Phronēma tou pneumatou, or, The grace and duty of being spiritually-minded declared and practically improved / by John Owen ...
         Owen, John, 1616-1683.
      
       
         
           1681
        
      
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             Phronēma tou pneumatou, or, The grace and duty of being spiritually-minded declared and practically improved / by John Owen ...
             Owen, John, 1616-1683.
          
           [8], 334 [i.e. 350] p.
           
             Printed by J.G. for Nathaniel Ponder ...,
             London :
             1681.
          
           
             First three words of title in Greek characters.
             Running title reads: Of spiritual-mindedness.
             Numerous errors in paging.
             Reproduction of original in the Huntington Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Spiritual life.
        
      
    
     
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             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           OR
           THE
           Grace
           and
           Duty
           OF
           BEING
           Spiritually-Minded
           ,
           Declared
           and
           Practically
           Improved
        
         
           By
           JOHN
           OWEN
           D.
           D.
           
        
         
           
             
               ROM
               .
               8.6
            
             .
          
           
             To
             be
             Spiritually-Minded
             is
             Life
             and
             Peace
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               COLOS.
               3.2
            
             .
          
           
             Set
             your
             Affections
             on
             things
             Above
             .
          
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           by
           
             J.
             G.
          
           for
           
             Nathaniel
             Ponder
          
           ,
           at
           the
           Sign
           of
           the
           Peacock
           ,
           in
           the
           Poultry
           ,
           near
           the
           Church
           ,
           1681.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           The
           Preface
           .
        
         
           I
           Think
           it
           necessary
           to
           give
           the
           Reader
           a
           brief
           account
           of
           the
           nature
           and
           design
           of
           the
           plain
           ensuing
           Discourse
           ,
           which
           may
           both
           direct
           him
           in
           the
           reading
           ,
           and
           be
           some
           kind
           of
           Apology
           for
           my self
           in
           the
           publishing
           of
           it
           .
           He
           may
           therefore
           know
           ,
           that
           the
           Thoughts
           here
           communicated
           ,
           were
           originally
           private
           Meditations
           for
           my
           own
           use
           ,
           in
           a
           season
           wherein
           I
           was
           every
           way
           unable
           to
           do
           any
           thing
           for
           the
           Edification
           of
           others
           ,
           and
           far
           from
           expectation
           that
           ever
           I
           should
           be
           so
           able
           any
           more
           in
           this
           World.
           Receiving
           ,
           as
           I
           thought
           ,
           some
           Benefit
           and
           satisfaction
           in
           the
           Exercise
           of
           my
           own
           Meditations
           therein
           ,
           when
           God
           was
           graciously
           pleased
           to
           restore
           a
           little
           strength
           unto
           me
           ,
           I
           insisted
           on
           the
           same
           Subject
           ,
           in
           the
           Instruction
           of
           a
           private
           Congregation
           ;
           and
           this
           I
           did
           ,
           partly
           out
           of
           a
           sense
           of
           the
           Advantage
           I
           had
           received
           my self
           by
           being
           conversant
           in
           them
           and
           partly
           from
           an
           Apprehension
           ,
           that
           the
           Duties
           directed
           and
           pressed
           unto
           ,
           in
           the
           whole
           Discourse
           ,
           were
           seasonable
           from
           all
           sorts
           of
           present
           Circumstances
           ,
           
           to
           be
           declared
           and
           urged
           on
           the
           Minds
           and
           Consciences
           of
           Professors
           .
           For
           leaving
           others
           unto
           the
           choice
           of
           their
           own
           Methods
           and
           Designs
           ,
           I
           acknowledge
           that
           these
           are
           the
           two
           things
           whereby
           I
           regulate
           my
           Work
           in
           the
           whole
           Course
           of
           my
           Ministry
           .
           To
           impart
           those
           Truths
           of
           whose
           Power
           I
           hope
           I
           have
           had
           in
           some
           measure
           ,
           a
           real
           Experience
           ,
           and
           to
           press
           those
           Duties
           which
           
             present
             Occasions
             ,
             Temptations
          
           ,
           and
           other
           Circumstances
           do
           render
           necessary
           to
           be
           attended
           unto
           in
           a
           peculiar
           manner
           ,
           are
           the
           things
           which
           I
           would
           principally
           apply
           my self
           unto
           in
           the
           Work
           of
           teaching
           others
           .
           For
           as
           in
           the
           Work
           of
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           in
           general
           ,
           the
           
             whole
             Councel
             of
             God
          
           concerning
           the
           Salvation
           of
           the
           
             Church
             by
             Jesus
             Christ
          
           is
           to
           be
           declared
           ;
           so
           in
           particular
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           to
           
             fight
             uncertainly
             as
             men
             beating
             the
             Air
             ,
             nor
             shoot
             our
             Arrows
             at
             Random
             ,
             without
             a
             certain
             Scope
             and
             Design
             .
          
           Knowledge
           of
           the
           Flock
           whereof
           we
           are
           Overseers
           ,
           with
           a
           due
           Consideration
           of
           their
           Wants
           ,
           their
           Graces
           ,
           their
           Temptations
           ,
           their
           Light
           ,
           their
           Strength
           ,
           and
           Weakness
           ,
           are
           required
           herein
           .
           And
           when
           in
           pursuance
           of
           that
           Design
           ,
           the
           Preparation
           of
           the
           Word
           to
           be
           dispensed
           ,
           proceeds
           from
           Zeal
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Compassion
           unto
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men
           ;
           when
           it
           is
           delivered
           with
           the
           Demonstration
           of
           a
           due
           Reverence
           unto
           God
           whose
           Word
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           of
           Authority
           towards
           them
           unto
           whom
           it
           is
           dispensed
           ,
           with
           a
           deep
           sense
           of
           that
           great
           account
           
           which
           both
           they
           that
           Preach
           ,
           and
           they
           that
           hear
           the
           word
           Preached
           ,
           must
           shortly
           give
           ,
           before
           
             the
             Judgment
             Seat
             of
             Christ
          
           ;
           there
           may
           the
           a
           Comfortable
           Expectation
           of
           a
           Blessed
           Issue
           of
           the
           whole
           Work.
           But
           my
           present
           Design
           is
           only
           to
           declare
           in
           particular
           ,
           the
           Reasons
           why
           I
           Judg'd
           the
           Preaching
           and
           Publishing
           of
           this
           small
           and
           plain
           Discourse
           concening
           the
           
             Grace
             and
             Duty
             of
             being
             Spiritually
             Minded
          
           not
           to
           be
           altogether
           unseasonable
           at
           this
           time
           ,
           in
           the
           present
           circumstances
           of
           of
           most
           Christians
           .
           And
           the
           first
           thing
           which
           I
           would
           observe
           unto
           this
           End
           is
           ,
           the
           present
           Importunity
           of
           the
           World
           to
           Impose
           itself
           on
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           ;
           and
           the
           various
           wayes
           of
           insinuation
           whereby
           it
           posesseth
           and
           filleth
           them
           .
           If
           it
           attain
           hereunto
           ,
           if
           it
           can
           fill
           the
           Minds
           ,
           the
           Thoughts
           and
           Affections
           of
           men
           with
           it self
           ,
           it
           will
           in
           some
           ,
           fortify
           the
           Soul
           against
           Faith
           and
           Obedience
           ,
           and
           in
           others
           ,
           Weaken
           all
           Grace
           ,
           and
           endanger
           Eternal
           Ruin.
           
        
         
           
             For
             if
             we
             Love
             the
             World
             the
             Love
             of
             the
             Father
             is
             not
             in
             us
          
           ;
           And
           when
           the
           World
           fills
           our
           Thoughts
           ,
           it
           will
           entangle
           our
           Affections
           .
           And
           First
           ,
           the
           Present
           State
           of
           all
           Publick
           Affaires
           in
           it
           ,
           with
           an
           apprehended
           concernment
           of
           Private
           Persons
           therein
           ,
           continually
           Exerciseth
           the
           Thoughts
           of
           many
           ,
           and
           is
           almost
           the
           only
           subject
           of
           their
           mutual
           converse
           .
           For
           the
           World
           is
           at
           present
           in
           a
           mighty
           hurry
           ,
           and
           being
           in
           many
           places
           cast
           off
           from
           all
           Foundations
           of
           
           stedfastness
           ,
           it
           makes
           the
           Mindes
           of
           Men
           giddy
           with
           its
           Revolutions
           ,
           or
           disorderly
           in
           the
           Expectations
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           Thoughts
           about
           these
           things
           are
           both
           allowable
           and
           unavoydable
           ,
           if
           they
           take
           not
           the
           Mind
           out
           of
           its
           own
           Power
           ,
           by
           their
           multiplicity
           ,
           vehemency
           ,
           and
           urgency
           ,
           untill
           it
           be
           unframed
           as
           unto
           Spiritual
           things
           ,
           retaining
           neither
           room
           nor
           time
           for
           their
           entertainment
           .
        
         
           Hence
           Men
           walk
           and
           talke
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           World
           were
           all
           ,
           when
           Comparatively
           it
           is
           nothing
           .
        
         
           And
           when
           men
           come
           with
           their
           warmed
           Affections
           reeking
           with
           thoughts
           of
           these
           things
           unto
           the
           performance
           of
           ,
           or
           attendance
           unto
           any
           Spiritual
           Duty
           ,
           it
           is
           very
           Difficult
           for
           them
           ,
           if
           not
           impossible
           to
           stir
           up
           any
           Grace
           unto
           a
           Due
           and
           vigourous
           exercise
           .
           Unless
           this
           plausible
           Advantage
           which
           the
           World
           hath
           obtained
           of
           insinuating
           it self
           and
           its
           Occasions
           into
           the
           Mindes
           of
           Men
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           fill
           them
           and
           Possesse
           them
           ,
           be
           watched
           against
           ,
           and
           obviated
           ,
           so
           far
           ,
           at
           least
           ,
           as
           that
           it
           may
           not
           transform
           the
           Mind
           into
           its
           own
           Image
           and
           likeness
           this
           Grace
           of
           being
           Spiritually-Minded
           which
           is
           
             Life
             and
             Peace
          
           cannot
           be
           attained
           nor
           kept
           unto
           it's
           due
           Exercise
           .
        
         
           Nor
           can
           we
           be
           ,
           any
           of
           us
           ,
           delivered
           from
           this
           Snare
           ,
           at
           this
           season
           ,
           without
           a
           watchful
           endeavour
           to
           keep
           and
           preserve
           our
           Minds
           in
           the
           Constant
           Contemplation
           of
           
           things
           Spiritual
           and
           Heavenly
           ,
           proceeding
           from
           the
           prevalent
           adherence
           of
           our
           Affections
           unto
           them
           ,
           as
           will
           appear
           in
           the
           ensuing
           discourse
           .
        
         
           Again
           there
           are
           so
           great
           and
           Pregnant
           Evidences
           of
           the
           Prevalency
           of
           an
           Earthly
           Worldly
           Frame
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           in
           many
           who
           make
           Profession
           of
           Religion
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           high
           time
           they
           were
           call'd
           unto
           a
           due
           consideration
           ,
           how
           unanswerable
           they
           are
           therein
           ,
           unto
           the
           power
           and
           Spirituallity
           of
           that
           Religion
           which
           they
           do
           Profess
           .
           There
           is
           no
           way
           whereby
           such
           a
           Frame
           may
           be
           evinced
           to
           prevaile
           in
           many
           ;
           yea
           in
           the
           Generallity
           of
           such
           Professiors
           ,
           that
           is
           not
           manifest
           unto
           all
           .
           In
           their
           habits
           ,
           attires
           and
           vestments
           ,
           in
           their
           usual
           converse
           and
           mispence
           of
           time
           ,
           in
           their
           over
           liberal
           entertainment
           of
           themselves
           and
           others
           unto
           the
           borders
           of
           Excess
           ,
           and
           sundry
           other
           things
           of
           an
           a
           like
           nature
           ,
           there
           is
           in
           many
           ,
           such
           a
           Conformity
           unto
           the
           World
           (
           a
           thing
           severely
           forbidden
           )
           that
           it
           is
           hard
           to
           make
           a
           distinction
           between
           them
           .
           And
           these
           things
           do
           manifest
           such
           a
           predominancy
           of
           Carnal
           Affections
           in
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           ,
           as
           whatever
           may
           be
           pretended
           unto
           the
           contrary
           ,
           is
           inconsistent
           with
           Spiritual
           Peace
           .
           To
           call
           Men
           off
           from
           this
           evil
           Frame
           of
           Heart
           and
           Minde
           ,
           to
           discover
           the
           Sin
           and
           danger
           of
           it
           ,
           to
           direct
           them
           unto
           the
           wayes
           and
           meanes
           whereby
           it
           may
           be
           Effected
           ,
           to
           supply
           their
           Thoughts
           and
           Affections
           with
           better
           Objects
           ,
           to
           discover
           and
           presse
           that
           Excercise
           of
           them
           which
           is
           indispensiblely
           required
           of
           all
           Believers
           ,
           if
           they
           design
           Life
           and
           Peace
           ,
           is
           ,
           some
           part
           of
           the
           work
           of
           the
           ensuing
           Discourse
           .
           It
           may
           be
           it
           will
           be
           Judged
           but
           a
           Weak
           attempt
           as
           unto
           the
           attaining
           of
           that
           end
           .
           But
           it
           cannot
           be
           denyed
           to
           have
           these
           two
           Advantages
           ;
           first
           that
           it
           is
           seasonable
           ;
           and
           secondly
           that
           it
           is
           sincerely
           intended
           .
           And
           if
           it
           have
           this
           only
           successe
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           occasion
           others
           who
           have
           more
           Ability
           and
           opportunity
           then
           I
           have
           ,
           to
           bring
           in
           their
           Assistance
           for
           an
           opposition
           unto
           the
           vehement
           and
           Importunate
           insinuations
           of
           the
           World
           in
           these
           things
           ,
           to
           have
           an
           entertainment
           in
           the
           Minds
           of
           Professors
           ,
           this
           Labour
           will
           not
           be
           Lost.
           But
           things
           are
           come
           to
           that
           pass
           amongst
           us
           ,
           that
           unless
           a
           more
           than
           ordinary
           vigorous
           Exercise
           of
           the
           Ministry
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           with
           other
           meanes
           appointed
           unto
           the
           same
           end
           
           be
           ingag'd
           in
           ,
           to
           recall
           Professors
           ,
           unto
           that
           strict
           Mortification
           ,
           that
           Sincerity
           of
           Conversation
           ,
           that
           seperation
           from
           the
           ways
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           Heavenly
           Mindedness
           ,
           that
           Delight
           in
           the
           Contemplation
           of
           Spiritual
           things
           ,
           which
           the
           Gospel
           and
           the
           whole
           Nature
           of
           Christian
           Religion
           do
           require
           ,
           we
           shall
           loose
           the
           Glory
           of
           our
           Profession
           ,
           and
           leave
           it
           very
           uncertain
           what
           will
           be
           our
           Eternal
           Condition
           .
           The
           same
           may
           be
           spoken
           concerning
           
             Love
             of
             the
             World
          
           as
           unto
           the
           Advantages
           and
           Emoluments
           which
           Men
           trust
           to
           attain
           unto
           themselves
           thereby
           .
           This
           is
           that
           wi●h
           renders
           Men
           Earthly
           Minded
           ,
           and
           most
           remote
           from
           having
           their
           
             Conversations
             above
          
           .
           In
           the
           pursuit
           of
           this
           Corrupt
           Affection
           do
           many
           Professors
           of
           Religion
           ,
           grow
           withering
           ,
           useless
           ,
           sapless
           ,
           giving
           no
           Evidence
           that
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           abideth
           in
           them
           .
           On
           these
           and
           many
           other
           accounts
           ,
           do
           many
           ,
           Christians
           evidence
           themselves
           to
           be
           strangers
           from
           
             Spiritual
             Mindedness
          
           ,
           from
           a
           Life
           of
           Meditation
           and
           Holy
           Contemplation
           on
           things
           above
           ;
           Yet
           unless
           we
           are
           found
           in
           these
           things
           in
           some
           Good
           Measure
           no
           Grace
           will
           thrive
           or
           Flourish
           in
           us
           ;
           No
           Duty
           will
           be
           rightly
           Performed
           by
           us
           ,
           no
           Condition
           Sanctified
           or
           Improved
           ,
           nor
           are
           we
           Prepar'd
           ,
           in
           a
           due
           manner
           ,
           or
           
             made
             meet
             for
             the
             Inheritance
             of
             the
             Saints
             in
             Light.
          
           Wherfore
           as
           was
           said
           ,
           to
           direct
           and
           provoke
           Men
           ,
           unto
           that
           which
           is
           the
           only
           remedy
           of
           all
           these
           Evils
           which
           alone
           is
           the
           meanes
           of
           giving
           them
           a
           view
           ,
           into
           ,
           and
           a
           fore
           tast
           of
           Eternal
           Glory
           ;
           Especially
           unto
           such
           who
           are
           in
           my
           own
           Condition
           ,
           namely
           in
           a
           very
           neer
           approach
           unto
           a
           Departure
           out
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           is
           the
           Design
           and
           Scope
           of
           the
           ensuing
           Discourse
           ;
           wi●h
           is
           recommended
           unto
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           for
           the
           benefit
           of
           the
           Reader
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
           
           
             
               ROM
               .
               viii
               .
               6.
               
            
             
               —
               But
               to
               be
               Spiritually
               minded
               is
               Life
               and
               Peace
               .
            
          
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             
          
           
             
               The
               Words
               of
               the
               Text
               explained
               .
            
          
           
             THE
             Expression
             in
             our
             Translation
             sounds
             differently
             from
             that
             in
             the
             Original
             .
             To
             be
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             say
             we
             .
             In
             the
             Original
             it
             is
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ;
             as
             that
             in
             the
             former
             part
             of
             the
             Verse
             is
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ;
             which
             we
             render
             to
             be
             
               carnally
               minded
            
             .
             In
             the
             Margin
             we
             read
             ,
             the
             
               minding
               of
               the
               Flesh
            
             and
             the
             
               minding
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             .
             And
             there
             is
             great
             Variety
             in
             the
             rendring
             of
             the
             words
             in
             all
             Translations
             both
             ancient
             and
             modern
             .
             
               Prudentia
               ,
               Sapientia
               ,
               Intelligentia
               ,
               Mens
               ,
               Cogitatio
               ,
               Discretio
               ,
               id
               quod
               Spiritus
               sapit
               ;
               the
               Wisdom
               ,
               the
               Vnderstanding
               ,
               the
               Mind
               ,
               the
               Thought
               or
               Contrivance
               ,
               the
               Discretion
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               that
               which
               the
               Spirit
               savoureth
               ,
            
             are
             used
             to
             express
             it
             .
             All
             our
             
               English
               Translations
            
             from
             Tindals
             the
             first
             of
             them
             ,
             have
             constantly
             used
             ,
             to
             be
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             .
             Neither
             do
             I
             know
             any
             words
             whereby
             the
             Emphasis
             of
             the
             Original
             ,
             considering
             the
             design
             of
             the
             Apostle
             in
             the
             place
             can
             be
             better
             expressed
             .
             But
             the
             Meaning
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             in
             them
             must
             be
             further
             enquired
             into
             .
          
           
           
             In
             the
             whole
             Verse
             there
             are
             two
             entire
             Propositions
             containing
             a
             double
             Antithesis
             ,
             the
             
               one
               in
               their
               Subjects
               ,
               the
               other
               in
               their
               Predicates
               .
            
             And
             this
             Opposition
             is
             the
             highest
             and
             greatest
             that
             is
             beneath
             eternal
             Blessedness
             ,
             and
             Eternal
             Ruine
             .
          
           
             The
             Opposite
             Subjects
             ,
             are
             the
             
               minding
               of
               the
               Flesh
               ,
               and
               the
               minding
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             ;
             or
             the
             being
             
               carnally
               minded
            
             ,
             and
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             .
             And
             these
             two
             ,
             do
             constitute
             two
             States
             of
             Mankind
             ,
             unto
             the
             One
             of
             which
             every
             individual
             Person
             in
             the
             World
             doth
             belong
             .
             And
             it
             is
             of
             the
             highest
             Concernment
             unto
             the
             Souls
             of
             men
             ,
             to
             know
             whetherof
             them
             they
             appertain
             unto
             .
             As
             unto
             the
             Qualities
             expressed
             by
             the
             Flesh
             and
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             there
             may
             be
             a
             
               mixture
               of
               them
            
             in
             the
             same
             Persons
             at
             the
             same
             time
             ;
             there
             is
             so
             in
             all
             that
             are
             Regenerate
             .
             For
             in
             them
             
               the
               Flesh
               lusteth
               against
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               the
               Spirit
               lusteth
               against
               the
               Flesh
               ,
               and
               these
               are
               contrary
               ,
            
             Gal.
             5.17
             .
             Thus
             different
             contrary
             actings
             in
             the
             
               same
               Subject
            
             constitute
             not
             distinct
             States
             ▪
             But
             where
             either
             of
             them
             is
             predominant
             or
             hath
             a
             prevalent
             Rule
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             there
             it
             makes
             a
             different
             State.
             This
             Distinction
             of
             States
             ,
             the
             Apostle
             expresseth
             v.
             9.
             
             
               But
               ye
               are
               not
               in
               the
               Fesh
               ,
               but
               in
               the
               Spirit
               .
            
             Some
             are
             
               in
               the
               flesh
            
             ;
             and
             cannot
             please
             God
             ,
             v.
             8.
             
             They
             
               are
               after
               the
               flesh
            
             ,
             v.
             5.
             they
             walk
             after
             the
             flesh
             ,
             v.
             1.
             they
             live
             after
             the
             flesh
             ,
             v.
             13.
             
             This
             is
             one
             State.
             Others
             
               are
               in
               the
               Spirit
            
             ,
             v.
             9.
             after
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             v.
             5.
             walk
             after
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             v.
             1.
             
             This
             is
             the
             other
             State.
             The
             first
             sort
             are
             
               carnally
               minded
            
             ,
             the
             other
             are
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             .
             Unto
             One
             of
             these
             doth
             every
             living
             Man
             belong
             ,
             he
             is
             under
             the
             ruling
             Conduct
             of
             the
             Flesh
             or
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ;
             there
             is
             no
             middle
             state
             ;
             though
             there
             are
             different
             Degrees
             in
             each
             of
             these
             as
             to
             Good
             and
             Evil.
             
          
           
             The
             Difference
             between
             these
             two
             States
             is
             great
             ,
             and
             the
             distance
             in
             a
             manner
             infinite
             ,
             because
             an
             Eternity
             in
             Blessedness
             or
             Misery
             doth
             depend
             upon
             it
             .
             And
             this
             at
             present
             is
             evidenced
             by
             the
             different
             Fruits
             and
             Effects
             of
             the
             Principles
             and
             their
             Operations
             which
             constitute
             these
             
             different
             States
             ;
             which
             is
             expressed
             in
             the
             Opposition
             that
             is
             between
             the
             Predicates
             of
             the
             Proposition
             ;
             For
             the
             
               minding
               of
               the
               Flesh
               is
               death
            
             ;
             but
             the
             
               minding
               of
               the
               Spirit
               is
               Life
               and
               Peace
               .
            
          
           
             I.
             To
             be
             
               carnally
               minded
               is
               death
            
             .
             Death
             as
             it
             is
             absolutely
             poenal
             ,
             is
             either
             Spiritual
             or
             Eternal
             .
             The
             first
             of
             these
             it
             is
             formally
             ,
             the
             other
             meritoriously
             .
             It
             is
             formally
             death
             spiritual
             ;
             
               for
               they
               that
               are
               carnally
               minded
               ,
               are
               dead
               in
               Trespasses
               and
               Sins
               ,
            
             Eph.
             2.1
             .
             
               For
               those
               who
               fulfill
               the
               desires
               of
               the
               flesh
               and
               of
               the
               mind
               ,
               are
               by
               nature
               Children
               of
               wrath
               ,
            
             v.
             3.
             are
             penally
             under
             the
             power
             of
             spiritual
             death
             .
             
               They
               are
               dead
               in
               sins
               and
               the
               uncircumcision
               of
               the
               flesh
               ,
            
             Col.
             2.13
             .
             And
             
               it
               is
               death
               eternal
               ,
               Meritoriously
               .
               For
               if
               ye
               live
               after
               the
               flesh
               ye
               shall
               dye
               ,
            
             Rom.
             8.13
             .
             as
             the
             
               Wages
               of
               Sin
               is
               death
            
             ,
             Chap.
             6.23
             .
          
           
             The
             Reason
             why
             the
             Apostle
             denounces
             so
             woful
             a
             doom
             ,
             so
             dreadful
             a
             Sentence
             on
             the
             
               carnal
               mind
            
             ,
             he
             declares
             in
             the
             two
             next
             Verses
             .
             
               For
               the
               carnal
               mind
               is
               Enmity
               against
               God
               ;
               for
               it
               is
               not
               subject
               unto
               the
               Law
               of
               God
               ,
               nor
               indeed
               can
               be
               ;
               so
               then
               they
               that
               are
               in
               the
               flesh
               cannot
               please
               God.
            
             If
             it
             be
             thus
             with
             the
             
               Carnal
               mind
            
             ,
             it
             is
             no
             wonder
             that
             to
             be
             carnally
             minded
             is
             death
             ;
             it
             is
             not
             meet
             it
             should
             be
             any
             thing
             else
             .
             That
             which
             is
             Enmity
             against
             God
             ,
             is
             under
             the
             Curse
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             In
             Opposition
             hereunto
             it
             is
             affirmed
             ,
             that
             to
             be
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             or
             the
             minding
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             is
             
               life
               and
               peace
            
             .
             And
             these
             are
             the
             things
             which
             we
             are
             particularly
             to
             enquire
             into
             ;
             Namely
             ,
             What
             is
             this
             
               minding
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             ;
             and
             then
             How
             it
             is
             
               Life
               and
               Peace
            
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             Spirit
             in
             this
             Context
             is
             evidently
             used
             in
             a
             double
             sence
             ,
             as
             is
             usual
             where
             both
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             himself
             and
             his
             Work
             on
             the
             Souls
             of
             men
             ,
             are
             related
             unto
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             The
             
               Person
               of
               the
               Spirit
               of
               God
            
             himself
             ,
             or
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             is
             intended
             by
             it
             ,
             v.
             9.
             
             
               If
               so
               be
               that
               the
               Spirit
               of
               God
               dwelleth
               in
               you
               .
            
             And
             so
             also
             v.
             11.
             
             
               The
               Spirit
               of
               him
               that
               raised
               up
               Jesus
               from
               the
               dead
               .
            
             He
             is
             spoken
             of
             as
             the
             principal
             
             efficient
             Cause
             of
             all
             the
             spiritual
             Mercies
             and
             Benefits
             here
             and
             afterwards
             insisted
             on
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             It
             is
             used
             for
             the
             
               Principle
               of
               spiritual
               Life
            
             wrought
             in
             all
             that
             are
             regenerate
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             .
             
               For
               that
               which
               is
               born
               of
               the
               Spirit
               is
               Spirit
               ,
            
             Joh.
             3.6
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             most
             probable
             that
             the
             
               name
               Spirit
            
             is
             here
             used
             in
             the
             
               latter
               sense
            
             ,
             not
             for
             the
             Spirit-himself
             ,
             but
             for
             that
             which
             is
             
               born
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             ,
             the
             Principle
             of
             spiritual
             Life
             in
             them
             that
             are
             born
             of
             God.
             For
             it
             is
             in
             its
             Nature
             ,
             Actings
             ,
             Inclinations
             ,
             and
             Operations
             opposed
             unto
             the
             
               flesh
               ,
               v.
            
             1.4
             ,
             5
             ;
             But
             the
             Flesh
             here
             intended
             is
             that
             inherent
             corrupt
             Principle
             of
             Depraved
             Nature
             ,
             whence
             all
             evil
             Actions
             do
             proceed
             ,
             and
             wherewith
             the
             Actions
             of
             all
             Evil
             Men
             are
             vitiated
             .
             The
             Opposition
             between
             them
             is
             the
             same
             with
             that
             mentioned
             and
             declared
             by
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             Gal.
             5.17
             ,
             18
             ,
             &c.
             
             Wherefore
             the
             Spirit
             in
             this
             Place
             is
             the
             
               holy
               vital
               Principle
               of
               new
               Obedience
               wrought
               in
               the
               Souls
               of
               Believers
               by
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
               enabling
               them
               to
               live
               unto
               God.
               
            
          
           
             2.
             
             Unto
             this
             Spirit
             there
             is
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ascribed
             ,
             which
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             intimated
             ,
             is
             translated
             with
             great
             Variety
             .
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             is
             the
             principal
             Power
             and
             Act
             of
             the
             mind
             .
             It
             is
             its
             Light
             ,
             Wisdom
             ,
             Prudence
             ,
             Knowledge
             ,
             Understanding
             and
             Discretion
             .
             It
             is
             not
             so
             with
             respect
             unto
             Speculation
             ,
             or
             Ratiocination
             meerly
             ;
             which
             is
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             or
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             But
             this
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             is
             its
             Power
             as
             it
             is
             practical
             ,
             including
             the
             habitual
             frame
             and
             Inclination
             of
             the
             Affections
             also
             .
             It
             is
             its
             faculty
             to
             conceive
             of
             things
             with
             a
             delight
             in
             them
             and
             adherence
             unto
             them
             ,
             from
             that
             suitableness
             which
             it
             finds
             in
             them
             unto
             all
             its
             Affections
             .
             Hence
             we
             translate
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             sometimes
             to
             think
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             to
             conceive
             and
             judge
             ,
             Rom.
             12.3
             .
             Sometimes
             to
             
               set
               the
               Affections
            
             ,
             Col.
             3.2
             .
             to
             have
             such
             an
             Apprehension
             of
             things
             as
             to
             cleave
             unto
             them
             with
             our
             Affections
             .
             Sometimes
             to
             mind
             ;
             
               to
               mind
               earthly
               things
            
             ,
             Phil.
             3.19
             .
             which
             includeth
             that
             relish
             and
             savour
             which
             the
             mind
             finds
             in
             the
             things
             it
             is
             fixed
             on
             .
             No
             where
             doth
             
             it
             design
             a
             Notional
             Conception
             of
             things
             only
             ;
             but
             principally
             the
             engagement
             of
             the
             Affections
             unto
             the
             things
             which
             the
             mind
             apprehends
             .
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             the
             word
             here
             used
             ,
             expresseth
             the
             
               actual
               exercise
            
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             of
             the
             Power
             of
             the
             mind
             before
             described
             .
             Wherefore
             the
             
               minding
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               is
               the
               actual
               exercise
               of
               the
               mind
               as
               renewed
               by
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
               as
               furnished
               with
               a
               principle
               of
               spiritual
               life
               and
               light
               in
               its
               conception
               of
               spiritual
               things
               ,
               and
               the
               setting
               of
               its
               Affections
               on
               them
               ,
               as
               finding
               that
               relish
               and
               savour
               in
               them
               ,
               wherewith
               it
               is
               pleased
               and
               satisfied
               .
            
