446 The NATURE and POWER ±xSxx59-áa 3x`m-x-sM t-A CHAP. X. The Deceit of Sin in drawing off the Mind from its Attendance unto particular Duties farther difcovered. Several things required in the Mind of Believers with refpefl unto particular Duties of Obedience. The Atlings of Sin in a Way of Deceit, to divert the Mind from them. E have not as yet brought unto an iffie the firft way of the working of the deceit of fin, namely, in its drawing away of the mind from the difcharge of its duty, which we infift upon the longer, upon a double ac- count. Firfl, Becaufe of its importance and concernment. If the mind be drawn off, if it be tainted, weakned, turned afide from a due and arid attendance unto its charge and office, the whole foul, will, and affeftions, are certainly entangled and drawn into fin, as hath been in part declared, and will afterwards farther appear. This we ought therefore to give diligent heed unto, which is the defign of the apoftle's exhortation, Heb. ii. r. Therefore we ought to give the snore earneft heed to the things which we have beard left at any tins we fhould let them flip. It is a failure of our minds, by the deceitfulnefs of fin, in Toting the life, power, fenfe and impreffion of the world which he cautions us againft. And there is no way to prevent it but by giving of molt earnji heed unto the things which we have heard, which expreffetli the whole duty of our minds in attending unto obedience. Secondly, Becaufe the adings and workings of the mind being fpiritu- al, are fuch as the confcience, unlefs clearly enlightened, and duly ex- cited and furred up, is not affected withal, fo as to take due notice of them. Confcience is not apt to exercife reflex ads upon the mind's fail- ures, as principally refpe&ing the ads of the whole foul. When the affeclions are entangled with fin (of which afterwards) or the will begins to conceive it by its exprefs confetti : confcience is apt to make an up- roar in the foul, and to give it no reft or quiet until the foul be reclaim- ed, or itfelf be one way or other bribed or debauched. But thefe neg- lefts of the mind being fpiritual, without very diligent attendance, they are feldom taken notice of. Our minds are, often in the fcriptures, cal- led our feirirs, as Rom. i. 9. Whom I fierce in my fpirit ; and are diftin- guifhed from the foul, which principally intends the affe&ions, in that diftribution, i Theft. v. 23. Sandify you wholly, your whole fpirit and foul, that is, your mind and affeftions. It is true where the fpirit is ufed to express fpiritual gifts, it is as unto thofe gifts oppofed to our under- (landing
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