OF SPÌB.ITUAL MINDF.ÜNESS. 255 resolutions and some temporary endeavors to change their lives, to abstain from sin, and to perform holy duties. But, as the prophet complains, ' their good- ness is as the morning cloud, and as the early dew, so passeth it away.' Yet by means hereof do many poor ignorant souls deceive themselves, and cry, Peace, Peace, when there is no peace. And they will sometimes so express how theyare affected with com- plaints of themselves as to their long neglect of spirit- ual things, that others may entertain good hopes con- cerning them; but all comes to nothing in the trial. There is no dificulty to spiritual light to distinguish between these occasional impressions on the affec- tions, and that spiritual renovation of them which we inquire after. This alone is sufficient to do it, that they are all of them temporary and evanescent. They abide for a while only, as our Savior speaks, and eve- ry occasion defeats all their efficacy. They may be frequently renewed, but they never abide. Some of them ünmediately-pass away, and are utterly lost be- tween the place where they hear the word and their own habitations, and in vain shall they inquire after them again ; they are gone forever. Some have a lar- ger continuance, endure longer in the mind, and pro -, dace some outward effects ; none of them will hold any trial, or shock of temptation. Yet I have somewhat to say to those who have such impressions on their affections, and warning by them. (1.) Despise them not, for God is in them. Al- though he may not be in them in a way of saving grace, yet he is in them in that which may be prepara- atory thereto. They are not common human acci- dents, but especial divine warnings.
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