vsus to releeue vsus, and we hauehave a promiſe of good ſucceſſe.
By theſe meanes wee may attaine much gratious experience.
Among other theſe eſpecially will ſteed vsus for our ſpirituall growth. As that it is his maine policy,
1 To ſeuer the end from the meanes, whereby he nouriſh in hypocriſie, formalitie, prophaneneſſe, ſecuritie, and ſo excludeth all hope of conuerſion, perſwading that we may be ſaued, though wee vſe not the meanes thereto.
Or elſe he ſeuers the end from the meanes, ſuggeſting that though we vſe the meanes neuer ſo effectually, yet we may miſſe of the end, ſeeing our meanes are no way proportionable therto. Whereby he either driueth to deſpaire, or elſe at leaſt hindereth and diſcourageth in practice.
A ſecond maine Policie, is, to ioyne thoſe things which are contrary in the worke of ſaluation, or elſe to diſioyne thoſe that are to be ioyned.
1 To ioyne nature with grace, our owne will and abilitie with the mercy of God.
2 To mingle the wiſdome of man with the word of God, to further ſaluation.
2 To diſioine thoſe things which muſt concurre and agree together: as
1 The word and the ſpirit.
2 Power and weakneſſe.
3 Faith and doubting.
4 Perfection with imperfection, as being both in one ſubiect, and both ſeruing to teſtifie the truth of grace, and further proceeding therein.
Theſe and ſuch like policies, as they are the grounds of all the reſt, ſo the experience of them ſerues very graciouſly to further our ſpirituall growth, of which more particularly in the Treatiſe of Deluſions.
A third kinde of experience, is, of the power and wiſdome of God in preuenting or turning about theſe tentations and ſleights of Satan to our good, of which alſo in that prepared diſcourſe.
Beſides theſe cauſes and furtherances to ſpirituall growth, there are alſo many others in their places auaileable hereunto. As 1. the conſcionable vſe of Gods holy ordinances: the word preached to ſtrengthen faith, to diſcouer inward corruption,1. Pet. 2.2. and ſubdue the ſame. 2 The holy participation of the ſacrament of the ſupper, as that which ſpecially ſeales vp Chriſt vntounto vsus, repaireth our decaies, nouriſheth ſpirituall life, & ſtrengthens to perfection.
3 Holy conference to quicken and ſupply each others wants.
4 Meditation of all theſe to incorporate them into our ſubſtance.
5 Prayer to ſanctifie vsus to the vſe of theſe things, and them to vsus, that we may benefit thereby, and ſo commend the iſſue and ſucceſſe vntounto God. Acceſſary hereunto are,
1 Afflictions to purge out corruption, to weane from the world, to try our faith, to make vsus more compaſſionate to our brethren, to acquaint vsus with the power of God. To quicken in holy duties, and recouer out of decayes, to encreaſe our Patience that it may bring forth the perfect worke, ſo nouriſhing our hope of glory, and thereby prouoking to a daily purging of our ſelues, that we may be pure as he is pure. 1. Ioh. 3.3. Iacob. 1.2.3. Rom. 5.2.3.4.
Examples of the Saints, which are gone before vsus, which encourage vsus to go forward, by ſhaming vsus in our childiſh and cowardly weakneſſe, and directing vsus in the meanes whereby we may encreaſe. Heb. 11. Iam. 5.12.13. 1. Cor. 11.1.
To this end alſo ſerue gratiouſly theſe helpes. As
1 Soundneſſe of iudgement and vnderſtanding concerning the power of godlineſſe.Phil. 1.9. 1. Tim. 1.7. As that
1 We cannot bee too holy.Pſa. 119.82. That when we hauehave done our beſt, we are but vnprofitable ſeruants. Luk. 16.10.1. Cor. 13:
2 That wee muſt follow after the beſt graces, and labour to be formoſt in holineſſe.
3 That God requires of vsus, according to the meanes, and therefore wee muſt abound in all righteouſneſſe. Math. 25.28. That wee muſt follow men as they follow Chriſt. 1. Cor. 11.1.
