Of Increase of Grace, and Perseverance Therein unto the End
T. Boston. Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more to the perfect day. Increase of grace and perseverance are benefits flowing from or accompanying justification. I. INCREASE OR GROWTH OF GRACE. That real grace does increase is evident from three things. Scripture testimony. God has appointed a certain stature that His children shall grow to. This is the end of Divine influences and the effect of Divine ordinances. II. HOW A CHRISTIAN GROWS IN GRACE. 1. Inward, into Christ. 2. Outward, in good works, in all the parts of a holy life, piety towards God, and righteousness towards men. 3. Upward, in a heavenly disposition. 4. Downward, in humility, self-denial, self-loathing, resignation to the will of God. III. THE CAUSES OF THIS GROWTH. 1. Union with Christ. 2. Communion with Christ in His ordinances and in His providences. IV. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUE AND FALSE GROWTHS. 1. True Christian growth is universal. 2. The hypocrite soon comes to a stand, the Christian goes on to perfection. V. TRUE GRACE GROWS ALWAYS. 1. It does not always grow, nor at every particular season. 2. It never decays utterly. 3. A Christian may be growing and yet not be sensible of it. This may cause fear and trembling. (T. Boston.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. WEB: But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light, that shines more and more until the perfect day.