No Christian should content himself with any measures of Grace attained, for he is like to make use of all the grace he hath, had he a Benjamins portion. The time is coming when one dram of true grace, will be of more worth then all the world.1 The comforts of grace, the joy and peace of believing, will be Cordials to you when you are dying, and will set up such a light in the soul, which the shadow of death shall neither damp nor darken. But alas! most men are labouring, more after wealth then faith, more after greatness in the world then true grace of whom when they die it may be said, They had laid up goods for many years; but it cannot be said, In them was found some good thing towards the Lord. Men do usually lay up riches for a dear year, they'll say, they know not what need they may have before they come to die: Be then as wise and provident for your precious souls. Your temptations and ⟨image 7⟩trials may be such, that you may have use for all your faith and patience. 2Eat (said the Angel to Elijah,) for the journey is long. 3It is no short way to Heaven, nor is the opposition small thou shalt meet withal in thy passage thither. Oh then get thy soul well stored with spiritual provision of grace, and the comforts of it. It is true, thy safety is in the being, but thy comfort stands in the strength and activity of thy graces. Weak Grace is saving, but strong Grace is comfortable; truth of grace shall be rewarded with heaven, growth of Grace doth, as it were, antedate heaven. The least true grace will bring thee to Heaven, but the more Grace thou hast, the fitter for, and surer thou wilt be of Heaven. The Lord make these and all the labours of his servants profitable to his Church. Ye therefore, beloved seeing you know these things before, 4beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in Grace, and in the knowledge of our ⟨image 8⟩Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; to him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
No Christian should content himselfe with any measures of Grace attained, for he is like to make use of all the grace he hath, had he a Benjamins portion. The time is comming when one dram of true grace, will be of more worth then all the world.1 The comforts of grace, the joy and peace of believing, will be Cordials to you when you are dying, and will set up such a light in the soule, which the shadow of death shall neither damp nor darken. But alas! most men are labouring, more after wealth then faith, more after greatnesse in the world then true grace of whom when they die it may be said, They had laid up goods for many yeers; but it cannot be said, In them was found some good thing towards the Lord. Men doe usually lay up riches for a deare yeere, they'l say, they know not what need they may have before they come to die: Be then as wise and provident for your precious souls. Your temptations and ⟨image 7⟩trials may be such, that you may have use for all your faith and patience. 2Eate (said the Angel to Elijah,) for the journey is long. 3It is no short way to Heaven, nor is the opposition small thou shalt meet withall in thy passage thither. Oh then get thy soule well stored with spirituall provision of grace, and the comforts of it. It is true, thy safety is in the being, but thy comfort stands in the strength and activity of thy graces. Weake Grace is saving, but strong Grace is comfortable; truth of grace shal be rewarded with heaven, growth of Grace doth, as it were, antedate heaven. The least true grace wil bring thee to Heaven, but the more Grace thou hast, the fitter for, and surer thou wilt be of Heaven. The Lord make these and all the labours of his servants profitable to his Church. Ye therefore, beloved seeing you know these things before, 4beware lest ye also, being led away with the errour of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastnesse. But grow in Grace, and in the knowledge of our ⟨image 8⟩Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; to him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
- 1Plus valebit conscientia pura quàm marsupia plena.
- 2Rev. 13. 10
- 31 Kings 19. 7.
- 42 Pet. 3 • 7 18.
