94 3iEDITATION8 AND DISCOVRSE9 the same nature there . are many; but we must observe two things concerning them, that we may be satisfied in their accomplishment. As, (I.) The promises of the new covenant, as unto the first communication of grace unto the elect, are abso- lute and unconditional; they are the executive convey- ances of God's immutable purposes and decrees: and what should be the condition of the communication of the first grace unto us? Nothing that is not grace can be so, If it be said, that this also is of God in us, which is the condition of the communicationof the first grace unto us, then I would know whether that be bestowed on us without any condition? Ifit be, then that is the first grace, as being absolutely free; if it be not, then what is the condition whereon it is bestowed? concern- ing which the same inquiry must be made and so for ever. But this is the glory of covenant-promises, that as unto the communication of the grace of conversion and sanctification unto the elect, they are absolutely free and unconditionate. But, (2.) The promises which respect the growth, degrees, and measures of this grace in believers are not so. There are many duties required of us, that these pro- mises may be accomplished towards us, and in us; yea, watchful diligence in universal gospel obedience is ex- pected from us unto this end, 2 Pet. i. 4-10. This is the ordinarymethod of the communication of all sup- plies of grace to make us spiritually flourish, and be fruitful, namely, that we be found in the diligent exer- cise of what we have received. God doth sometimes deal otherwise in the way of sovereignty, and surpriseth men with healing gram in the midst of their decays and backslidings, Ise. lvii. 17, 18. So bath many a poor soul been delivered from going down into thepit. The good Shepherd will go nut of his way to save a wander- ing sheep: but this is the ordinary method. (3.) Notwithstanding these blessed promises ofgrowth, flourishing, and fruitfulness, if we are negligent in the due improvement of the grace which we have received, and the discharge ofthe duties required of us, we may fall into decays, and be kept in a low untbrifty state all our days. And this is the principal ground of the crepancy between the glory and beauty of the church, as represented in the promises of the gospel, and as ex- emplified in the lives and walking of professors, they do not live up unto the condition of their accomplishment in them; howbeit, in God's way and time they shall be all fulfilled. We have therefore innumerable blessed promises concerning the thriving, growing, and flour- ishing of the principle of spiritual life in us even in old age, and until death: but the grace promised unto this end, will not befal us whilst we are asleep in spiritual sloth and security; fervent prayer, the exercise of all grace received, with watchfulness unto all holy duties, are required hereunto. S. God bath secured the growth of this spiritual life, by the provision of food for it, whereby it may be strengthened and increased, for life must be preserved by food. And this in ourcase is the word of God, with all other ordinances of divine worship which depend there- on, 1 Pet. ii. 2, 3. Whatever the state of this life be, whether in its beginning, its progress, its decays, there is suitable nourishment provided for it in the good word of God's grace. If men will neglect their daily food that is provided for them, it is no wonder if they be weak and thriftless. And if believers are not earnest in their desires after this food, if they are not diligent in providing of it, attending unto it, much more if through corruptions and temptationsthey count it in the preach- ing of it light and common food which they do not va- lue, it is no wonder ifthey fall into spiritual decays: but God hathherein provided for our growth even untoold age. And this is the first thing which was proposed unto confirmation, namely, that the constitution and nature of spiritual life is such, as to be indeficient, so as to thrive and grow even in old age, andunto the end. The second thingproposed is, that notwithal this pro- vision for the growth of spiritual life in us, believers, especially in a long course of profession, are subject to decays, such as may cast them into great perplexities, and endanger their eternal ruin. And these spiritual decays are of two sorts. (1.) Such as are gradual and universal, in the loss of the vigour and life of grace, both in its principle, and in its exer- cise. (2.) Such as are occasioned by surprisal into sin through the power of temptation; I mean such sins as do waste the spiritual powers of the soul, and deprive it of all solid peace. Asfor temporary believers, give them but time enough in this world, especially if it be accompanied with out- ward prosperity or persecution; and for the most part their decays ofone sortor another will make a discovery
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