תמונות בעמוד
PDF
ePub

mes more and more circumspect in his words and works, that he may inadvertently fal himself, or cause others to stumble; and more ferprayer to be preserved from bringing any reproach on the gospel, to id of his course: when he grows more abundantly fruitful in the works 01ghteousness; while at the same time he lies lower before God, in deep humility, and is more willing than ever to be abased among men; when he acts more and more habitually with the invisible God and the eternal world before his mind; and relies more entirely on the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, who thus becomes more precious to his soul: and when his dependence on the providence of God is more uniform, and accompanied with greater composure, submission and constancy in the path of duty; when this is the case, nothing material to the Christian character seems wanting; the various holy dispositions and affections, resulting from regeneration, are advancing to maturity in just proportion and coincidence; and the believer is evidently ripening for the work, worship, and joy of heaven. We might easily branch out the subject more diffusely: but it is presumed, the attentive reader will perceive, that nothing can be selected as another distinct part of growth in grace, which is not fairly reducible to some of the particulars that have been recapitulated.

CONCLUSION.

THE apostle having prayed that the Philippians " might be filled with the fruits of righteousness," subjoined, according to the uniform language of the New Testament, "which are through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God." Our fruitfulness is utterly insufficient to justify our persons, or recommend us to the Divine favour; and we are not allowed to court the applause of men, in the performance of our good works: but when they are considered as "the fruits of the Spirit," produced by his sacred influence on the hearts of fallen creatures; as the happy effects of the incarnation and redemption of Christ; as presented through his intercession, being as it were sprinkled with his blood; and as conducive in all respects to the manifestation of the glory of God in the salvation of sinners; we shall readily perceive that they must be well pleasing in his sight. We are thus consecrated" an holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ;" and "hereby he is glorified, when we bring forth much fruit.”—This consideration leads us to inquire more particularly into the reasons which induced the apostle to pray thus for his people; and on what account that growth in grace, which hath been described, is so greatly to be desired.

It is observable that we have met with no petition for prosperity, deliverance from persecutors, or even spiritual consolation. Indeed it is not proper to pray unreservedly for any temporal comforts in behalf of ourselves or others; for they are of so ambiguous a nature, that we cannot tell whether they would prove blessings or not: though John wishes his beloved Gaius may "be in health, and prosper, even as his soul prospered!" A singular example! and a petition that must be reversed to suit the case of many professed Christians! No doubt Paul did pray that his people might be delivered from "the tribulations and persecutions which they endured:" and that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love:" but when he expressly set himself to point out the things which he principally requested in their behalf, in order to direct them in seeking the best blessings for themselves, he was silent on these topics: knowing that he needed not to remind them to ask for temporal deliverances or inward consolations, (if they indeed prayed at all;) and that these latter would certainly follow, if they obtained the blessings which he especially desired for them. We may therefore observe,

:

1. That growth in grace is necessary in order to the believer's abiding consolation, and assurance of hope. It may probably have occurred to the reader, that assurance of an interest in Christ, and of everlasting life through Him, has not been expressly mentioned as essential to growth in grace or strength of faith: but as we are exhorted "to give all diligence to make our calling and election sure;" and "that we may possess the full assurance of hope unto the end:" we may therefore consider genuine confidence as the effect of increasing faith and sanctification, 2 Pet. i. 10. Heb. vi. 10-12. Without a measure of holiness there can be no warranted comfort or assurance of hope. Strong cordials, indeed, given to a man in a high fever, may produce a transient exhilaration while they increase the disease but proper medicines tend to restore health, which will be accompanied with more pleasing sensations, and of a more permanent nature.-Now sin is the distemper of the soul; and while pride, malice, lust, covetousness, or any other vile passion, prevails in the heart; no salutary comfort can be derived from the promises or privileges of the gospel, except as they allure a man from his present seducing and destructive pursuits, by showing him that far greater blessings are attainable. But when a humble, meek, pure and heavenly disposition is produced; when knowledge, love, submission, and spirituality diffuse their benign influence, subjugating every corrupt passion, and moderating every attachment to earthly objects,-the believer consequently feels peace and comfort: while the joys which on some occasions fill and transport the soul in an extraordinary manner, are chiefly reserved for times of sharp conflict, heavy trials, or hard services.

