322 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS in them, that vigor of spirit, that life, jdy, peace, and comfort, which any have had experience of. Secondly. There will be in such persons, no decays in holiness of life, nor as to diligence in all religious duties. If the decay be really of grace in the affec- tions, it will be accompanied with a proportionable decay in all other things, wherein the life of God is concerned. But if it be only as to the sensibleactings of natural affections, no such decay will ensue. Thirdly. Grace will, in this . case, more vigorously act itself in the other faculties and powers of the soul, as the judgment and the will in their approbation of and firm adherence to spiritual things. But, Fourthly. When men find, or may find, their affec- tions yet quick, active, and intent on other things, as the lawful enjoyments and comforts of this life; it is in vain for them to relieve themselves, that the decays they find are in their affections as natural, and not as they ought to conclude, as gracious. If we see a man in his old age grow more in love with the things of this world, and less in love with the things of God, it is not through the weakness of nature, but through the strengthof sin. On these, and it may be, some other the like occa- sions, there may be an apprehension of a decay in spiritual affections, when it may not be so, at least not to the degree that is apprehended. But when it is so really, as it is evidently with many, I had almost said with the most in these days, it is a woful frame of heart, and never enough to be lamented. It is that which lies in direct contradiction to that spiritual mindedness which is life and peace. It is a consump- tion of the soul which threatens it with death every day.
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