A Meditation Upon a Sundial and a Clock by William Spurstowe (1666)   These two artificial measures of time give one and the same account of its motions, but in a very differing, if not contrary, manner.  The Clock does it by a motion of its own; but the Sundial, while itself is fixed, by an extrinsic motion of the sun upon those lines drawn upon it effects the same thing. And this occasioned me to think in what a differing way the same services and duties of Religion are done by those that profess it.  Some, like Clocks, have a spring of motions in themselves, and the weight that quickens and actuates it is love:  They pray, confer, exercise holiness in the conversation in a progressive manner, salvation being nearer to them than when they first believed.  Others again are like Sundials, that are as useless posts in a gloomy day, and are destitute of all principles of motion.  The sun moves upon them, but they stand still; the Spirit comes upon them, as it did on Saul, but themselves are not in the least moved by those duties that others may think they profit by.  There is a light and shine which passes upon their gifts and abilities that may render them useful as well as visible to others, but it effects no alteration in their hearts to the bettering of themselves.  What divine visions and prophecies did Balaam both see and utter concerning Israel?  And how remarkable is the preface which he sets before them?  The man whose eyes are open has said, yet his heart is fixed to his lust of covetousness, and he is so far from taking the least step towards their tents, which with admiration he beholds to be goodly, as that he gives Balack counsel how to destroy them.   Let not then any rest in a bare illumination or transient work of the Spirit upon them, as if such things would be sufficient evidences of the goodness of their condition.  Light may make a good head, but it is heat and motion that must make a good heart, without which all profession of religion is but an unsavory carcass. Be wise therefore, O Christians, and build not the foundation of your eternal happiness upon such uncertain principles.  May not the Spirit assist where it never inhabits?  May it not move upon him, whom it never quickens?  Were not many workers of iniquity, who were workers of miracles?  Were not many famous for their prophecies, who were infamous for their profaneness?  Are not such things made by Christ, the plea of many in the last day for their admittance into heaven, whom He will not know?  Why then should any be so foolish to make that a plea to the judge which he knows beforehand will be rejected?  The best way to discern our condition, is not to argue the goodness of it from the light which the Spirit darts in upon us, but by the motions which it produces in us.  As many as are the Sons of God are led by the Spirit of God in a constant way of progression, from grace to grace, from virtue to virtue.  Such light, as it is sudden in its eruptions, so it is also in its interruptions; the one oft times are as speedy and momentarily as the other.  Look therefore to the attractions of the Spirit by which you are moved, and drawn to walk in holy ways, rather than to such motions of the Spirit, which pass only upon you, but do not beget any motion or stirring in you.      ——————————————————————- This article is taken from:  Spurstowe, William.  The Spiritual Chymist: or, Six Decads of Divine Meditations on Several Subjects. London: Philip Chetwind, 1666.  A PDF file of this book can be downloaded, free of charge, at http://www.ClassicChristianLibrary.com