5. Such a decay as that described, is a dangerous Symptom of an Evil State and Condition, and that those in whom it is, will at last be found to be but Hypocrites. I know such Persons ⟨p. 279⟩will, or may have pretended Evidences unto the contrary, and that they are well enough satisfied of, and with their own Sincerity in many things; so as that it is impossible to fix upon the the Sense and Conviction of being but Hypocrites. But this Apprehension ariseth from a false notion of Hypocrisy. No man they suppose is an Hypocrite, but he that generally, or universally pretends himself in Religion to be what he is not, and what he knows himself not to be, or at least, might easily do so. And it is true, that this is the broadest Notion of Pharisaical Hypocrisy. But take an Hypocrite for him, who under Light, Profession, Gifts, Duties, doth habitually and willingly fail in any Point of sincerity, he is no less a perishing Hypocrite than the former, and it may alter the Case with them. I do not say that every one in whom there is this prevalent Decay in Spiritual Affections, is an Hypocrite; God forbid: I only say that where it continues without Remedy, it is such a Symptom of Hypocrisy, as that he who is wise, and hath a care of his Soul, will not rest until he hath searched it unto the bottom. For it seems as if it were thus with such Persons▪ They have had a false or imperfect Work in that Conversion unto God which they have professed. Conviction of Sin, Communication of Spiritual Light and Gifts, Alteration upon the Affections, Change of Society and Conversation, have made it up. Now it is the nature of such a Work greatly to flourish for a Season, in all the principal Parts and Duties of Profession. But it is in its Nature also gradually to decay, until it be quite withered away. In some it is lost by the Power of some vigorous Temptations, and particular Lusts indulged unto, ending in Worldliness and Sensuality; but in the most it decays gradually, until it hath lost all its Savour and Sap, see Joh. 15.3. Wherefore, whilst men find this Decay in themselves, unless they are fallen under the Power of a destructive Security, unless they are hardened through be ⟨p. 280⟩Deceitfulness of Sin, they cannot but think it their Duty to examine how things stand with them, whether they ever effectually closed with Christ, and had the Faith of Gods Elect, which works by Love;
5. Such a decay as that described, is a dangerous Symtom of an Evil State and Condition, and that those in whom it is, will at last be found to be but Hypocrites. I know such Persons ⟨p. 279⟩will, or may have pretended Evidences unto the contrary, and that they are well enough satisfyed of, and with their own Sincerity in many things; so as that it is impossible to fix upon the the Sense and Conviction of being but Hypocrites. But this Apprehension ariseth from a false notion of Hypocrisy. No man they suppose is an Hypocrite, but he that generally, or universally pretends himself in Religion to be what he is not, and what he knows himself not to be, or at least, might easily do so. And it is true, that this is the broadest Notion of Pharisaical Hypocrisy. But take an Hypoerite for him, who under Light, Profession, Gifts, Duties, doth habitually and willingly fail in any Point of sincerity, he is no less a perishing Hypocrite than the former, and it may alter the Case with them. I do not say that every one in whom there is this prevalent Decay in Spiritual Affections, is an Hypocrite; God forbid: I only say that where it continues without Remedy, it is such a Symtome of Hypocrisy, as that he who is wise, and hath a care of his Soul, will not rest until he hath searched it unto the bottom. For it seemes as if it were thus with such Persons▪ They have had a false or imperfect Work in that Conversion unto God which they have professed. Conviction of Sin, Communication of Spiritual Light and Gifts, Alteration upon the Affections, Change of Socicty and Conversation, have made it up. Now it is the nature of such a Work greatly to flourish for a Season, in all the principal Parts and Duties of Profession. But it is in its Nature also gradually to decay, until it be quite withered away. In some it is lost by the Power of some vigorous Temptations, and particular Lusts indulged unto, ending in Worldliness and Sensuality; but in the most it decayes gradually, until it hath lost all its Savour and Sap, see Joh. 15.3. Wherefore, whil'st men find this Decay in themselves, unless they are fallen under the Power of a destructive Security, unless thay are hardned through be ⟨p. 280⟩Deceitfulness of Sin, they cannot but think it their Duty to examine how things stand with them, whether they ever effectually closed with Christ, and had the Faith of Gods Elect, which works by Love;
