OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. 335 (2.) You are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, and there is no way left to give a sense or impres- sion of spiritual things upon your mind's. You have truly nothing left in religion, but the fear of hell and trouble of duties. I speak not to such at present. As to those to whom this frame is a burden, there is no more effectual means to stir them to endeavors for deliverance, than a continual remembrance of formet things, and experiences they have had of holy inter- course and communion with God. This will revive, quicken, and strengthen the things that are ready to die, and beset a self-abhorrency in them, in considera- tion of that woful frame and temper of mind, whichby their sins andnegligence theyhave brought themselves into. 2dly. Consider, that as there are many things dreadfully pronounced in the Scripture against back- sliding and backsliders in heart, as it is with you ; yet also there are especial calls and promises given' and made to those in your condition. And know as- suredly, that upon your compliance or non-compli- ance with them, depends your everlasting blessedness or wo. Consider both call and promise in that word of God'sgrace, Jer. iii. 12-14. ' Go and proclaim these words towards the north, and say, Return, thouback- sliding Israel, saith the Lord, and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you : for I ammerciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger for ever. Only ac- knowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thyGod, and hast scattered tryways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith' the Lord. Turn, O back- sliding children, saith the Lord, for I ammarried unto
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