A Saint Indeed

6. Case. How the heart may be kept from distractions by vain thoughts, in the time of Duty.

There is a two-fold distraction or wandering of the heart in Duty: (1) voluntary and habitual, Psalm 78. 8. They set not their hearts aright, and their spirit was not steadfast with God. This is the case ⟨p. 104⟩of Formalists, and it proceeds from the want of an holy bent, and inclination of the heart to God; their hearts are under the power of their lusts, and therefore 'tis no wonder they go after their lusts, even when they are about holy things, Ezek, 33. 31. (2) Involuntary and lamented distractions, R•m 7. 21, 24. I find then a law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me, O wretched man that I am, &c. This proceeds not from the want of a holy bent and aim, but from the weakness and imperfection of grace. And in this case the soul may make the like complaint against its own corruptions that Abijah did against Jeroboam, 2 Chro. 13. 6, 7. Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat is risen up against his Lord, when Re•oboham was young and tender-hearted, and could not withstand them, and there are gathered unto him vain men the children of Belial. Grace hath a dominion, but lusts are mutinous and seditious, during the infancy thereof. But it is not my business to show you how these distractions come into the heart, but rather how to get, and keep them out of the heart; in order whereto take these ten following Helps.

There is a two-fold distraction or wandring of the heart in Duty: (1) voluntary and habitual, Psalm 78. 8. They set not their hearts aright, and their spirit was not stedfast with God. This is the case ⟨p. 104⟩