The blessedness of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /The blessednesse of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /

Fifthly, consider, That there may be some gradual tendencies, or fainter essays towards godliness, that fall short of real godliness, or come not up to that thorough change, and determination of heart Godward, that is necessary to the blessedness. There may be a returning, but not to the most high, ¹and wherein men may be (as the Prophet immediately subjoins) like a deceitful Bow, not fully bent, that will not reach the mark; They come not home to God. Many may be almost persuaded; and even within reach of Heaven, not far from the Kingdom of God; may seek to enter, and not be able; their hearts being somewhat inclinable, but more averse; for they can only be unable as they are ⟨p. 223⟩unwilling. The soul is in no possibility of taking up a complacential rest in God, till it be brought to this, to move toward him Spontaneously, and with (as it were) a se•f motion. And then is it self moved towards God, when its preponderating bent is towards him. As a massive stone that one attempts to displace, if it be heaved at till it preponderate, it then moves out, by its own weight, otherwise it reverts, and lies where, and as it did before. So 'tis with many mens hearts, all our lifting at them is but the rolling of the returning stone, they are moved, but not removed: sometimes they are lifted at, in the public Ministry of the Word, sometimes by a private seasonable admonition, sometimes God makes an affliction his Minister: a danger startles them, a sickness shakes them, and they think to change their course; but how soon do they change those thoughts, and are where they were? what enlightenings and corrections; what awakenings, and terrors; what remorses, what purposes, what tastes, and relishes do some find in their own hearts, that yet are blasted and come to nothing? How many miserable abortions after travailing pangs and throws, and fair hopes of an happy birth of the new Creature? Often somewhat is produced that much resembles it, but is not it. No gracious principle, but may have its counterfeit in an ungracious heart; whence they deceive not others only, but themselves, and think verily they are true converts, while they are yet in their sins. How many wretched souls that lie dubiously ⟨p. 224⟩struggling a long time, under the contrary alternate impressions of the Gospel on the one hand, and the present evil world on the other;