A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

Fourthly, Growth of knowledge in the growing and increase, is less sensible then the growth of grace, but afterward more sensible; as a Plant increaseth in length and stature, though we do not see the progress, but afterwards we know that it hath grown: growth in grace is always cum lucta, with many assaults, and so more sensible, whereas the work upon the understanding, is more still and silent; draw away the curtain and the light cometh in without any more stir, our ignorance vanisheth silently and without such strife as goeth to the taming of carnal affections: but afterwards tis more sensible, for we have not always a spiritual feeling, but the effects of knowledge are standing and permanent, Eph. 5. 8. Ye were darkness. but now are light in the Lord.

Fourthly, Growth of knowledge in the growing and increase, is less sensible then the growth of grace, but afterward more sensible; as a Plant increaseth in length and stature, though we do not see the progress, but afterwards we know that it hath grown: growth in grace is alwayes cum lucta, with many assaults, and so more sensible, whereas the work upon the understanding, is more still and silent; draw away the curtain and the light cometh in without any more stirre, our ignorance vanisheth silently and without such strife as goeth to the taming of carnall affections: but afterwards tis more sensible, for we have not alwayes a spirituall feeling, but the effects of knowledge are standing and permanent, Eph. 5. 8. Ye were darkness. but now are light in the Lord.

Fifthly, Progress in knowledge is rather in degrees, than in parts and matters known: I mean it consisteth not so much in knowing new truths, as in a greater proportion of light; yet I say 'tis rather not altogether, for a man may walk in present practices which future light may disprove and retract, but usually the increase of a Christian is rather in the measure of knowledge, than in knowing new things, the light shineth more and more,