Heb. 6:4, 5. The powers of the world to come will be in them; some
workings of the Holy Ghost will be in them; and joy, which is as oil
to the wheels, will be with their souls. Luke 8:13.
Thus is it with some professors, who yet cannot be said to depart
from iniquity, because the things that now are upon them abide with
them but awhile: "For awhile they believe; they rejoice in the light
for a season," and after that return to their old course, and are
again entangled with their iniquities and overcome.
Now the causes of this declension, or falling away again unto
iniquity, are many.
One is, that this work, this work of power which they have been made
partakers of, has not been thorough enough upon all the powers of
their souls. Their understandings, their judgments and consciences
have been dealt with, but the power of God has not been upon their
wills and minds and affections rightly to subdue them to the grace
of the gospel.
Therefore also such persons, upon the withdrawing of those
influences that at present are mighty upon them, do forthwith forget
both what they had and what work it made upon them. Straightway they
forget what manner of men they were. It is said of Israel, "They
sang his praises; they soon forgat his word.
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