A supplement to the several discourses upon various divine subjects

7. Do we content our selves with dull motions, or do we give check to them? Can we, though our hearts be never so lazy, stroke our selves at the end, and call our selves good and faithful Servants? Do we take our Souls to task afterwards, and examine why they are so lazy, why so heavy? Do we enquire into the causes of our deadness? A gracious Soul is more troubled at its dullness in prayer, than a natural conscience is at the omission of prayer. He will complain of his sluggishness, and mend his pace.

7. Do we content our selves with dull motions, or do we give check to them? Can we, though our hearts be never so lazy, stroke our selves at the end, and call our selves good and faithful Servants? Do we take our Souls to task afterwards, and examine why they are so lazy, why so heavy? Do we enquire into the causes of our deadness? A gracious Soul is more troubled at its dulness in prayer, than a natural conscience is at the omission of prayer. He will complain of his sluggishness, and mend his pace.

2. If we find we have a delight, let us examine whether it be a delight of the right kind.

1. Do we delight in it, because of the gifts we have our selves, or the gifts of others we join with? A man may rejoice in hearing the Word, not because of the holiness and spirituality of the matter, but because of the goodness of the dress, and the elegance of the expression, Ezek. 33.32. The Prophet was unto them as a lovely Song, as one that had a pleasant voice. He may upon the same ground delight in prayer. But this is a temper not kindled by the true fire of the Sanctuary. Or, do we delight in it, not when our Tongues are most quick, but our hearts most warm; not because we have the best words, but the most spiritualized affections? We may have Angels gifts in prayer, without an Angels spirit.