HOW TO GROW IN GRACE OR MAKE PROGRESS IN PIETY.
Set it down as a certainty that this object never will be attained without vigorous, continued effort; and it must not only be desired and sought, but must be considered more important than all other pursuits, and be pursued in preference to every thing else which claims your attention. While determined to be assiduous in the use of appointed means of sanctification, you must have it deeply fixed in your mind, that nothing can be effected in this work without the aid of the divine Spirit. “Paul may plant, and Apollos may water; but it is God that giveth the increase.” Use the means as vigorously as if you were to be saved by your own efforts, and yet trust as entirely to the grace of God as if you made use of no means whatever. Be much in the perusal of the Holy Scriptures, and strive to gain clear and consistent views of the plan of redemption. Learn to contemplate the truth in its true nature, simply, devoutly, and long at a time, that you may receive on your soul the impression that it is calculated to make. Do not indulge in a spirit of controversy. Many lose the benefit of the good impression which the truth is calculated to make, because they do not view it simply in its own nature, but as related to some dispute, or as bearing on some other point. It is the humble, simple-hearted, contemplative Christian that is most likely to receive the right impression. Pray constantly and fervently for the influence of the Holy Spirit. No blessing is so particularly and emphatically promised in answer to prayer as this; and if you would receive this divine gift, to be in you as a well of water, springing up to everlasting life, you must not only pray, but you must watch against everything in your heart or life, which has a tendency to grieve the Spirit of God. Of what account is it to pray, if you indulge evil thoughts and imaginations almost without control, or if you give way to the evil passions of anger, envy, pride, and avarice, or bridle not your tongue from evil speaking? Learn to be conscientious; that is, to obey the dictates of your conscience uniformly. Many are conscientious in some things, and not in others. They listen to the monitor within when he directs to important duties; but in small matters they often disregard the voice of conscience, and follow present inclination. Such cannot grow in grace. Take more time for duties of the closet, and for looking into the state of the soul. Redeem an hour daily from sleep, if you cannot obtain it otherwise; and as the soul’s concerns are apt to get out of order, and more time than an hour a day for thorough self-examination is needed, set apart, not periodically, but as your necessities require, days of fasting and humiliation before God. On these occasions, deal faithfully with yourself. Be in earnest to search out all your secret sins, and to repent of them. Renew your covenant with God.—Memoir of H. Winslow.