The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

But alas! for the most part, men are apt to walk contrary to God in these things, as the Wisdom of the flesh is contrary unto him in all things. A great Instance we have with respect unto these Duties, especially the latter of them. For, (1.) Who almost makes a diligent search into and trial of his heart and ways, with respect unto the procuring causes of the Displeasure and Judgments of God? Generally when the Tokens and Evidences of them do most abound, the World is full of outrageous provoking sins. These visibly proclaim themselves to be the causes of the coming of the Wrath of God on the Children of Disobedience. Hence most men are apt to cast the whole Reason of present Judgments ⟨p. 65⟩upon them, and to put it wholly from themselves. Hence commonly there is never less of self Examination, than when it is called for in a peculiar manner. But as I will not deny, but that the open daring sins of the World, are the procuring Cause of the Wrath of God against it in temporal Judgments; so the wisest course for us, is to refer them unto the great Judgment of the last Day. This the Apostle directs us unto; 2 Thess. 1.6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Our Duty it is to consider on what accounts Judgment begins at the House of God, and to examine our selves with respect thereunto.

But alas! for the most part, men are apt to walk contrary to God in these things, as the Wisdom of the flesh is contrary unto him in all things. A great Instance we have with respect unto these Duties, especially the latter of them. For, (1.) Who almost makes a diligent search into and trial of his heart and ways, with respect unto the procuring causes of the Displeasure and Judgments of God? Generally when the Tokens and Evidences of them do most abound, the World is full of outragious provoking sins. These visibly proclaim themselves to be the causes of the coming of the Wrath of God on the Children of Disobedience. Hence most men are apt to cast the whole Reason of present Judgments ⟨p. 65⟩upon them, and to put it wholly from themselves. Hence commonly there is never less of self Examination, than when it is called for in a peculiar manner. But as I will not deny, but that the open daring sins of the World, are the procuring Cause of the Wrath of God against it in temporal Judgments; so the wisest course for us, is to refer them unto the great Judgment of the last Day. This the Apostle directs us unto;