          
           
             And
             something
             we
             must
             yet
             further
             observe
             ,
             to
             give
             light
             unto
             this
             Description
             of
             the
             
               minding
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             as
             it
             is
             here
             spoken
             of
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             It
             is
             not
             spoken
             of
             absolutely
             as
             unto
             what
             it
             is
             in
             it self
             ,
             but
             with
             respect
             unto
             its
             Power
             and
             Prevalency
             in
             us
             ;
             significantly
             rendred
             ,
             to
             be
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             to
             have
             the
             
               mind
               changed
            
             and
             renewed
             by
             a
             Principle
             of
             spiritual
             Life
             and
             Light
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             be
             continually
             acted
             and
             influenced
             thereby
             unto
             thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             of
             spiritual
             things
             ,
             from
             the
             Affections
             cleaving
             unto
             them
             with
             delight
             and
             satisfaction
             .
             So
             on
             the
             contrary
             it
             is
             ,
             when
             Men
             mind
             earthly
             things
             .
             From
             a
             Principle
             of
             love
             unto
             them
             ,
             arising
             from
             their
             suitableness
             unto
             their
             corrupt
             Affections
             ,
             their
             Thoughts
             ,
             Meditations
             and
             Desires
             are
             continually
             engaged
             about
             them
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             Three
             things
             may
             be
             distinguished
             in
             the
             great
             Duty
             of
             being
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             under
             which
             Notion
             it
             is
             here
             recommended
             unto
             us
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             
               The
               actual
               exercise
               of
               the
               Mind
               in
               its
               thoughts
               ,
            
             Meditations
             and
             desires
             about
             things
             spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             .
             So
             is
             it
             expressed
             in
             the
             Verse
             foregoing
             .
             They
             that
             are
             after
             the
             flesh
             ,
             do
             
               mind
               the
               things
               of
               the
               flesh
            
             ;
             they
             think
             on
             them
             ,
             their
             contrivances
             are
             about
             them
             ,
             and
             their
             desires
             after
             them
             .
             But
             they
             that
             
               are
               after
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               the
               things
               of
               the
               Spirit
               .
            
             They
             mind
             them
             by
             fixing
             their
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             upon
             them
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             The
             Inclination
             ,
             Disposition
             and
             frame
             of
             the
             mind
             ,
             in
             all
             its
             Affections
             whereby
             it
             adheres
             and
             cleaves
             unto
             spiritual
             things
             .
             This
             minding
             of
             the
             Spirit
             resides
             habitually
             in
             the
             Affections
             .
             Wherefore
             the
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             or
             the
             mind
             as
             renewed
             and
             acted
             by
             a
             
               spiritual
               Principle
               of
               light
               and
               life
               ,
            
             is
             the
             Exercise
             of
             its
             Thoughts
             ,
             Meditations
             and
             desires
             on
             spiritual
             things
             ,
             proceeding
             from
             the
             Love
             and
             delight
             of
             its
             Affections
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             engagement
             unto
             them
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             A
             
               Complacency
               of
               mind
            
             from
             that
             Gust
             ,
             Relish
             and
             Savour
             which
             it
             finds
             in
             spiritual
             things
             ,
             from
             their
             suitableness
             unto
             its
             Constitution
             ,
             Inclinations
             and
             desires
             .
             There
             is
             a
             Salt
             in
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             whereby
             they
             are
             condited
             and
             made
             savoury
             unto
             a
             renewed
             Mind
             ;
             though
             to
             others
             they
             are
             as
             the
             
               White
               of
               an
               Egge
            
             ,
             that
             hath
             no
             taste
             or
             savour
             in
             it
             .
             In
             this
             
               Gust
               and
               Relish
            
             lyes
             the
             sweetness
             and
             satisfaction
             of
             spiritual
             Life
             .
             Speculative
             Notions
             about
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             alone
             are
             drye
             ,
             sapless
             and
             barren
             .
             In
             this
             Gust
             we
             taste
             by
             Experience
             that
             God
             is
             Gracious
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             Love
             of
             Christ
             is
             better
             than
             Wine
             ,
             or
             whatever
             else
             hath
             the
             most
             grateful
             relish
             unto
             a
             sensual
             Appetite
             .
             This
             is
             the
             proper
             Foundation
             of
             the
             Joy
             
               which
               is
               unspeakable
               and
               full
               of
               Glory
               .
            
          
           
             All
             these
             things
             do
             concurr
             in
             the
             
               minding
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             ,
             or
             to
             constitute
             any
             Person
             spiritually
             minded
             .
             And
             although
             the
             Foundation
             of
             the
             whole
             Duty
             included
             in
             it
             ,
             lyes
             in
             the
             Affections
             ,
             and
             their
             immediate
             Adherence
             unto
             spiritual
             things
             ,
             whence
             the
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             of
             the
             mind
             about
             them
             do
             proceed
             ,
             yet
             I
             shall
             treat
             of
             the
             distinct
             Parts
             of
             this
             Duty
             in
             the
             Order
             layd
             down
             ,
             beginning
             with
             the
             Exercise
             of
             our
             
               Thoughts
               and
               Meditations
            
             about
             them
             .
             For
             they
             being
             the
             first
             genuine
             Actings
             of
             the
             Mind
             ,
             according
             unto
             the
             Prevalency
             of
             Affections
             in
             it
             ,
             they
             will
             make
             the
             best
             and
             most
             evident
             discovery
             of
             what
             nature
             the
             Spring
             is
             from
             whence
             they
             do
             arise
             .
             And
             I
             shall
             not
             need
             to
             speak
             distinctly
             unto
             what
             is
             mentioned
             in
             the
             
             third
             place
             ,
             concerning
             the
             Complacency
             of
             the
             Mind
             in
             what
             its
             Affections
             are
             fixed
             on
             ,
             for
             it
             will
             fall
             in
             with
             sundry
             other
             things
             that
             are
             to
             be
             spoken
             unto
             .
          
           
             But
             before
             we
             do
             proceed
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             amiss
             ,
             as
             I
             suppose
             ,
             to
             put
             a
             remark
             upon
             those
             important
             Truths
             ,
             which
             are
             directly
             contained
             in
             the
             Words
             ,
             proposed
             as
             the
             Foundation
             of
             the
             present
             Discourse
             .
             As
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             
               To
               be
               spiritually
               minded
               is
               the
               great
               distinguishing
               Character
               of
               true
               Believers
               from
               all
               Vnregenerate
               Persons
               .
            
             As
             such
             ,
             is
             it
             here
             asserted
             by
             the
             Apostle
             .
             All
             those
             who
             are
             
               carnally
               minded
            
             ,
             who
             are
             in
             the
             flesh
             ,
             they
             are
             unregenerate
             ,
             they
             are
             not
             born
             of
             God
             ,
             they
             please
             him
             not
             ,
             nor
             can
             do
             so
             ,
             but
             must
             perish
             for
             ever
             .
             But
             those
             who
             are
             
               spiritually
               minded
               ,
               are
               born
               of
               God
               ,
            
             do
             live
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             shall
             come
             to
             the
             Enjoyment
             of
             him
             .
             Hereon
             depends
             the
             Trial
             and
             Determination
             of
             what
             State
             we
             do
             belong
             unto
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               Where
               any
               are
               Spiritually
               minded
               ,
               there
               and
               there
               alone
               is
               Life
               and
               Peace
               .
            
             What
             these
             are
             ,
             wherein
             they
             do
             consist
             ,
             what
             is
             their
             Excellency
             and
             Preheminence
             above
             all
             things
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             how
             they
             are
             the
             Effects
             and
             Consequents
             of
             our
             being
             spiritually
             minded
             ,
             shall
             be
             afterwards
             declared
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             neither
             of
             these
             Considerations
             ,
             but
             is
             sufficient
             to
             demonstrate
             of
             how
             great
             Concernment
             unto
             us
             it
             is
             to
             be
             spiritually
             minded
             ,
             and
             diligently
             to
             enquire
             whether
             we
             are
             so
             or
             no.
             
          
           
             It
             will
             therefore
             be
             no
             small
             Advantage
             unto
             us
             ,
             to
             have
             our
             Souls
             and
             Consciences
             alwayes
             affected
             with
             ,
             and
             in
             due
             Subjection
             unto
             the
             Power
             of
             this
             Truth
             ;
             Namely
             ,
             that
             to
             be
             
               spiritually
               minded
               is
               Life
               and
               Peace
            
             ;
             whence
             it
             will
             follow
             ,
             that
             whatever
             we
             may
             think
             otherwise
             ,
             if
             we
             are
             not
             so
             ,
             we
             have
             neither
             of
             them
             ,
             neither
             Life
             nor
             Peace
             .
             It
             will
             ,
             I
             say
             ,
             be
             of
             use
             unto
             us
             ,
             if
             we
             are
             affected
             with
             the
             Power
             of
             it
             .
             For
             many
             greatly
             deceive
             themselves
             in
             hearing
             the
             Word
             .
             They
             admit
             of
             Sacred
             Truths
             in
             their
             Understanding
             ,
             
             and
             assent
             unto
             them
             ;
             but
             take
             not
             in
             the
             Power
             of
             them
             on
             their
             Consciences
             ,
             nor
             strictly
             judge
             of
             their
             State
             and
             Condition
             by
             them
             ,
             which
             proves
             their
             Ruine
             .
             For
             hereby
             they
             seem
             to
             themselves
             to
             believe
             ,
             that
             whereof
             in
             truth
             they
             believe
             not
             one
             Syllable
             as
             they
             ought
             .
             They
             hear
             it
             ,
             they
             understand
             it
             in
             the
             Notion
             of
             it
             ,
             they
             assent
             unto
             it
             ,
             at
             least
             they
             do
             not
             contradict
             it
             ,
             yea
             they
             commend
             it
             oftentimes
             and
             approve
             of
             it
             .
             But
             yet
             they
             believe
             it
             not
             .
             For
             if
             they
             did
             ,
             they
             would
             judge
             themselves
             by
             it
             ,
             and
             reckon
             on
             it
             ,
             that
             it
             will
             be
             with
             them
             at
             the
             last
             day
             ,
             according
             as
             things
             are
             determined
             therein
             .
          
           
             Or
             such
             Persons
             are
             as
             the
             Apostle
             James
             declares
             ,
             
               like
               a
               man
               beholding
               his
               natural
               face
               in
               a
               Glass
               ;
               for
               he
               beholdeth
               himself
               and
               goeth
               his
               ways
               ,
               and
               straightway
               forgetteth
               what
               manner
               of
               man
               he
               was
               ,
            
             Jam.
             1.23
             ,
             24.
             
             There
             is
             a
             Representation
             made
             of
             them
             ,
             their
             State
             and
             Condition
             unto
             them
             in
             the
             Word
             ;
             they
             behold
             it
             ,
             and
             conclude
             that
             it
             is
             even
             so
             with
             them
             ,
             as
             the
             Word
             doth
             declare
             .
             But
             immediately
             their
             minds
             are
             filled
             with
             other
             thoughts
             ,
             acted
             by
             other
             Affections
             ,
             taken
             up
             with
             other
             Occasions
             ,
             and
             they
             forget
             in
             a
             moment
             the
             Representation
             made
             of
             themselves
             and
             their
             Condition
             .
             Wherefore
             all
             that
             I
             have
             to
             offer
             on
             this
             Subject
             will
             be
             utterly
             lost
             ,
             unless
             a
             firm
             perswasion
             hereof
             be
             fixed
             on
             our
             minds
             ,
             unless
             we
             are
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             it
             ,
             
               that
               to
               be
               spiritually
               minded
               is
               life
               and
               peace
            
             ;
             so
             that
             whatever
             our
             Light
             and
             Profession
             be
             ,
             our
             Knowledge
             or
             our
             Duty
             ,
             without
             this
             we
             have
             indeed
             no
             real
             Interest
             in
             Life
             and
             Peace
             .
          
           
             These
             things
             being
             premised
             ,
             I
             shall
             more
             practically
             open
             the
             Nature
             of
             this
             Duty
             ,
             and
             what
             is
             required
             unto
             this
             frame
             of
             spirit
             .
             To
             be
             Spiritually
             minded
             may
             be
             considered
             either
             as
             unto
             the
             
               Nature
               and
               Essence
            
             of
             it
             ,
             or
             as
             unto
             its
             Degrees
             ;
             for
             one
             may
             be
             so
             more
             than
             another
             ,
             or
             the
             same
             Person
             may
             be
             more
             so
             at
             one
             time
             than
             another
             .
             In
             the
             first
             way
             it
             is
             opposed
             unto
             being
             carnally
             minded
             ,
             in
             the
             other
             unto
             being
             earthly
             minded
             .
          
           
           
             To
             be
             
               carnally
               minded
            
             is
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             speaks
             ,
             Death
             ,
             it
             is
             so
             every
             way
             ;
             and
             they
             who
             are
             so
             ,
             are
             dead
             in
             trespasses
             and
             sins
             .
             This
             is
             opposed
             unto
             being
             Spiritually
             minded
             as
             unto
             its
             Nature
             or
             Essence
             .
             Where
             a
             man
             as
             unto
             the
             Substance
             and
             Being
             of
             the
             Grace
             and
             Duty
             intended
             is
             not
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             he
             is
             carnally
             minded
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             under
             the
             power
             of
             Death
             spiritual
             ,
             and
             obnoxious
             unto
             death
             Eternal
             .
             This
             is
             the
             principal
             Foundation
             we
             proceed
             upon
             ;
             whence
             we
             demonstrate
             the
             indispensible
             necessity
             of
             the
             frame
             of
             mind
             enquired
             after
             .
          
           
             There
             are
             two
             ways
             wherein
             Men
             are
             Earthly-minded
             .
             The
             one
             is
             absolute
             ,
             when
             the
             love
             of
             earthly
             things
             is
             wholly
             predominant
             in
             the
             mind
             .
             This
             is
             not
             formally
             and
             properly
             to
             be
             
               carnally
               minded
            
             ,
             which
             is
             of
             a
             larger
             extent
             .
             The
             one
             Denomination
             is
             from
             the
             Root
             and
             Principle
             ,
             namely
             ,
             the
             Flesh
             ;
             the
             other
             from
             the
             Object
             ,
             or
             the
             things
             of
             the
             Earth
             .
             The
             latter
             is
             a
             branch
             from
             the
             former
             ,
             as
             its
             root
             .
             To
             be
             
               earthly
               minded
            
             ,
             is
             an
             operation
             and
             effect
             of
             the
             
               carnal
               mind
            
             in
             one
             especial
             way
             and
             Instance
             .
             And
             it
             is
             as
             exclusive
             of
             Life
             and
             Salvation
             as
             the
             
               Carnal
               mind
            
             it self
             ,
             Phil.
             3.19
             .
             1
             Joh.
             2.16
             .
             This
             therefore
             is
             opposed
             unto
             the
             Being
             of
             Spiritual
             mindedness
             ,
             no
             less
             than
             to
             be
             carnally
             minded
             ,
             is
             .
             When
             there
             is
             in
             any
             a
             Love
             of
             
               earthly
               things
            
             that
             is
             predominant
             ,
             whence
             a
             Person
             may
             be
             rightly
             denominated
             to
             be
             
               earthly
               minded
            
             ,
             he
             is
             not
             nor
             can
             be
             spiritually
             minded
             at
             all
             ;
             he
             hath
             no
             Interest
             in
             the
             frame
             of
             heart
             and
             Spirit
             intended
             thereby
             .
             And
             thus
             it
             is
             evidently
             with
             the
             greatest
             part
             of
             them
             who
             are
             called
             Christians
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             let
             them
             pretend
             what
             they
             will
             to
             the
             contrary
             .
          
           
             Again
             ;
             there
             is
             a
             being
             Earthly-minded
             ,
             which
             consists
             in
             an
             inordinate
             Affection
             unto
             the
             things
             of
             this
             World.
             It
             is
             that
             which
             is
             sinful
             ,
             which
             ought
             to
             be
             mortified
             ,
             yet
             is
             it
             not
             absolutely
             inconsistent
             with
             the
             Substance
             and
             Being
             of
             the
             Grace
             enquired
             after
             .
             Some
             who
             are
             really
             and
             truely
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             yet
             may
             ,
             for
             a
             time
             at
             least
             ,
             be
             under
             
             such
             an
             
               inordinate
               Affection
            
             unto
             ,
             and
             care
             about
             earthly
             things
             ,
             that
             if
             not
             absolutely
             ,
             yet
             comparatively
             ,
             as
             unto
             what
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             and
             might
             be
             ,
             they
             may
             be
             justly
             said
             to
             be
             
               earthly
               minded
            
             .
             They
             are
             so
             in
             respect
             of
             those
             degrees
             in
             being
             spiritually
             minded
             ,
             which
             they
             ought
             to
             aim
             at
             ,
             and
             may
             attain
             unto
             .
             And
             where
             it
             is
             thus
             ,
             this
             Grace
             can
             never
             thrive
             or
             flourish
             ,
             it
             can
             never
             advance
             unto
             any
             eminent
             degree
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             the
             Zoar
             of
             many
             Professors
             ;
             that
             
               little
               one
            
             wherein
             they
             would
             be
             spared
             .
             Such
             an
             earthly-mindedness
             as
             is
             wholly
             inconsistent
             with
             being
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             as
             unto
             the
             State
             and
             Condition
             which
             depends
             thereon
             ,
             they
             would
             avoid
             .
             For
             this
             they
             know
             would
             be
             absolutely
             exclusive
             of
             Life
             and
             Peace
             ;
             They
             cannot
             but
             know
             that
             such
             a
             frame
             is
             as
             inconsistent
             with
             Salvation
             ,
             as
             living
             in
             the
             vilest
             sin
             that
             any
             man
             can
             contract
             the
             Guilt
             of
             .
             There
             are
             more
             ways
             of
             Spiritual
             and
             Eternal
             death
             than
             one
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             of
             Natural
             .
             All
             that
             dye
             ,
             have
             not
             the
             Plague
             ;
             and
             all
             that
             perish
             eternally
             are
             not
             guilty
             of
             the
             same
             profligate
             sins
             .
             The
             Covetous
             are
             excluded
             from
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
             no
             less
             severely
             than
             
               Fornicators
               ,
               Idolaters
               ,
               Adulterers
            
             and
             Thieves
             ,
             1
             Cor.
             6.9
             ,
             10.
             
             But
             there
             is
             a
             Degree
             in
             being
             earthly
             minded
             ,
             which
             they
             suppose
             their
             Interest
             ,
             Advantages
             ,
             Relations
             and
             Occasions
             of
             life
             do
             call
             for
             ,
             which
             they
             would
             be
             a
             little
             indulged
             in
             ;
             They
             may
             abide
             in
             such
             a
             frame
             without
             a
             disparagement
             of
             their
             Profession
             .
             And
             the
             truth
             is
             ,
             they
             have
             too
             many
             companions
             to
             fear
             an
             especial
             Reflexion
             on
             themselves
             .
             The
             Multitude
             of
             the
             Guilty
             take
             away
             the
             sense
             and
             shame
             of
             the
             Guilt
             .
             But
             besides
             ,
             they
             hope
             well
             that
             it
             is
             not
             inconsistent
             absolutely
             with
             being
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             ;
             Only
             they
             cannot
             well
             deny
             but
             that
             it
             is
             contrary
             unto
             such
             degrees
             in
             that
             grace
             ,
             such
             thriving
             in
             that
             Duty
             ,
             as
             is
             recommended
             unto
             them
             .
             They
             think
             well
             of
             others
             who
             are
             Spiritually
             minded
             in
             an
             eminent
             degree
             .
             At
             least
             they
             do
             so
             as
             unto
             the
             thing
             it self
             in
             general
             ;
             for
             when
             they
             come
             unto
             particular
             Instances
             
             of
             this
             or
             that
             man
             ,
             for
             the
             most
             part
             ,
             they
             esteem
             what
             is
             beyond
             their
             own
             Measure
             to
             be
             little
             better
             than
             pretence
             .
             But
             in
             general
             to
             be
             Spiritually
             minded
             in
             an
             
               eminent
               degree
            
             ,
             they
             cannot
             but
             esteem
             it
             a
             thing
             excellent
             and
             desirable
             .
             But
             it
             is
             for
             them
             who
             are
             more
             at
             leasure
             than
             they
             are
             ;
             their
             Circumstances
             and
             Occasions
             require
             them
             to
             satisfie
             themselves
             with
             an
             inferior
             measure
             .
          
           
             To
             obviate
             such
             Pretences
             I
             shall
             insist
             on
             nothing
             in
             the
             Declaration
             of
             this
             Duty
             and
             the
             necessity
             of
             it
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             incumbent
             on
             all
             that
             believe
             ,
             and
             without
             which
             they
             have
             no
             Grounds
             to
             assure
             their
             Conscience
             before
             God.
             And
             at
             present
             in
             general
             I
             shall
             say
             ,
             
               Whoever
               he
               be
               ,
               who
               doth
               not
               sincerely
               aim
               at
               the
               highest
               degree
               of
               being
               spiritually
               minded
               ,
               which
               the
               means
               he
               enjoyeth
               would
               lead
               him
               unto
               ,
               and
               which
               the
               light
               he
               hath
               received
               doth
               call
               for
               ;
               who
               judgeth
               it
               necessary
               unto
               his
               present
               Advantages
               ,
               Occasions
               and
               Circumstances
               ,
               to
               rest
               in
               such
               measures
               or
               degrees
               of
               it
               ,
               as
               he
               cannot
               but
               know
               that
               they
               come
               short
               of
               what
               he
               ought
               to
               aim
               at
               ,
               and
               so
               doth
               not
               endeavor
               after
               Compleatness
               in
               the
               Will
               of
               God
               herein
               ,
               can
               have
               no
               satisfaction
               in
               his
               own
               mind
               ,
               hath
               no
               unfailing
               Grounds
               ,
               whereon
               to
               believe
               that
               he
               hath
               any
               thing
               at
               all
               of
               the
               Reality
               of
               this
               Grace
               in
               him
               .
            
             Such
             a
             Person
             possibly
             may
             have
             Life
             which
             accompanies
             the
             Essence
             of
             this
             Grace
             ,
             but
             he
             cannot
             have
             Peace
             which
             follows
             on
             its
             Degree
             in
             a
             due
             Improvement
             .
             And
             it
             is
             to
             be
             feared
             ,
             that
             far
             the
             greatest
             number
             of
             them
             who
             satisfie
             themselves
             in
             this
             Apprehension
             ,
             willingly
             neglecting
             an
             Endeavour
             after
             the
             further
             Degrees
             of
             this
             Grace
             ,
             and
             growth
             in
             this
             Duty
             ,
             which
             their
             Light
             or
             Convictions
             ,
             and
             the
             means
             they
             enjoy
             do
             suggest
             unto
             them
             ,
             are
             indeed
             
               carnally
               minded
            
             ,
             and
             every
             way
             obnoxious
             unto
             death
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             
          
           
             
               
                 A
                 particular
                 Account
                 of
                 the
                 Nature
                 of
                 this
                 Grace
                 and
                 Duty
                 of
                 being
                 Spiritually
                 minded
                 .
                 How
                 it
                 is
                 Stated
                 in
                 and
                 evidenced
                 by
                 our
                 Thoughts
                 .
              
            
          
           
             HAving
             Stated
             the
             
               General
               Concernments
            
             of
             that
             Frame
             of
             mind
             which
             is
             here
             recommended
             unto
             us
             ,
             we
             may
             proceed
             to
             enquire
             more
             particularly
             into
             the
             Nature
             of
             it
             ,
             according
             unto
             the
             Description
             before
             given
             ,
             in
             distinct
             Propositions
             .
             And
             we
             shall
             carry
             on
             
               both
               these
               Intentions
            
             together
             ;
             First
             ,
             to
             shew
             ,
             
               What
               it
               is
            
             ,
             and
             wherein
             it
             doth
             consist
             ;
             and
             then
             how
             it
             doth
             evidence
             it self
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             we
             may
             frame
             a
             right
             Judgment
             whether
             it
             be
             in
             us
             or
             no.
             And
             we
             shall
             have
             no
             regard
             unto
             them
             ,
             who
             either
             neglect
             or
             despise
             these
             things
             on
             any
             pretence
             whatever
             .
             For
             this
             is
             the
             Word
             according
             unto
             which
             we
             shall
             all
             shortly
             be
             Judged
             ;
             
               To
               be
               Carnally
               minded
               is
               Death
               ;
               but
               to
               be
               Spiritually
               minded
               is
               Life
               and
               Peace
               .
            
          
           
             
               Thoughts
               and
               Meditations
            
             as
             proceeding
             from
             spiritual
             Affections
             are
             the
             first
             things
             wherein
             this
             Spiritual
             mindedness
             doth
             consist
             ,
             and
             whereby
             it
             doth
             evidence
             it self
             .
             Our
             Thoughts
             are
             like
             the
             Blossoms
             on
             a
             Tree
             in
             the
             Spring
             .
             You
             may
             see
             a
             Tree
             in
             the
             Spring
             all
             covered
             with
             Blossoms
             that
             nothing
             else
             of
             it
             appears
             .
             Multitudes
             of
             them
             fall
             off
             and
             come
             to
             nothing
             .
             Oft-times
             where
             there
             are
             
               most
               Blossoms
            
             there
             is
             
               least
               fruit
            
             .
             But
             yet
             there
             is
             no
             fruit
             ,
             be
             it
             of
             what
             sort
             it
             will
             ,
             Good
             or
             Bad
             ,
             but
             it
             comes
             in
             and
             from
             some
             of
             those
             Blossoms
             .
             The
             mind
             of
             man
             is
             covered
             with
             Thoughts
             as
             a
             Tree
             with
             Blossoms
             .
             Most
             of
             them
             fall
             off
             ,
             vanish
             and
             come
             to
             nothing
             ,
             end
             in
             Vanity
             ;
             and
             sometimes
             
             where
             the
             mind
             doth
             most
             abound
             with
             them
             ,
             there
             is
             the
             least
             Fruit
             ;
             The
             Sap
             of
             the
             mind
             is
             wasted
             and
             consumed
             in
             them
             .
             Howbeit
             there
             is
             no
             Fruit
             which
             actually
             we
             bring
             forth
             ,
             be
             it
             good
             or
             bad
             ,
             but
             it
             proceeds
             from
             some
             of
             these
             Thoughts
             .
             Wherefore
             ordinarily
             these
             give
             the
             best
             and
             surest
             Measure
             of
             the
             Frame
             of
             mens
             minds
             .
             As
             a
             man
             
               Thinketh
               in
               his
               Heart
               ,
               so
               is
               he
               ;
               Pro.
            
             23.7
             .
             In
             case
             of
             strong
             or
             violent
             Temptations
             ,
             the
             real
             frame
             of
             a
             mans
             heart
             is
             not
             to
             be
             judged
             by
             the
             Multiplicity
             of
             Thoughts
             about
             any
             object
             .
             For
             whether
             they
             are
             from
             Satans
             Suggestions
             ,
             or
             from
             inward
             Darkness
             ,
             trouble
             and
             horror
             ,
             they
             will
             impose
             such
             a
             continual
             sense
             of
             themselves
             on
             the
             mind
             ,
             as
             shall
             engage
             all
             its
             thoughts
             about
             them
             .
             As
             when
             a
             man
             is
             in
             a
             Storm
             at
             Sea
             ,
             the
             current
             of
             his
             Thoughts
             runs
             quite
             another
             way
             ,
             than
             when
             he
             is
             in
             safety
             about
             his
             occasions
             .
             But
             ordinarily
             
               Voluntary
               Thoughts
            
             are
             the
             best
             measure
             and
             indication
             of
             the
             frame
             of
             our
             minds
             .
             As
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             Soil
             is
             judged
             by
             the
             Grass
             which
             it
             brings
             forth
             ;
             so
             may
             the
             disposition
             of
             the
             Heart
             by
             the
             predominancy
             of
             Voluntary
             thoughts
             .
             They
             are
             the
             original
             acting
             of
             the
             Soul
             ;
             the
             way
             whereby
             the
             Heart
             puts
             forth
             and
             empties
             the
             Treasure
             that
             is
             in
             it
             ;
             the
             waters
             that
             first
             rise
             and
             flow
             from
             the
             fountain
             .
             Every
             mans
             Heart
             is
             his
             Treasury
             ;
             and
             the
             Treasure
             that
             is
             in
             it
             ,
             is
             either
             Good
             or
             Evil
             ;
             as
             our
             Saviour
             tells
             us
             .
             There
             is
             a
             good
             and
             bad
             Treasure
             of
             the
             Heart
             ;
             but
             whatever
             a
             man
             hath
             ,
             be
             it
             good
             or
             evil
             ,
             there
             it
             is
             .
             This
             Treasure
             is
             opening
             ,
             emptying
             and
             spending
             it self
             continually
             ,
             though
             it
             can
             never
             be
             exhausted
             .
             For
             it
             hath
             a
             Fountain
             in
             Nature
             or
             Grace
             ,
             which
             no
             Expence
             can
             diminish
             ;
             yea
             it
             increaseth
             and
             getteth
             strength
             by
             it
             .
             The
             more
             you
             spend
             of
             the
             Treasure
             of
             your
             Hearts
             in
             any
             kind
             ,
             the
             more
             will
             you
             abound
             in
             Treasure
             of
             the
             same
             kind
             .
             Whether
             it
             be
             Good
             or
             Evil
             ,
             it
             grows
             by
             Expence
             and
             Exercise
             .
             And
             the
             principal
             way
             whereby
             
             it
             puts
             forth
             it self
             ,
             is
             by
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             the
             mind
             .
             If
             the
             Heart
             be
             Evil
             ,
             they
             are
             for
             the
             most
             part
             vain
             ,
             filthy
             ,
             corrupt
             ,
             wicked
             ,
             foolish
             ;
             If
             it
             be
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             a
             Principle
             of
             Grace
             ,
             and
             so
             have
             a
             
               good
               Treasure
            
             in
             it
             ,
             it
             puts
             forth
             it self
             by
             thoughts
             suitable
             unto
             its
             Nature
             ,
             and
             compliant
             with
             its
             inclinations
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             ,
             these
             Thoughts
             give
             the
             best
             measure
             of
             the
             frame
             of
             our
             Minds
             and
             Hearts
             .
             I
             mean
             such
             as
             are
             Voluntary
             ,
             such
             as
             the
             mind
             of
             its
             own
             accord
             is
             apt
             for
             ,
             inclines
             and
             ordinarily
             betakes
             it self
             unto
             .
             Men
             may
             have
             a
             multitude
             of
             Thoughts
             about
             the
             Affairs
             of
             their
             Callings
             and
             the
             Occasions
             of
             life
             ,
             which
             yet
             may
             give
             no
             due
             measure
             of
             the
             inward
             frame
             of
             their
             Hearts
             .
             So
             men
             whose
             calling
             and
             work
             it
             is
             to
             
               study
               the
               Scripture
            
             or
             the
             things
             revealed
             therein
             ,
             and
             to
             preach
             them
             unto
             others
             ;
             cannot
             but
             have
             many
             Thoughts
             about
             Spiritual
             things
             ;
             and
             yet
             may
             be
             ,
             and
             oftentimes
             are
             ,
             most
             remote
             from
             being
             spiritually
             minded
             .
             They
             may
             be
             
               forced
               by
               their
               Work
            
             and
             Calling
             to
             think
             of
             them
             early
             and
             late
             ,
             Evening
             and
             Morning
             ;
             and
             yet
             their
             Minds
             be
             no
             way
             rendred
             or
             proved
             Spiritual
             thereby
             .
             It
             were
             well
             if
             all
             of
             us
             who
             are
             Preachers
             would
             diligently
             examine
             our selves
             herein
             .
             So
             is
             it
             with
             them
             who
             oblige
             themselves
             to
             read
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             so
             many
             Chapters
             every
             day
             ;
             notwithstanding
             the
             diligent
             performance
             of
             their
             Task
             ,
             they
             may
             be
             most
             remote
             from
             being
             spiritually
             minded
             .
             See
             Ezek.
             33.31
             .
             But
             there
             is
             a
             certain
             Track
             and
             Course
             of
             Thoughts
             that
             men
             ordinarily
             betake
             themselves
             unto
             ,
             when
             not
             affected
             with
             present
             Occasions
             .
             If
             these
             be
             
               vain
               ,
               foolish
            
             ,
             Proud
             ,
             Ambitious
             ,
             sensual
             or
             filthy
             ,
             such
             is
             the
             mind
             and
             its
             frame
             .
             If
             they
             be
             Holy
             ,
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             ,
             such
             may
             the
             frame
             of
             the
             mind
             be
             judged
             to
             be
             .
             But
             these
             things
             must
             be
             more
             fully
             explained
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             the
             great
             Character
             and
             description
             of
             the
             frame
             of
             mens
             minds
             in
             an
             unregenerate
             Condition
             ,
             or
             before
             
             the
             Renovation
             of
             their
             Natures
             ,
             
               That
               every
               Imagination
               of
               the
               Thoughts
               of
               their
               Hearts
               are
               only
               evil
               continually
               ,
               Gen.
            
