in righteousness; that the man of God may be per fect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

Another help is public ordinances. David knew the advantages of these when he said, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters ;" and many of you can testify, that while waiting upon God in his house, your souls have often been strengthened and com. forted. When, in addition to these things, we consider the numerous and precious promises, and the free access to the throne of grace with which we are favoured, we must acknowledge that we have plentiful means of supply. God may say to us, as he addressed the people of Israel of old, "What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done?" And might he not often also inquire, "Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes

The importance of growing in grace further ap→ pears, as we are otherwise in continual danger of losing what we have already obtained. The Christian life is a constant striving against the stream; and if we exert not ourselves to push forward, it is hardly possible to avoid falling backward; for there is a treacherous party within, ever ready to listen to the temptations without. Therefore, "forgetting the things which are behind," (like the holy Apostle,) we should " press towards the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.'

Our advancement in glory will be also in proportion to our present improvement in grace. "For there is one glory of the sun, and another of the

moon, and another of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory; so also is the resurrection of the dead." He who gained ten talents, had dominion over ten cities; and he who gained five talents had dominion over five cities. He that soweth sparingly, we are informed, shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully. In worldly enjoyments, it is a virtue to be content with such things as we have; but in spiritual treasures, it is necessary to be determined upon an increase, and to be continually aspiring after perfection. But, perhaps, you would rather I should hasten to inform you,

III. How growth in grace is to be attained.

For this purpose, therefore, ascertain, in the first place, that the good work is really begun.

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The being of grace must go before the increase of it; for there is no growth without life, no building without a foundation. Put a dry stick into the ground, and dress and water it as much as you will, it will con tinue the same till it rot. But set a living plant by the side of it, and though much less at first, yet it soon begins to shoot, and in time becomes a widespreading tree. Be sure, therefore, of the sincerity of your piety; for if you possess good evidence of that, you will have the encouragement of many promises to rely upon, as to your future improvement, though the degree of grace at present may be inconsiderable. Thus, for instance, it is said, "They that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourish. ing; to show that the Lord is upright; he is my rock,

and there is no unrighteousness in him." It was predicted as part of the character of Christ, that " he should not break a bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax, till he had sent forth judgment to victory." Where there is a new heart, though it be broken and bruised with a sense of sin, yet it shall certainly be cherished and strengthened: and where the fire of divine love is really kindled, though it be not so fervent as in others, yet it shall be gently stirred and blown, till at length, it bursts out into a flame. If the soul be created anew in Christ Jesus, or if the tree be made good, the fruit will certainly appear in its season.

If any inquire what may be considered as a clear evidence of the existence of grace in the heart, I reply, a real and rooted aversion to every sin, with a constant disallowance of it, and an entire and cheerful respect to the whole of the commandments of God, may be regarded, wherever it be found, as a satisfactory proof of genuine piety. "He that is born of God, cannot commit sin:" He cannot live in the allowed commission of it, nor continue in disobedience to any known command. This satisfied David of his own integrity. "I was also upright," says he, "before him; and I kept myself from mine iniquity." If your consciences testify the same for you, you have received the grace of God in truth, and may humbly hope for its increase.

In order to your growth in grace, cherish also a lively sense of your imperfections.

True grace, though small, will be certainly accepted; yet it is our duty to leave the first principles of religion, and to be going on unto perfection. In this

world, indeed, we shall never fully attain it but we should endeavour to come as near to it as possible; and so far as we fall short of it, it should be matter of grief and humiliation. Thus the Apostle laments it as his unhappiness: "O wretched man," says he, "that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" It becomes us not, proudly to survey our attainments and performances, till we be vainly puffed up, as if we were already perfect: for that would check all further proficiency. We ought rather to be often reflecting on our weakness and defects. Thus discovering the least speck of corruption, or the smallest defect in grace, we should be humbled for it, and immediately apply for a remedy.

Further, carefully avoid whatever would hinder your growing in grace.

This heavenly plant is easily cheeked in its growth. The men and the things of the world often hinder a Christian's advancement in holiness. The company of worldly people is insnaring. They are, perhaps, highly entertaining and cheerful; but if we allow ourselves to be too much, or too frequently, with them, we shall find that they will cool good inclinations, and check religious tendencies. "Wherefore, come out from among them," says God, "and be separate; and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you and I will be a father to you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." In like manner, an immoderate pursuit of the things of the world, its pleasures or its profits, should be carefully avoided; for the friendship of the world is enmity with God. As there is no serving God and Mammon, and since, if we hold to the

one, we shall despise the other," let us take care that the love of the world do not quench or suppress our spiritual affections.

འས

Finally, if you would grow in holiness, as you must be diligent in the use of the means of grace, so you must take care not to place any confidence in them. The means cannot be neglected, without reflecting on the wisdom and authority of God, by whom they were appointed. Read, therefore, and hear the word of God with serious attention, and faithful application. Be often examining the state of your souls avail yourselves of the advice and assistance of more experienced Christians; and pray sincerely, earnestly, and constantly, that you may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our duty in this respect is well described by the པ་ས ས Apostle in the following words: "Pray without ceasing. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings." He who neglects the means of grace, discovers a want of sincerity, and can never expect to enjoy, any spiritual blessing. But while an attention to these is absolutely necessary, we can only hope for growth in grace, in consequence of our union with Christ, and of communications of life and strength from his infinite fulness. "I am the vine," says he

ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing."

Christians, we have all of us need to be humbled, for our not feeling and desiring more advancement in holiness. We are not so easily satisfied in other affairs. If we possess riches, we are still wishing for more; and if opportunity offer, we eagerly embrace