Owen - BV4501 O84 1844

328 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. is the nature of such a work greatly to flourish for a season, in all the principal parts and duties of profes- sion: but it is in its nature also gradually todecay, until it be quite withered away : in some, it is lost by the power of some vigorous temptations, and particular lusts indulged to, ending in worldliness and sensuality ; but in the most, it decays gradually, until it hath lost all its, savor and sap. See Job xv. 3. Wherefore, whilst men find this decay in themselves, unless they are fallen under the power of a destructive security, unless they are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, they cannot but think it their duty to examine how things stand with them, whether they ever effectually closed with Christ, and had the faith of God's elect, which works by love ; seeing it is with them, as though they had only a work of another nature. For a saving work in its own nature, and in the diligent use of means, thrives and grows, as the whole scripture testi- ., fieth; but it is this false and imperfect working that hath no root, and is thus subject to withering. Sixthly. Persons in such an estate are apt to de- ceive themselves with false hopes and notions, where- by the deceitfulness of sin doth put forth its power, to harden them to their ruin. Two ways there are where- by this pernicious effect is produced. The one by the prevalency of a particular lust or sin, the other by a neglect of spiritual duties, and a vain conversation in the world, under which the soul pines away and consumes. As to the first of these, there are three false notions, whereby the, deceitfulness of sin deludes the souls of men. The first is, that it is that one sin alone wherein they would be indulged. Let them be spared in this one thing, and in all others they will be exact enough.

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