with thee. For usually they that are past grace, are also, in their
conscience, past feeling, being "seared with an hot iron;" Eph. iv.
18, 19; 1 Tim. iv. 1, 2.

Consequently, those past grace must be such as are denied the
awakening fruits of the Word preached. "The dead that hear," says
Christ, "shall live;" at least while Christ has not quite done with
them; the day of God's patience is not at an end with them; John v.
25.

2. Is there in thy more retired condition, arguings, strugglings,
and strivings with thy spirit to persuade thee of the vanity of what
vain things thou lovest, and to win thee in thy soul to a choice of
Christ Jesus and his heavenly things? Take heed and rebel not, for
the day of God's grace and patience will not be past with thee till
he saith his "Spirit shall strive no more" with thee; for then the
woe comes, when "he shall depart from them;" and when he says to the
means of grace, "Let them alone;" Hos. iv. 17; chap. ix. 12.

3. Art thou visited in the night-seasons with dreams about thy
state, and that thou art in danger of being lost? Hast thou heart-
shaken apprehensions when deep sleep is upon thee, of hell, death,
and judgment to come? These are signs that God has not wholly left
thee, or cast thee behind his back for ever. "For God speaketh once,
yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not; in a dream, in a vision of the
night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;
then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, that
he may withdraw man from his purpose (his sinful purposes) and hide
pride from man;" Job xxxiii. 14-17.