4 That onelyonly the word muſt be the rule and ſquare of holineſſe. Iſay 8.20.
5 That whatſoeuer is not of faith, that is, out of the teſtimony of the conſcience conuinced by the word, is ſin. Rom. 14.
A ſecond helpe to grow in Grace, is, that we doe all duties in ſinceritie and vprightneſſe, that is, as vntounto God and in his preſence, not vntounto men and for their ſakes.
2 As from God, from warrant of his word. And 3 For God,
That is ſimply for his glory: and 4. alſo through God: that is, by all holy meanes, that ſo God may be all in all. And that,
1 As whereby we ſhall hauehave the teſtimony of a good conſcience in what we doe, and ſo by the vertue thereof hauehave boldnes with God. 1. Ioh. 3.20. And ſo enabled by his power to goe forward in well doing.
2 Hereby we ſhall approue the will of God, and ſo cheriſh and ſtirre vp the ſpirit in vsus, that thereby we may be enabled to encreaſe in holineſſe. And ſo:
3 Hereby we ſhall ſee the failing of our beſt actions, and ſo be caſt off from any confidence in our ſelues, leſt ſpirituall pride and ſecurity ouer take vsus, and ſo we ſhall diſcerne ſtill a neceſſity of proceeding.
4 And ſo by this ſenſe of our failings we ſhall be daily caſt vponupon the power of Chriſt, by whom we ſhall obtaine acceptance of our perſons. Phil. 3.10. and ſo of our imperfect ſeruice, and ſo enabled by his righteouſneſſe to goe on to perfection. Phil. 3.13.
5 Seeing our beſt actions are ſubiect to much mixture of our corruption, and ſo ſufficient to make them & our perſons to be reiected of God; & ſo to prouoke him to leaue vsus to our owne councels, either to hypocriſie, as to reſt in the outſide or forme thereof, and ſo to iuſtifie the ſame, and boaſt therein, and ſo to rob God of his glory, and ſo to be giuen vp to prophaneneſſe and groſſe euils, as to puniſh our pride, ſo to confound our hypocriſie, & prouoke to ſincerity, therefore here is ſpeciall vſe of this ſincerity; as to ſeuer the truth of well doing frō the corruption therof, ſo to appeale vntounto God in the truth of our hearts, and iudging our ſelues for our corruption and failing, that we may not be iudged of the Lord. 3 Seeing louelove couereth a multitude of ſinnes. Therefore
A third helpe to grow in Grace, is That all our workes be done in louelove:Epheſ. 1.15. That is, as out of louelove vntounto God aboue all, which is true ſinceritie; ſo out of louelove to each other, 1. ſo reſpecting our priuate, that we ayme alſo at the common good: 2. bearing with one anothers infirmities, though not to bolſter them therein, yet to preuent deſpaire and win them with meekneſſe, 3. yeelding many times with our priuate leſt we ſhould offend them in outward matters. 1. Cor. 8.14.15. 4. Eſteeming others better then our ſelues,Rom. 12.10 and honouring the weaker by ſeruing them in all tenderneſſe and brotherly care: 5. ſtraining our ſelues in our pouerty to releeue their neceſſity:Heb. 6.10. 2 Cor. 8.11. 1. Cor. 13.6. 6. and hoping ſtil the beſt of them in their greateſt failings: 7. and ſo raiſing them vp with the ſpirit of meekneſſe: 8. eaſily receiuing, not ought againſt them: 9. or if we know any thing, interpreting it to the beſt: 10. and couering their infirmities with compaſſion and mercy.
11. Not enuying their greater meaſure, and ſo diſcouraging of them by reproches. And
12 Nor yet deſpiſing their leſſe meaſure in compariſon of ours.
13 But reioycing in their proceeding, and imitating them therein.
14 And beleeuing what wee ſee not, either by ſenſe or faith, what is, or is likely.
15 Yea ſuffering with them in their diſtreſſes, either ſpirituall or outward,Rom. 12.12.13. Epheſ. 18. by mourning for them, & mourning with aduiſing how to recouer, helping them by all holy meanes therein, as praier, &c.
