So it is in this case. Men falling under the power of convictions, and those restless fears wherewith they are accompanied, will stir up themselves and inquire how they may “flee from the wrath to come,” how they may be delivered from the state of sin, and the eternal misery which will ensue thereon.
In the gospel, not only mercy and pardon are proposed unto them on their believing, which is the first entrance into the heavenly country; but peace, and joy, and spiritual strength, upon their admis- sion into it, and a progress made in it by faith and obedience. But many, when they have attained so far as that they have some hopes of pardon and freedom from the curse, so as to deliver them from their tormenting fears, will endeavour to preserve those hopes and keep that state, but will not pass on to a full enjoyment of the pre- cious things of the gospel, by growth in grace and spiritual affections,
CHAP. XVI.] | THE GROWTH OF SPIRITUAL AFFECTIONS. 451
But how many of them fall under woful mistakes! for supposing themselves to be in a gospel state, it proves in the issue that they never entered into it. They were not, it may be, far from the king- dom of heaven, in the same sense as it was spoken of him who never came thither. There is no way to secure an interest in the gospel, as to pardon and mercy, safety and deliverance, but by a growth in grace, holiness, and spirituality; which gives an entrance into the choicest mercies and privileges of it.
This folly of men in taking up with their measures, endeavouring only to maintain that state and condition which they hope they have attained, is the great reason why their affections do not daily grow up into spirituality, through an assimilation unto heavenly things. Anda folly it is attended with innumerable aggravations; as, for instance,—
[1.] It is contrary and destructive unto the genuine and prin- cipal property of gospel grace; for it is everywhere compared by our Saviour unto things which, from small seeds and beginnings, do grow up by a continual increase unto large measures,—as to a grain of mustard seed, a little leaven, and the like.
That grace in whose nature it is not to thrive and grow may justly be suspected, and ought diligently to be examined by them who take care of their own souls, and would not be eternally deceived.
[2.] It is contrary unto the most excellent or invaluable evan- gelical promises recorded in the Old Testament and the New, and which are amongst the principal supportments of the faith, hope, and comfort of believers. God hath given them unto us to en- courage us unto an expectation of such supplies of grace as shall cause us to thrive and grow against all opposition, unto the utmost of our continuance in this world. And they are so multiplied as that there is no need to mention any of them in particular; God evidencing thereby how great is the grace, and how precious, which he so often promiseth, and of what consideration it is unto our- selves. See Ps. xcii. 18-15; Isa. xl. 28-31. Wherefore, the folly of taking up with present measures of grace, holiness, and spirituality, is attended with two unspeakable evils:—Ist, A signal contempt of the love, grace, faithfulness, and wisdom of God, in giving of us such promises of grace, to make us to increase, thrive, and grow. How can it be done more effectually than by such a neglect of his promised grace? 2dly, An evidence that such persons love not, care not for, grace and holiness for their own sake, but merely to serve their turn at present, as they suppose; nor do desire the least of grace or privilege by Christ without which they can have any hopes to get toheaven. This sufficiently discovers men to be wholly under the power of self-love, and to centre therein; for if they may have so much grace and mercy as may save them, they care for no more.
452 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. [PART II.
[3.] It is repugnant unto the honour of gospel grace, as though it would carry us so far, and no farther, in the way to glory: for it must be known that this sort of persons, who sit down in their present measures and attainments, either really have no true grace at all, or that which is of the lowest, meanest, and most imperceptible size and degree; for if any one hath attained any considerable growth in faith and love, in the mortification of sin, in heavenly minded- ness, it is utterly impossible but that ordinarily he will be pressing forward towards farther attainments and farther degrees of spiritual strength in the life of God. So the apostle declares it in his own example, Phil. iii, 12-14. What thoughts can these persons have concerning the glory, power, and efficacy of gospel grace, which they suppose they have received? If they measure them by the effects which they find in themselves, either as unto the mortifica- tion of sin, or strength unto and delight in duties of holiness, or as unto spiritual consolation, they can see no excellency nor beauty in them; for they do not manifest themselves but in their success, as they transform the soul daily into the image of Christ.