404? SANCTIFICATION A TROGRESSIVE WOEK. [BOOK IV.
tlieir spiritual affections, nor that deliglit in spiritual duties, whicli tliey liave done formerly. This makes them sometimes ready to conclude that grace is decayed in them, that the springs of holiness are drying up, and they know neither where nor Avhat they are. But yet, it may be, the real work of sanctification is «till thriving and effectually carried on in them.
3. It is acknowledged that there may be, that there are in many, great decays in grace and holiness; that the work of sanctification goeth back in them, and that, it may be, universally and for a long season. Many actings of grace are lost in such persons, and the things that remain are ready to die. This the Scripture abundantly testifieth unto and giveth us instances of. How often doth God charge his people with backsliding, barrenness, decays in faith and love ! And the experience of the days wherein we live sufficiently confirm the truth of it. Are there not open and visible decays in many as to the whole spirit, ah the duties and fruits, of holiness? Cannot the best among us contribute somewhat to the evidence hereof from our own experience? What shall we say, then? is there no sincere holiness where such decays are found? God forbid. But we must inquire the reasons whence this comes to pass, seeing this is contrary to the gradual progress of holiness in them that are sanc- tified, whicli we have asserted. And I answer two things unto it: —
(1.) That these decays are occasional and preternatural as to the true nature and constitution of the new creature, and a disturb- ance of the ordinary work of grace. They are diseases in our spiri- tual state, which it is not to be measured by. Are you dead and cold in duties, backward in good works, careless of your heart and thoughts, addicted to the world? — these things belong not to the state of sanctification, but are enemies unto it, sicknesses and dis- eases in the spiritual constitution of the persons in whom they are.
(2.) Although our sanctification and growth in holiness be a work of the Holy Spirit, as the efficient cause thereof, yet is it our own work also in a way of duty. He hath prescribed unto us what shall be our part, what he expects from us and requireth of us, that the work may be regularly carried on unto perfection, as was before de- clared. And there are two sorts of things which if we attend not unto in a due manner, the orderly progress of it will be obstructed and retarded ; for, —
[1.] The power and growth of any lust or corruption, and a com- pliance from it with temptations, which is inseparable from the prevalency of any sin in us, lies directly against this progress. If we allow or approve of any such thing in us ; if we indulge unto any act- ings of sin, especially when known and grown frequent, in any one kind ; if we nesflect the use of the best means for the constant mortification of sin, which every enlightened soul understands to be
CllAP. II.] SANCTIFI CATION A PKOGRESSIVE WORK. 405
necessary tliereunto, — there is, and will be increased, a universal decay in holiness, and not only in that particular corruption which is so spared and indulged. A disease in any one of the vitals, or prin- cipal parts of the body, weakens not only the part wherein it is, but the whole body itself, and vitiates the whole constitution by a sym- pathy of parts; and any particular lust indulged unto vitiates the whole sjiiritual health, and weakens the soul in all duties of obedience.
[2.] There are some things required of us to this end, that holi- ness may thrive and be carried on in us. Such are, the constant use of all ordinances and means appointed unto that end, a due obser- vance of commanded duties in their season, with a readiness for the exercise of every especial grace in its proper circumstances. Now, if we neglect these things, if we walk at all peradventures with God, attending neither to means nor duties, nor the exercise of grace, as we should, we are not to wonder if we find ourselves decaying, yea, ready to die. Doth any man wonder to see a person formerly of a sound constitution grown weak and sickly, if he openly neglect all means of health, and contract all sorts of diseases by his intemper- ance? Is it strange that a nation should be sick and faint at heart, that grey hairs should be sprinkled upon it, that it should be poor and decaying, whilst consuming lusts, with a strange neglect of all invigorating means, do prevail in it? No more is it that a professing people should decay in holy obedience whilst they abide in the neglect expressed.
Having vindicated this assertion, I shall yet add a little farther improvement of it; and, if the work of holiness be such a pro- gressive, thriving work in its own nature; if the design of the Holy Ghost, in the use of means, be to carry it on in us, and increase it more and more unto a perfect measure ; then is our diligence still to be continued to the same end and purpose: for hereon depend our gro^^i;h and thriving. It is required of us that we give all diligence unto the increase of grace, 2 Pet. i. 5-7, and that we abound therein, 2 Cor. viii. 7, "abounding in all diligence;" and not only so, but that we " show the same diligence unto the end," Heb. vi. 11. Whatever diligence you have used in the attaining or improving of holiness, abide in it unto the end, or we cast ourselves under decays and endanger our souls. If we slack or give over as to our duty, the work of sanctification will not be carried on in a way of gr^ace. And this is required of us, this is expected from us, that our whole lives be spent in a course of diligent compliance with the progressive work of grace in us. There are three grounds on which men do or may neglect this duty, whereon the life of their obedience and all their comforts do depend: —