228 SANCTIFICATION A sufficiently proved, that the things thus promised of God, and so effected, are really wrought by the exceed- ing greatness of the power of the Spirit of God; and this will yet afterwards be made more particularly to appear. Sect. 4. (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, consisting 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 work of sanctification is progressive, and admits of degrees. One may be more sanctified and more holy than another, who is yet truly sanctified, and truly holy. It is begun at once, and car- ried on gradually. But this observation being of great importance, and such, as if rightly weighed, will con- tribute much light unto the nature of the whole work of sanctification and holiness, I shall divert in this chap- ter unto such an explanation and confirmation of it, as may give an understanding and furtherance herein. 1. An increase and growth in sanctification or holi- ness is frequently in the scriptureenjoined us, and fre- quently promised unto us. So speaks the apostle Peter, in a way of command, 2 Peter iii. 18. Pall not, benot cast down, front your own steadfastness, but grow, or in- crease, in grace. It is not enough that we decay not in our spiritual condition, that we be not diverted and car- ried off from a steady course in obedience by the power of temptations, but an endeavour after an improvement, an increase, a thriving in grace, that is in holiness, is required of us. Attd a compliance with this command, is that which our apostle so commendeth in the Thes- salonians, 2 Epist. chap. i. ver. 3. namely, the exceed- ing growthof 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 which God requires, accepts, approves, by supplies of spiri- tual strength from Jesus Christ our head, as it is there expressed. The workof holiness in its beginning, is but likeseed cast into the earth, namely, the seed of God; whereby we are born again. And it is known how seed that is PROGRESSIVE WORK. cast into the earth doth grow and increase. Being va- riously 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 received 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 both equally from God by his Spirit. He that begins this good work doth alsoperform it to the day of Jesus Christ, Phil. i. 6. And this he doth twoways: (1.) By increasing and strengthening those graces of holiness which we have received, and been engaged in the exercise of. There are some graces, whose exer- cise doth not depend on any outward occasions, 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 towards God men may perform, if they are not enlivened by faith and love, they belong 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, and 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 carrying on the work of sanctification, are gradually increased. So the disciples prayed our Saviour, that he would increase their faith, Luke xvii. b. that is, add unto its light, confirm it in its assent, multiply its acts, and make it strong against 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 andgrounded in love, chap. iii. 17. that is, by the increase and strengthening of their love, they may be more established in all the duties of it, see 1 Thess. iii. 12, 13. Sect. 5.These graces being the springs and spirits of our holiness; in the increase of them in us, the work of sanctification is carried on, and universal holiness
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