             6.5
             .
             They
             are
             continually
             coyning
             Figments
             and
             Imaginations
             in
             their
             Hearts
             ,
             stamping
             them
             into
             Thoughts
             that
             are
             vain
             ,
             foolish
             and
             wicked
             .
             All
             other
             Thoughts
             in
             them
             are
             occasional
             ;
             these
             are
             the
             natural
             ,
             genuine
             product
             of
             their
             Hearts
             .
             Hence
             the
             clearest
             and
             sometimes
             first
             discovery
             of
             the
             bottomless
             evil
             Treasure
             of
             filth
             ,
             folly
             and
             wickedness
             that
             is
             in
             the
             Heart
             of
             man
             by
             nature
             ,
             is
             from
             the
             innumerable
             multitude
             of
             evil
             Imaginations
             ,
             which
             are
             there
             coyned
             and
             thrust
             forth
             every
             day
             .
             So
             the
             wicked
             are
             said
             
               to
               be
               like
               the
               troubled
               Sea
               when
               it
               cannot
               rest
               ,
               whose
               waters
               cast
               up
               mire
               and
               dirt
               ;
               Isa.
            
             57.20
             .
             There
             is
             a
             fulness
             of
             evil
             in
             their
             Hearts
             ,
             like
             that
             of
             water
             in
             the
             Sea.
             This
             fulness
             is
             troubled
             or
             put
             into
             continual
             Motion
             by
             their
             Lusts
             and
             impetuous
             desires
             .
             Hence
             the
             mire
             and
             dirt
             of
             evil
             Thoughts
             are
             continually
             cast
             up
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             therefore
             evident
             that
             the
             Predominancy
             of
             
               Voluntary
               thoughts
            
             is
             the
             best
             and
             most
             sure
             indication
             of
             the
             inward
             frame
             and
             State
             of
             the
             mind
             .
             For
             if
             it
             be
             so
             on
             the
             one
             side
             as
             unto
             the
             
               Carnal
               mind
            
             ,
             it
             is
             so
             on
             the
             other
             as
             unto
             the
             Spiritual
             .
             Wherefore
             to
             be
             spiritually
             minded
             in
             the
             first
             place
             is
             ,
             to
             have
             the
             Course
             and
             Stream
             of
             those
             Thoughts
             which
             we
             ordinarily
             retreat
             unto
             ,
             which
             we
             approve
             of
             as
             suited
             unto
             our
             Affections
             ,
             to
             be
             about
             spiritual
             things
             .
             Therein
             consists
             the
             minding
             of
             the
             Spirit
             .
          
           
             But
             because
             all
             men
             ,
             unless
             horribly
             profligate
             ,
             have
             thoughts
             about
             spiritual
             things
             ,
             yet
             we
             know
             that
             all
             men
             are
             not
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             we
             must
             consider
             ,
             What
             is
             required
             unto
             such
             Thoughts
             ,
             to
             render
             them
             a
             certain
             Indication
             of
             the
             state
             of
             our
             minds
             .
             And
             there
             are
             these
             three
             things
             required
             hereunto
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             they
             be
             natural
             ,
             arising
             from
             our selves
             ,
             and
             not
             from
             outward
             occasions
             .
             The
             Psalmist
             mentions
             the
             
               inward
               
               thoughts
               of
               men
            
             ,
             Psal.
             49.11
             .
             &
             64.6
             .
             But
             whereas
             all
             thoughts
             are
             the
             inward
             Acts
             of
             the
             mind
             ,
             it
             should
             seem
             that
             this
             expression
             makes
             no
             distinction
             of
             the
             especial
             kind
             of
             Thoughts
             intended
             ,
             from
             those
             of
             another
             sort
             .
             But
             the
             difference
             is
             not
             in
             the
             formal
             Nature
             of
             them
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             Causes
             ,
             Springs
             and
             Occasions
             .
             
               Inward
               thoughts
            
             are
             such
             as
             arise
             meerly
             and
             solely
             from
             mens
             inward
             Principles
             ,
             Dispositions
             and
             Inclinations
             ,
             that
             are
             not
             suggested
             or
             excited
             by
             any
             outward
             Objects
             .
             Such
             in
             wicked
             men
             are
             those
             actings
             of
             their
             Lusts
             ,
             whereby
             they
             
               entice
               and
               seduce
               themselves
            
             ,
             Jam.
             1.14
             .
             Their
             Lusts
             stir
             up
             thoughts
             leading
             and
             encouraging
             them
             to
             make
             Provision
             for
             the
             flesh
             .
             These
             are
             their
             
               inward
               Thoughts
            
             .
             Of
             the
             same
             Nature
             are
             those
             thoughts
             which
             are
             the
             minding
             of
             the
             Spirit
             .
             They
             are
             the
             first
             natural
             egress
             and
             genuine
             acting
             of
             the
             habitual
             disposition
             of
             the
             Mind
             and
             Soul.
             
          
           
             Thus
             in
             Covetous
             men
             there
             are
             two
             sorts
             of
             thoughts
             ,
             whereby
             their
             Covetousness
             acts
             it self
             .
             First
             ;
             Such
             as
             are
             occasioned
             by
             outward
             Objects
             and
             Opportunities
             .
             So
             it
             was
             with
             
               Achan
               ;
               Josh.
            
             7.21
             .
             When
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               I
               saw
               among
               the
               Spoyls
               a
               goodly
               Babylonish
               Garment
               ,
               and
               two
               hundred
               Shekels
               of
               Silver
               ,
               and
               a
               Wedge
               of
               Gold
               ,
               then
               I
               coveted
               them
               .
            
             His
             sight
             of
             them
             with
             an
             Opportunity
             of
             possessing
             himself
             of
             them
             ,
             excited
             covetous
             thoughts
             and
             desires
             in
             him
             .
             So
             is
             it
             with
             others
             every
             day
             ,
             whose
             Occasions
             call
             them
             to
             converse
             with
             the
             Objects
             of
             their
             Lusts.
             And
             some
             by
             such
             Objects
             may
             be
             surprized
             into
             Thoughts
             that
             their
             minds
             are
             not
             habitually
             inclined
             unto
             .
             And
             therefore
             when
             they
             are
             known
             ,
             it
             is
             our
             duty
             to
             avoid
             them
             .
             But
             the
             same
             sort
             of
             Persons
             have
             thoughts
             of
             this
             nature
             arising
             from
             themselves
             only
             ,
             their
             own
             dispositions
             and
             inclinations
             ,
             without
             any
             outward
             Provocations
             .
             
               The
               vile
               Person
               will
               speak
               villany
               ,
               and
               his
               heart
               will
               work
               iniquity
               ,
            
             Isa.
             32.6
             .
             And
             this
             he
             doth
             as
             the
             
               liberal
               deviseth
               liberal
               things
               ,
               v.
            
             8.
             from
             his
             own
             disposition
             and
             inclination
             ,
             he
             is
             contriving
             in
             his
             thoughts
             how
             to
             act
             according
             to
             them
             .
             So
             
             the
             
               Vnclean
               Person
            
             hath
             two
             sorts
             of
             thoughts
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             satisfaction
             of
             his
             Lusts.
             First
             ,
             Such
             as
             are
             occasioned
             in
             his
             mind
             by
             the
             external
             Objects
             of
             it
             .
             Hereunto
             Stage-playes
             ,
             Revellings
             ,
             Dancings
             with
             the
             Society
             of
             bold
             Persons
             ,
             Persons
             of
             corrupt
             Communication
             do
             contribute
             their
             wicked
             Service
             .
             For
             the
             avoidance
             of
             this
             Snare
             ,
             Job
             made
             a
             Covenant
             with
             his
             Eyes
             ,
             Chap.
             31.1
             .
             And
             our
             Saviour
             gives
             that
             holy
             Declaration
             of
             the
             evil
             of
             it
             ,
             Mat.
             5.28
             .
             But
             he
             hath
             an
             
               habitual
               Spring
            
             of
             these
             thoughts
             in
             himself
             constantly
             enclining
             and
             disposing
             him
             thereunto
             .
             Hence
             the
             Apostle
             Peter
             tells
             us
             that
             such
             Persons
             
               have
               eyes
               full
               of
               an
               Adulteress
               ,
               that
               cannot
               cease
               from
               sin
               ,
            
             2
             Ep.
             2.14
             .
             Their
             own
             Affections
             make
             them
             restless
             in
             their
             thoughts
             and
             contrivances
             about
             sin
             .
             So
             is
             it
             with
             them
             who
             are
             given
             to
             excess
             in
             Wine
             or
             strong
             Drink
             .
             They
             have
             pleasing
             thoughts
             raised
             in
             them
             from
             the
             Object
             of
             their
             lust
             represented
             unto
             them
             .
             Hence
             Solomon
             gives
             that
             advice
             against
             the
             Occasion
             of
             them
             .
             Prov.
             23.31
             .
             But
             it
             is
             their
             own
             habitual
             disposition
             which
             carries
             them
             unto
             pleasing
             thoughts
             of
             the
             satisfaction
             of
             their
             Lusts
             ,
             which
             he
             describes
             ,
             v.
             34
             ,
             35.
             
             So
             is
             it
             in
             other
             Cases
             .
             The
             thoughts
             of
             this
             latter
             sort
             ,
             are
             mens
             inward
             thoughts
             ;
             and
             such
             must
             these
             be
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             whence
             we
             may
             be
             esteemed
             spiritually
             minded
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             45.1
             .
             Saith
             the
             Psalmist
             ,
             
               My
               Heart
               is
               enditing
               a
               good
               matter
               ;
               I
               speak
               of
               the
               things
               which
               I
               have
               made
               touching
               the
               King.
            
             He
             was
             meditating
             on
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             on
             the
             things
             of
             the
             Person
             and
             Kingdom
             of
             Christ.
             Hence
             his
             Heart
             
               bubbled
               up
            
             (
             as
             it
             is
             in
             the
             Original
             )
             a
             good
             matter
             .
             It
             is
             an
             Allusion
             taken
             from
             a
             quick
             Spring
             of
             living
             Waters
             ;
             From
             its
             own
             life
             and
             fulness
             it
             bubbles
             up
             the
             water
             that
             runs
             and
             flows
             from
             it
             .
             So
             is
             it
             with
             these
             thoughts
             in
             them
             that
             are
             Spiritually
             minded
             .
             There
             is
             a
             living
             fulness
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             in
             their
             minds
             and
             Affections
             ,
             that
             springeth
             up
             into
             holy
             thoughts
             about
             them
             .
          
           
             From
             hence
             doth
             our
             Saviour
             give
             us
             the
             great
             Description
             
             of
             Spiritual
             life
             .
             It
             is
             
               a
               Well
               of
               living
               Water
               springing
               up
               into
               everlasting
               life
               .
            
             Joh.
             4.12
             .
             The
             Spirit
             with
             his
             Graces
             residing
             in
             the
             Heart
             of
             a
             Believer
             ,
             are
             a
             
               Well
               of
               living
               Water
            
             .
             Nor
             is
             it
             such
             a
             Well
             as
             content
             with
             its
             own
             fulness
             doth
             not
             of
             its
             own
             accord
             without
             any
             Instrument
             or
             pains
             in
             drawing
             send
             out
             its
             refreshing
             waters
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             with
             most
             Wells
             though
             of
             living
             Water
             .
             For
             this
             is
             spoken
             by
             our
             Saviour
             in
             answer
             and
             opposition
             unto
             that
             Objection
             of
             the
             Woman
             ,
             upon
             this
             mention
             of
             giving
             living
             water
             ,
             v.
             10.
             
             Sir
             ,
             saith
             she
             ,
             
               thou
               hast
               nothing
               to
               draw
               ,
               and
               the
               Well
               is
               deep
               ,
               whence
               wilt
               thou
               have
               this
               Water
            
             ;
             V.
             11.
             
             True
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             such
             is
             the
             nature
             of
             this
             Well
             and
             Water
             ,
             dead
             earthly
             things
             .
             They
             are
             of
             no
             use
             unless
             we
             have
             Instruments
             ,
             Lines
             and
             Buckets
             to
             draw
             withall
             .
             But
             the
             living
             Water
             which
             I
             shall
             give
             is
             of
             another
             nature
             .
             It
             is
             not
             water
             to
             be
             kept
             in
             a
             Pit
             or
             Cistern
             without
             us
             ,
             whence
             it
             must
             be
             drawn
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             within
             us
             ;
             and
             that
             not
             dead
             and
             useless
             ,
             but
             continually
             springing
             up
             unto
             the
             use
             and
             refreshment
             of
             them
             that
             have
             it
             .
             For
             so
             is
             it
             with
             the
             Principle
             of
             the
             New
             Creature
             ,
             of
             the
             new
             Nature
             ,
             the
             Spirit
             and
             his
             Graces
             in
             the
             Hearts
             of
             them
             that
             do
             believe
             .
             It
             doth
             of
             it self
             and
             from
             it self
             ,
             without
             any
             external
             Influence
             on
             it
             ,
             incline
             and
             dispose
             the
             whole
             Soul
             unto
             spiritual
             Actings
             that
             tend
             unto
             Eternal
             Life
             .
             Such
             are
             the
             thoughts
             of
             them
             that
             are
             Spiritually
             minded
             .
             They
             arise
             from
             the
             inward
             Principle
             ,
             Inclination
             and
             Disposition
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             are
             the
             bublings
             of
             this
             Well
             of
             living
             water
             ;
             they
             are
             the
             mindings
             of
             the
             Spirit
             .
          
           
             So
             our
             Saviour
             describes
             them
             ,
             Matth.
             12.35
             .
             
               A
               Good
               man
               out
               of
               the
               Good
               Treasure
               of
               the
               Heart
               bringeth
               forth
               Good
               things
               .
            
             First
             the
             Man
             is
             Good
             ;
             as
             he
             said
             before
             ,
             make
             the
             
               Tree
               Good
            
             ,
             or
             the
             Fruit
             cannot
             be
             Good
             ,
             v.
             33.
             
             He
             is
             made
             so
             by
             Grace
             in
             the
             Change
             and
             Renovation
             of
             his
             Nature
             ;
             For
             in
             our selves
             we
             are
             every
             way
             evil
             .
             This
             Good
             man
             hath
             a
             
               Treasure
               in
               his
               Heart
            
             .
             So
             all
             men
             have
             ;
             as
             the
             next
             words
             are
             ;
             
               the
               evil
               man
               out
               of
               the
               evil
               Treasure
               
               of
               the
               Heart
               .
            
             And
             this
             is
             the
             great
             difference
             that
             is
             between
             men
             in
             this
             world
             .
             Every
             man
             hath
             a
             Treasure
             in
             his
             Heart
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             a
             prevailing
             inexhaustible
             Principle
             of
             all
             his
             actings
             and
             operations
             .
             But
             in
             some
             this
             Treasure
             is
             Good
             ,
             in
             others
             it
             is
             Evil.
             That
             is
             ,
             the
             prevailing
             Principle
             in
             the
             Heart
             ,
             which
             carries
             along
             with
             it
             its
             dispositions
             and
             Inclinations
             ,
             is
             in
             some
             Good
             and
             gracious
             ,
             in
             others
             it
             is
             
               evil
               .
               Out
               of
               this
               Good
               Treasure
               ,
               a
               Good
               man
               bringeth
               forth
               Good
               things
               .
            
             The
             first
             opening
             of
             it
             ,
             the
             first
             bringing
             of
             it
             forth
             ,
             is
             by
             these
             thoughts
             .
             The
             Thoughts
             that
             arise
             out
             of
             the
             Heart
             are
             of
             the
             same
             nature
             with
             the
             Treasure
             that
             is
             in
             it
             .
             If
             the
             Thoughts
             that
             naturally
             arise
             and
             spring
             up
             in
             us
             ,
             are
             for
             the
             most
             part
             vain
             ,
             foolish
             ,
             sensual
             ,
             earthly
             ,
             selfish
             ,
             such
             is
             the
             Treasure
             that
             is
             in
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             and
             such
             are
             we
             .
             But
             where
             the
             Thoughts
             that
             thus
             naturally
             proceed
             from
             the
             Treasure
             that
             is
             in
             the
             Heart
             ,
             are
             spiritual
             and
             holy
             ,
             it
             is
             an
             argument
             that
             we
             are
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             .
          
           
             Where
             it
             is
             not
             thus
             with
             our
             Thoughts
             ,
             they
             give
             no
             such
             Evidence
             as
             that
             enquired
             after
             .
             Men
             may
             have
             Thoughts
             of
             spiritual
             things
             ,
             and
             that
             many
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             that
             frequently
             ,
             which
             do
             not
             arise
             from
             this
             Principle
             ,
             but
             may
             be
             resolved
             into
             two
             other
             Causes
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             Inward
             Force
             ;
             (
             2.
             )
             Outward
             Occasions
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             
               Inward
               Force
            
             as
             it
             may
             be
             called
             .
             This
             is
             by
             Convictions
             .
             Convictions
             put
             a
             kind
             of
             a
             force
             upon
             the
             mind
             ,
             or
             an
             Impression
             that
             causeth
             it
             to
             act
             contrary
             unto
             its
             own
             habitual
             Disposition
             and
             Inclination
             .
             It
             is
             in
             the
             Nature
             of
             water
             to
             descend
             .
             But
             apply
             an
             Instrument
             unto
             it
             ,
             that
             shall
             make
             a
             compression
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             force
             it
             unto
             a
             vent
             ,
             it
             will
             fly
             
               upwards
               vehemently
            
             ,
             as
             if
             that
             were
             its
             natural
             motion
             .
             But
             so
             soon
             as
             the
             force
             of
             the
             Impression
             ceaseth
             ,
             it
             returns
             immediately
             unto
             its
             own
             proper
             tendency
             ,
             descending
             towards
             its
             center
             .
             So
             is
             it
             with
             mens
             Thoughts
             oft-times
             .
             They
             are
             earthly
             ,
             their
             natural
             course
             and
             motion
             is
             downwards
             unto
             the
             Earth
             and
             the
             things
             thereof
             .
             
             But
             when
             any
             efficacious
             Conviction
             presseth
             on
             the
             mind
             ,
             it
             forceth
             the
             egress
             of
             its
             Thoughts
             upwards
             towards
             Heavenly
             things
             .
             It
             will
             think
             much
             and
             frequently
             of
             them
             ;
             as
             if
             that
             were
             their
             proper
             motion
             and
             Course
             .
             But
             so
             soon
             as
             the
             Power
             of
             the
             Conviction
             decayes
             or
             wears
             off
             ,
             that
             the
             mind
             is
             no
             more
             sensible
             of
             its
             force
             and
             impression
             ;
             the
             thoughts
             of
             it
             return
             again
             unto
             their
             old
             Course
             and
             Track
             ,
             as
             the
             water
             tends
             downwards
             .
          
           
             This
             State
             and
             frame
             is
             graphically
             described
             ,
             Psal.
             78.35
             ,
             36
             ,
             37.
             
             
               When
               he
               slew
               them
               ,
               then
               they
               sought
               him
               ,
               and
               they
               returned
               and
               enquired
               early
               after
               God.
               And
               they
               remembred
               that
               God
               was
               their
               Rock
               ,
               and
               the
               high
               God
               their
               Redeemer
               .
               Nevertheless
               they
               did
               but
               flatter
               him
               with
               their
               mouths
               ,
               and
               they
               lyed
               unto
               him
               with
               their
               tongues
               ;
               for
               their
               Heart
               was
               not
               right
               with
               him
               ,
               neither
               were
               they
               stedfast
               in
               his
               Covenant
               .
            
             Men
             in
             Troubles
             ,
             Dangers
             ,
             Sickness
             ,
             Fears
             of
             Death
             ,
             or
             under
             effectual
             Conviction
             of
             Sin
             from
             the
             preaching
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             will
             endeavour
             to
             think
             and
             meditate
             on
             spiritual
             Things
             .
             Yea
             they
             will
             be
             greatly
             troubled
             that
             they
             cannot
             think
             of
             them
             more
             than
             they
             do
             ,
             and
             esteem
             it
             their
             folly
             that
             they
             think
             of
             any
             thing
             else
             .
             But
             as
             freedom
             and
             Deliverance
             do
             approach
             ,
             so
             these
             thoughts
             decay
             and
             disappear
             .
             The
             mind
             will
             not
             be
             compelled
             to
             give
             place
             unto
             them
             any
             more
             .
             The
             Prophet
             gives
             the
             Reason
             of
             it
             ,
             Jer.
             13.23
             .
             
               Can
               the
               Aethiopian
               change
               his
               skin
               ,
               or
               the
               Leopard
               his
               spots
               ,
               then
               may
               ye
               also
               do
               good
               ,
               that
               are
               accustomed
               unto
               evil
               .
            
             They
             have
             had
             another
             haunt
             ,
             been
             taught
             another
             course
             ,
             the
             habit
             and
             Inclination
             of
             the
             mind
             lyes
             another
             way
             ,
             and
             they
             will
             no
             longer
             tend
             towards
             spiritual
             things
             ,
             than
             an
             impression
             is
             on
             them
             from
             their
             Convictions
             .
          
           
             And
             it
             is
             an
             Argument
             of
             very
             mean
             Attainments
             ,
             of
             a
             low
             and
             weak
             degree
             in
             this
             frame
             of
             heart
             ,
             or
             in
             our
             being
             spiritually
             minded
             ,
             when
             our
             Thoughts
             of
             spiritual
             things
             ,
             do
             rise
             or
             fall
             according
             unto
             
               renewed
               occasional
               Convictions
            
             .
             If
             when
             we
             are
             under
             Rebukes
             from
             God
             in
             our
             
             Persons
             or
             Relations
             ,
             in
             fears
             of
             death
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             ,
             and
             withall
             have
             some
             renewed
             
               convictions
               of
               sin
            
             ,
             in
             Commission
             ,
             or
             Omission
             of
             Duties
             ,
             and
             thereon
             do
             endeavour
             to
             be
             more
             spiritually
             minded
             in
             the
             constant
             exercise
             of
             our
             Thoughts
             on
             spiritual
             things
             ,
             which
             we
             fail
             in
             ;
             and
             these
             thoughts
             decay
             as
             our
             Convictions
             in
             the
             causes
             of
             them
             ,
             do
             wear
             off
             or
             are
             removed
             ,
             we
             have
             attained
             a
             very
             low
             degree
             in
             this
             Grace
             ,
             if
             we
             have
             any
             Interest
             in
             it
             at
             all
             .
          
           
             Water
             that
             ariseth
             and
             floweth
             from
             a
             living
             Spring
             runneth
             equally
             and
             constantly
             ,
             unless
             it
             be
             obstructed
             or
             diverted
             by
             some
             violent
             opposition
             ;
             but
             that
             which
             is
             from
             Thunder-showers
             ,
             runs
             furiously
             for
             a
             season
             ,
             but
             is
             quickly
             dryed
             up
             .
             So
             are
             those
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             which
             arise
             from
             a
             prevalent
             internal
             Principle
             of
             Grace
             in
             the
             Heart
             ,
             they
             are
             even
             and
             constant
             ,
             unless
             an
             interruption
             be
             put
             upon
             them
             for
             a
             season
             by
             Temptations
             .
             But
             those
             which
             are
             excited
             by
             the
             
               Thunder
               of
               convictions
            
             ,
             however
             their
             streams
             may
             be
             filled
             for
             a
             season
             ;
             they
             quickly
             dry
             up
             and
             utterly
             decay
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Such
             Thoughts
             may
             arise
             in
             the
             minds
             of
             men
             not
             spiritually
             minded
             from
             
               outward
               means
               and
               Occasions
            
             .
             Such
             I
             intend
             as
             are
             indeed
             usefull
             ,
             yea
             appointed
             of
             God
             for
             this
             End
             among
             others
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             ingenerate
             and
             stir
             up
             holy
             Thoughts
             and
             Affections
             in
             us
             .
             But
             there
             is
             a
             difference
             in
             their
             use
             and
             Operation
             .
             In
             some
             they
             excite
             the
             inward
             Principle
             of
             the
             mind
             to
             act
             in
             holy
             Thoughts
             according
             unto
             its
             own
             sanctified
             disposition
             and
             prevalent
             Affections
             .
             This
             is
             their
             proper
             End
             and
             Use.
             In
             others
             they
             occasionally
             suggest
             such
             thoughts
             unto
             the
             minds
             of
             men
             ,
             which
             spring
             only
             from
             the
             Notions
             of
             the
             things
             proposed
             unto
             them
             .
             With
             respect
             unto
             this
             End
             also
             ,
             they
             are
             of
             singular
             use
             unto
             the
             souls
             of
             men
             ,
             howbeit
             such
             thoughts
             do
             not
             prove
             men
             to
             be
             spiritually
             minded
             .
             Where
             you
             till
             and
             manure
             your
             Land
             ,
             if
             it
             brings
             forth
             plentifull
             crops
             of
             Corn
             ,
             it
             is
             an
             Evidence
             that
             the
             Soil
             it
             
             self
             is
             good
             and
             fertile
             ;
             the
             dressing
             of
             it
             only
             gives
             occasion
             and
             Advantage
             to
             put
             forth
             its
             own
             Fruit-bearing
             Vertue
             .
             But
             if
             in
             the
             tilling
             of
             Land
             ,
             you
             lay
             much
             dung
             upon
             it
             ,
             and
             it
             brings
             forth
             here
             and
             there
             an
             handful
             where
             the
             dung
             lay
             ;
             you
             will
             say
             ,
             the
             Soil
             is
             barren
             ,
             it
             brings
             forth
             nothing
             of
             it self
             .
             These
             means
             that
             we
             shall
             treat
             of
             ,
             are
             as
             the
             tilling
             of
             a
             
               fruitful
               Soil
            
             ,
             which
             help
             it
             in
             bringing
             forth
             its
             fruit
             ,
             by
             exciting
             its
             own
             Vertue
             and
             Power
             .
             They
             stir
             up
             holy
             Affections
             unto
             holy
             Thoughts
             and
             desires
             .
             But
             in
             others
             ,
             whose
             hearts
             are
             barren
             ,
             they
             only
             serve
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             some
             of
             them
             here
             and
             there
             ,
             to
             stir
             up
             spiritual
             Thoughts
             ,
             which
             gives
             no
             Evidence
             of
             a
             gracious
             Heart
             or
             Spirit
             .
             But
             because
             this
             is
             a
             matter
             of
             great
             Importance
             ,
             it
             shall
             be
             handled
             distinctly
             by
             it self
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             
          
           
             
               
                 Outward
                 Means
                 and
                 Occasions
                 of
                 Thoughts
                 of
                 such
                 Spiritual
                 things
                 ,
                 which
                 do
                 not
                 prove
                 men
                 to
                 be
                 spiritually
                 minded
                 .
                 Preaching
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 .
                 Exercise
                 of
                 Gifts
                 .
                 Prayer
                 .
                 How
                 we
                 may
                 know
                 ,
                 Whether
                 our
                 Thoughts
                 of
                 spiritual
                 things
                 in
                 Prayer
                 are
                 truly
                 spiritual
                 Thoughts
                 ,
                 proving
                 us
                 to
                 be
                 spiritually
                 minded
                 .
              
            
          
           
             1.
             
