Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applied unto unconverted sinners, and saints…Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applyed unto unconverted sinners, and saints…

I suppose, therefore, I may take it for granted, that there are few Professors of Religion, who have had any long continuance in the ways of it, having withal been exposed unto the temptations of Life, and much exercised with the occasions of it; but that they have been asleep in their days, as the Spouse complains of her self, Cant. 5. 2. that is, they have been overtaken with decays of one sort or another, either with respect unto Spiritual or Moral Duties, in their Relation unto Churches or Families; in their Judgments, or their Affections; in their inward Frames or outward Actions, they have been overtaken with the effects of Sloth, Negligence, or the want of a continual Watch in the Life of Faith: I with it were otherwise.

I principally herein intend those gradual Declensions in the Life and Power of Grace, which Men in a long course of Profession are subject unto. And these for the most part proceed from Formality in Holy Duties, under the constant outward performance of them; vehement Engagements in the Affairs of Life, an overvaluation ⟨p. 48⟩of sinful Enjoyments, growth in Carnal Wisdom, neglect of daily Mortification of such Sins as Men are naturally disposed unto, with a secret influence from the prevalent Temptation of the days wherein we live, which things are not now to be spoken unto.

3. BUT I come to that which was proposed in the Third Place, namely, To show that this at present is the State of many Professors of Religion, that they are fallen under those Spiritual Decays, and do not enjoy the effects of the Promises concerning Flourishing and Fruitfulness, which we have insisted on. To fasten a Conviction on them, or some of them at least, that it is indeed so with them, is my present Design: and this ought to be done with some diligence. The Glory of Christ, the Honour of the Gospel, and the danger of the Souls of Men do call for it. This is the secret root of all our Evil, which will not be removed unless it be digged up; who sees not, who complains not of the loss of, or Decays in the Power of Religion, in the days wherein we live? But few there are, who either know or apply themselves, or direct others unto the proper Remedy of this Evil. Besides, it is almost as difficult to convince Men of their Spiritual Decays, as it is to recover them from them; but without this, healing is impossible. If Men know not their Sickness, they will not seek for a Cure. Some when they see their Sickness, and their Wound, will apply themselves unto wrong useless Remedies, like them in the Prophet