[ocr errors]

All our genuine consolations spring from the influences of the Holy Spirit, opening to us the treasures of redeeming love, applying to our consciences the blood of sprinkling, exciting holy affections in our hearts, and giving us earnests of heavenly felicity. They are therefore inseparably connected with the exercise of repentance, faith, love, hope, and gratitude; while every kind or degree of sin, even in our tempers or desires, grieves and quenches the Spirit of God, and interrupts our comforts; till renewed humiliation, and application for mercy through the blood of Christ, restore our peace. It must therefore be evident, that growth in grace is inseparably connected with established peace, hope, and joy in God; a "peace of God which passeth understanding;" a joy unspeakable and glorious." We ought to value these consolations above all the riches and pleasures of the world, and desire the abundant enjoyment of them from day to day: but we should not expect or allow ourselves to wish for it, except through the medium of increasing sanctification and fruitfulness. Upon the most mature deliberation, the prudent Christian will not hesitate to pray that the loss of wonted consolations may chastise his folly, if he grow lukewarm, careless, or worldly: and that, if the only wise God see that withholding present comfort will promote his growth in grace, he may be sanctified and not comforted, rather than comforted and not sanctified. Present joys are of short continuance, but increasing holiness is the recovery of health, and the preparation for future and eternal felicity. Our Lord hath commanded us to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness;" and then "all other things will be added to us ;" but numbers by inverting this order come short of salvation, and soon lose their idolized worldly objects. In like manner, many professors of the gospel are so eager to obtain assurance, that they seek it in the first place; instead of first seeking to grow in grace and to bring forth the fruits of righteousness, leaving it to the Lord to give them comforts, and to cause them to "abound in hope by the power of the Holy Ghost," to his appointed time and way; and thus many are boistered up in vain.confidence, or amused with delusive joys: and others continue feeble, sickly, and dejected, during the greatest part of their lives. Various methods have indeed been devised to afford them relief and consolation; but they have merely a transient effect: for the child that does not grow, is not healthy, and being unhealthy, will be uncomfortable, whatever may be done to cheer its spirits by cordials, to feast it with delicacies, or to amuse it by toys and finery.

2. Growth in grace is most desirable, in order that the Lord Jesus may be glorified in us, and by us.-When Christ appeared on earth, all those who saw the persons that he had restored to the use of their senses and limbs, recovered to health, or raised from the dead, would have reason to exclaim with astonishment, "See what Jesus of Nazareth hath done! how wonderful is his power! how great his love! how many, how stupendous, how beneficent his miracles !"—While the monuments of his divine compassion and authority over all nature would be ready to say to all around them, "He whom the rulers and scribes despise and seek to destroy, restored my limbs, my understanding, or my life."-Thus would he be honoured by them, and

in them.

When they, who profess the doctrines of the gospel, and avouch Christ to be their God and Saviour, make it evident in a manner equally incontestible, that their tempers are sanctified, their lusts mortified, their selfish hearts enlarged, and their character sound, pure, and holy: all who knew them before, will be constrained to notice the change, to wonder at the effects, and to inquire into the cause," What hath transformed the brier into a myrtle, the lion into a lamb, or the swine into a sheep?"-while the persons who have experienced this change, by professing their faith in Christ, give him all the glory; and thus the nature and tendency of the gospel, and the excellency of its fruits, are manifested; the Lord, as it were, challenges men to come and examine the work he hath wrought, and to say, whether it be not worthy of admiration and honour? This is the best method of confuting infidelity, and constraining iniquity to stop her mouth; and the fruits of righteousness which believers produce, prove, "through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God," as they tend to make known his glorious perfections, and promote the cause of his holy religion among mankind.

