Spiritual Sleepiness

Signs of a spiritually sleepy state:
(1) We know that sleep is creeping upon us, by comparing our present condition with our former, when we were in a more wakeful frame and the graces of God's Spirit were in exercise in us.
(2) Compare us again with that state and frame that a Christian should be in; for sometimes a Christian goes under an uncomfortable condition all the days of his life, so that he is not fit to make himself his pattern. The true rule of a waking and living Christian is the description that is in the word. As, for instance, a Christian should walk 'in the comfort of the Holy Spirit' (Acts 9:31), live and walk by faith and depend upon God. Our hope, if it be waking, will purge us, and make us suitable to the condition we hope for in heaven, and the company we hope to have fellowship with there.
(3) Look to the examples of others who are more gracious. They enjoy no more means than I; and yet they abound in assurance and are comfortable in all conditions. A man may discern he is asleep, by comparing himself with others who are better than himself.
(4) It is evident that we are growing on to a sleepy condition when we find a backwardness to spiritual duties, as to prayer, thanksgiving, and spiritual gatherings. It should be the joy of a Christian to come into the presence of Christ. When what is spiritual in a duty does not sit well with us, it is a sign our souls are in a sleepy temper.
(5) When the soul begins to admire outward excellencies; when it awakes much to profits, pleasures, and honours; when men admire great men, rich men, great places. The strength and fat of the soul are consumed by feeding on these things so that when it comes to spiritual things it is faint and drowsy. By these signs, let us labour to search the state of our souls.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Love of Christ (Bowels Opened), pp. 72-73 [71-73]
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