326 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. It is so, I say, unless they are sometimes surprised or overtaken with some greater sin, which reflects se- verely on their consciences, and casts them for a time under troubles and distresses. But that pace with God, and a comfortable assurance of salvation, should be consistent with a habitual decay in grace, especial, ly in those graces which should act themselves in our affections ; is contrary to thewhole tenor and testimo- nyof the scripture : and the supposition of it would be the bane and poison of religion. I do not say that our assurance and peace with God, arise wholly from the actings of grace in us; there are other causes of them, whereto they are principally resolved : but this I say, under a habitual declension, or decay of grace in the spirituality of our affections, no man can keep or maintain a gracious sense of the love of God, or of peace with him. And therefore there is no duty more severely to be pressed on all at this day, than a diligent examination and trial of the grounds of their Peace ; lest it should be with any of them as it was with Laodicea, who was satisfied in her good state and condition, when it was most miserable, and almost des- perate., Yea, -I must say that it is impossible that many professors, whom we see and converse with, should have any solid peace with God. Do men gather figs from thorns, or grapes from thistles It is a fruit that will not grow on a vain, earthly, selfish frame of mind and conversation: and therefore such Persons, whatever they pretend, are either asleep in a sinful security; or live on most Uncertain hopes, which probably may deceive-them. Nothing can be so ruin- ous to our profession, as once to suppose it is an easy matter, a thing of course, to maintain our peace with God. God forbid that our utmost diligence, and con-
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