The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

It is otherwise with the generality of Men who are not profligate and impudent in Sinning. For although they are in a natural Condition, and a course of Sin, in the neglect of known Duties, yet by one means or other, most frequently, by the preaching of the Word, their Affections are stirred towards Heavenly Things.

It is otherwise with the generality of Men who are not profligate and impudent in Sinning. For although they are in a natural Condition, and a course of Sin, in the neglect of known Duties, yet by one meanes or other, most frequently, by the preaching of the Word, their Affections are stirred towards Heavenly Things.

Sometimes they are afraid, sometimes they have hopes and desires about them. These put them on Resolutions, and some temporary Endeavours to change their Lives, to abstain from Sin, and to perform holy Duties. But as the Prophet complains, their Goodness is as the morning Cloud, and as the early Dew, so passeth it away. Yet by means hereof, do many poor ignorant Souls deceive themselves, and cry Peace, Peace, when there is no Peace. And they will sometimes so express how they are affected with Complaints of themselves as unto their long neglect of Spiritual things that others may entertain good hopes concerning them; but all comes to nothing in the Trial.

Sometimes they are afraid, sometimes they have hopes and desires about them. These put them on Resolutions, and some temporary Endeavours to change their Lives, to abstain from Sin, and to perform holy Duties. But as the Prophet complains, their Goodness is as the morning Cloud, and as the early Dew, so passeth it away. Yet by means hereof, do many poor ignorant Souls deceive themselves, and cry Peace, Peace, when there is no Peace. And they will sometimes so express how they are affected with Complaints of themselves as unto their long neglect of Spiritual things that others may entertain good hopes concerning them; but all comes to nothing in the Tryal.