Ichabod. Or, A discourse, showing what cause there is to fear that the glory…Ichabod. Or, A discourse, shewing what cause there is to fear that the glory…

Because the Spirit of the Lord was withdrawn, and the Glory was upon the wing, ready to be gone from that People.

2. When they that a•e Converted d• not grow in Grace, according to the ⟨p. 31⟩means of Grace vouchsafed to them, that argues that the holy Spirit is withdrawn, and the Glory Departing. There are Second Conversions of the same Christians, though not as to their State, but in respect of Growth in Grace. Christ therefore said to his own Disciples, Except ye be Converted: Mat. 18.3. Further degrees of Mortification and Sanctificatification are to be endeavoured by true Believers. They are still to be cleansing themselves, and perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God. It was said to Peter, When thou art Converted strengthen thy Brethren. Luk. 22.32. Yea, and all the Apostles experienced that which was like a new Conversion; so that they differed from what themselves once were very much· A blessed shower of the Spirit descended on them, which caused the Grace which was in their Souls to grow wonderfully. It is a glorious thing when Christians grow in grace, so as that all who are acquainted with them, shall say they are growing Christians; o•e may see that their Souls Thrive. Such were the Thessalonians, of whom the Apostle says, That their Faith did ⟨p. 32⟩grow Exceedingly, and their Charity abounded — 2 Thes. 1.3. But when men have no more Grace in their Souls then they had Twenty Years ago; although they enjoy precious Means Sabbaths, Lectures, Sermons, Sacraments. When it is so generally with any Church, the Spirit of God is withdrawn, and the Glory is removed from that Temple. Much more is it so, when there are visible decays in Churches, and Godliness in the power of it is Dying every day. Such Churches as those at Ephesus, and at Sardis, unto one of which it was said, You have left your First Love, Remember whence thou art fallen; and to the other, Thou hast a Name that thou Livest, and art Dead, Strengthen the things which remain and are ready to Die; the Glory is Departing from them. When they have only a Name of being for Purity and Reformation more then other Churches in the world, bt Live nt according to their Holy Profession, you may call them by the Name of Ichabod, for, where is the Glory?