Some complain greatly of their state and condition; none so dead, so dull and stupid as they; they know not whether they have any spark of heavenly life left in them. Some make weak and faint endeavours for a recovery, which are like the attempts of a man in a dream, wherein he seems to use great endeavours without any success. Some put themselves unto multiplied duties. Howbeit, the generality of professors seem to be in a pining, thriftless condition. And the reason of it is because they will not sincerely and constantly make use of the only remedy and relief; like a man that will rather choose to pine away in his sickness with some useless, transient refreshments, then apply himself unto a known and approved remedy, because, it may be, the use of it is unsuited unto some of his present occasions. Now this [remedy] is to live in the exercise of faith in Christ Jesus. This Himself assures us of, John xv, 4, 5: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in Him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.” Without some taste and experience of spiritual peace, refreshing consolations, ineffable joys and the blessed composure of assurance, profession is heartless, lifeless, useless; and religion itself a dead carcass without an animating soul. The peace which some enjoy is a mere stupidity.