The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

(1) When it is so, it is a Burden unto them in whom it is. They cannot but mourn and have a Godly-Jealousy over themselves, least the Decays they find, should not be in the Outward, but the Inward, not in the natural, but the Spiritual Man. And they will labour that in all Duties, and at all times it may be with them, as in Days of old, although they cannot attain Strength in them that vigour of Spirit, that Life, Joy, Peace, and Comfort which any have had Experience of.

(1) When it is so, it is a Burthen unto them in whom it is. They cannot but mourn and have a Godly-Jealousy over themselves, least the Decayes they find, should not be in the Outward, but the Inward, not in the natural, but the Spiritual Man. And they will labour that in all Duties, and at all times it may be with them, as in Dayes of old, although they cannot attain Strength in them that vigour of Spirit, that Life, Joy, Peace, and Comfort which any have had Experience of.

Secondly, There will be in such Persons, no Decays in Holiness of Life, nor as unto Diligence in all Religious Duties. If the Decay be really of Grace in the Affections, it will be accompanied with a proportionable Decay in all other things, wherein the Life of God is concerned. But if it be only as unto the sensible Actings of natural Affections, no such Decay will ensue.

Secondly, There will be in such Persons, no Decayes in Holiness of Life, nor as unto Diligence in all Religious Duties. If the Decay be really of Grace in the Affections, it will be accompanied with a proportionable Decay in all other things, wherein the Life of God is concerned. But if it be only as unto the sensible Actings of natural Affections, no such Decay will ensue.

Thirdly, Grace will in this case more vigorously act it self in the other Faculties and Powers of the Soul, as the Judgment and the Will in their Approbation of, and firm adherence unto Spiritual things. But