The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

I cannot let this pass without something of advice unto them who find themselves under such decays, are sensible of them, and would be delivered from them, and I shall give it in a few Words.

I cannot let this pass without something of advice unto them who find themselves under such decayes, are sensible of them, and would be delivered from them, and I shall give it in a few Words.

First, Remember former things, call to mind how it was with you in the Spring and vigour of your Affections, and compare your present State, Enjoyment, Peace and Quiet with what they were then. This will be a great Principle of Return to God, Hos. 2.7. And to put a little weight upon it, we may consider.

First, God himself makes it on his part a ground and reason of his Return unto us, in a way of Mercy, and of the Continuance of his Love, Jer. 2.2. Even when a People are under manifold Decays, whilst yet they are within the Bounds of Gods Covenant and Mercy, he will remember their first Love with the Fruits and Actings of it in Trials and Temptations, which moves his Compassion towards them. And the way to have God thus remember it, is for us to remember with Delight and longing of Soul that it ⟨p. 284⟩were with us as in those Days of old, when we had the Love of Espousals for God in Christ, Jeremiah 31.18, 19, 20.

First, God himself makes it on his part a ground and reason of his Return unto us, in a way of Mercy, and of the Continuance of his Love,