             SUch
             a
             Means
             is
             the
             
               preaching
               of
               the
               Word
            
             it self
             .
             It
             is
             observed
             concerning
             many
             in
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             that
             they
             
               heard
               it
               willingly
               ,
               received
               it
               with
               joy
               ,
            
             and
             
               did
               many
               things
               gladly
            
             ,
             upon
             the
             Preaching
             of
             it
             .
             And
             we
             see
             the
             same
             thing
             exemplified
             in
             multitudes
             every
             day
             .
             But
             none
             of
             these
             things
             can
             be
             without
             
               many
               thoughts
            
             in
             the
             minds
             of
             such
             Persons
             ,
             about
             the
             Spiritual
             things
             of
             the
             Word
             .
             For
             they
             are
             the
             Effects
             of
             such
             Thoughts
             ,
             and
             being
             
             wrought
             in
             the
             minds
             of
             men
             ,
             will
             produce
             more
             of
             the
             same
             Nature
             .
             Yet
             were
             they
             all
             Hypocrites
             ,
             concerning
             whom
             these
             things
             are
             spoken
             ,
             and
             were
             never
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             .
          
           
             The
             cause
             of
             this
             Miscarriage
             is
             given
             us
             by
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             Math.
             13.20
             ,
             21.
             
             
               He
               that
               receiveth
               the
               seed
               into
               stony
               places
               ,
               the
               same
               is
               he
               that
               heareth
               the
               Word
               ,
               and
               anon
               receiveth
               it
               with
               Joy
               ;
               yet
               hath
               he
               not
               root
               in
               himself
               ,
               but
               dureth
               for
               a
               while
               .
            
             The
             Good
             Thoughts
             they
             have
             ,
             proceed
             not
             from
             any
             principle
             in
             themselves
             .
             Neither
             their
             Affections
             nor
             their
             thoughts
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             have
             any
             
               internal
               root
            
             whereon
             they
             should
             grow
             .
             So
             is
             it
             with
             many
             who
             live
             under
             the
             present
             dispensation
             of
             the
             Gospel
             .
             They
             have
             thoughts
             of
             spiritual
             things
             continually
             suggested
             unto
             them
             ;
             and
             they
             do
             abide
             with
             them
             more
             or
             less
             according
             as
             they
             are
             affected
             .
             For
             I
             speak
             not
             of
             them
             who
             are
             either
             despisers
             of
             what
             they
             hear
             ,
             or
             
               way-side
               hearers
            
             ,
             who
             understand
             nothing
             of
             what
             they
             hear
             ,
             and
             immediately
             lose
             all
             sense
             of
             it
             ,
             all
             thoughts
             about
             it
             .
             But
             I
             speak
             of
             them
             who
             attend
             with
             some
             Diligence
             ,
             and
             receive
             the
             Word
             with
             some
             Joy.
             These
             insensibly
             grow
             in
             knowledge
             and
             understanding
             ,
             and
             therefore
             cannot
             be
             without
             some
             thoughts
             of
             spiritual
             things
             .
             Howbeit
             for
             the
             most
             part
             they
             are
             ,
             as
             was
             said
             ,
             but
             like
             unto
             waters
             that
             run
             after
             a
             shower
             of
             rain
             .
             They
             pour
             out
             themselves
             as
             if
             they
             proceeded
             from
             some
             strong
             
               living
               Spring
            
             ,
             whereas
             indeed
             they
             have
             none
             at
             all
             .
             When
             once
             the
             waters
             of
             the
             shower
             are
             spent
             their
             Channel
             is
             dry
             ,
             there
             is
             nothing
             in
             it
             but
             Stones
             and
             dirt
             .
             When
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Word
             falls
             on
             such
             Persons
             as
             showers
             of
             rain
             ,
             it
             gives
             a
             Course
             ,
             sometimes
             greater
             sometimes
             less
             ,
             unto
             their
             Thoughts
             towards
             spiritual
             things
             .
             But
             they
             have
             not
             a
             
               Well
               of
               water
            
             in
             them
             springing
             up
             into
             Everlasting
             life
             .
             Wherefore
             after
             a
             while
             their
             minds
             are
             dryed
             up
             from
             such
             thoughts
             ;
             nothing
             remains
             in
             them
             but
             earth
             ,
             and
             that
             perhaps
             foul
             and
             dirty
             .
          
           
             It
             must
             be
             observed
             ,
             that
             the
             best
             of
             men
             ,
             the
             most
             holy
             
             and
             spiritually
             minded
             ,
             may
             have
             ,
             nay
             ought
             to
             have
             their
             Thoughts
             of
             spiritual
             things
             excited
             ,
             multiplyed
             ,
             and
             confirmed
             by
             the
             preaching
             of
             the
             Word
             .
             
               It
               is
               one
               end
               of
               its
               Dispensation
               ,
            
             one
             principal
             use
             of
             it
             in
             them
             by
             whom
             it
             is
             received
             .
             And
             it
             hath
             this
             effect
             two
             wayes
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             As
             it
             is
             the
             
               spiritual
               food
               of
               the
               Soul
            
             ,
             whereby
             its
             Principle
             of
             Life
             and
             Grace
             is
             maintained
             and
             strengthened
             .
             The
             more
             this
             is
             done
             ,
             the
             more
             shall
             we
             thrive
             in
             being
             spiritually
             minded
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             As
             it
             
               administreth
               occasion
            
             unto
             the
             Exercise
             of
             Grace
             .
             For
             proposing
             the
             proper
             Object
             of
             Faith
             ,
             Love
             ,
             Fear
             ,
             Trust
             ,
             Reverence
             unto
             the
             Soul
             ,
             it
             draws
             forth
             all
             those
             Graces
             into
             Exercise
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             although
             the
             Vigorous
             actings
             of
             spiritual
             thoughts
             be
             occasional
             from
             the
             Word
             ,
             be
             more
             under
             and
             after
             the
             preaching
             of
             it
             ,
             than
             at
             other
             times
             ,
             it
             is
             no
             more
             but
             what
             ariseth
             from
             the
             nature
             and
             use
             of
             the
             Ordinance
             ,
             by
             Gods
             own
             appointment
             ,
             nor
             is
             it
             any
             Evidence
             that
             those
             with
             whom
             it
             is
             so
             ,
             are
             not
             spiritually
             minded
             ;
             but
             on
             the
             contrary
             that
             they
             are
             .
             Yet
             where
             men
             have
             no
             other
             thoughts
             of
             this
             matter
             but
             what
             are
             occasioned
             by
             the
             outward
             dispensation
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             such
             thoughts
             do
             not
             prove
             them
             to
             be
             spiritually
             minded
             .
             Their
             Endeavours
             in
             them
             are
             like
             those
             of
             men
             in
             
               a
               dream
            
             .
             Under
             some
             oppression
             of
             their
             spirits
             ,
             their
             Imagination
             fixeth
             on
             something
             or
             other
             ,
             that
             is
             most
             earnestly
             to
             be
             desired
             or
             avoided
             .
             Herein
             they
             seem
             to
             themselves
             to
             strive
             with
             all
             their
             might
             ,
             to
             endeavour
             to
             goe
             ,
             run
             or
             contend
             ,
             but
             all
             in
             vain
             ;
             every
             thing
             fails
             them
             ,
             and
             they
             are
             not
             relieved
             untill
             they
             are
             awaked
             .
             So
             such
             Persons
             in
             Impressions
             they
             receive
             from
             the
             Word
             ,
             seem
             to
             strive
             and
             contend
             in
             their
             thoughts
             and
             resolutions
             to
             comply
             with
             what
             is
             proposed
             unto
             them
             ;
             but
             their
             strength
             fails
             ,
             they
             find
             no
             success
             ,
             for
             want
             of
             a
             Principle
             of
             Spiritual
             Life
             ,
             and
             after
             a
             time
             give
             over
             their
             Endeavours
             untill
             they
             are
             occasionally
             renewed
             again
             .
             Now
             the
             Thoughts
             which
             in
             the
             Dispensation
             of
             the
             Word
             do
             proceed
             from
             an
             
               inward
               Principle
            
             
             of
             Grace
             excited
             unto
             its
             due
             exercise
             ,
             are
             distinguishable
             from
             them
             which
             are
             only
             
               occasionally
               suggested
            
             unto
             the
             mind
             by
             the
             Word
             outwardly
             Preached
             .
             For
             (
             1.
             )
             They
             are
             
               especial
               actings
               of
               Faith
            
             and
             Love
             towards
             the
             things
             themselves
             that
             are
             Preached
             .
             They
             belong
             unto
             our
             
               receiving
               the
               Truth
               in
               the
               Love
               thereof
               .
            
             And
             Love
             respects
             the
             Goodness
             of
             the
             things
             themselves
             ,
             and
             not
             meerly
             the
             Truth
             of
             the
             Propositions
             wherein
             they
             are
             expressed
             .
             The
             other
             Thoughts
             are
             only
             the
             sence
             of
             the
             Mind
             as
             affected
             with
             Light
             and
             Truth
             ,
             without
             any
             cordial
             Love
             unto
             the
             things
             themselves
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             They
             are
             accompanied
             with
             Complacency
             of
             Soul
             arising
             from
             Love
             ,
             Experience
             ,
             more
             or
             less
             ,
             of
             the
             Power
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             their
             suitableness
             unto
             the
             new
             Nature
             or
             Principle
             of
             Grace
             in
             them
             .
             For
             when
             our
             minds
             find
             that
             so
             indeed
             it
             is
             in
             us
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             in
             the
             Word
             ;
             that
             this
             is
             that
             which
             we
             would
             be
             more
             conformable
             unto
             ;
             it
             gives
             a
             secret
             Complacency
             with
             satisfaction
             unto
             the
             soul.
             The
             other
             Thoughts
             which
             are
             only
             occasional
             ,
             have
             none
             of
             these
             Concomitants
             or
             Effects
             ,
             but
             are
             dry
             and
             barren
             ,
             unless
             it
             be
             in
             a
             few
             words
             or
             transient
             Dicourse
             .
             (
             3.
             )
             The
             former
             are
             means
             of
             
               spiritual
               growth
            
             .
             So
             some
             say
             the
             natural
             growth
             of
             Vegetables
             is
             not
             by
             insensible
             motion
             ,
             but
             by
             Gusts
             and
             sensible
             eruptions
             of
             increase
             .
             These
             are
             both
             in
             spiritual
             Growth
             ,
             and
             the
             later
             consists
             much
             in
             those
             thoughts
             which
             the
             Principle
             of
             the
             new
             Nature
             is
             excited
             unto
             by
             the
             Word
             in
             the
             latter
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             
               Duty
               of
               Prayer
            
             is
             another
             means
             of
             the
             like
             Nature
             .
             One
             Principal
             end
             of
             it
             is
             to
             excite
             ,
             stir
             up
             ,
             and
             draw
             forth
             the
             Principle
             of
             Grace
             ,
             of
             Faith
             and
             Love
             in
             the
             Heart
             ,
             unto
             a
             due
             Exercise
             in
             holy
             thoughts
             of
             God
             and
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             with
             Affections
             suitable
             unto
             them
             .
             Those
             who
             design
             not
             this
             End
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             know
             not
             at
             all
             what
             it
             is
             to
             Pray
             .
             Now
             all
             sorts
             of
             Persons
             have
             frequent
             Occasion
             to
             joyn
             with
             others
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             and
             many
             are
             under
             the
             Conviction
             that
             it
             is
             their
             own
             Duty
             to
             Pray
             every
             day
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             in
             their
             Families
             and
             otherwise
             .
             And
             it
             is
             hard
             
             to
             conceive
             how
             men
             can
             constantly
             joyn
             with
             others
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             much
             more
             how
             they
             can
             Pray
             themselves
             ,
             but
             that
             they
             must
             have
             thoughts
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             every
             day
             ;
             Howbeit
             
               it
               is
               possible
            
             that
             they
             may
             have
             no
             Root
             ,
             or
             
               living
               spring
            
             of
             them
             in
             themselves
             ,
             but
             they
             are
             only
             occasional
             impressions
             on
             their
             minds
             from
             the
             outward
             performance
             of
             the
             Duty
             .
             I
             shall
             give
             some
             Instances
             of
             the
             Grounds
             hereof
             ,
             which
             on
             many
             Reasons
             require
             our
             diligent
             Consideration
             .
          
           
             
               Spiritual
               Thoughts
            
             may
             be
             raised
             in
             a
             Person
             in
             his
             own
             Duty
             ,
             by
             the
             Exercise
             of
             
               his
               Gifts
            
             ,
             when
             there
             is
             no
             acting
             of
             Grace
             in
             them
             at
             all
             .
             For
             they
             lead
             and
             guide
             the
             mind
             unto
             such
             things
             as
             are
             the
             matter
             of
             Prayer
             ;
             that
             is
             Spiritual
             things
             .
             Gifts
             are
             nothing
             but
             a
             spiritual
             improvement
             of
             our
             natural
             Faculties
             or
             Abilities
             .
             And
             a
             man
             cannot
             speak
             or
             utter
             any
             thing
             but
             what
             proceeds
             from
             his
             Rational
             Faculties
             by
             Invention
             or
             Memory
             ,
             or
             both
             ,
             managed
             in
             and
             by
             his
             thoughts
             ,
             unless
             he
             speak
             by
             rote
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             is
             not
             rational
             .
             What
             therefore
             proceeds
             from
             a
             mans
             rational
             Faculty
             in
             and
             by
             the
             Exercise
             of
             
               his
               Gifts
            
             ,
             that
             his
             Thoughts
             must
             be
             exercised
             about
             .
          
           
             A
             man
             may
             
               read
               a
               long
               Prayer
            
             that
             expresseth
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             and
             yet
             never
             have
             one
             Spiritual
             thought
             arise
             in
             his
             mind
             about
             them
             .
             For
             there
             is
             no
             exercise
             of
             any
             Faculty
             of
             his
             mind
             required
             unto
             such
             reading
             ,
             but
             only
             to
             attend
             unto
             the
             words
             that
             are
             to
             be
             read
             .
             This
             I
             say
             may
             be
             so
             ,
             I
             do
             not
             say
             that
             it
             is
             always
             so
             ,
             or
             that
             it
             must
             be
             so
             .
             But
             as
             was
             said
             in
             the
             
               Exercise
               of
               Gifts
            
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             but
             there
             must
             be
             an
             
               Exercise
               of
               Reason
            
             ,
             by
             Invention
             ,
             Judgement
             ,
             and
             Memory
             ;
             and
             consequently
             thoughts
             of
             spiritual
             things
             .
             Yet
             may
             they
             all
             be
             meerly
             occasional
             from
             the
             present
             external
             performance
             of
             the
             Duty
             ,
             without
             any
             living
             spring
             or
             exercise
             of
             Grace
             .
             In
             such
             a
             Course
             may
             men
             of
             
               tolerable
               Gifts
            
             continue
             all
             their
             days
             ,
             unto
             the
             satisfaction
             of
             themselves
             and
             others
             ,
             deceiving
             both
             them
             and
             their
             own
             Souls
             .
          
           
             This
             being
             evident
             from
             the
             Scripture
             and
             Experience
             ,
             
             an
             Enquiry
             may
             be
             made
             thereon
             ,
             as
             unto
             our
             own
             concernment
             in
             these
             things
             ;
             especially
             of
             those
             who
             have
             received
             
               Spiritual
               Gifts
            
             of
             their
             own
             ,
             and
             of
             them
             also
             in
             some
             degree
             ,
             who
             usually
             enjoy
             the
             Gifts
             of
             others
             in
             this
             Duty
             .
             For
             it
             may
             be
             asked
             ,
             how
             we
             shall
             know
             whether
             the
             thoughts
             which
             we
             have
             of
             spiritual
             things
             in
             and
             upon
             Prayer
             do
             arise
             from
             
               Gifts
               only
            
             ,
             those
             of
             our
             own
             or
             other
             mens
             ,
             giving
             occasion
             unto
             them
             ,
             or
             are
             influenced
             from
             a
             living
             Principle
             and
             Spring
             of
             Grace
             in
             our
             Hearts
             .
             A
             case
             this
             is
             (
             however
             by
             some
             it
             may
             be
             apprehended
             )
             of
             
               great
               importance
            
             ,
             and
             which
             would
             require
             much
             time
             fully
             to
             resolve
             .
             For
             there
             is
             nothing
             whereby
             the
             refined
             sort
             of
             Hypocrites
             do
             more
             deceive
             themselves
             and
             others
             ,
             nothing
             whereby
             some
             men
             do
             give
             themselves
             more
             Countenance
             in
             an
             Indulgence
             unto
             their
             Lusts
             ,
             than
             by
             this
             Part
             of
             the
             
               Form
               of
               Godliness
            
             ,
             when
             they
             deny
             the
             Power
             thereof
             .
             And
             besides
             ,
             it
             is
             that
             wherein
             the
             best
             of
             Believers
             ought
             to
             keep
             a
             diligent
             watch
             over
             themselves
             ;
             in
             every
             particular
             Instance
             of
             the
             Performance
             of
             this
             Duty
             .
             With
             respect
             hereunto
             in
             an
             especial
             manner
             are
             they
             to
             
               watch
               unto
               Prayer
            
             .
             If
             they
             are
             at
             any
             time
             negligent
             herein
             ,
             they
             may
             rest
             in
             a
             bare
             
               exercise
               of
               Gifts
            
             ,
             when
             on
             a
             due
             examination
             and
             trial
             ,
             they
             have
             no
             Evidence
             of
             the
             
               acting
               of
               Grace
            
             in
             what
             they
             have
             done
             .
             I
             shall
             therefore
             with
             what
             brevity
             I
             can
             give
             a
             Resolution
             unto
             this
             Enquiry
             .
             And
             to
             this
             end
             Observe
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             It
             is
             an
             ancient
             Complaint
             ,
             that
             
               Spiritual
               things
               are
               filled
               with
               great
               obscurity
               and
               difficulty
            
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             true
             .
             Not
             that
             there
             is
             any
             such
             thing
             in
             themselves
             ,
             for
             they
             all
             come
             forth
             from
             the
             
               Father
               of
               lights
            
             ,
             and
             are
             full
             of
             Light
             ,
             Order
             Beauty
             and
             Wisdom
             .
             And
             Light
             and
             Order
             are
             the
             only
             means
             whereby
             any
             thing
             makes
             a
             discovery
             of
             it self
             .
             But
             the
             Ground
             of
             all
             darkness
             and
             difficulty
             in
             these
             things
             lyes
             in
             our selves
             .
             We
             can
             more
             clearly
             and
             steadily
             see
             and
             behold
             the
             
               Moon
               and
               the
               Starres
            
             ,
             than
             we
             can
             the
             Sun
             when
             it
             shines
             in
             its
             greatest
             Lustre
             .
             It
             is
             not
             because
             there
             is
             
             more
             light
             in
             the
             Moon
             and
             Starres
             than
             in
             the
             Sun
             ,
             but
             because
             the
             light
             of
             the
             Sun
             is
             greater
             then
             our
             visive
             Faculty
             can
             directly
             bear
             and
             behold
             .
             So
             we
             can
             more
             clearly
             discover
             the
             Truth
             and
             distinct
             Nature
             of
             things
             Moral
             and
             Natural
             ,
             than
             we
             can
             of
             things
             that
             are
             Heavenly
             and
             Spiritual
             .
             See
             John
             3.14
             .
             Not
             that
             there
             is
             more
             substance
             or
             reality
             in
             them
             ,
             but
             because
             the
             Ability
             of
             our
             Understanding
             is
             more
             suited
             unto
             the
             Comprehension
             of
             them
             .
             The
             other
             are
             above
             us
             .
             We
             know
             but
             in
             Part
             ,
             and
             our
             minds
             are
             liable
             to
             be
             hindred
             and
             disordered
             in
             their
             apprehension
             of
             things
             Heavenly
             and
             Spiritual
             ,
             by
             Ignorance
             ,
             Temptations
             ,
             and
             Prejudices
             of
             all
             sorts
             .
             In
             nothing
             more
             are
             men
             subject
             unto
             mistakes
             than
             in
             the
             application
             of
             things
             unto
             themselves
             ,
             and
             a
             Judgement
             of
             their
             Interest
             in
             them
             .
             Fear
             ,
             self-love
             ,
             with
             the
             prevalency
             of
             Temptations
             and
             Corruptions
             ,
             do
             all
             engage
             their
             Powers
             to
             darken
             the
             light
             of
             the
             mind
             and
             to
             pervert
             its
             Judgement
             .
             In
             no
             case
             doth
             the
             deceitfulness
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
             or
             of
             sin
             which
             is
             all
             one
             ,
             more
             act
             it self
             .
             Hence
             Multitudes
             say
             Peace
             to
             themselves
             ,
             to
             whom
             
               God
               doth
               not
               speak
               Peace
            
             ;
             and
             some
             who
             are
             Children
             of
             Light
             do
             yet
             walk
             in
             darkness
             .
             Hence
             is
             that
             fervent
             Prayer
             of
             the
             Apostle
             for
             help
             in
             this
             case
             ,
             Ephes.
             1.16
             ,
             17
             ,
             18
             ,
             19.
             
             There
             is
             also
             a
             great
             similitude
             between
             
               Temporary
               Faith
            
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             is
             Saving
             and
             durable
             ;
             and
             between
             Gifts
             and
             Grace
             in
             their
             Operations
             ,
             which
             is
             that
             that
             is
             under
             present
             Consideration
             .
             It
             is
             acknowledged
             therefore
             ,
             that
             without
             the
             especial
             light
             and
             conduct
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             no
             man
             can
             make
             such
             a
             Judgement
             of
             his
             State
             and
             his
             Actions
             ,
             as
             shall
             be
             a
             stable
             Foundation
             of
             giving
             Glory
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             obtaining
             peace
             unto
             his
             own
             soul.
             And
             therefore
             the
             greatest
             part
             of
             mankind
             do
             constantly
             deceive
             themselves
             in
             these
             things
             .
          
           
             But
             ordinarily
             under
             
               this
               blessed
               Conduct
            
             in
             the
             search
             of
             our selves
             and
             the
             Concernments
             of
             our
             duty
             ,
             we
             may
             come
             unto
             a
             satisfaction
             whether
             they
             are
             
               influenced
               by
               Faith
            
             ,
             and
             have
             Grace
             exercised
             in
             them
             ,
             especially
             this
             duty
             of
             
             Prayer
             ,
             or
             whether
             it
             derive
             from
             the
             
               power
               of
               our
               natural
               Faculties
            
             ,
             raised
             by
             Light
             and
             spiritual
             Gifts
             only
             ;
             and
             so
             whether
             our
             spiritual
             Thoughts
             therein
             do
             spring
             from
             a
             Vital
             Principle
             of
             Grace
             ,
             or
             whether
             they
             come
             from
             occasional
             impressions
             on
             the
             mind
             ,
             by
             the
             performance
             of
             the
             Duty
             it self
             .
          
           
             If
             men
             are
             willing
             to
             
               deceive
               themselves
            
             ,
             or
             to
             hide
             themselves
             from
             themselves
             ,
             
               to
               walk
               with
               God
               at
               all
               per
               adventures
               ,
            
             to
             leave
             all
             things
             at
             hazard
             ,
             to
             put
             off
             all
             Trials
             unto
             that
             at
             the
             last
             day
             ,
             and
             so
             never
             call
             themselves
             unto
             an
             account
             as
             unto
             the
             nature
             of
             their
             Duties
             in
             any
             particular
             Instance
             ,
             it
             is
             no
             wonder
             ,
             if
             they
             neither
             do
             nor
             can
             make
             any
             distinction
             in
             this
             matter
             as
             unto
             the
             true
             nature
             of
             their
             Thoughts
             in
             Spiritual
             Duties
             .
             Two
             things
             are
             required
             hereunto
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             we
             impartially
             and
             severely
             
               examine
               and
               try
            
             the
             Frames
             and
             actings
             of
             our
             minds
             in
             holy
             Duties
             by
             the
             Word
             of
             Truth
             ;
             and
             thereon
             not
             be
             afraid
             to
             speak
             that
             plainly
             unto
             our
             Souls
             which
             the
             Word
             speaks
             unto
             us
             .
             This
             diligent
             search
             ought
             to
             respect
             our
             Principles
             ,
             Aims
             ,
             Ends
             ,
             Actings
             ,
             with
             the
             whole
             deportment
             of
             our
             Souls
             in
             every
             duty
             .
             See
             2
             Cor.
             13.5
             .
             If
             a
             man
             receiveth
             much
             Money
             ,
             and
             look
             only
             on
             the
             outward
             Form
             and
             Superscription
             ,
             when
             he
             supposeth
             that
             he
             hath
             great
             store
             of
             currant
             Coin
             in
             Gold
             and
             Silver
             ,
             he
             may
             have
             only
             heaps
             of
             Lead
             or
             Copper
             by
             him
             .
             But
             he
             that
             trades
             in
             it
             as
             the
             comfort
             and
             support
             of
             his
             natural
             life
             and
             condition
             ,
             he
             will
             try
             what
             he
             receives
             both
             by
             the
             Ballance
             and
             the
             Touch-stone
             ,
             as
             the
             occasion
             requires
             ,
             especially
             if
             it
             be
             in
             a
             time
             when
             much
             adulterated
             Coin
             is
             passant
             in
             the
             World.
             And
             if
             a
             man
             reckons
             on
             his
             Duties
             by
             Tale
             and
             Number
             ,
             he
             may
             be
             utterly
             deceived
             ;
             and
             be
             spiritually
             poor
             and
             a
             Bankrupt
             ,
             when
             he
             esteems
             himself
             rich
             ,
             encreased
             in
             Goods
             and
             wanting
             nothing
             .
             Some
             Duties
             may
             appearingly
             hold
             in
             the
             Ballance
             as
             to
             Weight
             ,
             which
             will
             not
             hold
             it
             at
             the
             Touch-stone
             as
             to
             Worth.
             
             Both
             means
             are
             to
             be
             used
             if
             we
             would
             not
             be
             mistaken
             in
             our
             Accounts
             .
             Thus
             God
             himself
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             a
             multitude
             of
             Duties
             calls
             the
             People
             to
             try
             and
             examine
             themselves
             whether
             or
             no
             they
             are
             such
             as
             have
             Faith
             and
             Grace
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             so
             like
             to
             have
             acceptance
             with
             him
             .
             Isa.
             58.2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Add
             we
             must
             unto
             our
             own
             diligent
             enquiry
             
               fervent
               Prayers
            
             unto
             God
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             search
             and
             try
             us
             ;
             as
             unto
             our
             sincerity
             ,
             and
             discover
             unto
             us
             the
             true
             frame
             of
             our
             hearts
             .
             Hereof
             we
             have
             an
             express
             example
             ,
             Psal.
             139.23
             ,
             24.
             
             
               Search
               me
               ,
               O
               God
               ,
               and
               know
               my
               heart
               ,
               try
               me
               and
               know
               my
               thoughts
               ;
               and
               see
               if
               there
               be
               any
               wicked
               way
               in
               me
               ,
               and
               lead
               me
               in
               the
               way
               everlasting
               .
            
             This
             is
             the
             only
             way
             whereby
             we
             may
             have
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             witnessing
             unto
             our
             sincerity
             ,
             with
             our
             own
             spirits
             .
             There
             is
             need
             of
             calling
             in
             divine
             Assistance
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             both
             from
             the
             importance
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             from
             its
             difficulty
             ;
             God
             alone
             knowing
             fully
             and
             perfectly
             what
             is
             in
             the
             hearts
             of
             men
             .
          
           
             I
             no
             way
             doubt
             but
             that
             in
             the
             impartial
             use
             of
             these
             means
             ,
             a
             man
             may
             come
             to
             assured
             satisfaction
             in
             his
             own
             mind
             ,
             such
             as
             wherein
             he
             shall
             not
             be
             deceived
             ,
             whether
             he
             doth
             animate
             and
             quicken
             his
             thoughts
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             in
             Duties
             with
             inward
             Vital
             Grace
             ,
             or
             whether
             they
             are
             impressions
             on
             his
             mind
             ,
             by
             the
             occasion
             of
             the
             Duty
             .
          
           
             A
             Duty
             this
             is
             of
             great
             Importance
             and
             necessity
             ,
             now
             Hipocrisie
             hath
             made
             so
             great
             an
             in-rode
             on
             Profession
             ,
             and
             Gifts
             have
             doflowred
             Grace
             in
             its
             principal
             Operations
             .
             No
             Persons
             are
             in
             greater
             danger
             of
             
               walking
               at
               hazard
            
             with
             God
             ,
             than
             those
             who
             live
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             Spiritual
             Gifts
             in
             Duties
             ,
             unto
             their
             own
             satisfaction
             and
             others
             .
             For
             they
             may
             countenance
             themselves
             with
             an
             Appearance
             of
             every
             thing
             that
             should
             be
             in
             them
             in
             reality
             and
             power
             ,
             when
             there
             is
             nothing
             of
             it
             in
             them
             .
             And
             so
             it
             hath
             fallen
             out
             .
             We
             have
             seen
             many
             earnest
             in
             the
             Exercise
             of
             this
             Gift
             ,
             who
             have
             turned
             vile
             and
             debauched
             Apostates
             .
             Some
             have
             been
             known
             to
             
               live
               in
               sin
            
             and
             an
             indulgence
             of
             their
             Lusts
             ,
             
             and
             yet
             to
             abide
             constant
             in
             their
             Duties
             .
             Isa.
             1.15
             .
             And
             we
             may
             hear
             Prayers
             sometimes
             that
             openly
             discover
             themselves
             unto
             Spiritual
             sense
             ,
             to
             be
             the
             
               Labour
               of
               the
               Brain
            
             ,
             by
             the
             help
             of
             Gifts
             in
             Memory
             and
             Invention
             ,
             without
             an
             Evidence
             of
             any
             mixture
             of
             Humility
             ,
             Reverence
             or
             Godly
             fear
             ;
             without
             any
             acting
             of
             Faith
             and
             Love.
             They
             flow
             as
             Wine
             ,
             yet
             smell
             and
             taste
             of
             the
             unsavoury
             Cask
             from
             whence
             they
             proceed
             .
             It
             is
             necessary
             therefore
             that
             we
             should
             put
             our selves
             on
             the
             
               severest
               trial
            
             ,
             lest
             we
             should
             be
             found
             not
             to
             be
             spiritually
             minded
             in
             Spiritual
             Duties
             .
          
