Chapter 20: Christian Perfection VII. The growth of works in the church is not a certain sign of growth in holiness.
If the church grows in holiness, it will grow in works. But it does not follow, that growth in works always proves growth in holiness.
It may be that works of religion may greatly increase, while the power of religion is actually and rapidly declining. It often happens in a church, that when a revival of religion begins to lose its power, the church may be willing to do even more than before, in works, but it will not arrest the decline, unless they get broken down before God.
I see I must take up this subject again. O that I could convince the whole church that they need no other help but Christ, and that they would come at once to Christ for all they want, and receive him as their wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. How soon would all their wants be supplied from his infinite fullness.