3. They will by degrees lose the form too. Things that are mere Engines, and have no internal principle of life in them, but are moved by the external force of weight, and springs, will soon be down, and then they will stand still, how forcible soever their motion was before. A Strict Formality at one time serves a worldly interest, the man can carry on a carnal design by it; and so long as it is thus, it hath its weight to keep it going, and it will move swiftly, but the time may come when it will disserve that interest, and cross the desig•• of it, and now the man is ready to knock off. Our Saviour instanceth thus ⟨p. 54⟩the Stony▪ ground Hearers; Math. 13.21. when tribulation, or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended; and also in the thorny, verse 22. the cares of this world, and deceitfulness of Riches choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. Besides, the strict outward attendance on the Duties which are prescribed in the Gospel, is not easy for the carnal minds of men to comport withal; and the gratification of many fleshly lusts is hindered by it, the cravings whereof are so eager, that they will prompt the man to neglect, sometimes one, and sometimes another; and if they can still but keep up some semblable show, & quiet their minds with that, they are well sufficed therewithal. Strictness of Discipline maintained i• the Churches of Christ, is very uneasy to them, and they would fain have a latitude and elbow room, and large allowances given them; and so usually decays in Religion begin there […] •thers must be born withal, that we may be indulged, and we will connive at their scandals, that we may have the same measure from them. Constancy in Secret Duties of reading the word, meditation and ⟨p. 55⟩prayer, is too spiritual a business for them, and because they are out of sight and observation, they can without open scandal neglect them, and so they at first in•ermit, and at length totally omit them▪ […] Worship is a cumber, and it gives them too much hindrance in thei• worldly business, and their diversions a•ong their companions, which they must allow to themselves; and if they do but attend the Worship of Gods House carefully, they shall still make a fair show, and be in good repute; and so these shall be first slightly attended, and soon dismissed with a short complement, and in fine utterly neglected.
3. They will by degrees lose the form too. Things that are meer Engines, and have no internal principle of life in them, but are moved by the external force of weight, and springs, will soon be down, and then they will stand still, how forcible soever their motion was before. A Strict Formality at one time serves a worldly interest, the man can carry on a carnal design by it; and so long as it is thus, it hath its weight to keep it going, and it will move swiftly, but the time may come when it will disserve that interest, and cross the desig•• of it, and now the man is ready to knock off. Our Saviour instanceth thus ⟨p. 54⟩the Stony▪ ground Hearers; Math. 13.21. when tribulation, or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended; and also in the thorny, verse 22. the cares of this world, and deceitfulness of Riches choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. Besides, the strict outward attendance on the Duties which are prescribed in the Gospel, is not easy for the carnal minds of men to comport withal; and the gratification of many fleshly lusts is hindered by it, the cravings whereof are so eager, that they will prompt the man to neglect, sometimes one, and sometimes another; and if they can still but keep up some semblable shew, & quiet their minds with that, they are well sufficed there•withal. Strictness of Discipline mainteined i• the Churches of Christ, is very uneasy to them, and they would fain have a latitude and elbow room, and large allowances given them; and so usually decays in Religion begin there 〈…〉 •thers must be born wi•hal, that we may be indulged, and we will connive at their scandals, that we may have the same measure from them. Constancy in Secret Duties of reading the word, meditation and ⟨p. 55⟩prayer, is too spiritual a business for them, and because they are out of sight and observa•ion, they can without open scandal neglect them, and so they at first in•ermit, and at length totally omit them▪ 〈…〉 Worship is a cumbe•, and it gives them too much hindrance in thei worldly business, and their diversions aong their companions, which they must allow to themselves; and if they do but attend the Worship of Gods House carefully, they shall still make a fair shew, and be in good repute; and so these shall be first slightily attended, and soon dismist with a short complement, and in fine utterly neglected.