           
             Gifts
             are
             gracious
             vouchsafements
             of
             Christ
             to
             make
             Grace
             useful
             unto
             our selves
             and
             others
             ;
             yea
             they
             may
             make
             them
             useful
             unto
             the
             Grace
             of
             others
             ,
             who
             have
             no
             Grace
             in
             themselves
             .
             But
             as
             unto
             our
             own
             souls
             they
             are
             of
             no
             other
             advantage
             or
             benefit
             but
             to
             
               stir
               up
               Grace
            
             unto
             its
             proper
             Exercise
             ;
             and
             to
             be
             a
             vehicle
             to
             carry
             it
             on
             ,
             in
             its
             proper
             use
             .
             If
             we
             do
             not
             always
             regard
             this
             in
             their
             Exercise
             ,
             we
             had
             better
             be
             without
             them
             .
             If
             instead
             hereof
             ,
             they
             once
             begin
             to
             impose
             themselves
             practically
             upon
             us
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             we
             rest
             in
             spiritual
             Light
             acting
             our
             Inventions
             ,
             Memories
             and
             Judgements
             with
             a
             ready
             utterance
             ,
             or
             such
             as
             it
             is
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             
               form
               of
               Prayer
            
             can
             be
             more
             prejudicial
             unto
             our
             Souls
             .
             As
             Wine
             if
             taken
             moderately
             and
             seasonably
             helps
             the
             Stomach
             in
             Digestion
             ,
             and
             quickens
             the
             natural
             Spirits
             ,
             enabling
             the
             Powers
             of
             Nature
             unto
             their
             Duty
             ,
             is
             useful
             and
             helpful
             unto
             it
             ,
             but
             if
             it
             be
             taken
             in
             excess
             ,
             it
             doth
             not
             help
             Nature
             but
             oppress
             it
             ,
             and
             takes
             on
             it self
             to
             do
             what
             nature
             should
             be
             assisted
             unto
             ,
             it
             fills
             mens
             Carcasses
             with
             Diseases
             as
             well
             as
             their
             Souls
             with
             sin
             .
             So
             whilest
             
               Spiritual
               Gifts
            
             are
             used
             and
             employed
             only
             to
             excite
             ,
             aid
             and
             
               assist
               Grace
            
             in
             its
             operations
             ,
             they
             are
             unutterably
             useful
             .
             But
             if
             they
             put
             themselves
             in
             the
             Room
             thereof
             ,
             to
             do
             all
             that
             Grace
             should
             do
             ;
             they
             are
             hurtful
             and
             pernicious
             .
             We
             have
             need
             therefore
             to
             be
             very
             diligent
             in
             this
             Enquiry
             ,
             whether
             our
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             ,
             even
             in
             our
             Prayers
             ,
             be
             not
             rather
             occasioned
             from
             the
             Duty
             ,
             than
             spring
             from
             a
             
               gracious
               
               Principle
            
             in
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             or
             are
             the
             actings
             of
             real
             saving
             Grace
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Where
             thoughts
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             in
             Prayer
             are
             
               Occasional
               only
            
             in
             the
             way
             before
             described
             ,
             such
             Prayers
             will
             not
             be
             a
             means
             of
             Spiritual
             Growth
             unto
             the
             soul.
             They
             will
             not
             make
             the
             soul
             Humble
             ,
             Holy
             ,
             Watchful
             and
             Diligent
             in
             universal
             Obedience
             .
             Grace
             will
             not
             thrive
             under
             the
             greatest
             constancy
             in
             such
             Duties
             .
             It
             is
             an
             astonishing
             thing
             to
             see
             how
             under
             frequency
             of
             Prayer
             ,
             and
             a
             seeming
             fervency
             therein
             ,
             many
             of
             us
             are
             at
             a
             stand
             as
             to
             visible
             thriving
             in
             the
             Fruits
             of
             Grace
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             to
             be
             feared
             ,
             without
             any
             encrease
             of
             strength
             in
             the
             Root
             of
             it
             .
             Gods
             Hand
             is
             not
             shortned
             that
             he
             cannot
             save
             ,
             nor
             his
             Ear
             deafned
             that
             he
             cannot
             hear
             .
             He
             is
             the
             same
             as
             in
             the
             dayes
             of
             old
             ,
             when
             our
             Fathers
             cryed
             unto
             him
             and
             were
             delivered
             ,
             when
             they
             trusted
             in
             him
             and
             were
             not
             confounded
             .
             
               Jesus
               Christ
               is
               the
               same
               yesterday
               ,
               and
               to
               day
               ,
               and
               for
               ever
            
             ;
             Prayer
             is
             the
             same
             that
             it
             was
             ,
             and
             shall
             lose
             nothing
             of
             its
             Prevalency
             whilest
             ,
             this
             World
             endureth
             .
             Whence
             is
             it
             then
             that
             there
             is
             so
             much
             Prayer
             amongst
             us
             ,
             and
             so
             little
             success
             .
             I
             speak
             not
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             
               outward
               Dispensations
            
             of
             Divine
             Providence
             in
             Afflictions
             or
             Persecutions
             ,
             wherein
             God
             always
             acts
             in
             a
             
               way
               of
               Soveraignty
            
             ,
             and
             oft-times
             gives
             the
             most
             useful
             answer
             unto
             our
             Prayers
             by
             denying
             our
             Requests
             .
             I
             intend
             ,
             that
             only
             whereof
             the
             Psalmist
             giveth
             us
             his
             Experience
             .
             Psal.
             138.3
             .
             
               In
               the
               day
               when
               I
               cryed
               ,
               thou
               answeredst
               me
               ,
               and
               strengthnedst
               me
               with
               strength
               in
               my
               soul.
            
             Where
             Prayers
             are
             effectual
             ,
             they
             will
             bring
             in
             spiritual
             strength
             .
             But
             the
             Prayers
             of
             many
             seem
             to
             be
             very
             spiritual
             ,
             and
             to
             express
             all
             conceivable
             supplies
             of
             Grace
             ;
             and
             they
             are
             persisted
             in
             with
             Constancy
             .
             And
             God
             forbid
             we
             should
             Judge
             them
             to
             be
             Hypocritical
             and
             wholly
             Insincere
             .
             Yet
             is
             there
             a
             defect
             somewhere
             ,
             which
             should
             be
             enquired
             after
             .
             For
             they
             are
             not
             so
             answered
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             who
             Pray
             them
             ,
             are
             
               strengthned
               with
               strength
               in
               their
               Souls
               .
            
             There
             is
             not
             
             that
             spiritual
             thriving
             ,
             that
             growth
             in
             Grace
             which
             might
             be
             expected
             to
             accompany
             such
             Supplications
             .
          
           
             I
             know
             that
             a
             man
             may
             pray
             often
             ,
             pray
             sincerely
             and
             frequently
             for
             an
             
               especial
               Mercy
            
             ,
             Grace
             ,
             or
             Deliverance
             from
             a
             particular
             Temptation
             ;
             and
             yet
             no
             spiritual
             Supply
             of
             strength
             unto
             his
             own
             experience
             come
             in
             thereby
             .
             So
             
               Paul
               prayed
               thrice
            
             for
             the
             removal
             of
             his
             Temptation
             ,
             and
             yet
             had
             the
             Exercise
             of
             it
             continued
             .
             In
             such
             a
             case
             there
             may
             be
             no
             defect
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             and
             yet
             the
             Grace
             in
             particular
             aimed
             at
             not
             be
             attained
             .
             For
             God
             hath
             other
             Holy
             Ends
             to
             accomplish
             hereby
             on
             the
             Soul.
             But
             how
             Persons
             should
             continue
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             in
             general
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             mind
             of
             God
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             can
             be
             outwardly
             discovered
             ,
             and
             yet
             thrive
             not
             at
             all
             ,
             as
             unto
             spiritual
             strength
             in
             their
             Souls
             ,
             is
             hard
             to
             be
             understood
             .
          
           
             And
             ,
             which
             is
             yet
             more
             astonishable
             ,
             men
             abide
             in
             the
             Duty
             of
             Prayer
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             constancy
             ,
             in
             their
             Families
             ,
             and
             otherwise
             ,
             and
             yet
             live
             in
             known
             sins
             .
             Whatever
             spiritual
             thoughts
             such
             men
             have
             in
             and
             by
             their
             Prayers
             ,
             they
             are
             not
             spiritually
             minded
             .
             Shall
             we
             now
             say
             that
             all
             such
             Persons
             are
             gross
             Hypocrites
             ;
             such
             as
             know
             they
             do
             but
             mock
             God
             and
             Man
             ;
             know
             that
             they
             have
             not
             Desires
             nor
             Aims
             after
             the
             things
             which
             they
             mention
             in
             their
             own
             Prayers
             ;
             but
             do
             these
             things
             either
             for
             some
             corrupt
             end
             ,
             or
             at
             best
             to
             satisfie
             their
             Convictions
             ?
             Could
             we
             thus
             resolve
             ,
             the
             whole
             difficulty
             of
             the
             Case
             were
             taken
             off
             .
             For
             such
             
               double
               minded
               Men
            
             have
             no
             Reason
             to
             think
             
               that
               they
               shall
               receive
               any
               thing
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             as
             James
             speaks
             ,
             Chap.
             1.7
             .
             Indeed
             they
             do
             not
             .
             They
             never
             Act
             Faith
             with
             reference
             unto
             their
             own
             Prayers
             .
             But
             it
             is
             not
             so
             with
             all
             of
             this
             sort
             .
             Some
             judge
             themselves
             Sincere
             ,
             and
             in
             good
             Earnest
             in
             their
             Prayers
             ,
             not
             without
             some
             Hopes
             and
             Expectations
             of
             Success
             .
             I
             will
             not
             say
             of
             all
             such
             Persons
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             among
             the
             Number
             of
             them
             concerning
             whom
             the
             Wisdom
             of
             God
             says
             ,
             
               Because
               I
               called
               unto
               them
               ,
               and
               they
               refused
               ;
               they
               shall
               call
               on
               
               me
               ,
               but
               I
               will
               not
               answer
               ,
               they
               shall
               seek
               me
               early
               ,
               and
               shall
               not
               find
               me
               .
               Prov.
            
             1.18
             ,
             19
             ,
             20
             ,
             21.
             
             And
             although
             we
             may
             say
             unto
             such
             Persons
             in
             general
             ,
             Either
             
               leave
               your
               Sinning
               ,
               or
               leave
               your
               Praying
               ,
            
             from
             Psal.
             50.16
             ,
             17.
             and
             that
             with
             respect
             unto
             present
             Scandal
             ,
             and
             certain
             Miscarriage
             in
             the
             End
             if
             both
             be
             continued
             in
             ;
             yet
             in
             particular
             I
             would
             not
             advise
             any
             such
             Person
             to
             
               leave
               off
               his
               Praying
            
             untill
             he
             had
             left
             his
             Sin.
             This
             were
             to
             advise
             a
             sick
             Man
             to
             use
             no
             Remedies
             untill
             he
             were
             well
             cured
             .
             Who
             knows
             but
             that
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             who
             works
             when
             and
             how
             he
             pleaseth
             ,
             may
             take
             a
             Time
             to
             Animate
             these
             lifeless
             Prayers
             ,
             and
             make
             them
             a
             means
             of
             Deliverance
             from
             the
             Power
             of
             this
             Sin.
             In
             the
             mean
             time
             the
             Fault
             and
             Guilt
             is
             wholly
             their
             own
             ,
             who
             have
             effected
             a
             Consistency
             between
             a
             way
             in
             Sinning
             and
             a
             Course
             in
             Praying
             .
             And
             it
             ariseth
             from
             hence
             ,
             that
             they
             have
             never
             laboured
             to
             fill
             up
             their
             Requests
             with
             Grace
             .
             What
             there
             hath
             been
             of
             Earnestness
             or
             Diligence
             in
             them
             ,
             hath
             been
             from
             a
             Force
             put
             upon
             them
             by
             their
             Convictions
             and
             Fears
             .
             For
             no
             man
             was
             ever
             absolutely
             prevail'd
             on
             by
             Sin
             ,
             who
             prayed
             for
             Deliverance
             according
             to
             the
             mind
             of
             God.
             Every
             Praying
             man
             that
             perisheth
             was
             an
             Hypocrite
             .
             The
             Faithfulness
             of
             God
             in
             his
             Promises
             will
             not
             allow
             us
             to
             Judge
             otherwise
             .
             Wherefore
             the
             Thoughts
             that
             such
             Persons
             have
             of
             
               Spiritual
               things
            
             even
             in
             their
             Duties
             ,
             do
             not
             arise
             from
             within
             ,
             nor
             are
             a
             natural
             Emanation
             of
             the
             Frames
             of
             their
             Hearts
             and
             Affections
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             
               Earnestness
               and
               appearing
               Fervency
            
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             as
             unto
             the
             outward
             delivery
             of
             the
             Words
             of
             it
             ,
             yea
             though
             the
             mind
             be
             so
             affected
             as
             to
             contribute
             much
             thereunto
             ,
             will
             not
             of
             themselves
             prove
             ,
             that
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             men
             therein
             do
             arise
             from
             an
             Internal
             Spring
             of
             Grace
             .
             There
             is
             a
             
               Fervency
               of
               Spirit
            
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             that
             is
             one
             of
             the
             best
             Properties
             of
             it
             ,
             being
             an
             earnest
             Acting
             of
             Love
             ,
             Faith
             and
             Desire
             .
             But
             there
             is
             a
             Fervency
             wherewith
             the
             mind
             it self
             may
             be
             affected
             ,
             that
             may
             arise
             from
             other
             Causes
             .
          
           
           
             1.
             
             It
             may
             do
             so
             from
             the
             ingagement
             of
             
               Natural
               Affections
            
             unto
             the
             Object
             of
             their
             Prayer
             ,
             or
             the
             things
             Prayed
             for
             .
             Men
             may
             be
             mighty
             Earnest
             and
             Intent
             in
             their
             minds
             ,
             in
             praying
             for
             a
             
               Dear
               Relation
            
             ,
             or
             for
             Deliverance
             from
             Eminent
             Troubles
             ,
             or
             Imminent
             Dangers
             ;
             and
             yet
             all
             this
             Fervour
             arise
             from
             the
             vehement
             Actings
             of
             Natural
             Affections
             about
             the
             things
             prayed
             for
             ,
             excited
             in
             an
             especial
             manner
             by
             the
             present
             Duty
             .
             Hence
             God
             calls
             the
             earnest
             cryes
             of
             some
             for
             
               Temporal
               things
            
             ,
             not
             a
             
               Crying
               unto
               him
            
             ,
             but
             
               an
               Howling
               ,
               Hosea
            
             7.14
             .
             That
             is
             ,
             the
             cry
             of
             hungry
             Ravenous
             Beasts
             ,
             that
             would
             be
             satisfied
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Sometimes
             it
             ariseth
             from
             the
             
               sharpness
               of
               Convictions
            
             ,
             which
             will
             make
             men
             even
             
               Roar
               in
               their
               Prayers
               for
               disquietment
               of
               Heart
               .
            
             And
             this
             may
             be
             where
             there
             is
             no
             true
             Grace
             as
             yet
             received
             ,
             nor
             it
             may
             be
             ever
             will
             be
             so
             .
             For
             the
             perplexing
             Work
             of
             Convictions
             ,
             goes
             before
             real
             Conversion
             ;
             and
             as
             it
             produceth
             many
             other
             Effects
             and
             Changes
             in
             the
             mind
             ,
             so
             it
             may
             do
             this
             of
             great
             Fervency
             in
             
               Vocal
               Prayers
            
             ,
             especially
             if
             it
             be
             accompanied
             with
             outward
             Afflictions
             ,
             Pains
             or
             Troubles
             .
             Psal.
             78.34
             ,
             35.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             Oft-times
             the
             Mind
             and
             Affections
             are
             very
             little
             concerned
             in
             that
             Fervour
             and
             Earnestness
             which
             appear
             in
             the
             
               outward
               Performance
            
             of
             the
             Duty
             .
             But
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             Gifts
             and
             through
             their
             own
             utterance
             ,
             men
             put
             their
             Natural
             Affections
             into
             such
             an
             Agitation
             ,
             as
             shall
             carry
             them
             out
             into
             a
             great
             Vehemency
             in
             their
             Expressions
             .
             It
             hath
             been
             so
             with
             sundry
             Persons
             ,
             who
             have
             been
             discovered
             to
             be
             Rotten
             Hypocrites
             ,
             and
             have
             afterwards
             turned
             Cursed
             Apostates
             .
             Wherefore
             all
             these
             things
             may
             be
             ,
             where
             there
             is
             no
             gracious
             Spring
             ,
             or
             Vital
             Principle
             ,
             Acting
             it self
             from
             within
             in
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             .
          
           
             Some
             it
             may
             be
             will
             design
             an
             Advantage
             by
             their
             Conceptions
             unto
             the
             Interest
             of
             Prophaneness
             and
             Scoffing
             .
             
             For
             if
             there
             may
             be
             these
             evils
             under
             the
             Exercise
             of
             the
             
               Gift
               of
               Prayer
            
             ,
             both
             in
             Constancy
             and
             with
             Fervency
             ;
             if
             there
             may
             be
             a
             total
             want
             of
             the
             Exercise
             of
             all
             true
             Grace
             with
             it
             and
             under
             it
             ;
             then
             it
             may
             be
             all
             that
             is
             pretended
             of
             this
             Gift
             and
             its
             Use
             ,
             is
             but
             Hypocrisie
             and
             Talk.
             But
             I
             say
             ,
             (
             1.
             )
             It
             may
             be
             as
             well
             pretended
             ,
             that
             because
             the
             Sun
             shining
             on
             a
             Dung-hill
             ,
             doth
             occasion
             offensive
             and
             noisom
             Steams
             ,
             therefore
             all
             that
             is
             pretended
             of
             its
             Influence
             on
             Spices
             and
             Flowers
             ,
             causing
             them
             to
             give
             out
             their
             Fragrancy
             ,
             is
             utterly
             false
             .
             No
             man
             ever
             thought
             that
             
               Spiritual
               Gifts
            
             did
             change
             ,
             or
             renew
             the
             Minds
             and
             Natures
             of
             Men
             ;
             where
             they
             are
             alone
             they
             only
             help
             and
             assist
             unto
             the
             useful
             Exercise
             of
             Natural
             Faculties
             and
             Powers
             .
             And
             therefore
             where
             the
             Heart
             is
             not
             savingly
             renewed
             ,
             no
             Gifts
             can
             stir
             up
             a
             saving
             Exercise
             of
             Faith.
             But
             where
             it
             is
             so
             ,
             they
             are
             a
             means
             to
             
               cause
               the
               Savour
               of
               it
               to
               flow
               forth
               .
            
             (
             2.
             )
             Be
             it
             so
             that
             there
             may
             be
             some
             Evils
             found
             under
             the
             Exercise
             of
             the
             Gift
             of
             Prayer
             ,
             what
             remedy
             for
             them
             may
             be
             proposed
             ?
             Is
             it
             that
             men
             should
             Renounce
             their
             use
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             betake
             themselves
             unto
             the
             Reading
             of
             Prayers
             only
             ?
             (
             1.
             )
             The
             same
             may
             be
             said
             of
             all
             
               Spiritual
               Gifts
            
             whatever
             ,
             for
             they
             are
             all
             of
             them
             liable
             unto
             Abuse
             .
             And
             shall
             we
             reject
             all
             the
             Powers
             of
             the
             World
             to
             come
             ,
             the
             whole
             complexe
             of
             Gospel
             Gifts
             ,
             for
             the
             Commuication
             whereof
             the
             Lord
             Christ
             hath
             promised
             to
             continue
             his
             Spirit
             with
             his
             Church
             unto
             the
             end
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             because
             by
             some
             they
             are
             abused
             ?
             (
             2.
             )
             Not
             only
             the
             same
             ,
             but
             far
             greater
             evils
             may
             be
             found
             in
             and
             under
             the
             Reading
             of
             Prayers
             ,
             which
             needs
             no
             further
             Demonstration
             than
             what
             it
             gives
             of
             it self
             every
             Day
             .
             (
             3.
             )
             It
             is
             hard
             to
             understand
             ,
             how
             any
             benefit
             at
             all
             can
             accrew
             unto
             any
             by
             this
             Relief
             ,
             when
             the
             Advantages
             of
             the
             other
             way
             are
             evident
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             the
             Enquiry
             remains
             ,
             
               How
               we
               may
               know
               unto
               our
               own
               satisfaction
               ,
               that
               the
               Thoughts
               we
               have
               of
               Spiritual
               
               things
               in
               the
               Duty
               of
               Prayer
               ,
               are
               from
               Internal
               fountain
               of
               Grace
               ,
            
             and
             so
             are
             an
             evidence
             that
             we
             are
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             whereunto
             all
             these
             things
             do
             tend
             .
             Some
             few
             things
             I
             shall
             offer
             towards
             Satisfaction
             herein
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             I
             take
             it
             for
             granted
             on
             the
             Evidence
             before
             given
             ,
             that
             Persons
             who
             have
             any
             
               Spiritual
               Light
            
             ,
             and
             will
             diligently
             Examine
             and
             Try
             their
             own
             Hearts
             ,
             will
             be
             able
             to
             discern
             what
             real
             Actings
             of
             Faith
             ,
             of
             Love
             ,
             and
             Delight
             in
             God
             ,
             there
             are
             in
             their
             Duties
             ;
             and
             consequently
             what
             is
             the
             Spring
             of
             their
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             .
             In
             general
             we
             are
             assured
             ,
             that
             
               he
               that
               believeth
               ,
               hath
               the
               Witness
               in
               himself
               .
            
             1
             Joh.
             5.10
             .
             Sincere
             Faith
             will
             be
             its
             own
             Evidence
             .
             And
             where
             there
             are
             Sincere
             Actings
             of
             Faith
             ,
             they
             will
             evidence
             themselves
             ,
             if
             we
             try
             all
             things
             impartially
             by
             the
             Word
             .
             But
             if
             men
             do
             ,
             as
             for
             the
             most
             part
             they
             do
             ,
             content
             themselves
             with
             the
             Performance
             of
             any
             Duty
             ,
             without
             an
             Examination
             of
             their
             Principles
             ,
             Frames
             and
             Actings
             of
             Grace
             in
             them
             ,
             it
             is
             no
             wonder
             if
             they
             walk
             in
             all
             Uncertainty
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             When
             the
             Soul
             finds
             a
             
               sweet
               Spiritual
               Complacency
            
             in
             and
             after
             its
             Duties
             ,
             it
             is
             an
             Evidence
             that
             Grace
             hath
             been
             acted
             in
             its
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             and
             Desires
             .
             Jer.
             31.
             
             The
             Prophet
             receiveth
             a
             long
             gracious
             Message
             from
             God
             ,
             filled
             up
             with
             Excellent
             Promises
             and
             Pathetical
             Exhortations
             unto
             the
             Church
             .
             The
             whole
             is
             as
             it
             were
             summ'd
             up
             in
             the
             close
             of
             it
             .
             Ver.
             25.
             
             
               For
               I
               have
               satiated
               the
               weary
               Soul
               ,
               and
               I
               have
               replenished
               every
               sorrowful
               Soul.
            
             Whereon
             the
             Prophet
             adds
             ,
             
               Vpon
               this
               I
               awaked
               ,
               and
               beheld
               ,
               and
               my
               Sleep
               was
               sweet
               unto
               me
               .
            
             God's
             gracious
             Message
             had
             so
             composed
             his
             spirits
             ,
             and
             freed
             his
             mind
             from
             Trouble
             ,
             as
             that
             he
             was
             at
             quiet
             Repose
             in
             himself
             ,
             like
             a
             man
             asleep
             .
             But
             after
             the
             end
             of
             it
             ,
             he
             stirrs
             up
             himself
             unto
             a
             Review
             and
             Consideration
             of
             what
             had
             been
             spoken
             unto
             him
             :
             
               I
               awaked
               and
               beheld
            
             ,
             or
             I
             stirred
             up
             my self
             ,
             and
             considered
             what
             had
             
             been
             delivered
             unto
             me
             ;
             And
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               my
               Sleep
               was
               sweet
               unto
               me
            
             ;
             I
             found
             a
             gracious
             Complacency
             in
             ,
             and
             Refreshment
             unto
             my
             Soul
             ,
             from
             what
             I
             had
             heard
             and
             received
             .
             So
             is
             it
             oft-times
             with
             a
             Soul
             that
             hath
             had
             real
             Communion
             with
             God
             in
             the
             Duty
             of
             Prayer
             .
             It
             finds
             it self
             both
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             afterwards
             when
             it
             is
             awakened
             unto
             the
             consideration
             of
             it
             ,
             spiritually
             refreshed
             ,
             it
             is
             sweet
             unto
             him
             .
          
           
             This
             
               holy
               Complacency
            
             ,
             this
             Rest
             and
             sweet
             Repose
             of
             mind
             ,
             is
             the
             Foundation
             of
             the
             Delight
             of
             Believers
             in
             this
             Duty
             .
             They
             do
             not
             pray
             only
             because
             it
             is
             their
             Duty
             so
             to
             do
             ,
             nor
             yet
             because
             they
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             it
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             they
             cannot
             live
             without
             it
             ,
             but
             they
             have
             delight
             in
             it
             ;
             and
             to
             keep
             them
             from
             it
             ,
             is
             all
             one
             as
             to
             keep
             them
             from
             their
             
               daily
               food
            
             and
             refreshment
             .
             Now
             we
             can
             have
             no
             delight
             in
             any
             thing
             but
             what
             we
             have
             found
             some
             Sweetness
             ,
             Rest
             and
             Complacency
             in
             .
             Without
             any
             such
             Experience
             we
             may
             do
             or
             use
             any
             thing
             ,
             but
             cannot
             do
             it
             with
             delight
             .
             And
             it
             ariseth
             (
             1.
             )
             From
             the
             approach
             that
             is
             made
             unto
             God
             therein
             .
             It
             is
             in
             its
             own
             Nature
             an
             Access
             unto
             God
             on
             a
             Throne
             of
             Grace
             .
             Ephes.
             2.18
             .
             Heb.
             10.19
             ,
             20.
             
             And
             when
             this
             Access
             is
             Animated
             by
             the
             Actings
             of
             Grace
             ,
             the
             Soul
             hath
             a
             Spiritual
             Experience
             of
             a
             nearness
             in
             that
             Approach
             .
             Now
             God
             is
             the
             Fountain
             and
             Center
             of
             all
             
               Spiritual
               Refreshment
            
             ,
             Rest
             and
             Complacency
             :
             And
             in
             such
             an
             Access
             unto
             him
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             refreshing
             Taste
             of
             them
             Communicated
             unto
             the
             Soul.
             Psal.
             36.7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9.
             
             
               How
               excellent
               is
               thy
               Loving
               kindness
               ,
               O
               God!
               therefore
               the
               children
               of
               men
               put
               their
               Trust
               under
               the
               shadow
               of
               thy
               Wings
               .
               They
               shall
               be
               abundantly
               satisfied
               with
               the
               Fatness
               of
               thy
               house
               :
               and
               thou
               shalt
               make
               them
               Drink
               of
               the
               River
               of
               thy
               pleasures
               .
               For
               with
               thee
               is
               the
               fountain
               of
               Life
               :
               in
               thy
               Light
               we
               shall
               see
               Light.
            
             God
             is
             proposed
             in
             the
             Excellency
             of
             his
             
               Loving
               Kindness
            
             ,
             which
             is
             comprehensive
             of
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             Grace
             and
             Mercy
             .
             And
             so
             is
             he
             also
             
             as
             the
             Spring
             of
             
               Life
               and
               Light
            
             ,
             all
             Spiritual
             Powers
             and
             Joyes
             .
             Those
             that
             believe
             ,
             are
             described
             by
             their
             
               Trust
               under
               the
               shadow
               of
               his
               Wings
               .
            
             In
             his
             Worship
             ,
             the
             
               Fatnesse
               of
               his
               House
            
             ,
             they
             make
             their
             Approaches
             unto
             him
             .
             And
             the
             Fruit
             hereof
             is
             ,
             that
             he
             makes
             them
             to
             
               Drink
               of
               the
               River
               of
               his
               Pleasures
               ,
            
             the
             satisfying
             ,
             refreshing
             Streams
             of
             his
             Grace
             and
             Goodness
             ;
             they
             approach
             unto
             him
             as
             unto
             the
             
               Fountain
               of
               Life
            
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             Drink
             of
             that
             Fountain
             ,
             in
             renewed
             Communications
             of
             Life
             and
             Grace
             ;
             and
             in
             the
             Light
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             Light
             of
             his
             Countenance
             ,
             to
             
               see
               Light
            
             ,
             in
             satisfying
             Joy.
             In
             these
             things
             doth
             consist
             ,
             and
             from
             them
             doth
             arise
             that
             Spiritual
             Complacency
             which
             the
             Souls
             of
             Believers
             do
             find
             in
             their
             Duties
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             From
             the
             due
             Exercise
             of
             Faith
             ,
             Love
             and
             Delight
             ,
             the
             Graces
             wherein
             the
             Life
             of
             the
             new
             Creature
             doth
             principally
             consist
             .
             There
             is
             a
             suitableness
             unto
             our
             Natural
             Constitution
             ,
             and
             a
             secret
             Complacency
             of
             our
             Natures
             in
             the
             proper
             Actings
             of
             Life
             Natural
             ,
             for
             its
             own
             Preservation
             and
             Encrease
             .
             There
             is
             so
             in
             our
             
               Spiritual
               Constitution
            
             ,
             in
             the
             proper
             Actings
             of
             the
             Powers
             of
             our
             Spiritual
             Life
             unto
             its
             Preservation
             and
             Encrease
             .
             These
             Graces
             in
             their
             due
             Exercise
             ,
             do
             Compose
             and
             Refresh
             the
             mind
             ,
             as
             those
             which
             are
             Perfective
             of
             its
             State
             ,
             which
             quell
             and
             cast
             out
             whatever
             troubles
             it
             .
             Thence
             a
             blessed
             Satisfaction
             and
             Complacency
             befalls
             the
             Soul.
             Herein
             he
             
               that
               believeth
               hath
               the
               witness
               in
               himself
               .
            
             Besides
             ,
             Faith
             and
             Love
             are
             never
             really
             Acted
             on
             Christ
             ,
             but
             they
             prepare
             and
             make
             meet
             the
             Soul
             to
             receive
             Communications
             of
             Love
             and
             Grace
             from
             him
             ;
             which
             it
             never
             faileth
             of
             ,
             although
             it
             be
             not
             always
             sensible
             thereof
             .
             (
             3.
             )
             From
             the
             Testimony
             of
             Conscience
             ,
             bearing
             witness
             unto
             our
             sincerity
             ,
             both
             in
             Aims
             ,
             Ends
             and
             Performances
             of
             the
             Duty
             .
             Hence
             a
             gracious
             Repose
             of
             Mind
             and
             great
             Satisfactoriness
             doth
             ensue
             .
          