16 Louing ſtill their perſons, though we hate their ſinnes.
17 Yea when they do vsus wrong, forgiuing of them, & ſeeking to ouercome euill with good. Rom. 12.16. by feeding them, &c.
18 Yet doing there moſt good, where we are tyed by the leſt bond. Gal. 6.10.
19 And all this for the good of their ſoules. 1. Pet. 1.22.
20 And that accordingly as wee hauehave receiued the guift withall chearefulnes & a large heart. 2. Cor. 9.11.12.
And this is a ſpeciall meanes to grow in grace.
1 Becauſe eueryevery member as it receiueth life and growth from Chriſt, ſo from him, each is knit and ſo ioyned together, as that it ſo receiueth life from him that it communicateth it ioyntly to each other, as being one in him, and one in another: ſo that one member cannot thriue without another, and the helping of one is the helping of another. Euen as the ſoule of man ſo animateth eueryevery part in it place and order, as hereby each part is ſeruiceable to another, & ſo furthereth the encreaſe of the whole hereby: ſo is it in the body of Chriſt, which being animated by his ſpirit, & therby knit together fitly, and compacted by that which eueryevery ioynt ſupplyeth according to the effectuall working in the meaſure of eueryevery part, maketh encreaſe of the body to the edifying of it ſelfe in louelove. Epheſ. 4.16. Col. 2.19. So that no knitting together, no holding of the head. Col. 2.19. No growing vp ſeuerally, becauſe no growing together.
And the reaſon hereof is, the wiſedome of God in communicating his graces diuerſly, not to eueryevery member all, nor to any the meaſure of any at the firſt. That ſo hereby there might be an encreaſe of louelove in communicating this varietie of gifts, and ſo by this communication of their diuers gifts to each other, there might be a ſupply to each of what is wanting & thereby as an encreaſe of the whole body, ſo an encreaſe alſo of eueryevery ſeuerall member thereof; ſo that as without this mutuall ſupply each particular member cannot grow at all, ſo neither ſhall any bee perfected without the other, ſeeing there is a generall Reſurrection to perfect the whole. Hebrewes 11.36.37.
4 Seeing wee are ſubiect to much diſtraction, both in what we ſhould do, and how to doe it: as alſo to much ſelfe louelove in ouer prizing our eſtates & beginning in grace: therefore that we may grow herein. It is neceſſary that we ſtill propound vntounto our ſelues the moſt perfect paterne, euen looking vntounto Ieſus the author and finiſher of our faith. Heb. 12.2. That ſo hauing that patterne alwayes in our eye to preuent diſtraction, and alſo to humble vsus in the ſenſe of any preſent meaſure, that ſo ſtill wee may deny our ſelues, and labour to bee found in Chriſt, not hauing our owne righteouſneſſe, that ſo in him we may be enabled to further growth.
5 And ſeeing at the beginning of our calling wee are for the moſt part carnall, more fleſh then ſpirit, and ſo apt to abuſe our holy liberty, as an occaſion to the fleſh very prone to look into things preſent, and to affect our wages here before we hauehave done our worke: Therefore a good helpe to ſpirituall growth is not to pore on things preſent, but to looke forward vntounto things to come;Heb. 11.26. euen to that great recompence of reward which is ſet before, to follow hard after the marke for the price of our high calling in Chriſt: that ſo now conſidering how ſhort our ſcantling of holineſſe is to that marke, though happily theſe earthly things may bee ſhort thereof, we may wiſely in the apprehenſion thereof, caſt away eueryevery thing that preſſeth down, euen all byreſpects to theſe baſe things, and ſo run with ioy the race that is ſet before vsus: leuelling all our actions at that ſoueraigne end, and in that hope dayly labouring to be pure as God is pure, that ſo we may be made meet for that glorious inheritance with the Saints in light.
6 Seeing eueryevery good and perfect guift proceedeth from the father of lights, in whom there is no variableneſſe nor ſhadow of change. Iacob. 1.12. Therefore howſoeuer wee hauehave dayly cauſe of repentance for the imperfectiō of our well doing, yet ſeeing without the helpe of our God we are able to doe nothing (and it is by the grace of God that wee are what are) we can do nothing at all. Therfore let vsus adioyne dayly to our repentance, thankefulneſſe vntounto our God for what we hauehave receiued, that ſo thereby giuing him the glory of what wee hauehave already, we may receiue more grace to proceed in well doing.
