Againfi fpiritual wwkedneffe. pfal. 73. 25. Such as if Angels did eace, might ferve them. But the manner of the difpenfing it, from hand to mouth, every day their portion and no more, fo that God kept the key of their Cupboard, they ftood to his immediate allowance; and thus God communicates our spiritual comforts for the fame end to humbleus. So much for this feconi fort of fpiritual wicked- neffe. I had thought to have inftanced in fome other, as hypocrifie, unbelief, formality ; but poffibly the fubjed being general, what I have already faid may be thought but a digreflion, and that too long. I fball therefore conclude this branch of VrituahvickeNefe , in a word to thole who are yet in a natural and unfan#thed fiate, which is to flit them up fromwhat I have faid (concerning Satans affaultingbeleevers with fuch temptations ;) to confider ferioufly, how that Satans chief defigne againft them alfo lies in the fame fins. Thefe are the wickedneffes he labours to in- gulph you in aboveall others. If ever you perifh, it will be by the handof thefe fins. 'Tis your feared confcience, blinde mode, and Vidolent impenitent heart, will be your undoing if you mit- carry finally. Other fins, the devil knowes, are preparatory to thefe, and therefore, he drawes thee into them to bring thee in- to thefe. Two wayes they preparea way to fpiritual fins; Firft, as they naturally difpofe the (inner to them; 'cis the nature of fin to blinde the minde, ftupifie the confcience, harden the heart,, as is implied, Pleb, 3. i3. Lefl your heart be hardened through the deceitfulneffe of Pl. As the feet of Travellers beat the high way hard, fo does, walking in carnal groffe fins the heart ; they benumbe theconfcience, fo that in time the firmer lofes his feel- ing, and can carry his lulls in his heart, (as Bedlams their pins- in their very fie(h) without pain and remorfe. Secondly, as they do provoke God by a judiciaryaft togive them up to thefe' fins, Lrn. ;. 6. them obliinacy of heart, (fo 'tis in your margin) thy cure unto them ; and when the devil hath got, fanners at this paffe, then he bath them under lock and key. They are the fore-runners oi'damnation; if God leave thyheart t hard and unbroken up, 'tis a fad figne he means not to fowe the feed of grace there. 0 finners pray, (as he did requeit Teter for him) that none of thefe things may come upon you; which Re that g°5
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