           
             If
             we
             have
             no
             Experience
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             it
             is
             evident
             
             that
             we
             walk
             at
             Random
             in
             the
             best
             of
             our
             Duties
             ;
             For
             they
             are
             among
             the
             principal
             things
             that
             we
             do
             or
             ought
             to
             Pray
             for
             .
             And
             if
             we
             have
             not
             Experience
             of
             the
             Effects
             of
             our
             Prayers
             in
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             we
             neither
             have
             advantage
             by
             them
             ,
             nor
             give
             Glory
             unto
             God
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             But
             yet
             here
             ,
             as
             in
             most
             other
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             one
             of
             the
             worst
             of
             Vices
             is
             ready
             to
             impose
             it self
             in
             the
             room
             and
             place
             of
             the
             
               best
               of
               our
               Graces
            
             .
             And
             this
             is
             ,
             Self-pleasing
             in
             the
             Performance
             of
             the
             Duty
             .
             This
             instead
             of
             a
             Grace
             steeped
             in
             Humility
             ,
             as
             all
             true
             Grace
             is
             ,
             is
             a
             vile
             effect
             of
             
               Spiritual
               Pride
            
             ,
             or
             the
             offering
             of
             a
             Sacrifice
             unto
             our
             own
             Net
             and
             Drag
             .
             It
             is
             a
             glorying
             in
             the
             Flesh
             ;
             for
             whatever
             of
             Self
             any
             doth
             glory
             in
             ,
             it
             is
             but
             Flesh.
             When
             men
             have
             had
             enlargements
             in
             their
             Expressions
             ,
             and
             especially
             when
             they
             apprehend
             that
             others
             are
             satisfied
             or
             affected
             therewith
             ,
             they
             are
             apt
             to
             have
             a
             secret
             Self-pleasing
             in
             what
             they
             have
             done
             ,
             which
             before
             they
             are
             aware
             turns
             into
             Pride
             and
             a
             noxious
             Elation
             of
             mind
             .
             The
             same
             may
             befall
             men
             in
             their
             most
             Secret
             Duties
             ,
             performed
             outwardly
             by
             the
             Aid
             of
             Spiritual
             Gifts
             .
             But
             this
             is
             most
             remote
             from
             and
             contrary
             unto
             that
             
               Spiritual
               Complacency
            
             in
             Duty
             which
             we
             speak
             of
             ,
             which
             yet
             it
             will
             pretend
             unto
             ,
             untill
             it
             be
             diligently
             Examined
             .
             The
             Language
             of
             this
             Spiritual
             Complacency
             is
             ,
             
               I
               will
               go
               in
               the
               strength
               of
               the
               Lord
               God
               ,
               I
               will
               make
               mention
               of
               thy
               Righteousness
               ,
               of
               thine
               only
               ,
               Psal.
            
             71.16
             .
             That
             of
             Spiritual
             Pride
             is
             ;
             
               God
               I
               thank
               thee
               that
               I
               have
               done
               thus
               and
               thus
            
             ;
             as
             it
             was
             expressed
             by
             the
             Pharisee
             .
             That
             is
             in
             
               God
               alone
            
             ,
             this
             is
             in
             Self
             .
             That
             draws
             forth
             
               the
               Savour
               of
               all
               Graces
            
             :
             this
             immediately
             covereth
             and
             buries
             them
             all
             ,
             if
             there
             be
             any
             in
             the
             S●ul
             .
             That
             fills
             the
             Soul
             eminently
             with
             Humility
             and
             Self-abasement
             ;
             this
             with
             a
             lifting
             up
             of
             the
             mind
             ,
             and
             Proud
             Self-conceit
             .
             That
             casts
             out
             all
             Remembrance
             of
             what
             we
             have
             
               done
               our selves
            
             ,
             retaining
             
             only
             a
             sence
             of
             what
             we
             have
             
               received
               from
               God
            
             ,
             of
             the
             impressions
             of
             his
             Love
             and
             Grace
             .
             This
             blots
             out
             all
             Remembrance
             of
             what
             we
             have
             
               freely
               received
               from
               God
            
             ,
             and
             retains
             only
             what
             we
             have
             
               done
               our selves
            
             .
             Wherever
             it
             is
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             due
             sence
             either
             of
             the
             Greatness
             or
             Goodness
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             Some
             it
             may
             be
             will
             say
             ,
             that
             if
             it
             be
             so
             ,
             they
             for
             their
             parts
             are
             cut
             off
             .
             They
             have
             no
             experience
             of
             any
             such
             
               Spiritual
               rest
               and
               complacency
            
             in
             God
             in
             or
             after
             their
             Prayers
             .
             At
             the
             best
             they
             begin
             them
             with
             tears
             and
             end
             them
             in
             sorrow
             ;
             and
             sometimes
             they
             know
             not
             what
             is
             become
             of
             them
             ,
             but
             fear
             that
             God
             is
             not
             glorified
             by
             them
             ,
             nor
             their
             own
             souls
             bettered
             .
          
           
             I
             answer
             ,
             (
             1.
             )
             There
             is
             great
             
               Spiritual
               Refreshment
            
             in
             that
             Godly
             sorrow
             which
             is
             at
             work
             in
             our
             Prayers
             .
             Where
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             is
             a
             Spirit
             of
             Grace
             and
             Supplication
             he
             causeth
             Mourning
             ,
             and
             in
             that
             Mourning
             there
             is
             Joy.
             (
             2.
             )
             The
             secret
             Encouragement
             which
             we
             receive
             by
             praying
             ,
             to
             adhere
             unto
             God
             constantly
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             ariseth
             from
             some
             experience
             of
             this
             
               Holy
               Complacency
            
             ,
             though
             we
             have
             not
             a
             sensible
             evidence
             of
             it
             .
             (
             3.
             )
             Perhaps
             some
             of
             them
             who
             make
             this
             complaint
             ,
             if
             they
             would
             awaken
             and
             consider
             ,
             will
             find
             that
             their
             souls
             ,
             at
             least
             sometimes
             ,
             have
             been
             thus
             refreshed
             ,
             and
             brought
             unto
             an
             holy
             Rest
             in
             God.
             (
             4.
             )
             Then
             shall
             you
             know
             the
             Lord
             ,
             if
             you
             follow
             on
             to
             know
             him
             .
             Abide
             in
             seeking
             after
             this
             Complacency
             and
             satisfaction
             in
             God
             ,
             and
             you
             shall
             attain
             it
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             It
             is
             a
             sure
             Evidence
             that
             our
             Thoughts
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             in
             our
             Supplications
             are
             from
             an
             internal
             Spring
             of
             Grace
             ,
             and
             are
             not
             meerly
             occasioned
             by
             the
             Duty
             it self
             ,
             when
             we
             find
             the
             
               daily
               fruit
               and
               advantage
               of
               them
            
             ;
             especially
             in
             the
             preservation
             of
             our
             Souls
             in
             an
             holy
             ,
             humble
             watchfull
             frame
             .
          
           
             Innumerable
             are
             the
             Advantages
             ,
             Benefits
             and
             Effects
             of
             Prayer
             ;
             which
             are
             commonly
             spoken
             unto
             .
             Growth
             in
             Grace
             and
             Consolation
             is
             the
             substance
             of
             them
             .
             Where
             there
             is
             continuance
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             there
             will
             be
             
               Spiritual
               
               Growth
            
             in
             some
             proportion
             .
             For
             men
             to
             be
             Earnest
             in
             Prayer
             and
             Thriftless
             in
             Grace
             ,
             is
             a
             certain
             Indication
             of
             prevalent
             corruptions
             ,
             and
             want
             of
             being
             
               Spiritually
               Minded
            
             in
             Prayer
             it self
             .
             If
             a
             man
             eats
             his
             daily
             food
             ,
             let
             him
             eat
             never
             so
             much
             ,
             or
             so
             often
             ,
             if
             he
             be
             not
             nourished
             by
             it
             ,
             his
             Body
             is
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             prevalent
             distempers
             .
             And
             so
             is
             his
             Spiritual
             Constitution
             ,
             who
             thriveth
             not
             in
             the
             use
             of
             the
             food
             of
             the
             New
             Creature
             .
             But
             that
             which
             I
             fix
             upon
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             present
             enquiry
             ,
             is
             the
             Frame
             that
             it
             preserves
             the
             soul
             in
             .
             It
             will
             keep
             it
             humble
             and
             upon
             a
             
               diligent
               watch
            
             as
             unto
             it's
             dispositions
             and
             actings
             .
             He
             who
             prays
             as
             he
             ought
             ,
             will
             endeavour
             to
             live
             as
             he
             prayes
             .
             This
             none
             can
             do
             who
             doth
             not
             with
             diligence
             keep
             his
             heart
             unto
             the
             things
             he
             hath
             prayed
             about
             .
             To
             pray
             earnestly
             and
             live
             carelesly
             ,
             is
             to
             proclaim
             that
             a
             man
             is
             not
             Spiritually
             minded
             in
             his
             prayer
             .
             Hereby
             then
             we
             shall
             know
             what
             is
             the
             
               Spring
               of
               those
               spiritual
               Thoughts
            
             ,
             which
             our
             minds
             are
             exercised
             withall
             in
             our
             supplications
             .
             If
             they
             are
             influenced
             unto
             a
             constant
             daily
             watch
             for
             the
             preservation
             of
             that
             frame
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             those
             dispositions
             and
             Inclinations
             unto
             spiritual
             things
             which
             we
             pray
             for
             ,
             they
             are
             from
             an
             internal
             Spring
             of
             Grace
             .
             If
             there
             be
             generally
             an
             unsuitableness
             in
             our
             minds
             unto
             what
             we
             seem
             to
             contend
             for
             in
             our
             Prayers
             ,
             the
             Gift
             may
             be
             in
             exercise
             ,
             but
             the
             Grace
             is
             wanting
             .
             If
             a
             man
             be
             every
             day
             on
             the
             Exchange
             ,
             and
             there
             talketh
             diligently
             and
             earnestly
             about
             Merchandize
             and
             the
             Affairs
             of
             Trade
             ,
             but
             when
             he
             comes
             home
             thinks
             no
             more
             of
             them
             ,
             because
             indeed
             he
             hath
             nothing
             to
             do
             ,
             no
             interest
             in
             them
             ,
             he
             may
             be
             a
             very
             poor
             man
             notwithstanding
             his
             pretences
             .
             And
             he
             may
             be
             spiritually
             very
             poor
             who
             is
             on
             occasions
             fervent
             in
             prayer
             ,
             if
             when
             he
             retires
             unto
             himself
             ,
             he
             is
             not
             carefull
             and
             diligent
             about
             the
             matter
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             When
             
               Spiritual
               Affections
            
             and
             due
             preparation
             of
             heart
             unto
             the
             Duty
             do
             excite
             and
             animate
             the
             
               Gift
               of
               Prayer
            
             ,
             and
             not
             the
             Gift
             make
             impressions
             on
             the
             Affections
             ,
             then
             are
             
             we
             Spiritually
             Minded
             therein
             .
             Gifts
             are
             Servants
             not
             Rulers
             in
             the
             Mind
             ;
             are
             bestowed
             on
             us
             to
             be
             
               serviceable
               unto
               Grace
            
             ,
             not
             to
             lead
             it
             ,
             but
             to
             follow
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             ready
             with
             their
             Assistance
             on
             its
             exercise
             .
             For
             the
             most
             part
             where
             they
             lead
             all
             ,
             they
             are
             all
             alone
             .
             This
             is
             the
             natural
             order
             of
             these
             things
             .
             Grace
             habitually
             inclineth
             and
             disposeth
             the
             heart
             unto
             this
             Duty
             .
             Providence
             and
             Rule
             gives
             the
             occasions
             for
             its
             excercise
             ;
             
               Sence
               of
               Duty
            
             calls
             for
             preparation
             .
             Grace
             coming
             into
             actual
             exercise
             ,
             Gifts
             come
             in
             with
             their
             Assistance
             .
             If
             they
             lead
             all
             ,
             all
             is
             out
             of
             order
             .
             It
             may
             be
             otherwise
             sometimes
             .
             A
             Person
             
               indispos'd
               and
               lifeless
            
             ,
             ingaging
             into
             Prayer
             in
             a
             way
             of
             Obedience
             ,
             upon
             conviction
             of
             Duty
             ,
             may
             in
             and
             by
             the
             Gift
             have
             his
             Affections
             excited
             ,
             and
             Graces
             engaged
             unto
             its
             proper
             Work.
             It
             may
             be
             so
             ,
             I
             say
             ;
             but
             let
             men
             take
             heed
             how
             they
             trust
             unto
             this
             
               Order
               and
               Method
            
             .
             For
             where
             it
             is
             so
             ,
             there
             may
             be
             little
             or
             nothing
             of
             the
             Exercise
             of
             true
             Grace
             in
             all
             their
             fervour
             and
             Commotion
             of
             Affections
             .
             But
             when
             the
             genuine
             Actings
             of
             Faith
             ,
             Love
             ,
             holy
             Reverence
             and
             gracious
             Desires
             ,
             do
             stir
             up
             the
             Gift
             unto
             its
             Exercise
             ,
             calling
             in
             its
             assistance
             unto
             the
             expression
             of
             themselves
             ;
             then
             are
             the
             Heart
             and
             Mind
             in
             their
             proper
             Order
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             It
             is
             so
             when
             other
             Duties
             of
             Religion
             are
             equally
             regarded
             and
             attended
             unto
             with
             Prayer
             it self
             .
             He
             ,
             all
             whose
             Religion
             lyes
             in
             Prayer
             and
             Hearing
             ,
             hath
             none
             at
             all
             .
             God
             hath
             an
             equal
             respect
             unto
             all
             other
             Duties
             ,
             and
             so
             must
             we
             have
             also
             .
             So
             is
             it
             expressed
             as
             unto
             the
             Instance
             of
             Alms
             ;
             Acts
             10.31
             .
             And
             James
             placeth
             all
             Religion
             herein
             ,
             because
             there
             is
             none
             without
             it
             ;
             Jam.
             1.27
             .
             I
             shall
             not
             value
             his
             Prayers
             at
             all
             ,
             be
             he
             never
             so
             earnest
             and
             frequent
             in
             them
             ,
             who
             gives
             not
             Alms
             according
             to
             his
             Ability
             .
             And
             this
             in
             an
             especial
             manner
             is
             required
             of
             us
             who
             are
             Ministers
             ;
             that
             we
             be
             not
             like
             an
             hand
             set
             up
             in
             cross
             Wayes
             ,
             directing
             others
             which
             way
             to
             go
             ,
             but
             staying
             behind
             it self
             .
          
           
             This
             digression
             about
             the
             
               Rise
               and
               Spring
               of
               Spiritual
               
               Thoughts
               in
               Prayer
               ,
            
             I
             judged
             not
             unnecessary
             ,
             in
             such
             a
             time
             and
             season
             wherein
             we
             ought
             to
             be
             very
             jealous
             ,
             lest
             Gifts
             impose
             themselves
             in
             the
             room
             of
             Grace
             ,
             and
             be
             careful
             that
             they
             are
             employed
             only
             unto
             their
             proper
             End
             ,
             which
             is
             to
             be
             serviceable
             unto
             Grace
             in
             its
             Exercise
             ,
             and
             not
             otherwise
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             There
             is
             
               another
               Occasion
               of
               Thoughts
               of
               spiritual
               things
               ,
            
             when
             they
             do
             not
             spring
             from
             a
             living
             Principle
             within
             ,
             and
             so
             are
             no
             evidence
             of
             being
             spiritually
             minded
             .
             And
             this
             is
             the
             Discourse
             of
             others
             .
             
               They
               that
               fear
               the
               Lord
               will
               be
               speaking
               one
               to
               another
               ,
            
             of
             the
             things
             wherein
             ,
             his
             Glory
             is
             concerned
             ,
             Mal.
             3.16
             .
             To
             declare
             the
             Righteousness
             ,
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             the
             Delight
             of
             his
             Saints
             .
             Psal.
             145.
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5
             ,
             6
             ,
             7
             ,
             8.
             
             
               Great
               is
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               greatly
               to
               be
               Praised
               ,
               and
               his
               Greatness
               is
               unsearchable
               .
               One
               Generation
               shall
               praise
               thy
               Works
               to
               another
               ,
               and
               shall
               declare
               thy
               mighty
               Works
               .
               I
               will
               speak
               of
               the
               Glorious
               honour
               of
               thy
               Majesty
               ,
               and
               of
               thy
               wondrous
               Works
               .
               And
               men
               shall
               speak
               of
               the
               might
               of
               thy
               terrible
               Acts
               ;
               and
               I
               will
               declare
               thy
               Greatness
               .
               They
               shall
               abundantly
               utter
               the
               memory
               of
               thy
               great
               Goodness
               ,
               and
               shall
               sing
               of
               thy
               Righteousness
               .
               The
               Lord
               is
               gracious
               and
               full
               of
               Compassion
               ,
               slow
               to
               Anger
               and
               of
               great
               Mercy
               .
            
             And
             accordingly
             there
             are
             some
             who
             are
             ready
             on
             all
             occasions
             to
             be
             speaking
             or
             making
             mention
             of
             things
             Divine
             ,
             Spiritual
             and
             Holy
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             to
             be
             wished
             that
             there
             were
             more
             of
             them
             .
             All
             the
             flagitious
             sins
             that
             the
             World
             is
             filled
             withall
             ,
             are
             not
             a
             greater
             evidence
             of
             the
             Degeneracy
             of
             Christian
             Religion
             ,
             than
             this
             is
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             grown
             unusual
             ,
             yea
             a
             shame
             or
             scorn
             for
             men
             to
             speak
             together
             of
             the
             things
             of
             God.
             It
             was
             not
             so
             when
             Religion
             was
             in
             its
             primitive
             Power
             and
             Glory
             ;
             nor
             is
             it
             so
             with
             them
             who
             really
             fear
             God
             ,
             and
             are
             sensible
             of
             their
             Duty
             .
             Some
             I
             say
             there
             are
             who
             embrace
             all
             occasions
             of
             Spiritual
             Communication
             .
             Those
             with
             whom
             they
             do
             converse
             ,
             if
             they
             are
             not
             Profligate
             ,
             if
             they
             have
             any
             spiritual
             Light
             ,
             cannot
             but
             so
             far
             comply
             with
             what
             they
             say
             ,
             as
             to
             think
             of
             
             the
             things
             spoken
             which
             are
             spiritual
             .
             Oft
             times
             the
             
               Track
               and
               Course
               of
               mens
               thoughts
               ,
            
             lye
             so
             out
             of
             the
             way
             ,
             are
             so
             contrary
             unto
             such
             things
             ,
             that
             they
             seem
             strange
             unto
             them
             ,
             they
             give
             them
             no
             Entertainment
             .
             You
             do
             but
             cross
             their
             way
             with
             such
             Discourses
             ,
             whereon
             they
             stand
             still
             a
             little
             and
             so
             pass
             on
             .
             Even
             the
             
               Countenances
               of
               some
               men
               will
               change
            
             hereon
             ,
             and
             they
             betake
             themselves
             unto
             an
             unsatisfied
             silence
             ,
             untill
             they
             can
             divert
             unto
             other
             things
             .
             Some
             will
             make
             such
             replies
             of
             
               empty
               words
            
             ,
             as
             shall
             evidence
             their
             Hearts
             to
             be
             far
             enough
             estranged
             from
             the
             things
             proposed
             unto
             them
             .
             But
             with
             others
             ,
             such
             
               occasional
               Discourses
            
             will
             make
             such
             Impressions
             on
             their
             minds
             ,
             as
             to
             stir
             up
             present
             thoughts
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             .
             But
             though
             frequent
             occasions
             hereof
             may
             be
             renewed
             ,
             yet
             will
             such
             Thoughts
             give
             no
             evidence
             that
             any
             man
             is
             spiritually
             minded
             .
             For
             they
             are
             not
             genuine
             ,
             from
             an
             internal
             Spring
             of
             Grace
             .
          
           
             From
             these
             causes
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             
               Spiritual
               Things
            
             are
             with
             many
             ,
             as
             Guests
             that
             come
             into
             an
             Inn
             ,
             and
             not
             like
             Children
             that
             dwell
             in
             the
             House
             .
             They
             enter
             occasionally
             ,
             and
             then
             there
             is
             a
             great
             stir
             about
             them
             ,
             to
             provide
             meet
             entertainment
             for
             them
             .
             Within
             a
             while
             they
             are
             disposed
             of
             ,
             and
             so
             depart
             unto
             their
             own
             occasions
             ,
             being
             neither
             lookt
             nor
             enquired
             after
             any
             more
             .
             Things
             of
             another
             nature
             are
             attended
             unto
             ;
             New
             Occasions
             bring
             in
             
               new
               Guests
            
             for
             a
             season
             .
             Children
             are
             owned
             in
             the
             House
             ,
             are
             missed
             if
             they
             are
             out
             of
             the
             way
             ,
             and
             have
             their
             daily
             Provision
             constantly
             made
             for
             them
             .
             So
             is
             it
             with
             these
             occasional
             Thoughts
             about
             Spiritual
             things
             .
             By
             one
             means
             or
             other
             they
             enter
             into
             the
             mind
             ,
             and
             there
             are
             entertained
             for
             a
             season
             .
             On
             a
             sudden
             they
             depart
             ,
             and
             men
             hear
             of
             them
             no
             more
             .
             But
             those
             that
             are
             
               Natural
               and
               Genuine
            
             ,
             arising
             from
             a
             living
             spring
             of
             Grace
             in
             the
             Heart
             ,
             disposing
             the
             mind
             unto
             them
             ,
             are
             as
             the
             Children
             of
             the
             House
             ;
             They
             are
             expected
             in
             their
             places
             and
             at
             their
             seasons
             .
             If
             they
             are
             missing
             ,
             
             they
             are
             enquired
             after
             .
             The
             Heart
             calls
             it self
             unto
             an
             Account
             whence
             it
             is
             that
             it
             hath
             been
             so
             long
             without
             them
             ,
             and
             calls
             them
             over
             into
             its
             wonted
             converse
             with
             them
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             
          
           
             
               
                 Other
                 Evidences
                 of
                 Thoughts
                 about
                 Spiritual
                 things
                 ,
                 arising
                 from
                 an
                 Internal
                 Principle
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 whereby
                 they
                 are
                 an
                 Evidence
                 of
                 our
                 being
                 Spiritually
                 Minded
                 .
                 The
                 abounding
                 of
                 these
                 Thoughts
                 ,
                 how
                 far
                 ,
                 and
                 wherein
                 such
                 an
                 Evidence
                 .
              
            
          
           
             II.
             THe
             second
             Evidence
             that
             our
             Thoughts
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             do
             proceed
             from
             an
             Internal
             Fountain
             of
             sanctified
             Light
             and
             Affections
             ,
             or
             that
             they
             are
             Acts
             or
             Fruits
             of
             our
             being
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             is
             ,
             
               that
               they
               abound
               in
               us
               ,
               that
               our
               minds
               are
               filled
               with
               them
               .
            
             We
             may
             say
             of
             them
             as
             the
             Apostle
             doth
             of
             other
             Graces
             ;
             
               If
               these
               things
               are
               in
               you
               and
               abound
               ,
               you
               shall
               not
               be
               barren
               .
            
             It
             is
             well
             indeed
             ,
             when
             our
             minds
             are
             like
             the
             
               Land
               of
               Egypt
            
             in
             the
             years
             of
             Plenty
             ,
             when
             it
             brought
             forth
             by
             handfulls
             ;
             when
             they
             flow
             from
             the
             Well
             of
             Living
             Water
             in
             us
             with
             a
             full
             Stream
             and
             Current
             .
             But
             there
             is
             a
             
               measure
               of
               abounding
            
             ,
             which
             is
             necessary
             to
             evidence
             our
             being
             Spiritually
             minded
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             a
             double
             Effect
             ascribed
             here
             unto
             this
             Frame
             of
             Spirit
             ;
             First
             Life
             ,
             and
             then
             Peace
             .
             The
             Nature
             and
             Being
             of
             this
             Grace
             depends
             on
             the
             former
             Consideration
             of
             it
             ,
             namely
             ,
             its
             procedure
             from
             an
             
               Internal
               Principle
            
             of
             Grace
             ,
             the
             Effect
             and
             Consequence
             whereof
             is
             Life
             .
             But
             that
             it
             is
             Peace
             also
             ,
             depends
             on
             this
             Degree
             and
             measure
             
             of
             the
             Actings
             of
             this
             part
             of
             it
             in
             our
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             .
             And
             this
             we
             must
             consider
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             the
             Character
             of
             all
             men
             in
             the
             state
             of
             depraved
             Nature
             and
             Apostasie
             from
             God
             ,
             
               that
               every
               Imagination
               of
               the
               Thoughts
               of
               their
               Hearts
               ,
               is
               only
               evil
               continually
               ,
               Gen.
            
             6.5
             .
             All
             Persons
             in
             that
             condition
             are
             not
             
               Swearers
               ,
               Blasphemers
            
             ,
             Drunkards
             ,
             Adulterers
             ,
             Idolaters
             ,
             or
             the
             like
             .
             These
             are
             the
             vices
             of
             particular
             Persons
             ,
             the
             effects
             of
             particular
             Constitutions
             and
             Temptations
             .
             But
             thus
             it
             is
             with
             them
             ,
             all
             and
             every
             one
             of
             them
             ,
             
               all
               the
               Imaginations
               of
               the
               Thoughts
               of
               their
               Hearts
               are
               evil
               ,
               and
               that
               continually
               .
            
             Some
             as
             unto
             the
             Matter
             of
             them
             ,
             some
             as
             unto
             their
             End
             ,
             all
             as
             unto
             their
             Principle
             ;
             for
             out
             of
             the
             evil
             Treasure
             of
             the
             Heart
             can
             proceed
             nothing
             but
             what
             is
             evil
             .
             That
             infinite
             multitude
             of
             open
             sins
             which
             is
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             doth
             give
             a
             clear
             Prospect
             or
             Representation
             of
             the
             Nature
             and
             Effects
             of
             our
             Apostasie
             from
             God.
             But
             he
             that
             can
             consider
             the
             
               numberless
               number
            
             of
             Thoughts
             which
             pass
             through
             the
             minds
             of
             every
             individual
             Person
             every
             day
             ,
             
               all
               evil
               ,
               and
               that
               continually
               ,
            
             he
             will
             have
             a
             farther
             Comprehension
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             We
             can
             therefore
             have
             no
             greater
             Evidence
             of
             a
             change
             in
             us
             from
             this
             State
             and
             Condition
             ,
             than
             a
             change
             wrought
             in
             the
             
               course
               of
               our
               Thoughts
            
             .
             A
             Relinquishment
             of
             this
             or
             that
             
               particular
               sin
            
             ,
             is
             not
             an
             Evidence
             of
             a
             Translation
             from
             this
             state
             .
             For
             as
             was
             said
             ,
             such
             particular
             sins
             proceed
             from
             particular
             Lusts
             and
             Temptations
             ,
             and
             are
             not
             the
             immediate
             universal
             Consequence
             of
             that
             Depravation
             of
             Nature
             which
             is
             equal
             in
             all
             .
             Such
             alone
             is
             the
             vanity
             and
             wickedness
             of
             the
             Thoughts
             and
             Imaginations
             of
             the
             Heart
             .
             A
             change
             herein
             is
             a
             blessed
             Evidence
             of
             a
             change
             of
             State.
             He
             who
             is
             cured
             of
             a
             Dropsie
             ,
             is
             not
             immediately
             healthy
             ,
             because
             he
             may
             have
             the
             prevailing
             seeds
             and
             matter
             of
             other
             Diseases
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             next
             day
             die
             of
             a
             Lethargy
             :
             But
             he
             who
             from
             a
             state
             of
             Sickness
             ,
             is
             restored
             in
             the
             Temperature
             of
             the
             Mass
             of
             Blood
             and
             the
             Animal
             Spirits
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Principles
             of
             Life
             and
             Health
             ,
             
             unto
             a
             good
             Crasis
             and
             Temperature
             ,
             his
             state
             of
             Body
             is
             changed
             .
             The
             Cure
             of
             a
             particular
             sin
             may
             leave
             behind
             it
             the
             seeds
             of
             Eternal
             Death
             ,
             which
             they
             may
             quickly
             effect
             .
             But
             he
             who
             hath
             obtained
             a
             change
             in
             this
             Character
             which
             belongs
             essentially
             unto
             the
             
               state
               of
               depraved
               Nature
            
             ,
             is
             spiritually
             recovered
             .
             And
             the
             more
             the
             stream
             of
             our
             Thoughts
             is
             turned
             ,
             the
             more
             our
             minds
             are
             filled
             with
             those
             of
             a
             contrary
             Nature
             ,
             the
             greater
             and
             more
             firm
             is
             our
             Evidence
             of
             a
             Translation
             out
             of
             that
             depraved
             state
             and
             condition
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             nothing
             so
             unaccountable
             as
             the
             
               Multiplicity
               of
               Thoughts
            
             of
             the
             minds
             of
             men
             .
             They
             fall
             from
             them
             like
             the
             Leaves
             of
             Trees
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             shaken
             with
             the
             Wind
             in
             Autumn
             .
             To
             have
             all
             these
             Thoughts
             ,
             all
             the
             several
             Figments
             of
             the
             Heart
             ,
             all
             the
             conceptions
             that
             are
             framed
             and
             agitated
             in
             the
             mind
             ,
             
               to
               be
               evil
               and
               that
               continually
               ,
            
             what
             an
             Hell
             of
             Horrour
             and
             Confusion
             must
             it
             needs
             be
             ?
             A
             deliverance
             from
             this
             Loathsom
             hateful
             state
             ,
             is
             more
             to
             be
             valued
             than
             the
             whole
             World.
             Without
             it
             neither
             Life
             ,
             nor
             Peace
             ,
             nor
             Immortality
             ,
             or
             Glory
             ,
             can
             ever
             be
             attained
             .
          