And let the ſpirit of ſupplication bee dayly ioyned with our prayſes vntounto God, that hee which hath begunne the worke may perfect it in vsus. Philippians 1.6. being in nothing carefull for what we want, let our requeſts bee made knowne to God for what we want, by prayer and ſupplication with thankeſgiuing. Phil. 4.6. that ſo asking we may receiue, that our ioy may bee full. Iohn 16.24.
5 Seeing without others wee ſhall not be perfected. Heb. 11.40. As the euidence of our conuerſiō is to ſtrengthen the brethren, ſo that we may be confirmed and ſtrengthened in grace let vsus alſo labour to conuert and ſtrengthen others. Luke 22.32. Pſal. 51.13.
6 Whereas the deceitfulneſſe of the heart is a maine occaſion, to flatter vsus in the iudgement of our eſtates, either that we are not growne ſo farre as we imagine, or that we hauehave attained more, then in truth is cauſe; therfore that we may grow in grace, keepe we a continuall and narrow watch ouer our hearts.
1 By dayly laying them open vntounto God, and ſubmitting them to the ſearch of his ſpirit. Pſal. 26.1.
2 By a dayly triall and abaſing them by the word.
3 By a more priuate and inward practiſe of ſecret duties of Prayer, meditation, and calling to minde former occaſions.
4 By a more carefull ordering and ſuppreſſing of our inward thoughts.
And quickning the good that they may grow to practiſe.
7 Seeing wee cannot grow in grace vnleſſe we grow in knowledge, therefore labour we to encreaſe dayly in all ſauing knowledge by meditation in the word and workes of God,2. Pet. 3.18. and make wee conſcience to practiſe faithfully what we know,Math. 25. that ſo to him which hath may be giuen: he that is faithfull in a little, may be entruſted with more.
8 Being wiſe to avoyd all curioſitie of vaine ſpeculations and contentious queſtions…, leſt while we are entangled with theſe, we are carryed through pride of conqueſt to contentions and ſtrife, and ſo neglect what concernes vsus neceſſarily. 2. Tim. 2.23. 1. Tim. 4.5.6.
9 Seeing the louelove of the world is a maine hinderance to our ſpirituall growth, either becauſe if we want what we deſire, we are peſtred with diſtracting cares for the obtaining thereof: or if we hauehave it, we are much more ſubiect to be enſnared with too much do…ting and confidence therein: therefore labour we for contentedneſſe in our eſtates, and caſt we our care vponupon God who careth for vsus, weane we our hearts from the louelove of the world, by diſcerning the frailty and vncertainty, the deceitfulneſſe of all earthly things: by ſetting our affections on things aboue, and ſubmitting to afflictions hereunto, that ſo caſting away whatſoeuer preſſeth vsus downe, wee may runne with ioy the race that is ſet before vsus. Hebrewes 12.1.
10 And ſeeing beſides our failings in what we ſhould do, or hauehave done, we are alſo ſubiect dayly to many euils, which we ſhould not do, whereof ſome may be open, beſides many ſecret: therefore make wee dayly our peace with God by repentance, that ſo we may ſtil walk in the light of his countenance, and thereby be encouraged, and ſtrengthned to grow to perfection.
11 Eſpecially ſeeing the ſaints are moſt ouertaken, concerning the iudgement and vſe of their Chriſtian libertie, and ſo enſnared with many abuſes, either by committing what is vnlawfull vnderunder pretence of that libertie; or exceeding in the vſe of what is lawfull, and ſo hindering themſelues in better things, and thereby greeue the ſpirit and grow to diſ-uſe thereof, or careleſneſſe therein: therefore labour we eſpecially,
Firſt, to iudge wiſely of our Chriſtian libertie how farre it extends, and wherein it is conuerſant. And ſo, to moderate the vſe thereof by ſuch holy Bounds, wherein it is confined: of both, which at large in the Daily Sacrifice extant, and the Treatiſe of the Redemption of time, which (God willing) expect ſhortly.
