And there is yet another consideration; as we value and use the gracious gifts of God, they are increased and multiplied unto us; “whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance;” {267} the lamp shines brighter, that is to guide his feet; and his heart is ever quickened with fresh energy and zeal, by the influence of the Holy Spirit; thus he goeth on from grace to grace, from strength to strength, “from glory to glory.” The apostle, therefore, in praying that the converts might be increasing in the knowledge of God, is praying that they might have the invariable mark and earnest of a sincere and genuine faith. How little does this point seem to be considered! How many content themselves without any regular advancement, without any advancement at all; they cannot, after all the flattery with which they contrive to deceive themselves, be persuaded in their minds, that they grow decidedly better as they grow older: a year, perhaps many years ago, they were as religious, as fruitful in piety and good works, as they are now: no increase of spiritual knowledge, no new grace, no fresh habit of obedience, no additional exertions to mark the lapse of time; no passion subdued, no unholy pursuit abandoned, no vice mortified and forsaken. Wherever this is the case, the gospel has not been sincerely received into the heart; it has not been felt as the “power of God unto salvation;” it has not been, as it is designed to be, an effectual instrument of righteousness to the soul. To those, who remain in so careless and indifferent and unimproving a condition, we must say, that “our preaching has been vain, and their faith is also vain.” Possibly there may be some amongst us, who never yet bestowed an adequate attention on this important point; if any such there be, I would urgently exhort them, as they tender the salvation of their souls, to neglect this point no longer; deeply to enquire without delay, whether they “are growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” {269} Let them enter with earnestness upon this necessary consideration; let it be frequently repeated: Is my faith increased and strengthened? Is my character more holy, my conduct more upright? Does my temper improve? Are my passions better regulated; my thoughts more spiritual; my devotions more pure and fervent; my affections more detached from the world, more fixed on God and heaven? My life and conversation, are they more accordant with the precepts and the example of my Saviour? But the topics of enquiry are too numerous to be mentioned; I will only add, that the sincere believer sets the “prize of his high calling” continually before him; and advances to it, in holiness and righteousness, every day; keeps advancing till his race is run; and thus, when his toil is over, receives the crown of victory, and “enters into the joy of his Lord.” SERMON XV. THE WORD OF THE LORD PRECIOUS.