           
             The
             design
             of
             Conviction
             is
             to
             put
             a
             stop
             unto
             these
             Thoughts
             ,
             to
             take
             off
             from
             their
             Number
             ,
             and
             thereby
             to
             lessen
             their
             Guilt
             .
             It
             deserves
             not
             the
             name
             of
             
               Conviction
               of
               Sin
            
             ,
             which
             respects
             only
             outward
             Actions
             ,
             and
             regards
             not
             the
             inward
             Actings
             of
             the
             mind
             .
             And
             this
             alone
             will
             for
             a
             season
             make
             a
             great
             change
             in
             the
             Thoughts
             ,
             especially
             it
             will
             do
             so
             when
             assisted
             by
             Superstition
             directing
             them
             unto
             other
             Objects
             .
             These
             two
             in
             Conjunction
             are
             the
             rise
             of
             all
             that
             
               Devotional
               Religion
            
             which
             is
             in
             the
             Papacy
             .
             Conviction
             labours
             to
             put
             some
             stop
             and
             bounds
             unto
             thoughts
             absolutely
             evil
             and
             corrupt
             ;
             and
             Superstition
             suggests
             other
             Objects
             for
             them
             ,
             which
             they
             readily
             embrace
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             a
             vain
             Attempt
             .
             The
             Minds
             and
             Hearts
             of
             men
             are
             continually
             Minting
             and
             Coining
             new
             Thoughts
             and
             Imaginations
             .
             The
             cogitative
             Faculty
             is
             
             always
             at
             work
             .
             As
             the
             streams
             of
             a
             mighty
             River
             running
             into
             the
             Ocean
             ,
             so
             are
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             a
             natural
             man
             ,
             and
             through
             self
             they
             run
             into
             Hell.
             It
             is
             a
             fond
             thing
             to
             set
             a
             Damme
             before
             such
             a
             River
             ,
             to
             curb
             its
             streams
             .
             For
             a
             little
             space
             there
             may
             be
             a
             stop
             made
             ,
             but
             it
             will
             quickly
             break
             down
             all
             Obstacles
             ,
             or
             overflow
             all
             its
             bounds
             .
             There
             is
             no
             way
             to
             divert
             its
             Course
             ,
             but
             only
             by
             providing
             other
             Channels
             for
             its
             Waters
             ,
             and
             turning
             them
             thereinto
             .
             The
             mighty
             Stream
             of
             
               the
               evil
               Thoughts
               of
               men
            
             will
             admit
             of
             no
             Bounds
             or
             Dammes
             to
             put
             a
             stop
             unto
             them
             .
             There
             are
             but
             two
             wayes
             of
             Relief
             from
             them
             ;
             the
             one
             respecting
             their
             
               moral
               Evil
            
             ,
             the
             other
             their
             
               natural
               Abundance
            
             .
             The
             first
             by
             throwing
             
               Salt
               into
               the
               Spring
            
             ,
             as
             Elisha
             cured
             the
             Waters
             of
             Jericho
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             to
             get
             the
             Heart
             and
             Mind
             seasoned
             with
             Grace
             ;
             for
             the
             Tree
             must
             be
             made
             good
             before
             the
             Fruit
             will
             be
             so
             .
             The
             other
             is
             ,
             to
             turn
             their
             Streams
             into
             new
             Chanels
             ,
             putting
             new
             Aims
             and
             Ends
             upon
             them
             ,
             fixing
             them
             on
             new
             Objects
             ;
             so
             shall
             we
             abound
             in
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             ;
             for
             abound
             in
             Thoughts
             we
             shall
             whether
             we
             will
             or
             no.
             
          
           
             To
             this
             Purpose
             is
             the
             Advice
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             Ephes.
             5.
             18
             ,
             19.
             
             
               And
               be
               not
               drunk
               with
               Wine
               wherein
               is
               Excess
               ,
               but
               he
               filled
               with
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               speaking
               to
               your selves
               in
               Psalms
               and
               Hymns
               and
               Spiritual
               Songs
               .
            
             When
             men
             are
             
               drunk
               with
               Wine
            
             unto
             an
             Excess
             ,
             they
             make
             it
             quickly
             evident
             ,
             what
             Vain
             ,
             Foolish
             ,
             Ridiculous
             Imaginations
             it
             filleth
             their
             minds
             withall
             .
             In
             opposition
             hereunto
             ,
             the
             Apostle
             adviseth
             Believers
             to
             be
             
               filled
               with
               the
               Spirit
            
             ,
             to
             labour
             for
             such
             a
             Participation
             of
             him
             as
             may
             fill
             their
             Minds
             and
             Hearts
             ,
             as
             others
             fill
             themselves
             with
             Wine
             .
             To
             what
             End
             ,
             unto
             what
             Purpose
             should
             they
             desire
             such
             a
             participation
             of
             him
             ,
             to
             be
             so
             
               filled
               with
               him
            
             ?
             It
             is
             unto
             this
             end
             ,
             namely
             ,
             that
             he
             by
             his
             Grace
             may
             
               fill
               them
               with
               Holy
               Spiritual
               Thoughts
               ,
            
             as
             on
             the
             contrary
             men
             Drunk
             unto
             an
             Excess
             ,
             as
             filled
             with
             those
             that
             are
             Foolish
             ,
             Vain
             and
             
             Wicked
             .
             So
             the
             words
             of
             ver
             .
             19.
             do
             declare
             ,
             for
             he
             adviseth
             us
             to
             express
             our
             abounding
             Thoughts
             ,
             in
             such
             Duties
             as
             will
             give
             an
             especial
             vent
             unto
             them
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             we
             shall
             
               abound
               in
               Spiritual
               thoughts
            
             ,
             or
             Thoughts
             of
             Spiritual
             Things
             .
             That
             we
             have
             such
             Thoughts
             will
             not
             sufficiently
             Evidence
             that
             we
             are
             so
             ,
             unless
             we
             abound
             in
             them
             .
             And
             this
             leads
             us
             unto
             the
             principal
             Enquiry
             on
             this
             Head
             ;
             namely
             ,
             what
             measure
             we
             ought
             to
             assign
             hereof
             ,
             how
             we
             may
             know
             when
             we
             
               abound
               in
               Spiritual
               Thoughts
            
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             they
             may
             be
             an
             Evidence
             of
             our
             being
             Spiritually
             minded
             .
          
           
             I
             answer
             in
             general
             ,
             among
             other
             Scriptures
             read
             over
             Psal.
             119.
             with
             understanding
             .
             Consider
             therein
             what
             David
             expresseth
             of
             himself
             ,
             as
             unto
             his
             constant
             Delight
             in
             ,
             and
             
               continual
               Thoughts
            
             of
             the
             Law
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             was
             the
             only
             means
             of
             Divine
             Revelation
             at
             that
             season
             .
             Try
             your selves
             by
             that
             Pattern
             ;
             Examine
             your selves
             whether
             you
             can
             truly
             speak
             the
             same
             words
             with
             him
             ;
             at
             least
             if
             not
             in
             the
             same
             Degree
             of
             Zeal
             ,
             yet
             with
             the
             same
             sincerity
             of
             Grace
             .
             You
             will
             say
             ,
             that
             was
             David
             .
             It
             is
             not
             for
             us
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             our
             Duty
             to
             be
             like
             unto
             him
             ,
             at
             least
             not
             to
             be
             equal
             with
             him
             .
             But
             as
             far
             as
             I
             know
             ,
             we
             must
             be
             like
             him
             ,
             if
             ever
             we
             intend
             to
             come
             to
             the
             place
             where
             he
             is
             .
             It
             will
             ruine
             our
             Souls
             ,
             if
             when
             we
             read
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             how
             the
             Saints
             of
             God
             express
             their
             Experience
             in
             Faith
             ,
             Love
             ,
             Delight
             in
             God
             and
             constant
             Meditations
             on
             him
             ,
             we
             grant
             that
             it
             was
             so
             with
             them
             ,
             that
             they
             were
             Good
             and
             Holy
             men
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             not
             necessary
             that
             it
             should
             be
             so
             with
             us
             .
             These
             things
             are
             not
             written
             in
             the
             Scripture
             to
             shew
             what
             
               they
               were
            
             ,
             but
             what
             
               we
               ought
               to
               be
            
             .
             All
             things
             concerning
             them
             
               were
               written
               for
               Admonition
            
             ;
             1
             Cor.
             10.11
             .
             And
             if
             we
             have
             not
             the
             same
             Delight
             in
             God
             as
             they
             had
             ,
             the
             same
             Spiritual
             mindedness
             in
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             of
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             we
             can
             have
             no
             Evidence
             that
             we
             please
             God
             as
             they
             did
             ,
             or
             shall
             go
             to
             that
             place
             whither
             they
             are
             gone
             .
             Profession
             
             of
             the
             Life
             of
             God
             passeth
             with
             many
             at
             a
             very
             
               low
               and
               easie
               Rate
            
             .
             Their
             Thoughts
             are
             for
             the
             most
             part
             vain
             and
             earthly
             ,
             their
             Communication
             unsavoury
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             corrupt
             ,
             their
             lives
             at
             best
             uneven
             and
             uncertain
             ,
             as
             unto
             the
             Rule
             of
             Obedience
             ;
             yet
             all
             is
             well
             ,
             all
             is
             Life
             and
             Peace
             .
             The
             Holy
             men
             of
             old
             ,
             
               who
               obtained
               this
               Testimany
               ,
               that
               they
               Pleased
               God
               ,
            
             did
             not
             so
             walk
             before
             him
             .
             They
             meditated
             continually
             in
             the
             Law
             ;
             thought
             of
             God
             in
             the
             night
             seasons
             ;
             spake
             of
             his
             Ways
             ,
             his
             Works
             ,
             his
             Praise
             ;
             their
             whole
             Delight
             was
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             things
             they
             followed
             hard
             after
             him
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Example
             of
             David
             in
             particular
             that
             I
             have
             proposed
             .
             And
             it
             is
             a
             Promise
             of
             the
             Grace
             to
             be
             administred
             by
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             that
             he
             
               who
               is
               feeble
               shall
               be
               as
               David
               ,
               Zech.
            
             12.8
             .
             And
             if
             we
             are
             not
             so
             in
             his
             being
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             be
             feared
             we
             are
             not
             Partakers
             of
             the
             Promise
             .
             But
             that
             we
             may
             the
             better
             judge
             of
             our selves
             therein
             ,
             I
             shall
             add
             some
             few
             Rules
             unto
             this
             Direction
             by
             Example
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Consider
             ,
             
               what
               proportion
               your
               Thoughts
               of
               Spiritual
               Things
               bears
               with
               those
               about
               other
               things
               .
            
             Our
             principal
             Interest
             and
             Concern
             ,
             as
             we
             profess
             ,
             lyes
             in
             things
             Spiritual
             ,
             Heavenly
             and
             Eternal
             .
             Is
             it
             not
             then
             a
             foolish
             thing
             to
             suppose
             that
             our
             Thoughts
             about
             these
             things
             ,
             should
             not
             hold
             
               some
               proportion
            
             with
             those
             about
             other
             things
             ,
             nay
             that
             they
             should
             not
             exceed
             them
             ?
             No
             man
             is
             so
             vain
             in
             earthly
             things
             ,
             as
             to
             pretend
             that
             his
             Principal
             concern
             lyeth
             in
             that
             whereof
             he
             thinks
             very
             seldom
             in
             comparison
             of
             other
             things
             .
             It
             is
             not
             so
             with
             men
             in
             reference
             unto
             their
             Families
             ,
             their
             Trades
             ,
             their
             occasions
             of
             Life
             .
             It
             is
             a
             truth
             not
             only
             consecrated
             by
             the
             Testimony
             of
             him
             who
             is
             Truth
             ,
             but
             evident
             also
             in
             the
             Light
             of
             Reason
             ,
             
               That
               where
               our
               Treasure
               is
               there
               will
               our
               Hearts
               be
               also
               .
            
             And
             the
             Affections
             of
             our
             Hearts
             do
             Act
             themselves
             by
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             our
             minds
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             if
             our
             
               principal
               Treasure
            
             be
             as
             we
             profess
             ,
             in
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             ,
             and
             wo
             unto
             us
             if
             it
             be
             not
             so
             ,
             on
             them
             will
             our
             Affections
             and
             consequently
             our
             Desires
             and
             Thoughts
             be
             principally
             fixed
             .
          
           
           
             That
             we
             may
             the
             better
             Examine
             our selves
             by
             this
             Rule
             ,
             we
             must
             consider
             of
             
               what
               sorts
            
             mens
             
               other
               Thoughts
            
             are
             ;
             and
             as
             unto
             our
             present
             purpose
             ,
             they
             may
             be
             reduced
             unto
             these
             heads
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             There
             are
             such
             as
             are
             exercised
             about
             
               their
               Callings
               and
               lawful
               occasions
            
             .
             These
             are
             numberless
             and
             endless
             ;
             especially
             among
             a
             sort
             of
             men
             who
             rise
             early
             and
             go
             to
             bed
             late
             ,
             and
             eat
             the
             Bread
             of
             carefulness
             ,
             or
             are
             particularly
             industrious
             and
             diligent
             in
             their
             wayes
             .
             These
             thoughts
             men
             approve
             themselves
             in
             ,
             and
             judge
             them
             their
             Duty
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             in
             their
             proper
             place
             and
             measure
             .
             But
             no
             Heart
             can
             conceive
             the
             
               Multitude
               of
               these
               Thoughts
            
             ,
             which
             partly
             in
             Contrivances
             ,
             partly
             in
             Converse
             ,
             are
             ingaged
             and
             spent
             about
             these
             things
             .
             And
             the
             more
             men
             are
             Immersed
             in
             them
             ,
             the
             more
             do
             themselves
             and
             others
             esteem
             them
             diligent
             and
             Praise-worthy
             .
             And
             there
             are
             some
             who
             have
             neither
             necessity
             nor
             occasion
             to
             be
             ingaged
             much
             in
             the
             Duties
             of
             any
             
               especial
               Calling
            
             ,
             who
             yet
             by
             their
             Words
             and
             Actions
             declare
             themselves
             ,
             to
             be
             confined
             almost
             in
             their
             thoughts
             unto
             themselves
             ,
             their
             Relations
             ,
             their
             Children
             ,
             and
             their self
             concerns
             ,
             which
             though
             most
             of
             them
             are
             very
             Impertinent
             ,
             yet
             they
             justifie
             themselves
             in
             them
             .
             All
             sorts
             may
             do
             well
             to
             Examine
             
               what
               proportion
            
             their
             Thoughts
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             do
             bear
             unto
             those
             of
             other
             things
             .
             I
             fear
             with
             most
             it
             will
             be
             found
             to
             be
             very
             small
             ,
             with
             many
             next
             to
             none
             at
             all
             .
             What
             evidence
             then
             can
             they
             have
             that
             they
             are
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             that
             their
             principal
             Interest
             lyes
             in
             things
             above
             ?
             It
             may
             be
             it
             will
             be
             asked
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             necessary
             that
             men
             should
             think
             
               as
               much
               and
               as
               often
            
             about
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             ,
             as
             they
             do
             about
             the
             lawful
             Affairs
             of
             their
             Callings
             .
             I
             say
             more
             ,
             and
             
               more
               often
            
             ,
             if
             we
             are
             what
             we
             profess
             our selves
             to
             be
             .
             Generally
             it
             is
             the
             best
             sort
             of
             men
             ,
             as
             to
             the
             things
             of
             God
             and
             Man
             ,
             who
             are
             busied
             in
             their
             Callings
             ,
             some
             of
             one
             sort
             ,
             some
             of
             another
             .
             But
             even
             among
             the
             best
             of
             these
             ,
             many
             will
             
             continually
             spend
             the
             strength
             of
             their
             Minds
             and
             vigour
             of
             their
             Spirits
             ,
             about
             their
             Affairs
             all
             the
             day
             long
             ;
             and
             ,
             so
             they
             can
             pray
             in
             the
             Morning
             and
             Evening
             ,
             with
             some
             Thoughts
             sometimes
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             occasionally
             administred
             ,
             do
             suppose
             they
             acquit
             themselves
             very
             well
             .
             As
             if
             a
             man
             should
             pretend
             that
             his
             great
             Design
             is
             ,
             to
             prepare
             himself
             
               for
               a
               Voyage
            
             unto
             a
             far
             Country
             ,
             where
             is
             his
             Patrimony
             and
             his
             Inheritance
             :
             But
             all
             his
             Thoughts
             and
             Contrivances
             are
             about
             some
             few
             Trifles
             ,
             which
             if
             indeed
             he
             intend
             his
             Voyage
             he
             must
             leave
             behind
             him
             ;
             and
             of
             his
             main
             Design
             he
             scarce
             thinketh
             at
             all
             .
             We
             all
             profess
             that
             we
             are
             bound
             for
             Heaven
             ,
             Immortality
             ,
             and
             Glory
             :
             but
             is
             it
             any
             Evidence
             we
             really
             design
             it
             ,
             if
             all
             our
             Thoughts
             are
             consumed
             about
             the
             Trifles
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             which
             we
             must
             leave
             behind
             us
             ,
             and
             have
             only
             occasional
             Thoughts
             of
             things
             above
             ?
             I
             shall
             elswhere
             shew
             ,
             if
             God
             will
             ,
             How
             men
             may
             be
             Spiritually
             minded
             in
             their
             earthly
             Affairs
             .
             If
             some
             Relief
             may
             not
             be
             thence
             obtained
             ,
             I
             cannot
             tell
             what
             to
             say
             or
             answer
             for
             them
             ,
             whose
             Thoughts
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             do
             not
             hold
             Proportion
             with
             ,
             yea
             exceed
             them
             which
             they
             lay
             out
             about
             their
             Callings
             .
          
           
             This
             whole
             Rule
             is
             grounded
             on
             that
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             Math.
             6.31
             ,
             32
             ,
             33
             ,
             34.
             
             
               Take
               no
               thought
               ,
               saying
               ,
               What
               shall
               we
               eat
               ?
               or
               what
               shall
               we
               drink
               ?
               or
               wherewith
               we
               shall
               be
               cloathed
               ?
               But
               seek
               first
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               God
               and
               his
               Righteousness
               ,
               and
               all
               these
               things
               shall
               be
               added
               unto
               you
               .
               Take
               therefore
               no
               thought
               for
               to
               morrow
               .
            
             When
             we
             have
             done
             all
             we
             can
             ,
             when
             we
             have
             made
             the
             best
             of
             them
             we
             are
             able
             ,
             all
             earthly
             things
             ,
             as
             unto
             our
             Interest
             in
             them
             ,
             amount
             to
             no
             more
             ,
             but
             
               what
               we
               eat
               ,
               what
               we
               drink
               ,
               and
               wherewith
               we
               are
               cloathed
               .
            
             About
             these
             things
             our
             Saviour
             forbids
             us
             
               to
               take
               any
               Thought
            
             ,
             not
             absolutely
             ,
             but
             with
             a
             double
             Limitation
             .
             As
             first
             ,
             that
             we
             take
             no
             such
             Thought
             about
             them
             ,
             as
             should
             carry
             along
             with
             it
             a
             
               disquietment
               of
               mind
            
             ,
             through
             a
             distrust
             of
             the
             Fatherly
             
             Care
             and
             Providence
             of
             God.
             This
             is
             the
             design
             of
             the
             Context
             .
             Secondly
             ,
             No
             Thought
             that
             for
             Constancy
             and
             
               Ingagement
               of
               Spirit
            
             ,
             should
             be
             like
             unto
             those
             which
             we
             ought
             to
             have
             about
             Spiritual
             Things
             .
             
               Seek
               first
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               God
               and
               his
               Righteousness
               .
            
             Let
             that
             be
             the
             chief
             and
             principal
             thing
             in
             your
             Thoughts
             and
             Consciences
             .
             We
             may
             therefore
             conclude
             ,
             that
             at
             least
             they
             must
             hold
             an
             exceeding
             Proportion
             with
             them
             .
          
           
             Let
             a
             man
             industriously
             ingaged
             in
             the
             way
             of
             his
             Calling
             ,
             try
             himself
             by
             this
             Rule
             every
             Evening
             .
             Let
             him
             consider
             what
             have
             been
             his
             Thoughts
             about
             his
             earthly
             Occasions
             ,
             and
             what
             about
             Spiritual
             things
             ;
             and
             thereon
             ask
             of
             himself
             whether
             he
             be
             Spiritually
             minded
             or
             no.
             Be
             not
             deceived
             ;
             
               as
               a
               man
               thinketh
               ,
               so
               is
               he
               .
            
             And
             if
             we
             account
             it
             a
             strange
             thing
             ,
             that
             our
             Thoughts
             should
             be
             more
             exercised
             about
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             than
             about
             the
             Affairs
             of
             our
             Callings
             ,
             we
             must
             not
             think
             it
             strange
             if
             when
             we
             come
             to
             the
             trial
             ,
             we
             cannot
             find
             that
             we
             have
             either
             Life
             or
             Peace
             .
          
           
             Moreover
             it
             is
             known
             ,
             how
             often
             when
             we
             are
             engaged
             in
             Spiritual
             Duties
             ,
             
               other
               Thoughts
            
             will
             interpose
             ,
             and
             impose
             themselves
             on
             our
             minds
             .
             Those
             which
             are
             about
             mens
             secular
             Concernments
             will
             do
             so
             .
             The
             World
             will
             frequently
             make
             an
             inroad
             on
             the
             ways
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             to
             disturb
             the
             Passengers
             and
             wayfaring
             men
             .
             There
             is
             nothing
             more
             frequently
             complained
             of
             ,
             by
             such
             as
             are
             awake
             unto
             their
             Duty
             ,
             and
             sensible
             of
             their
             weakness
             .
             Call
             to
             mind
             therefore
             ,
             how
             often
             on
             the
             other
             hand
             
               Spiritual
               Thoughts
            
             do
             interpose
             ,
             and
             as
             it
             were
             impose
             themselves
             on
             your
             minds
             ,
             whilest
             you
             are
             engaged
             in
             your
             earthly
             Affairs
             .
             Sometimes
             ,
             no
             doubt
             ,
             but
             with
             all
             that
             are
             true
             Believers
             it
             is
             so
             .
             
               Or
               ever
               I
               was
               aware
            
             ,
             saith
             the
             Spouse
             ,
             
               my
               Soul
               made
               me
               as
               the
               Chariots
               of
               Amminadab
               ,
               Cant.
            
             6.12
             .
             Grace
             in
             her
             own
             Soul
             surprised
             her
             into
             a
             ready
             willing
             Frame
             unto
             Spiritual
             Communion
             with
             Christ
             ,
             when
             she
             was
             intent
             on
             other
             Occasions
             .
             
             But
             if
             these
             thoughts
             of
             Heavenly
             things
             so
             arising
             in
             us
             ,
             bear
             
               no
               proportion
            
             with
             the
             other
             sort
             ,
             it
             is
             an
             Evidence
             what
             Frame
             and
             Principle
             is
             predominant
             in
             us
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             There
             are
             a
             
               multitude
               of
               Thoughts
               in
               the
               minds
               of
               men
               ,
            
             which
             are
             
               vain
               ,
               useless
            
             ,
             and
             
               altogether
               unprofitable
            
             .
             These
             ordinarily
             through
             a
             dangerous
             mistake
             are
             looked
             on
             as
             not
             sinful
             ,
             because
             as
             it
             is
             supposed
             ,
             the
             matter
             of
             them
             is
             not
             so
             .
             And
             therefore
             men
             rather
             shake
             them
             off
             for
             their
             Folly
             ,
             than
             their
             Guilt
             .
             But
             they
             arise
             from
             a
             corrupt
             Fountain
             ,
             and
             wofully
             pollute
             both
             the
             Mind
             and
             Conscience
             .
             Wherever
             there
             are
             
               vain
               Thoughts
            
             ,
             there
             is
             Sin.
             Jerem.
             4.14
             .
             Such
             are
             those
             numberless
             Imaginations
             ,
             whereby
             men
             fancy
             themselves
             
               to
               be
               what
               they
               are
               not
               ,
               to
               do
               what
               they
               do
               not
               ,
               to
               enjoy
               what
               they
               enjoy
               not
               ,
               to
               dispose
               of
               themselves
               and
               others
               ,
            
             at
             their
             pleasure
             .
             That
             our
             Nature
             is
             liable
             unto
             such
             a
             pernicious
             folly
             ,
             which
             some
             of
             tenacious
             Fancies
             have
             turned
             into
             Madness
             ,
             we
             are
             beholding
             alone
             to
             our
             cursed
             Apostasie
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             vanity
             that
             possessed
             our
             minds
             thereon
             .
             Hence
             the
             Prince
             of
             Tyrus
             thought
             
               he
               was
               a
               God
            
             ,
             and
             
               sate
               in
               the
               Seat
               of
               God
               ,
               Ezek.
            
             28.2
             .
             So
             it
             hath
             been
             with
             others
             ;
             And
             in
             those
             ,
             in
             whom
             such
             Imaginations
             are
             kept
             unto
             some
             better
             order
             and
             bounds
             ,
             yet
             being
             traced
             unto
             their
             Original
             ,
             they
             will
             be
             found
             to
             Spring
             some
             of
             them
             immediately
             
               from
               Pride
            
             ,
             some
             from
             
               sensual
               Lusts
            
             ,
             some
             from
             the
             
               Love
               of
               the
               World
            
             ,
             all
             from
             self
             and
             the
             old
             Ambition
             
               to
               be
               as
               God
            
             ,
             to
             dispose
             of
             all
             things
             as
             we
             think
             meet
             .
             I
             know
             no
             greater
             Misery
             or
             Punishment
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             than
             the
             
               debasing
               of
               our
               Nature
            
             to
             such
             vain
             Imaginations
             ;
             and
             a
             perfect
             freedom
             from
             them
             is
             a
             part
             of
             the
             Blessedness
             of
             Heaven
             .
             It
             is
             not
             my
             present
             work
             to
             shew
             how
             sinfull
             they
             are
             ,
             let
             them
             be
             esteemed
             only
             fruitless
             ,
             foolish
             ,
             vain
             and
             ludicrous
             .
             But
             let
             men
             examine
             themselves
             ,
             
               what
               number
               of
               these
               vain
               useless
               Thoughts
            
             night
             and
             day
             ,
             do
             roave
             up
             
             and
             down
             in
             their
             minds
             .
             If
             now
             it
             be
             apprehended
             too
             severe
             ,
             that
             mens
             Thoughts
             of
             
               Spiritual
               things
            
             should
             exceed
             them
             that
             are
             employed
             about
             their
             
               Lawful
               Callings
            
             ,
             let
             them
             consider
             what
             proportion
             they
             bear
             unto
             those
             which
             are
             
               altogether
               vain
            
             and
             useless
             :
             Do
             not
             many
             give
             more
             time
             unto
             them
             ,
             than
             they
             do
             unto
             holy
             Meditations
             ,
             without
             an
             endeavour
             to
             mortifie
             the
             one
             ,
             or
             to
             stir
             up
             and
             enliven
             the
             other
             ?
             Are
             they
             not
             more
             wonted
             to
             
               their
               seasons
            
             ,
             than
             holy
             Thoughts
             are
             ?
             And
             shall
             we
             suppose
             that
             those
             with
             whom
             it
             is
             so
             ,
             are
             Spiritually
             minded
             ?
          
           
             3.
             
             There
             are
             Thoughts
             that
             are
             
               formally
               evil
            
             ;
             they
             are
             so
             in
             their
             own
             Nature
             ,
             being
             corrupt
             
               contrivances
               to
               fulfil
               the
               desires
               of
               the
               flesh
               in
               the
               lusts
               thereof
               .
            
             These
             also
             will
             attempt
             the
             minds
             of
             Believers
             .
             But
             they
             are
             always
             looked
             on
             as
             
               professed
               Enemies
            
             to
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             are
             watched
             against
             .
             I
             shall
             not
             therefore
             make
             any
             comparison
             between
             them
             and
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             ,
             for
             they
             abound
             only
             in
             them
             that
             are
             carnally
             minded
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             second
             Rule
             to
             this
             purpose
             is
             ,
             That
             we
             would
             consider
             ,
             whether
             Thoughts
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             
               do
               constantly
               take
               possession
               of
               their
               proper
               seasons
               .
            
             There
             are
             some
             times
             and
             seasons
             in
             the
             course
             of
             mens
             Lives
             ,
             wherein
             they
             retire
             themselves
             unto
             their
             own
             Thoughts
             .
             The
             most
             busied
             men
             in
             the
             World
             have
             some
             times
             of
             Thinking
             unto
             themselves
             .
             And
             those
             who
             design
             no
             such
             thing
             ,
             as
             being
             afraid
             of
             coming
             to
             be
             wiser
             or
             better
             than
             they
             are
             ,
             do
             yet
             spend
             time
             therein
             whether
             they
             will
             or
             no.
             But
             they
             who
             are
             wise
             will
             be
             at
             home
             as
             much
             as
             they
             can
             ,
             and
             have
             as
             many
             seasons
             for
             such
             their
             Retirements
             as
             is
             possible
             for
             them
             to
             attain
             .
             If
             that
             man
             be
             foolish
             who
             busieth
             himself
             so
             much
             abroad
             in
             the
             concerns
             of
             others
             ,
             that
             he
             hath
             no
             time
             to
             consider
             the
             state
             of
             his
             own
             House
             and
             Family
             ;
             much
             more
             is
             he
             so
             ,
             who
             spendeth
             all
             his
             Thoughts
             about
             other
             things
             ,
             and
             never
             makes
             use
             of
             them
             in
             an
             Enquiry
             ,
             
             how
             it
             is
             with
             himself
             and
             his
             own
             Soul.
             However
             men
             can
             hardly
             avoid
             ,
             but
             that
             they
             must
             have
             
               some
               seasons
            
             ,
             partly
             stated
             ,
             partly
             occasional
             ,
             wherein
             they
             entertain
             themselves
             with
             their
             own
             Thoughts
             :
             The
             Evening
             and
             the
             Morning
             ,
             the
             times
             of
             waking
             on
             the
             Bed
             ,
             those
             of
             the
             necessary
             cessation
             of
             all
             ordinary
             Affairs
             ,
             of
             walking
             ,
             journeying
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             ,
             are
             such
             seasons
             .
          
           
             If
             we
             are
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             if
             
               Thoughts
               of
               Spiritual
               things
               do
               abound
               in
               us
               ,
            
             they
             will
             ordinarily
             and
             that
             with
             Constancy
             possess
             these
             seasons
             ,
             look
             upon
             them
             as
             those
             which
             are
             their
             due
             ,
             which
             belong
             unto
             them
             .
             For
             they
             are
             expresly
             assign'd
             unto
             them
             in
             the
             way
             of
             Rule
             ,
             expressed
             in
             Examples
             and
             Commands
             .
             See
             Psal.
             16.7
             ,
             8.
             
