Some important truths about conversion, delivered in sundry sermons, / by Increase Mather, D.D.…

4. The improvement and exercise of Grace is implied herein. The Apostle speaketh to the Thessalonians, of their Work of Faith and labour of Love, 1 Epist. chap. 1 vers. 3. When Faith and Love, and other Graces of the Spirit are exercised, then there is a work, even Salvation-work which is attended. That stock of Grace which the Lord bestoweth upon his servants, it must be laid out for ⟨p. 219⟩God. The Lord doth not bestow Grace (nor gifts) upon men, that so they should let them lie by them idle; but that so they might improve what they have received, so as shall make most for the honour and interest of him that gave it, and thereby to promote their own Salvation. As the not improving of Talents, is the way to miss of Salvation, as we see in the Parable of the Talents, Mat. 25. Adam had a large stock of Grace conferred upon him, the stock of all the World was put into his hands, but he improved it not, and thence lost the life of himself, and all his Posterity. So the improvement of Talents is the way to further Salvation; yea, the truth is, that the more any man doth exercise Grace, the more Salvation shall he have: Degrees of Glory in Heaven, will be according to Improvements of Grace upon earth; therefore the Apostle saith, He that soweth sparingly, shall reap sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully, shall reap bountifully, 2 Cor. 9.6. and Christ saith that whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance, Mat. 13.12. He that hath; that is, he that improveth the Grace which he hath received; for not to use a thing, is as if a man had it not; So [to have] is to improve what a man hath; such a one shall have much Grace here, and much Glory hereafter. The reason is, because the exercise of Grace doth bring much ⟨p. 220⟩glory to God; therefore Christ said to the Disciples, Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, John 15.8. It's a greater glory to God for a poor Soul to act faith upon him, or to exercise love towards him, than all the Creatures in the World that have not Grace are able to bring unto him. Now the more any doth (through Grace) glorify, God in this World, the more shall he be glorified by God in the World which is to come.