The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

seeing it is with them, as though they had only a work of another nature. For a Saving Work in its own nature, and in the diligent use of Means, Thrives, and Groweth, as the whole Scripture testifieth: but it is this false and imperfect working, that hath no Root, and is thus subject to withering.

seeing it is with them, as though they had only a work of another nature. For a Saving Work in its own nature, and in the diligent use of Means, Thrives, and Groweth, as the whole Scripture testifyeth: but it is this false and imperfect working, that hath no Root, and is thus subject to withering.

Sixthly, Persons in such an Estate are apt to deceive themselves with false Hopes and Notions, whereby the Deceitfulness of Sin doth put forth its Power, to harden them unto their Ruin. Two ways there are whereby this pernicious Effect is produced. The one by the prevalency of a particular Lust or Sin, the other by a neglect of Spiritual Duties, and a vain Conversation in the World, under which the Soul pines away and consumes.

Sixthly, Persons in such an Estate are apt to deceive themselves with false Hopes and Notions, whereby the Deceitfulness of Sin doth put forth its Power, to harden them unto their Ruine. Two ways there are whereby this pernitious Effect is produced. The one by the prevalency of a particular Lust or Sin, the other by a neglect of Spiritual Duties, and a vain Conversation in the World, under which the Soul pines away and consumes.

As unto the first of these, there are three false Notions, whereby the Deceitfulness of Sin, deludes the Souls of Men.