But woe be to the world because of offences ;" and "woe be to him by whom the offence cometh!" The crimes of professed Christians render our holy religion odious and contemptible to millions in all the quarters of the globe; and give infidels their most plausible arguments against it. The crimes of hypocrites, who contend for the peculiar doctrines of the gospel, prejudice the minds of multitudes in every part of this land: and, alas! the misconduct of true believers, who do not feel sufficiently the necessity of growing in grace, produce in a measure the same lamentable effects. We ought therefore to pray more for ourselves and each other, that the Lord, who hath set us apart for himself, would make us to be "unto him for a name, and a praise;" "that our conversation may be such as becometh the gospel of Christ;" "that we may walk worthy of God, who hath called us to his kingdom and glory;" and that we may put those to shame and silence, "who would speak against us as evil-doers."

The apostle instructs Titus to exhort servants to be "obedient to their own masters, and to please them well in all things, not answering again, not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." And the same argument is equally cogent in respect of every holy disposition and instance of good behaviour, in those who profess the gospel. Nothing indeed can add to the beauty and glory of divine truth, as it is in its own nature; but this can only be discerned by the spiritual mind; to the world in general it appears foolish and absurd, and the misconduct of professors confirms despisers in their proud contempt of it. But there is an excellency in a truly Christian temper and conversation, which they are not hardy enough to deny, and of which they frequently have the fullest demonstration, in the advantage or comfort they derive from it.

One noisy, imprudent, and inconsistent zealot for evangelical doctrines, who neither knows nor practises the duties of his station, but is habitually guilty of manifest crimes or glaring improprieties, will expose the truth to the contempt of a whole family, village, or neighbourhood. A single Christian, matured in grace, according to the sketch here given, notwithstanding

incidental failures and manifold infirmities, of which he is humbly conscious, will obtain a testimony in the consciences of all his connections, and win upon their hearts; he will soften the prejudices, silence the reproaches, and live down the contempt of the circle in which he moves; and evangelical truth will acquire such a respectability in a neighbourhood, where consistent Christians are numerous, as none can properly conceive, who have not actually witnessed it.-Every observer, however, knows, that superficial disputers about doctrines, misbehaving themselves in families and neighbourhoods, furnish numbers with a plausible objection to the gospel; and that the prudent, kind, and circumspect believer often checks the progress of opposition, and disposes his relatives and acquaintance to judge more favourably of the truth.

3. This must be allowed to have a powerful tendency to make known the salvation of Christ. All that love the gospel desire to spread it: but many attempt it in a very improper manner, thinking that they ought to dispute for the truth with every body to whom they have access, and that at all events they must become preachers of the word. No doubt it is very commendable to contend earnestly for the truth; and what zealous Christian does not pray, that the Lord would increase an hundred fold the faithful ministers of the gospel, how many soever they be?-But perhaps the cause of truth would be no loser, if we had much less disputing, and even rather less preaching of some kinds, provided we had more of those, who preach to all around them in the silent energy of an holy life; after the manner in which Peter exhorts wives to preach to their unbelieving husbands. 1 Peter iii. 1—7. Every word that persons of this character drop, whether of serious reproof and exhortation, or in ordinary discourse, and every persuasion to read a book, or hear a sermon, would have great weight, and in some instances success: whilst," Physician heal thyself," is a sufficient answer to the most zealous unholy professor.-Nay, it may reasonably be supposed, that a faithful minister of very slender talents, who lives consistently with the holy doctrine he delivers, and is attended by a few persons, whose conduct do credit to the gospel, will be more solidly and durably useful, than the most popular speaker, who is either lax in his own conduct, or surrounded by admirers who are a reproach to his doctrine.

