2. If we do not grow, we go backward, Heb. vi. ; compare the first with the fourth verse, ' Let us go on to perfection ;' and then presently he treateth of apostasy. We cannot keep that which we have received, if we do not labour to increase it. They that row against the stream had need ply the oar, lest the force of the waters carry them back- ward ; or as he that goeth up a sandy hill sinketh down if he do not go forward, Mat. xxv. He that would not improve his talent lost it. So here we waste and consume what we have, if we do not improve it. It is dangerous to rest satisfied and never go further ; there is no stay in religion : all the angels on Jacob's ladder were either ascending or descending, continually in motion. There are no stunted trees in Christ's garden ; if they leave off to grow, they prove doated or rotten trees. An active nature, such as man's is, must either grow worse or better ; therefore we should be as careful after the increase of grace as we would be cautious of the loss of grace.
'S. It is an ill sign to be contented with a little grace. He was never good that doth not desire to grow better. 2 Spiritual things do not cloy in the enjoyment. He that hath once tasted the sweetness of grace hath arguments enough to make him seek further, and desire more grace ; every degree of holiness is as desirable as the first ; there- fore there can be no true holiness without a desire of perfect holiness. God giveth us a taste to this end and purpose, that we may long for a fuller draught ; as the clusters of Canaan brought to Israel in the
1 Qu. ' not only ' ?— Ed.
2 * Minime bonus est qui melior fieri nos vult.' — Bcrnardus.
8S AN EXPOSITION, WITH NOTES, [VeR. 2.
wilderness made tlicni put on for the country. They are hypocrites, and sure to be apostates, that are contented with a taste, Heb. vi.
4. Because we cannot have too much grace: there is no nimium in the internals of religion ; you cannot have too much knowledge, too much love of God, too much of the fear of God. In the outward part there mny be too much done, and then it proveth will-worship and superstition. The apostle saith, 2 Peter i, 11, ' That we must give diligence, that an abundant entrance may be ministered to us into the everlasting kingdom of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.' Some are afar ofit" from the kingdom of God, Eph. ii. 13, as persons ignorant and touched with no care of religion: some come near, but never enter, Mark xii. 34 ; Acts xxvi. 28, as semi-converts and men of a blameless life ; these cheapen, but do not buy, and go through with the bargain : others enter, but with greater difficulty, are ' scarcely saved,' 1 Peter iv. 18, ' Saved as by fire,' 1 Cor. iii. 15. They make a hard shift to go to heaven, and have only grace enough to keep body and soul together (as we say) not a jot to spare : others enter with full sails, or as it is said, they ' have an abundant entrance ministered to them,' and yet all is but little enough ; spiritual things cannot exceed measure. But you will say, It is said, Eccles. vii. 16, 'Be not right- teous over-much,' I answer — Either it is meant of an opinionative righteousness, be not too righteous in thine own conceit ; or rather, of an indiscreet heat, or a rigid and sullen severity, without any temper of Avisdom and moderation ; otherv/ise in real holiness there can never be enough.
5. God hath provided for them that grow in grace a more ample reward ; according to our measures of grace, so will our measures of glory be ; for they that have most grace are vessels of a larger capacity ; others are filled according to their size. It is indeed a question whether thei-e be degrees of glory, 3-ea or no;^ but I suppose it may easily be determined : ' He that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly,' whereas others have their bosoms full of sheaves. If a man with a little grace should get to heaven, yet he hindereth his own preferment. Who would have a thin crop, and a lean harvest?
6. It suiteth with our present state. Here we are in a state of pro- gress and growth, not of rest and perfection : grace is not given out at once, but by degrees. Christ saith, John xvii. 2G, ' I have declared thy name, and will declare it :' and John i. 50, ' Believest thou ? thou shalt see greater things than these ; ' there is more to come, therefore let us not rest in our first experiences. Paul saith, ' I have not attained,' Phil. iii. When grace is wrought, yet there is something lacking. He is a foolish builder that would rest in the middle of his work ; and because the foundation is laid, is careless of the super- structure. The state of the saints is expressed by a ' growing light,' Prov. iv. 18. As long as there is want, there should be growth ; see 1 Thes. iv. 1.