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

Fourthly,¹ They are to grow not only in their graces but in the means and instrument of their graces; Thus prayer, hearing the Word, these are the means of growing in grace, Receive the ingrafted Word of God that ye may grow thereby; They are to pray better, to hear better, to sanctify the Sabbaths more spiritually, never think of growing in grace, if thou art not more careful in the use of them, for upon these depend thy spiritual increase, as upon good digestion bodily growth; Wonder not then at thy leanness and barrenness if thou art not better in performing of duties; Here begins the consumption; Hence are thy languishings and decays, Heb. 10. The Apostle speaking of those who willingly sin by a total Apostasy, layeth the foundation of this in that they forsook the Assemblies; The way then to keep up the life and increase of grace is to keep up duties in their power and vigour, formality and customariness in them will make thee quickly like a withered branch; but oh the deep wounds and blows that even the godly get in their consciences hereby; They pray no more fervently, They hear no more affectionately, and accordingly in their lives they are so many dry bones.

Fourthly,¹ They are to grow not only in their graces but in the means and instrument of their graces; Thus praier, hearing the Word, these are the means of growing in grace, Receive the ingrafted Word of God that ye may grow thereby; They are to pray better, to hear better, to sanctifie the Sabbaths more spiritually, never think of growing in grace, if thou art not more carefull in the use of them, for upon these depend thy spirituall encrease, as upon good digestion bodily growth; Wonder not then at thy leannesse and barrennesse if thou art not better in performing of duties; Here begins the consumption; Hence are thy languishings and decays, Heb. 10. The Apostle speaking of those who willingly sin by a •otal Apostacy, laieth the foundation of this in that they forsook the Assemblies; The way then to keep up the life and encrease of grace is to keep up duties in their power and vigour, formality and customarinesse in them will make thee quickly like a withered branch; but oh the deep wounds and blows that even the godly get in their consciences hereby; They pray no more fervently, They hear no more affectionately, and accordingly in their lives they are so many dry bones.