The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole…

Secondly, The Word preached expects this effect, not only to lay a foundation, but to build upwards, not only to plant, but to grow. Thus Ephes. 4.13. the Offices in the Church are to bring us to a full stature in Christ. Paul went up and down to confirm and increase, where he had laid a foundation. Where God gives talents he looks for increase. The Ministry is a talent, of which God will require a strict account: So that it's a just reproach to a people that live under the means, if they be not out of the lower form, if they have not left first and low principles, rising to higher perfection: As Paul doth sharply reprove the Hebrews for this want of growth, Heb. 6. Oh then sit not down at the lower round in the ladder, stay not at the bottom of the hill. Christianity is a race. There is work, and work enough for thee. Thus David prayeth, His eyes may be opened to understand the wonderful things of the Law, Psal. 119. His eyes were already opened, and he had more knowledge than his teachars, yet he prayeth as fervently to have his eyes opened, as if he were a beginner, and Eph. 1. Paul prayeth for those already enlightened, that the Spirit of wisdom and illumination might be upon them. What Paul said to Timothy, Let thy profiting appear to all, 1 Tim. 4.15. so say we, you that hear and enjoy teaching, Let your profiting appear to all. Let all the world see, there is a vast difference between living under no Ministry, or a negligent Ministry, and an instructing one. If Corn should grow no better in improved grounds, then in the barren heath, it would be very strange. To a blind man, the day and night is all one, he seeth as well at one time as another. Oh fear thy self in a state of blindness, to whom preaching and no preaching, the Ministry and no Ministry is all one, for thou makest no more progress!

Secondly, The Word preached expects this effect, not only to lay a foundation, but to build upwards, not only to plant, but to grow. Thus Ephes. 4.13. the Offices in the Church are to bring us to a full stature in Christ. Paul went up and down to confirm and increase, where he had laid a foundation. Where God gives talents he looks for increase. The Ministry is a talent, of which God will require a strict account: So that it's a just reproach to a people that live under the means, if they be not out of the lower form, if they have not left first and low principles, rising to higher perfection: As Paul doth sharply reprove the Hebrews for this want of growth,