2. This work of sanctification differs from that of regeneration^ as on other accounts, so especially on that of the manner of their | being wrought. The work of regeneration is instantaneous, consist-- ing in one single creating act. Hence it is not capable of degrees in any subject. No one is more or less regenerate than another; every one in the world is absolutely so, or not so, and that equally, although there are degrees in their state on other reasons. But this Avork of sanctification is progressive, and admits of degrees. One may be more sanctified and more holy than another, who is yet tnily sanctified and truly holy. It is begun at once, and carried on gradually. But this observation being of great imjoortance, and such as, if rightly Aveighed, will contribute much light unto the nature of the whole Avork of sanctification and holiness, I shall divert in this chapter unto such an explanation and confirmation of it as may give an understanding and furtherance herein.
An increase and groiuth in sanctification or holiness is frequently in the Scripture enjoined us, and frequently promised unto us. So speaks the apostle Peter in a Avay of command, 2 Pet. iii. 17, 18, "Fall not," be not cast doAvn, " from your OAvn steadfastness; but grow," or increase, " in grace." It is not enough that Ave decay not in our spiri- tual condition, that we be not diverted and carried off from a steady course in obedience by the poAver of temptations; but an endeavour after an improvement, an increase, a thriving in grace, that is, in holiness, is required of us. And a compliance Avith this command
888 SANCTIFICATION A PEOGRESSIVE WOllK. [eOOK IV.
is that wliicli our apostle so commendeth in tlie Thessalouians, 2 Epist. i. 3, — namely, the exceeding growth of their faith, and abounding of their love ; that is, the thriving and increase of those graces in them, — that which is called " increasing with the increase of God," Col. ii. 19, or the increase in holiness Avhich God requires, ac- cepts, approves, by supplies of spiritual strength from Jesus Christ our head, as it is there expressed.
The work of holiness, in its beginning, is but like seed cast into the earth, — namely, the seed of God, whereby we are born again. And it is known how seed that is cast into the earth doth grow and in- crease. Being variously cherished and nourished, it is in its nature to take root and to spring up, bringing forth fruit. So is it with the principle of grace and holiness. It is small at first, but being re- ceived in good and honest hearts, made so by the Spirit of God, and there nourished and cherished, it takes root and brings forth fruit. And both these, even the first planting and the increase of it, are equally from God by his Spirit. "He that begins this good work doth also perform it until the day of Jesus Christ," Phil. i. (J. And this he doth two ways: —
First, By increasing and strengthening those graces of holiness which we have received and been engaged in the exercise of. There are some graces whose exercise doth not depend on any outward oc- casions; but they are, and that in their actual exercise, absolutely necessary unto the least degree of the life of God : such are faith and love. No man doth, no man can, live to God, but in the exercise of these graces. Whatever duties tow^ards God men may perform, if they are not enlivened by faith and love, they bek)ng not unto that spiritual life whereby we live to God. And these graces are capable of degrees, and so of increase ; for so we read expressly of little faith and great faith, weak and strong faith, both true £yid the same in the substance, but differing in degrees. So also is there fervent love, and that which comparatively is but cold. These graces, therefore, in carr3'ing on the work of sanctification, are gradually increased. So the disciples prayed our Saviour that he would increase their faith, Luke xvii. 5 ; — that is, add unto its light, confirm it in its assent, multiply its acts, and make it strong against its assaults, that it might work more effectually in difficult duties of obedience ; which they had an especial regard unto, as is evident from the context, for they pray •for this increase of faith upon the occasion of our Saviour's enjoining frequent forgiveness of offending brethren, — a duty not at all easy nor pleasing to flesh and blood. And the apostle prays for the Ephesians, that they may be " rooted and grounded in love," chap, iii. 1 7 ; that is, that by the increase and strengthening of their love, they may be more established in all tlie duties of it. See 1 Thess. iii. 12, 13.
CHAP. II.] SANCTIFICATION A PROGRESSIVE WORK. 889
Tliese graces being the springs and spirit of our holiness, in the increase of them in us the work of sanctification is carried on and universal holiness increased. And this is done by the Holy Spirit several ways: —
First, By exciting them unto frequent actings. Frequency of acts doth naturally increase and strengthen the habits whence they j)roceed ; and in these spiritual habits of faith and love it is so, more- over, by God's appointment. They grow and thrive in and by their exercise, Hos. vi. 3. The want thereof is the principal means of their decay. And there are two ways whereby the Holy Spirit ex- cites the graces of faith and love unto frequent acts : —