818 dr SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. instances of these sins, which fail not effectually to obstruct the thriving of spiritual affections. But in general, when ,men are careless as to that continual watch which they ought to keep over their hearts; whilst they are negligent in holy duties, either as to the seasons of them, or in themanner of their perform- ance ; when they are strangers to holy meditation and self-examination; whilst they inordinately, pursue the things of the world, or are so tender and delicate as that they will not undergo the hardship of an heavenly Iife, either as to the inward or outward man; much tnorewhen they are vain in their conversation, corrupt in their communication, especially if under the pre- dominant influence of any particular lust ; it is in vain to think of thriving in spiritual affections. And yet thus it is with all who ordinarily, and in their constant course, are thriftless herein. CHAPTER XVII. Decays in spiritual affections, with the causes anddanger of them. .fldvice .to them who are sensible of the evil ofspiritual decays. IT must be acknowledged, that there is yet that which is worse than what wehave yet insisted on, and tnore opposite to thegrowth ofaffections in conformity to heavenly things, which is the proper character of those that are spiritually renewed. And this is their spiritual decay, manifesting itself in sensible and visible effects. Some there are, yea, many, who, upon the beginning of a profession of their conversion to God, have made a great appearance of vigorous, active, spiritual affec.
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