nd
forbearing to make use of the grounds of hope, of strength and progress
in the matter of sanctification, which Christ hath allowed them to make
use of. There is such an evil among God's children, that they scar at
that which Christ out of great love hath provided for them, and dare not
with confidence make use of, nor apply to themselves the great and
comfortable promises, to the end they might be encouraged; they will
not take their allowance, as thinking themselves unworthy; and that it
would be presumption in them to challenge a right to such great things;
and they think it commendable humility in them, to stand a-back, and so
wilfully refuse the advantages and helps, that make so much for their
growth in grace.

3. They should beware of a careless neglect of the means appointed for
advancing in holiness; for, though the means do not work the effect, yet
it is by the means that God hath chosen to work the work of
sanctification. Here that is to be seen, "that the hand of the diligent
maketh rich; and the field of the slothful is soon grown over with
thorns and nettles; so that poverty cometh as one that travaileth, and
want as an armed man," Prov. xxiv. 30. It is a sinful tempting of God,
to think to be sanctified another way than God hath in his deep wisdom
condescended upon.

4. Yet they should beware of laying too much weight on the means and
ordinances, as if they could effectuate the business. Though the Lord
hath thought fit to work in and by the means, yet he himself must do the
work. Means are but means, and not the principal cause; nor can they
work, but as the principal agent is pleased to make use of them, and to
work by them. When we lean to the means and to instruments, we prejudge
ourselves, by disobliging of God, and provoking him to leave us, that we
may wrestle with the ordinances alone, and find no advantage. Therefore
the soul should guard against this.

5. Albeit the means can do nothing unless he breathe, yet we should
beware not only of neglecting, as we said before, but also of a
slighting way of performing them, without that earnestness and diligence
that is required,--"cursed is he who doth the work of the Lord
negligently," Jer. xlviii. 10. Here then is the special art of
Christianity apparent, to be as diligent, earnest and serious in the use
of the means, as if they could effectuate the matter we were seeking;
and yet to be as much abstracted from them, in our hopes and
expectation,