A. 6. Then the kingdom of grace increas- eth, when a Christian is as well diligent in his particular calling, as devout in his ge- neral, lie is the wise Christian, that car- ries things equally; that doth so live by faith, that he lives in a calling. Therefore it is worth our notice, when the apostle had exhorted the Thessalonians to increase in grace, 1 Thess. iv. 10., he presently adds, V. 11., " And that you do your own busi- ness, and work with your hands." This is a sign grace is increasing, when Christians go cheerfully about their calling. Indeed to be all the day in the mount with God, and to have the mind fixed on glory, is more sweet to a man's self, and is an hea- ven upon earth ; but to be conversant in our callings, is more profitable to others. I may allude to that of St. Paul, To be with Christ is best for me; yet to abide here is more needful for you, Phil. i. 24. So, to converse A\ith God in prayer and sweet meditation all the week long, is more for the comfort of a man's own person ; but to be sometimes employed in the busi- ness of a calling, is more pi-ofitable for the family to which he beiongs. It is not good to be as the lilies, which toil not, neither do they spin. It shews the increase of grace, when a Christian keeps a due deco- rum ; lie joins })!cty and industry, when zeal runs foith in i-eligion, and diligence is put fortli in a calling.
//. 7. Then the kingdom of grace increas- eth, when a Christian is established in the belief and love of the truth. The heart by
dering stars, will be fidling stars; but when a soul is built on the rock Christ, and no winds of temptation can blow it away, now the kingdom of grace flourishoth. One calls Athanasius Adamas EcclesUe, — an in- vincible adamant, in respect of his staliility in the truth. Col. ii. 7., " Rooted and built up in him ;" the rooting of a tree evidenc- eth the growth.
A. 8. Then the kingdom of grace increas- eth in a man's own heart, when he labours to be instrumental to set up this kingdom, in others. Though it is the greatest bene- fit to have grace wrought in ourselves, yet it is the greatest honour to be instrumental to work it in others. Gal. iv. 19., '• Of whom I travail in birth again till Christ be fi)rmed in you." Such as are masters of a family should endeavour to see the king- dom of grace set up in their servants; such as are godly parents, let not God alone by prayer, till you sec grace in your children ; what a comfort would it be to vou, to be both the natural and s])iritual fathers of your children ? Austin saitli, his mother Monica travailed with greater care and ])ain for his new birth, than his natural. This shews the increase of grace, when we la- bour to see the kingdom of grace set up in others ; then the water abounds in the river, when it overilows and runs into the mea- dows ; then grace increaseth in the soul when it hath inlluence upon others, and we endeavour their salvation.
Quest. iVherein a]>pcars the needfulness- of f/iis, thciL the k'uujdom of grace sUould he increased f
Ans. 1. This is God's design in keeping up a standing ministry in the church, to increase the kingdom of grace in men's hearts, Eph. iv. 8., " He gave gifts nntO' men;" that is ministerial gifts: wliy so? V. 12., " For the edifying of the body of Christ." IS»)t only for conversion, but for augmentation ; therefore the word preached' is compared not only to seed, but to milk ; because by this breast-milk, God designs our growth in grace.
A. 2. W'e had need have the kingdom of
nature is as a ship without ballast, it wa- grace increase, in respect we have a great vers and fiuctuatcs. 13e7.a writes of one deal of work to do, and a little grace will Bolezius, his religion changed as the moon ^ hardly carry us through, A Christian's and planet Mercurv. Such as are wan- life is laborious, — so many temptations to-
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OF THE SECOND PETITION IN THE LORD'S PRAYER.
i-csist so many promises to believe, — so
many precepts to obey, — tbat it will require a great deal of grace. A Cliristian must not only pray, but " be zealous, and re- pent," Rev. iii. 19. ; not only love, but be sick of love. Cant. ii. 5. How bad be need tberefore to bave the kingdom of grace en- larjred in bis soul ? As bis work increas- ctb upon bim, so bis grace bad need in- crease.