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

In the next place consider the circumstance of time when this is affirmed of them, Now they have known, &c. What is the sense of that? Did they not know and believe in Christ before? Yes, but he speaks here of their proficiency and growth; Now they have known and believed more assuredly then ever; So that it's not simply their faith but their growth and increase in faith, that our Saviour takes notice of; From whence observe,

In the next place consider the circumstance of time when this is affirmed of them, Now they have known, &c. What is the sence of that? Did they not know and beleeve in Christ before? Yes, but he speaks here of their proficiciency and growth; Now they have known and beleeved more assuredly then ever; So that it's not simply their faith but their growth and encrease in faith, that our Sauiour takes notice of; From whence observe,

That it's not enough for the people of God to have grace, ¹but they are to thrive ⟨p. 188⟩and grow in it;² To be as the Disciples more assuredly believing, so as if they did not at all believe before. Thou art so far to exceed thy self over what thou wast once, that thou mayest say my faith, my heavenly-mindedness, my love to God was none at all comparatively to what it is now. This is a necessary Subject to preach on, when you see so many withered Trees, so many sick of a consumption in grace; Alas of how many may you say the contrary; They did once believe, they were once zealous, but now you may say they have none of these respectively to what they had; God is not satisfied with the truth of grace unless there be also growth in grace; If thou have received a Talent, and canst not say, Thy five hath gained a ten, there is a fearful curse against thee as an unprofitable Servant, Joh. 15.2. See what quick work God makes, and how it is growth he looks at, Every branch in him that bringeth not forth fruit he taketh away; God loves not slothfulness and unprofitableness no more then profaneness; He doth not say, If it bring forth poisonous fruit or wild grapes, but if it bring forth no good fruit, and if any doth fructify, then he purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit; See here the Husbandmans care is still for more fruit; If thou art no better then thou wast, if thy faith, thy love have not an increase Gods expectations are not answered; Hence Heb 6. those that are babes in Christ are severely reproved, and they are to be carried on to perfection; Not to grow is a kind of barrenness, yea, it's a degree to Apostatize; Therefore the Apostle in that place threatens such Non proficients with that dreadful sin of Apostasy,