How to Grow in Grace

Chapter 1

1. Set it down as a certainty that this object will never 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 everything else which claims your attention.

Chapter 2

2. While you determine to be assiduous in the use of the 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 water, but it is God that gives the increase

Chapter 3

3. Be much in the perusal of the Holy Scriptures, and strive to obtain

clear and consistent views of the plan of redemption. Learn to -- 9 of 18 -- contemplate the truth in its true nature, simply, devoutly, and long at a time, that you may receive on your soul the impression which it is

Chapter 4

4. Pray constantly and fervently for the influences 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, b

Chapter 5

5. Take more time for praying to ‘the Father who is in secret’, and for

looking into the state of your 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 is needed for thorough self- examination than

Chapter 6

6. Cultivate and exercise brotherly love more than you have been

accustomed to do. Christ is displeased with many of His professed followers, because they are so cold and indifferent to His members on earth, and because they do so little to comfort and encourage them; and with some, b

Chapter 7

7. If you are in good earnest to make greater progress in piety, you

must do more than you have done for the promotion of God’s glory and of Christ’s kingdom on earth. You must enter with livelier, deeper feeling into all the plans which the Church has adopted to advance these objects. Yo

Chapter 8

8. Practice self-denial every day. Lay a wholesome restraint upon

your appetites. Be not conformed to this world. Let your dress, your house, your furniture, be plain and simple, as becomes a Christian. Avoid vain parade and show in everything. Govern your family with discretion. Forgi

Chapter 9

9. For your more rapid growth in grace, some of you will be cast into

the furnace of affliction. Sickness, bereavement, bad conduct of children and relatives, loss of property or of reputation, may come upon you unexpectedly and press heavily on you. In these trying circumstances, exercise