It pleases God on some occasions, to revive religion by numerous apparent conversions, and in a very rapid manner: yet this will soon die away, and continue at most only for a single generation, if holiness do not shine in the Lives of professors. But more commonly the cause of God diffuses its influence like the leaven, and like the grain of mustard-seed, almost insensibly from small beginnings to a great increase. When the work is genuine, and the profession accords to the specimens given in the New Testament, the holy flame kindles from heart to heart, in families and neighbourhoods; and one after another is won over, even without the word, by the conversation of friends and relatives, while they behold and benefit by their consistent conduct. This we should desire and pray for in our several circles; and would we know the right method of succeeding in it, we must "let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our heavenly Father."

4. It is also most desirable, that the knowledge of the gospel should be continued to our posterity. Holy men of God have always paid a great regard to the religious interests of succeeding generations; and with this view redoubled their diligent and zealous endeavours, when they were about to leave the world. Thus Moses, Joshua, David, Paul and Peter, had the same mind in them, which was also in Christ Jesus. The true believer longs especially, that his children and children's children, with those of his relatives and friends, may from generation to generation be the supports and ornaments of the gospel. In condesending regard to such desires, the Lord hath mentioned these blessings in the covenant he makes with us, assuring us that it is intended " for our good, and for that of our children after us ;" yet

none, but such Christians as have been described, can reasonably expect to be thus favoured. Their example and instructions, their testimony for God and his truth, living and dying; and the reputation they often acquire after death, however slighted before, plead powerfully in behalf of religion, in the consciences of those whom they leave behind. As they have honoured God, he will thus honour them by answering their prayers and prospering their endeavours: and if they leave any of their children or beloved relatives in an unconverted state, they may even at their departure possess a peaceful hope, that the Lord will yet think upon them for good, and at length gather them into his fold, perhaps by means of their dying exhortations. In general, however, it is certain that Christianity of this kind is not easily or speedily eradicated: the fruit produced by such believers, as has here been imperfectly described, will remain in its effects, from generation to generation; and indeed, in one respect or another, to the end of the world, and to all eternity. "All the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him," saith the Lord concerning Abraham; "for I know him that he will command his children, and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment: that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." Gen. xviii. 18, 19.

5. Growth in grace is peculiarly desirable, in order that we may possess an assured hope and strong consolation at the approach of death. This last enemy is indeed the king of terrors, in his original nature and consequences: and though he is disarmed of his sting, when he approaches as a friend to release the believer from his uneasy situation in this evil world, and convey him to his Father's house, yet our nature is apt to recoil; and when faith and hope waver, we cannot but look forward to the solemn season with trembling anxiety. Indeed, were we sure of having one day of spiritual light and comfort, and no more, during our continuance on earth, it would be very desirable to reserve that cordial for the last season of conflict. But a loose and slothful conduct, even if gross sins are avoided, prepares distress for the closing scene; and the Christian who habitually yields to indolence, or, in other words, does not grow in grace, makes, as it were, an assignation with terror to meet him on his death-bed. While, on the other hand, evangelical principles, a "conversation becoming our profession," and diligence in our proper work and in the great business of religion, constitute an habitual and actual preparation for that solemn scene. Our loins are thus girded, our lamps burning, and we are like men waiting for the coming of their Lord. We may not indeed before-hand be able wholly to discard our apprehensions; nor ought we to perplex ourselves on that account: but we are indisputably safe; and at whatever time or manner we may be summoned hence, that day will not overtake us as a thief, with terrible surprise or fatal consequences, but we shall be graciously addressed in these most condescending words, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

It would be wholly superfluous to speak particularly concerning the day of judgment in this inquiry; but we may very properly close it with the apostle's words to the Philippians, "Be blameless and harmless, as the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation; among whom shine ye as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life: that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain." Phil. ii. 15, 16.

If the things we have considered, be indeed the principles of the gospel reduced to practice, and accord to their genuine tendency, what an excellent religion is Christianity! how base must they be, who oppose, insult, and reproach it, for the faults of many of its professors! and how inexcusable are those persons who give them such an occasion!--It is indeed a most palpable falsehood to pretend that the doctrines of grace diminish our obligations to obedience, or supersede the necessity of good works: but the holy lives of those who embrace them is the best, and in fact, the only effectual confuta

« הקודםהמשך »