44 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. porary faith, and that which is saving and durable ; and between gifts and grace, in their operations, which is that now under consideration. It is acknowledged, therefore, that without the especial light and conduct of the spirit of God, no man can make such a judg- ment of his state and his actions, as shall be a stable foundation of giving glory to God, and of obtaining peace unto his own soul: and therefore the greatest part of mankind do constantly deceive themselves in these things. But ordinarily, under this blessed conduct in the search of ourselves and the concernments of our duty, we may come to a satisfaction whether they are influ- enced by faith, and have grace exercised in them, es- pecially this duty of prayer, or whether it derive from the power of our natural faculties, raised by light and spiritual gifts only; and so whether our spiritual thoughts therein spring from a vital principle of grace, or whether they come from occasional impressions on the mind, by the performance of the duty itself. If men are willing to deceive themselves, or to hide themselves from themselves, to walk with God at all peradventures, to leave all things at hazard, to put off all trials unto that at the last day, and so never call themselves to an account, as to the nature of their duties in any particular instance ; it is no wonder, if they neither do, nor can, make any distinction in this matter; as to the true nature of their thoughts in spiri- tual duties. Two things are required hereunto. 1. That we impartially and severally examine and try the frames and actings of our,, minds in holy duties, by the word of truth; and thereon not be afraid to speak that plainly to our souls, which the word speaks unto us. This diligent search ought to respect
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