162 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. subdued. It will also immediately put it upon a dili- gent search into itself, which will issue in deep self- abasement, the principal end designed. But, 2. For the relief of them that may be perplexed in their minds, about their state and condition, I say, there is an apparent difference between these things. A lust or corruption arising up or breaking forth into a violent temptation, is the continual burthen, grief, and afflic- tion of the soul wherein it is. And as the temptation for the most part which befals such a person, will give him no rest from its reiterated solicitations; so he will give the temptation no rest, but will be continually conflicting with it, and contending against it. It fills the soul with an amazement at .itself, and continual self-abhorrency, that any such seeds offilth and folly should be yet remaining in it. With them in whom any sin is ordinarily prevalent, it is otherwise. Ac- cording to their light and renewed occasional convic- tions, they have trouble about it; they cannot but have, so, unless their consciences are utterly seared. But this trouble respects principally; if not solely, its guilt and effects. They know not what may ensue on their 'compliance with it, in this world and another. Beyond this they like it well enough, and are not willing to part with it, It is of this latter sort of persons of whom we speak at present. 3. We must distinguish between the perplexing soli- citation of any lust, and the conquering predominancy of it The evil that is present with us, will be solicit- ing and pressing to sin of its own accord, even where there is no such especial temptation, as that spoken of before. So is the case stated, so are the nature and operations of it described, Rom. i. Gal. v. And some- times an especial, particular lust, may be so warmed
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