12 Seeing Faith, as it is the beginning of Inherent grace, by purifying the heart, Acts 15.9. ſo it is alſo the meanes of our encreaſe therein, by renuing our eſtate daily in Chriſt. Therfore, that we may grow in Grace, we muſt labour to grow in Faith. And that by daily encreaſe of knowledge, in the Myſterie of Chriſt, attained by conſtant hearing of the Word, and conſcionable receiuing of the Sacrament, by looking backe into former experience of Gods mercies; and ſo gathering from the Truth of God euidences of proceeding.
Eſpecially by looking forward within the vaile into thoſe pretious Promiſes, that are there laid vp for vsus, Hebrewes 6.19. 2. Cor. 7.1. That ſo we may in that hope daily purge our ſelues more and more,2. Pet. 3.22. 1. Iohn 3.3. and ſo profit and haſten to holineſſe in the feare of God, looking for the appearance of Chriſt.
13 And ſeeing we ſhall be ſure to be encountred with many enemies, that either by inward or outward tentations, either on the right hand or on the left, will labour to hinder our Spirituall growth; therefore put wee on daily the whole Armour of God, Epheſ. 6.11, 12, &c.
That ſo we may reſiſt in the euill day: of which alſo at large in the Daily Sacrifice, together with the parts and vſe thereof.
14 Seeing it is Patience that brings forth the perfect worke, 1. Iam. 3. therfore, that wee may grow in Grace, wee hauehave neede of Patience both to encounter and beare ſuch oppoſitions as hinder our growth, and alſo to ſuſtain vsus by experience of former goodneſſe in the ſenſe of our wants, to caſt vsus vponupon the ſufficiency of our God, who will ſupply all our neceſſities, to vphold vsus in the preſent want of what recompence we expect and yet ſeeme to be diſappointed of, that ſo, when wee hauehave done the will of God, we may receiue the reward in due ſeaſon. Hebrewes 10.36. Galathians 6. If through impaciency wee faint not.
15 Aboue all, pray we continually. 1. Theſ. 5.17. with all prayer and ſupplication of the ſpirit, and watching thereunto with all perſeuerance. Ephe. 6 18. That our God may ſupply what is wanting to our faith, and ſo to all neceſſary graces, that we may not be deſtitute of any grace which for the preſent may be fit, and intereſſed in whatſoeuer may further our reckoning vntounto the day of Chriſt.
16. Seeing the Lord hath ſet apart vntounto vsus the Sabaoth, as wherein, we are more plentifully furniſhed with meanes of growth, and ſo hauehave oportunitie to trie and encreaſe our ſpirituall ſtrength, therefore make wee conſcience, eſpecially to ſanctifie this day glorious to the Lord, that ſo we may bee furniſhed with meanes dayly to thriue in grace, and by our care on this day, may be the better enabled to ſerue him ſincerely and conſtantly in all other occaſions.
17 And though the Lord hath ſpecially ſeparated this day for his more publicke and entire worſhip: yet he hath redeemed vsus that we might ſerue him in holineſſe and righteouſneſſe all the dayes of our life.Luk. 2.49 Therefore that we may grow in grace make we conſcience of conſtant holineſſe dayly, by dayly examining our hearts, renuing our repentance, encreaſing our knowledge, our faith, by meditation in the word, prayer, relying on Gods bleſſings in our ciuill callings, and watching therein againſt couetouſneſſe, diſcontent, worldly wiſedome, earthly mindedneſſe, deceit and ſuch like: leaſt our neglecting or ſlubbering of dayly duties greeue the ſpirit; procure a remiſneſſe, and formalitie therein; and ſo in ſted of hauing more, that which we hauehave may be taken from vsus, at leaſt for the preſent vſe and comfort thereof.
18 Seeing ſecuritie is a maine hinderance to our Spirituall growth, and it is the merciemercy of our God to exerciſe vsus daily with ſome afflictions in diuers kinds, to preuent the ſame therefore, that we may daily grow in grace, let vsus prepare our ſoules daily to afflictions; ſubmitting to whatſoeuer our gratious Father ſhall lay vponupon vsus, making them glaſſes to ſee our daily failing, and purgations to emptie vsus of them; vſing them as ſpurres to prouoke vsus daily to perfection, by weaning from the louelove of the world, and giuing daily experience of the power of Chriſt in vsus.
