302 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. ment, if they spring not from faith, if they are not guided by it, they are neither accepted with God, nor will promote the interest-of spirituality and holiness to our own souls. Heb. xi. 6. Mat. vi. 22, 23. And this is the reason whence we ofttimes seegreat and plausible appearances of spiritual affections, which yet endure only for a season. They have been awakened, excited, acted by one means or another, outward or inward; but not having the light of faith to guide them to their proper object, theyeither wither and die, as to any appearing of spiritual motions, or else keep the mind tossed up and down in perpetual disquiet- ment, without rest or peace. The foolish man vieari- eth himself; because he cannot find the way to the city. So was it with them who, on account of their attendance to the doctrine of Christ, are called his dis- ciples. John -vi. Havingpreached to them about the bread which came down from heaven, and giveth life to them that feed, they were greatly, affected with it, and cried out, Lord, evermore give us of this bread, y. 34. But when he proeeeded to declare the mystery of it, they having not faith to discern and apprehend it, their affections immediately decayed, and they for- sook both him and his doctrine, ver. 66. We may consider one especial instance of this na- ture. Persons every day fall under great and effectual convictions of sin, and of their danger or certain mis- ery thereby. This stirs up and acts all their affections, especially their fears, hopes, desires, sorrow, self-re- venge, according as their condition calls for them. Hence sometimes they grow restless in their com- plaints, and turn themselves every Way for relief, like men that are out of the way and bewildered in the night. But in this state and condition, tell them of
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