CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

Thus ye that are Masters grow also in Sanctification by Sanctifying Servants, by having a Sanctified Family: Oh it's to be be feared thou knowest not the Worth and the Excellency of a sanctified Estate, or the danger of an unsanctified one, that art no more diligent to call others out of it, if rightly apprehensive herein; Thou wouldst do as the Angel did to Lot, while he lingered and tarried in Sodom, pull him out by violence as it were, that he might not perish; Philosophers say, There is this difference between those Creatures that are generated of putrid matter, and such as come of their kind, that the former though they live and move, yet cannot generate the like, or propagate individuals, because they come of putrid matter, and certainly it's thus here: Those that are indeed born of God, and have that Divine Seed in them, all their Care and Delight is to bring others into the same estate and condition also, but then those who profess holiness from carnal and corrupt ends, they care not for this work of Conversion in others, like Adulterers that respect not Children but their lusts.

Thus ye that are Masters grow also in Sanctification by Sanctifying Servants, by having a Sanctified Family: Oh it's to be be feared thou knowest not the Worth and the Excellency of a sanctified Estate, or the danger of an unsanctified one, that art no more diligent to call others out of it, if rightly apprehensive herein; Thou wouldst do as the Angel did to Lot, while he lingered and tarried in Sodome, pull him out by violence as it were, that he might not perish; Philosophers say, There is this difference between those Creatures that are generated of putrid matter, and such as come of their kinde, that the former though they live and move, yet cannot generate the like, or propagate individuals, because they come of putrid matter, and certainly it's thus here: Those that are indeed born of God, and have that Divine Seed in them, all their Care and Delight is to bring others into the same estate and condition also, but then those who professe holinesse from carnall and corrupt ends, they care not for this work of Conversion in others, like Adulterers that respect not Children but their lusts.

Secondly, We may be more sanctified in the better improving of the means of Sanctification, For God he hath appointed spiritual Ordinances, the good managing whereof will greatly advance the Principles of Sanctification within us: Now the Ordinances are Prayer, Hearing of the Word and Sacraments, and whatsoever holy Institution Christ hath appointed and decreed for to make us better; The way therefore to be more Sanctified is to pray better, to hear better, and indeed it would be well if thou didst set upon the Reformation of thy Corruptions, but not only of them but of thy Duties also; Not only to resolve I will be proud no more, and earthly no more, and passionate no more, but I will not pray so formally, so coldly, nor so negligently as I have done any more; A man that groweth better in his Health, eats his meat better, and doth digest it better; And thus if thou wilt proceed from Holiness to Holiness, Thou wilt pray with more Zeal and Faith, hear with more attention and fear: It's impossible you should ever grow in Sanctification unless you do begin to amend in your duties, As the Disciples were mending their nets, else they could get no fish.