19 Whereas it much furthers our growth in grace to hauehave a good conſcience in whatſoeuer we doe: therefore labour we to maintaine tenderneſſe of conſcience in all things; as well to conuince vsus of ſecret euils, and ſo to preuent groſſe offences, as alſo to humble vsus in wel-doing, and caſt vsus vponupon Chriſt, as to prepare vsus more conſcionably to all holy duties, to cary vsus more vprightly and conſtantly through out the ſame, and ſtill to prouoke vsus out of the ſenſe of our daily failings, to renue our ſtrength in Chriſt, & ſo in him to grow vp to perfection.
20 To this end alſo hauehave we alwaies the feare of God before our eies, to preuent hypocriſie and ſecuritie, and 2 Cor. 7.1.
21 Nouriſh we daily an holy feare and iealouſie ouer our ſelues; yea,Pro. 28.13. when we doe our beſt and feele greateſt comforts, leaſt Spirituall pride beget ſecuritie and confidence in the fleſh, and ſo produce luke-warmneſſe, and falling into groſſe euills, Reuelations 3.17.
22 Aboue all, take we heede of contenting our ſelues with any meaſure of holineſſe already attained; but that we may grow in grace, grow we in humilitie and daily deniall of our ſelues, forgetting what is behinde, that we may haſten to that which is before, euen for the price of our high calling in Chriſt Ieſus. Phil. 3.13.
23. And ſeeing our liues are vncertaine, and our maſter may come in an houre we know not of, therefore that we may grow in grace, prepare we dayly for our death and ſo for indgement, adding dayly to our Chriſtian ſtature, and abounding in the worke of the Lord, that ſo we may be found in peace at our maſters comming. 1. Cor. 15.58.
24 Reſigne our ſelues dayly into the hands of our gracious father, committing our ſelues in well doing continually vntounto his faithful keeping, that ſo he may quiet our hearts in what we hauehave receiued, by enabling vsus to a conſcionable vſe thereof, and ſo furniſh vsus with whatſoeuer may yet further our perfection vntounto the day of Chriſt.
25 Seeing our want of ſpirituall wiſdome is a maine hinderance to our growth in grace, as, caſting vsus ofttimes into many vnneceſſary troubles and ſo to much diſtraction and horror thereby; and caſting vsus vponupon many doubtfull and intricate occaſions, both of matters of knowledge, concerning things vaine and curious, as alſo vponupon many a raſh and vndiſcreete practice, to wound the conſcience and hinder our peace, and ſo our proceeding in grace: therefore labour we to attaine the Spirituall wiſedome. Firſt, by cleauing faſt to the Word: And ſecondly, experience of Gods former dealings: Thirdly, by comparing Spirituall things with Spirituall things: Fourthly, and looking as well to the end, as the beginning thereof; that ſo wee may ſtill make choice of the moſt familiar and excellent, decline doubtfull and vnneceſſary occaſions, ſubmit our ſpirits to the ſpirits of the wiſeſt, and ſo maintaine louelove, which is the bond of perfection, Col. 3.15.
26 Laſtly, ſeeing though fulneſſe of ioy be expected in another life, & yet heere alſo the Saints may enioy ſome comfortable meaſure thereof,Pſal. 4.4, 5. in all occaſions, and the more they partake thereof, the more they are encouraged in holy duties, and enabled to go forward therein: Therefore labour we to maintaine this Spirituall ioy. Firſt, by entertaining the motions of the Spirit: And ſecondly, the occaſions of wel-doing: Thirdly, by walking conſtantly with our God: And fourthly, comforting others: Fiftly, by daily repentance for ſinne: And ſixtly, renouncing our beſt righteouſneſſe: Seuenthly, daily cleering the euidences of our election; That ſo, we may daily grow in grace, and follow after perfection.
And thus of the cauſes and helpes to grow in grace.
It remaineth yet to conſider the manner of our growth in grace.