Human nature in its fourfold state ... In several practical discourses

But some may perhaps say, "If all true Christians be growing ones, what shall be said of these, who instead of growing, are going back?" I answer, First, There is a great difference between the Christian's growing simply, and his growing at all times. All true Christians do grow, but I do not say, they grow at all times. A tree that has life and nourishment, grows to its perfection, yet it is not always growing; it grows not in the winter. Christians also have their winters wherein the influences of grace, necessary for growth, are ceased, Cant. v. 2. I sleep. It is by faith, the believer derives gracious influence from Jesus Christ; likeas each lamp in the candlestick received oil from the bowl, by the pipe going betwixt them, Zech iv. 2. Now, if that pipe be stopped, if the saints faithly dormant and unactive; then all the rest of the graces will become dim, and seem ready to be extinguished. In consequence whereof, depraved nature will gather strength, and become active. What then will become of the soul? Why, there is still one sure ground of hope. The saint's faith is not as the hypocrite's, like a pipe laid short of the fountain, whereby there can be no conveyance: it still remains a bond of union betwixt Christ and the soul; and therefore, because Christ lives, the believer shall live also, John xiv. 19. The Lord Jesus puts in his hand by the hole of the door, and clears the means of conveyance: and their influences for growth flow and the believer's graces look fresh and green again, Hos. xiv. 7. ⟨p. 198⟩They that dwell under his shadow shall return: they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine. In the worst of times, the saints have a principle of growth in them, 1 John iii. 9. His seed remaineth in him. And therefore after decays they revive again: namely when the winter is over, and the Sun of righteousness returns to them with his warm influences. Mud thrown into a pool may lie there at ease; but if it be cast into a fountain, the spring will at length work it out, and run clear as formerly. Secondly, Christians may mistake their growth, and that two ways. (1.) By judging of their case according to their present feeling. They observe themselves, and cannot perceive themselves to be growing: but there is no reason thence to conclude they are not growing,