The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

If you shall think that the right discharge of this duty may be otherwise attained; if you suppose that it deserves not all this Cost and charge about it; Judge by what is past, whether it be not advisable to give it over and let it alone. As good lye quietly on the ground, as continually attempt to rise, and never once effect it. Remember how many successeless attempts you have made upon it, and all have come to nothing, or that which is as bad as nothing. I cannot say that in this way you shall always succeed; But I fear you will never have success in this duty, without such things as are of the same nature and use with it.

If you shall think that the right discharge of this duty may be otherwise attained; if you suppose that it deserves not all this Cost and charge about it; Judge by what is past, whether it be not adviseable to give it over and let it alone. As good lye quietly on the ground, as continually attempt to rise, and never once effect it. Remember how many successeless attempts you have made upon it, and all have come to nothing, or that which is as bad as nothing. I cannot say that in this way you shall alwayes succeed; But I fear you will never have success in this duty, without such things as are of the same nature and use with it.

When after this Preparation, you find your selves yet perplexed and entangled, not able comfortably to persist in Spiritual Thoughts, unto your Refreshment, take these two Directions for your Relief.

1. Cry and Sigh to God for Help and Relief. Bewail the darkness, weakness and instability of your Minds, so as to groan within your selves for Deliverance. And if your designed Medi••ions do issue only in a renewed gracious sense of your own Weakness and Insufficiency, with Application unto God for Supplies of Strength, they are by no