             Psal.
             92.2
             .
             Deut.
             6.7
             .
             If
             they
             are
             usually
             given
             up
             unto
             other
             ends
             and
             occasions
             ,
             are
             possessed
             with
             Thoughts
             of
             another
             Nature
             ,
             it
             is
             an
             open
             Evidence
             that
             
               Spiritual
               Thoughts
            
             have
             but
             little
             Interest
             in
             our
             minds
             ,
             little
             prevalency
             in
             the
             conduct
             of
             our
             Souls
             .
             It
             is
             our
             Duty
             to
             afford
             unto
             them
             
               stated
               times
            
             taken
             away
             from
             other
             Affairs
             that
             call
             for
             them
             .
             But
             if
             instead
             thereof
             we
             rob
             them
             of
             what
             is
             as
             it
             were
             
               their
               own
            
             ,
             which
             no
             other
             things
             or
             business
             can
             lay
             any
             just
             claim
             unto
             ,
             how
             dwelleth
             the
             Love
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             in
             us
             ?
             Most
             Professors
             are
             convinced
             that
             it
             is
             their
             Duty
             to
             pray
             Morning
             and
             Evening
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             to
             be
             wished
             that
             they
             were
             all
             found
             in
             the
             Practice
             of
             it
             .
             But
             if
             ordinarily
             they
             judge
             themselves
             ,
             in
             the
             performance
             of
             that
             Duty
             ,
             to
             be
             discharged
             from
             any
             further
             Exercise
             of
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             ,
             applying
             them
             unto
             things
             worldy
             ,
             useless
             ,
             or
             vain
             ,
             they
             can
             make
             no
             pretence
             to
             be
             Spiritually
             minded
             .
          
           
             And
             it
             must
             be
             observed
             ,
             which
             will
             be
             found
             to
             be
             true
             ,
             that
             if
             the
             seasons
             which
             are
             as
             it
             were
             due
             unto
             such
             Meditations
             be
             taken
             from
             them
             ,
             they
             will
             be
             the
             worst
             employed
             of
             all
             the
             Minutes
             of
             our
             lives
             .
             Vain
             and
             Foolish
             Thoughts
             ,
             corrupt
             Imaginations
             ,
             will
             
             make
             a
             common
             haunt
             unto
             the
             minds
             of
             men
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             habituate
             themselves
             unto
             an
             Expectation
             of
             Entertainment
             ;
             whence
             they
             will
             grow
             Importunate
             for
             Admission
             .
             Hence
             ,
             with
             many
             ,
             those
             precious
             moments
             of
             time
             which
             might
             greatly
             influence
             their
             Souls
             unto
             
               Life
               and
               Peace
            
             if
             they
             were
             indeed
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             make
             the
             greatest
             provision
             for
             their
             trouble
             ,
             sorrow
             and
             confusion
             .
             For
             
               the
               vain
               and
               evil
               Thoughts
            
             which
             some
             persons
             do
             accustome
             themselves
             unto
             in
             such
             seasons
             ,
             are
             or
             ought
             to
             be
             a
             Burden
             upon
             their
             Consciences
             more
             than
             they
             can
             bear
             .
             That
             which
             Providence
             tenders
             unto
             their
             good
             is
             turned
             
               into
               a
               snare
            
             ;
             and
             God
             doth
             righteously
             leave
             them
             unto
             the
             fruits
             of
             their
             own
             folly
             ,
             who
             so
             despise
             his
             gracious
             Provision
             for
             their
             good
             .
             If
             we
             cannot
             afford
             unto
             God
             our
             spare
             time
             ,
             it
             is
             evident
             that
             indeed
             we
             can
             afford
             nothing
             at
             all
             .
             Micah
             2.1
             .
             
               They
               devise
               iniquity
               upon
               their
               beds
               .
            
             The
             seasons
             proper
             for
             holy
             Contemplation
             ,
             they
             make
             use
             of
             to
             fill
             their
             minds
             with
             wicked
             Imaginations
             ,
             
               and
               when
               the
               Morning
               is
               light
               they
               practise
               it
            
             ;
             walking
             all
             day
             on
             all
             occasions
             ,
             suitably
             unto
             their
             Devices
             and
             Imaginations
             of
             the
             Night
             .
             Many
             will
             have
             cause
             to
             complain
             unto
             Eternity
             ,
             of
             those
             leasure
             times
             which
             might
             have
             been
             improv'd
             for
             their
             advantage
             unto
             Eternal
             Blessedness
             .
          
           
             If
             we
             intend
             therefore
             to
             maintain
             a
             Title
             unto
             this
             Grace
             of
             being
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             if
             we
             would
             have
             any
             Evidence
             of
             it
             in
             our selves
             ,
             without
             which
             we
             can
             have
             none
             
               of
               Life
               or
               Peace
            
             ,
             and
             what
             we
             pretend
             thereof
             is
             but
             an
             effect
             of
             security
             ,
             we
             must
             endeavour
             to
             preserve
             the
             claim
             and
             right
             of
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             unto
             such
             seasons
             ,
             and
             actually
             put
             them
             in
             possession
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Consider
             how
             we
             are
             affected
             with
             our
             
               Disappointments
               about
               these
               seasons
            
             .
             Have
             we
             by
             Negligence
             ,
             by
             Temptations
             ,
             have
             we
             by
             occasional
             Diversions
             or
             Affairs
             of
             Life
             been
             taken
             off
             from
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             of
             Christ
             ,
             of
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             when
             we
             ought
             to
             have
             been
             engaged
             
             in
             them
             ;
             how
             are
             we
             affected
             with
             a
             review
             hereof
             ?
             A
             carnal
             mind
             is
             well
             enough
             satisfied
             with
             the
             
               omission
               of
               any
               Duty
            
             ,
             so
             it
             have
             pretence
             of
             a
             
               necessary
               Occasion
            
             .
             If
             it
             hath
             lost
             a
             temporal
             Advantage
             ,
             through
             Attendance
             unto
             a
             Spiritual
             Duty
             ,
             it
             will
             deeply
             Reflect
             on
             it self
             ,
             and
             it
             may
             be
             like
             the
             Duty
             the
             worse
             afterwards
             .
             But
             a
             gracious
             Soul
             ,
             one
             that
             is
             truely
             Spiritually-minded
             ,
             will
             mourn
             under
             a
             review
             of
             such
             Omissions
             ,
             and
             by
             every
             one
             of
             them
             is
             stirred
             up
             unto
             more
             watchfulness
             for
             the
             future
             .
             Alas
             ,
             will
             it
             say
             ,
             how
             little
             have
             I
             been
             with
             Christ
             this
             day
             ?
             How
             much
             time
             hath
             passed
             me
             without
             a
             thought
             of
             him
             ?
             How
             foolish
             was
             I
             ,
             to
             be
             wanting
             to
             such
             or
             such
             an
             Opportunity
             ?
             I
             am
             in
             Arrears
             unto
             my self
             ,
             and
             have
             no
             rest
             untill
             I
             be
             satisfied
             .
          
           
             I
             say
             ,
             if
             indeed
             we
             are
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             we
             will
             duely
             and
             carefully
             call
             over
             the
             consideration
             of
             those
             times
             and
             seasons
             ,
             wherein
             we
             ought
             to
             have
             Exercised
             our selves
             in
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             ;
             and
             if
             we
             have
             lost
             them
             ,
             or
             any
             of
             them
             ,
             
               mourn
               over
               our
               own
               negligence
            
             .
             But
             if
             we
             can
             omit
             and
             lose
             such
             Seasons
             or
             Opportunities
             from
             time
             to
             time
             ,
             without
             regret
             or
             self-reflections
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             be
             fear'd
             that
             we
             wax
             worse
             and
             worse
             .
             Way
             will
             be
             made
             hereby
             for
             further
             Omissions
             ,
             untill
             we
             grow
             wholly
             cold
             about
             them
             .
          
           
             And
             indeed
             that
             woful
             
               loss
               of
               time
            
             that
             is
             found
             amongst
             many
             Professors
             ,
             is
             greatly
             to
             be
             bewail'd
             .
             Some
             lose
             it
             on
             themselves
             ,
             by
             a
             continual
             track
             of
             fruitless
             
               Impertinent
               Thoughts
            
             about
             their
             own
             concerns
             .
             Some
             in
             vain
             converse
             with
             ohers
             ,
             wherein
             for
             the
             most
             part
             they
             edifie
             one
             another
             unto
             vanity
             .
             How
             much
             of
             this
             time
             might
             ,
             nay
             ought
             to
             be
             redeemed
             for
             holy
             Meditations
             ?
             The
             Good
             Lord
             make
             all
             Professors
             sensible
             of
             their
             loss
             of
             former
             seasons
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             the
             more
             watchful
             for
             the
             future
             ,
             in
             this
             great
             concernment
             of
             their
             Souls
             .
             Little
             do
             some
             think
             what
             Light
             what
             
             Assurance
             ,
             what
             Joy
             ,
             what
             readiness
             for
             the
             Cross
             or
             for
             Heaven
             ,
             they
             might
             have
             attained
             ,
             had
             they
             laid
             hold
             on
             all
             just
             seasons
             of
             exercising
             their
             Thoughts
             about
             Spiritual
             things
             which
             they
             have
             enjoyed
             ,
             who
             now
             are
             at
             a
             loss
             in
             all
             ,
             and
             surprized
             with
             every
             fear
             or
             difficulty
             that
             doth
             befall
             them
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             the
             first
             thing
             that
             belongs
             unto
             our
             being
             Spiritually
             minded
             ;
             for
             although
             it
             doth
             not
             absolutely
             or
             essentially
             consist
             therein
             ,
             yet
             is
             it
             inseparable
             from
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             most
             undeceiving
             Indication
             of
             it
             .
             And
             thus
             of
             abounding
             and
             abiding
             in
             Thoughts
             about
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             such
             as
             arise
             and
             spring
             naturally
             from
             a
             living
             Principle
             ,
             a
             Spiritual
             Frame
             and
             Disposition
             of
             Heart
             within
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             V.
             
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 Objects
                 of
                 Spiritual
                 Thoughts
                 ,
                 or
                 what
                 they
                 are
                 conversant
                 about
                 ,
                 evidencing
                 them
                 in
                 whom
                 they
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 Spiritually
                 minded
                 .
                 Rules
                 directing
                 unto
                 steadiness
                 in
                 the
                 Contemplation
                 of
                 Heavenly
                 things
                 .
                 Motives
                 to
                 fix
                 our
                 Thoughts
                 with
                 Steadiness
                 in
                 them
                 .
              
            
          
           
             BEfore
             I
             proceed
             unto
             the
             next
             general
             Head
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             the
             Principal
             thing
             ,
             the
             foundation
             of
             the
             Grace
             and
             Duty
             enquired
             after
             ,
             some
             things
             must
             be
             spoken
             to
             render
             what
             hath
             been
             already
             insisted
             on
             ,
             yet
             more
             particularly
             useful
             .
             And
             this
             is
             ,
             to
             enquire
             what
             are
             or
             what
             ought
             to
             be
             the
             
               special
               Objects
            
             of
             those
             Thoughts
             ,
             which
             under
             the
             Qualifications
             laid
             down
             ,
             are
             the
             Evidences
             of
             our
             being
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             .
             And
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             we
             may
             be
             useful
             unto
             many
             
             herein
             ,
             by
             helping
             of
             them
             to
             fix
             their
             minds
             ,
             which
             are
             apt
             to
             rove
             into
             all
             uncertainty
             .
             For
             this
             is
             befallen
             us
             through
             the
             disorder
             and
             weakness
             of
             the
             faculties
             of
             our
             Souls
             ,
             that
             sometimes
             what
             the
             mind
             guides
             ,
             leads
             and
             directs
             unto
             in
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             ,
             our
             wills
             and
             Affections
             through
             their
             Depravation
             and
             Corruption
             will
             not
             comply
             withal
             ,
             and
             so
             the
             good
             designings
             of
             the
             mind
             are
             lost
             .
             Sometimes
             what
             the
             
               Will
               and
               Affections
            
             are
             inclin'd
             unto
             and
             ready
             for
             ,
             the
             mind
             through
             its
             weakness
             and
             inconstancy
             ,
             cannot
             lead
             them
             to
             the
             accomplishment
             of
             ;
             
               so
               to
               will
               is
               present
               with
               us
               ,
               but
               how
               to
               perform
               that
               will
               we
               know
               not
               .
            
             So
             ,
             many
             are
             barren
             in
             this
             Duty
             ,
             because
             they
             know
             not
             what
             to
             fix
             upon
             ,
             nor
             how
             to
             
               Exercise
               their
               Thoughts
            
             when
             they
             have
             chosen
             a
             subject
             for
             their
             Meditations
             .
             Hence
             they
             spend
             their
             time
             in
             fruitless
             Desires
             that
             they
             could
             use
             their
             Thoughts
             unto
             more
             purpose
             ,
             rather
             than
             make
             any
             Progress
             in
             the
             Duty
             it self
             .
             They
             
               tire
               themselves
            
             not
             because
             they
             are
             not
             willing
             to
             go
             ,
             but
             because
             they
             cannot
             
               find
               their
               way
            
             .
             Wherefore
             both
             these
             things
             shall
             be
             spoken
             unto
             ;
             both
             what
             are
             the
             proper
             Objects
             of
             our
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             ,
             and
             how
             we
             may
             be
             steady
             in
             our
             Contemplations
             of
             them
             .
             And
             I
             shall
             unto
             this
             purpose
             ,
             first
             give
             some
             
               general
               Rules
            
             ,
             and
             then
             some
             
               particular
               Instances
            
             in
             way
             of
             Direction
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Observe
             the
             
               especial
               Calls
               of
               Providence
            
             and
             apply
             your
             minds
             unto
             Thoughts
             of
             the
             Duties
             required
             in
             them
             and
             by
             them
             .
             There
             is
             a
             voice
             in
             all
             signal
             Dispensations
             of
             Providence
             .
             
               The
               voice
               of
               the
               Lord
               cryeth
               unto
               the
               City
               ,
               the
               men
               of
               wisdom
               shall
               see
               thy
               Name
               ;
               hear
               ye
               the
               rod
               and
               who
               hath
               appointed
               it
               .
               Mic.
            
             6.9
             .
             There
             is
             a
             Call
             ,
             a
             Cry
             in
             every
             Rod
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             every
             
               chastising
               Providence
            
             ;
             and
             therein
             makes
             a
             Declaration
             of
             his
             Name
             ,
             his
             Holiness
             ,
             his
             Power
             ,
             his
             Greatness
             .
             This
             every
             
               wise
               substantial
               man
            
             will
             labour
             to
             discern
             and
             so
             comply
             with
             the
             call
             .
             God
             is
             greatly
             provoked
             when
             
             it
             is
             otherwise
             .
             
               Lord
               ,
               when
               thy
               hand
               is
               lifted
               up
               ,
               they
               will
               not
               see
               ,
               but
               they
               shall
               see
               and
               be
               asham'd
               .
            
             Isa.
             26.11
             .
             If
             therefore
             we
             would
             apply
             our selves
             unto
             our
             present
             Duty
             ,
             we
             are
             wisely
             to
             consider
             
               what
               is
               the
               voice
               of
               God
               ,
            
             in
             his
             present
             providential
             Dispensations
             in
             the
             World.
             Hearken
             not
             unto
             any
             who
             would
             give
             another
             Interpretation
             of
             them
             ,
             but
             that
             they
             are
             plain
             Declarations
             of
             his
             Displeasure
             and
             Indignation
             against
             the
             sins
             of
             men
             .
             Is
             not
             
               his
               wrath
               in
               them
               reveal'd
               from
               Heaven
               against
               the
               ungodliness
               of
               men
               ,
            
             especially
             such
             as
             detain
             the
             Truth
             in
             unrighteousness
             ,
             or
             false
             Hypocritical
             Professors
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ?
             Doth
             he
             not
             also
             signally
             declare
             the
             uncertainty
             and
             instability
             of
             Earthly
             Enjoyments
             ,
             from
             Life
             it self
             to
             a
             Shoo-latchet
             ?
             As
             also
             ,
             how
             vain
             and
             foolish
             it
             is
             to
             adhere
             inordinately
             unto
             them
             .
             The
             fingers
             that
             appeared
             writing
             on
             the
             Wall
             
               the
               Doom
               of
               Belshazzar
            
             ,
             did
             it
             in
             Characters
             that
             none
             read
             ,
             and
             words
             that
             none
             could
             understand
             but
             Daniel
             .
             But
             the
             present
             Call
             of
             God
             in
             these
             things
             is
             made
             plain
             upon
             Tables
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             run
             who
             readeth
             it
             .
             If
             the
             Heavens
             gather
             blackness
             with
             Clouds
             ,
             and
             it
             thunder
             over
             us
             ,
             if
             any
             that
             are
             on
             their
             Journey
             will
             not
             believe
             that
             there
             is
             a
             Storm
             a
             coming
             ,
             they
             must
             bear
             the
             severity
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             Suppose
             then
             this
             to
             be
             the
             Voice
             of
             Providence
             ,
             suppose
             there
             be
             in
             it
             these
             Indications
             of
             the
             mind
             and
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             what
             are
             the
             Duties
             that
             we
             are
             called
             unto
             thereby
             ?
             They
             may
             be
             referred
             unto
             two
             Heads
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             A
             diligent
             
               search
               into
               our selves
            
             ,
             and
             an
             holy
             Watch
             over
             our selves
             ,
             with
             respect
             unto
             
               those
               ways
               and
               sins
            
             which
             the
             displeasure
             of
             God
             is
             declared
             against
             .
             That
             present
             Providences
             are
             Indications
             of
             Gods
             Anger
             and
             Displeasure
             ,
             we
             take
             for
             granted
             .
             But
             when
             this
             is
             done
             ,
             the
             most
             are
             apt
             to
             cast
             the
             Causes
             of
             them
             on
             others
             and
             to
             excuse
             themselves
             ;
             so
             long
             as
             they
             see
             others
             
               more
               wicked
               and
               prosligate
               than
               themselves
               ,
            
             openly
             guilty
             
             of
             such
             Crimes
             ,
             as
             they
             abhor
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             ,
             they
             cast
             all
             the
             wrath
             on
             them
             ,
             and
             fear
             nothing
             but
             that
             they
             shall
             suffer
             with
             them
             .
             But
             alas
             !
             When
             the
             storm
             came
             on
             the
             Ship
             at
             Sea
             ,
             wherein
             there
             was
             
               but
               one
               person
               that
               feared
               God
            
             ;
             upon
             an
             Enquiry
             for
             whose
             sake
             it
             came
             ,
             the
             Lot
             fell
             on
             him
             .
             Jon.
             1.7
             .
             The
             cause
             of
             the
             present
             storm
             may
             as
             well
             be
             the
             
               secret
               sins
            
             of
             Professors
             ,
             as
             the
             
               open
               Provocations
            
             of
             ungodly
             men
             .
             God
             will
             punish
             severely
             those
             
               which
               he
               hath
               known
               .
               Amos
            
             3.2
             .
             It
             is
             therefore
             certainly
             our
             Duty
             to
             
               search
               diligently
            
             ,
             that
             nothing
             be
             found
             resting
             in
             us
             ,
             against
             which
             God
             is
             declaring
             his
             Displeasure
             .
             Take
             heed
             of
             negligence
             and
             security
             herein
             .
             When
             our
             Saviour
             foretold
             his
             Disciples
             ,
             that
             
               one
               of
               them
               should
               betray
               him
               ,
            
             he
             who
             alone
             was
             guilty
             ,
             was
             the
             last
             that
             said
             ,
             
               Master
               is
               it
               I.
            
             Let
             no
             ground
             of
             hopes
             you
             have
             of
             your
             Spiritual
             condition
             and
             acceptance
             with
             God
             ,
             no
             Sence
             of
             your
             sincerity
             in
             any
             of
             your
             Duties
             ,
             no
             visible
             difference
             between
             you
             and
             others
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             impose
             themselves
             on
             your
             minds
             to
             divert
             them
             from
             diligence
             in
             this
             Duty
             ;
             
               The
               voice
               of
               the
               Lord
               cryeth
               unto
               the
               City
               ,
               and
               the
               man
               of
               wisdom
               will
               see
               his
               Name
               .
            
          
           
             2.
             
             A
             diligent
             endeavour
             to
             
               live
               in
               an
               holy
               Resignation
               of
               our
               Persons
               ,
               our
               Lives
               ,
               our
               Families
               ,
               all
               our
               Enjoyments
               ,
               unto
               the
               soveraign
               Will
               and
               Wisdom
               of
               God
            
             ;
             so
             as
             that
             we
             may
             be
             in
             a
             readiness
             to
             part
             with
             all
             things
             upon
             his
             call
             without
             repining
             .
             This
             also
             is
             plainly
             declared
             in
             the
             voice
             of
             present
             Providences
             .
             God
             is
             making
             Wings
             for
             mens
             Riches
             ,
             he
             is
             shaking
             their
             Habitations
             ,
             taking
             away
             the
             visible
             Defences
             of
             their
             Lives
             ,
             proclaiming
             the
             Instability
             and
             uncertainty
             of
             all
             things
             here
             below
             :
             And
             if
             we
             are
             not
             minded
             to
             contend
             with
             him
             ,
             we
             have
             nothing
             left
             to
             give
             us
             
               rest
               and
               peace
            
             for
             a
             moment
             ,
             but
             an
             holy
             Resignation
             of
             all
             unto
             his
             Soveraign
             Pleasure
             .
          
           
             Would
             you
             now
             know
             what
             you
             should
             fix
             and
             exercise
             
             your
             Thoughts
             upon
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             they
             may
             be
             Evidences
             of
             your
             being
             Spiritually
             minded
             ?
             I
             say
             ,
             be
             frequently
             conversant
             in
             them
             about
             
               these
               things
            
             .
             They
             lye
             before
             you
             ,
             they
             call
             upon
             you
             ,
             and
             will
             find
             you
             a
             just
             employment
             .
             Count
             them
             part
             of
             your
             business
             ,
             allow
             them
             some
             part
             of
             your
             time
             ,
             cease
             not
             untill
             you
             have
             the
             Testimony
             of
             your
             Consciences
             ,
             that
             you
             have
             in
             sincerity
             stated
             both
             these
             Duties
             in
             your
             minds
             ,
             which
             will
             never
             be
             done
             without
             many
             Thoughts
             about
             them
             .
             Unless
             it
             be
             so
             with
             you
             ,
             God
             will
             be
             greatly
             displeased
             at
             the
             neglect
             of
             his
             coming
             and
             call
             ,
             now
             it
             is
             so
             plain
             and
             articulate
             .
             Fear
             the
             woful
             Dooms
             recorded
             ,
             Prov.
             1.24
             ,
             25
             ,
             26
             ,
             27
             ,
             28.
             
             Isa.
             56.12
             Chap.
             66.4
             .
             to
             this
             purpose
             .
             And
             if
             any
             calamity
             ,
             
               publick
               or
               private
            
             ,
             do
             overtake
             you
             under
             a
             neglect
             of
             these
             Duties
             ,
             you
             will
             be
             wofully
             surprized
             ,
             and
             not
             know
             which
             way
             to
             turn
             for
             Relief
             .
             This
             therefore
             is
             the
             time
             and
             season
             wherein
             you
             may
             have
             an
             especial
             trial
             and
             experiment
             whether
             you
             be
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             or
             no.
             It
             is
             the
             wisdom
             of
             Faith
             to
             excite
             and
             draw
             forth
             Grace
             into
             Exercise
             according
             unto
             present
             Occasions
             .
             If
             this
             Grace
             be
             habitually
             resident
             in
             you
             ,
             it
             will
             put
             it self
             forth
             in
             many
             Thoughts
             about
             these
             present
             Duties
             .
          
           
             But
             alas
             !
             for
             the
             most
             part
             ,
             men
             are
             apt
             
               to
               walk
               contrary
               to
               God
               in
               these
               things
               ,
            
             as
             the
             Wisdom
             of
             the
             flesh
             is
             contrary
             unto
             him
             in
             all
             things
             .
             A
             great
             Instance
             we
             have
             with
             respect
             unto
             these
             Duties
             ,
             especially
             the
             latter
             of
             them
             .
             For
             ,
             (
             1.
             )
             Who
             almost
             makes
             a
             
               diligent
               search
            
             into
             and
             trial
             of
             his
             heart
             and
             ways
             ,
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             
               procuring
               causes
            
             of
             the
             Displeasure
             and
             Judgments
             of
             God
             ?
             Generally
             when
             the
             Tokens
             and
             Evidences
             of
             them
             do
             most
             abound
             ,
             the
             World
             is
             full
             of
             outragious
             provoking
             sins
             .
             These
             visibly
             proclaim
             themselves
             to
             be
             the
             causes
             of
             
               the
               coming
               of
               the
               Wrath
               of
               God
               on
               the
               Children
               of
               Disobedience
               .
            
             Hence
             most
             men
             are
             apt
             to
             cast
             the
             whole
             Reason
             of
             present
             Judgments
             
             upon
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             put
             it
             wholly
             from
             themselves
             .
             Hence
             commonly
             there
             is
             never
             less
             of
             
               self
               Examination
            
             ,
             than
             when
             it
             is
             called
             for
             in
             a
             peculiar
             manner
             .
             But
             as
             I
             will
             not
             deny
             ,
             but
             that
             the
             open
             
               daring
               sins
            
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             are
             the
             procuring
             Cause
             of
             the
             Wrath
             of
             God
             against
             it
             in
             temporal
             Judgments
             ;
             so
             the
             
               wisest
               course
            
             for
             us
             ,
             is
             to
             refer
             them
             unto
             the
             great
             Judgment
             of
             the
             last
             Day
             .
             This
             the
             Apostle
             directs
             us
             unto
             ;
             2
             Thess.
             1.6
             ,
             7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9
             ,
             10.
             
             Our
             Duty
             it
             is
             to
             consider
             on
             what
             accounts
             
               Judgment
               begins
               at
               the
               House
               of
               God
               ,
            
             and
             to
             examine
             our selves
             with
             respect
             thereunto
             .
          
           
             Again
             ,
             the
             other
             part
             of
             our
             present
             Duty
             in
             complyance
             with
             the
             voice
             of
             Providence
             ,
             is
             an
             
               humble
               Resignation
               of
               our selves
               and
               all
               our
               concernments
               unto
               the
               will
               of
               God
               ,
            
             sitting
             loose
             in
             our
             Affections
             from
             all
             earthly
             temporal
             Enjoyments
             .
             This
             we
             neither
             do
             ,
             nor
             can
             do
             ,
             let
             us
             profess
             what
             we
             will
             ,
             unless
             our
             Thoughts
             are
             greatly
             exercised
             about
             the
             Reasons
             of
             it
             and
             Motives
             unto
             it
             .
             For
             this
             is
             the
             way
             whereby
             Faith
             puts
             forth
             its
             efficacy
             unto
             the
             Mortification
             of
             Self
             and
             all
             earthly
             Enjoyments
             .
             Wherefore
             without
             this
             we
             can
             make
             no
             Resignation
             of
             our selves
             unto
             the
             will
             of
             God.
             But
             alas
             !
             how
             many
             at
             present
             do
             openly
             walk
             contrary
             unto
             God
             herein
             ?
             The
             Ways
             ,
             the
             Countenances
             ,
             the
             Discourses
             of
             men
             do
             give
             Evidence
             hereunto
             .
             Their
             Love
             unto
             present
             things
             ,
             their
             contrivances
             for
             their
             encrease
             and
             continuance
             do
             grow
             and
             thrive
             under
             the
             Calls
             of
             God
             to
             the
             contrary
             .
             So
             it
             was
             of
             old
             ;
             
               They
               did
               eat
               ,
               they
               drank
               ,
               they
               married
               and
               gave
               in
               marriage
               ,
               untill
               the
               day
               that
               Noah
               entred
               into
               the
               Ark.
            
             Can
             the
             generality
             of
             Professors
             at
             this
             day
             give
             Testimony
             unto
             the
             Exercise
             of
             their
             Thoughts
             upon
             such
             things
             as
             should
             dispose
             them
             unto
             this
             holy
             Resignation
             ?
             That
             they
             meditate
             on
             the
             Calls
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             thence
             make
             themselves
             ready
             to
             part
             with
             all
             at
             his
             time
             and
             pleasure
             ?
             How
             can
             persons
             pretend
             to
             be
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             the
             
             current
             of
             whose
             Thoughts
             lies
             in
             direct
             contrariety
             unto
             the
             mind
             of
             God
             ?
          
           
             Here
             lyes
             the
             ground
             of
             their
             self-deceivings
             ;
             they
             are
             Professors
             of
             the
             Gospel
             in
             a
             peculiar
             manner
             ,
             they
             judge
             themselves
             Believers
             ,
             they
             hope
             they
             shall
             be
             saved
             ,
             and
             have
             many
             Evidences
             for
             it
             .
             But
             one
             
               Negative
               Evidence
            
             will
             render
             an
             hundred
             that
             are
             positive
             useless
             .
             
               All
               these
               things
               have
               I
               done
               ,
            
             saith
             the
             young
             man
             ;
             
               yet
               one
               thing
               thou
               wantest
            
             ,
             saith
             our
             Saviour
             .
             And
             the
             want
             of
             that
             one
             rendred
             his
             
               all
               things
            
             of
             no
             avail
             unto
             him
             .
             Many
             things
             you
             have
             done
             ,
             many
             things
             you
             do
             ,
             many
             grounds
             of
             hope
             abide
             with
             you
             ,
             neither
             your selves
             nor
             others
             do
             doubt
             of
             your
             Condition
             .
             But
             are
             you
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             ?
             If
             this
             one
             thing
             be
             wanting
             ,
             all
             the
             rest
             will
             not
             avail
             you
             ,
             you
             have
             indeed
             neither
             Life
             nor
             Peace
             .
             And
             what
             grounds
             have
             you
             to
             judge
             that
             you
             are
             so
             ,
             if
             the
             current
             of
             your
             thoughts
             lye
             in
             direct
             contrariety
             unto
             the
             present
             Calls
             of
             God
             ?
             If
             at
             such
             a
             time
             as
             this
             is
             ,
             your
             love
             to
             the
             World
             be
             such
             as
             ever
             it
             was
             ,
             and
             perhaps
             be
             encreased
             ;
             if
             your
             desires
             are
             strong
             to
             secure
             the
             things
             of
             this
             Life
             unto
             you
             and
             yours
             ;
             if
             the
             
               daily
               contrivance
               of
               your
               minds
            
             be
             not
             how
             you
             may
             attain
             a
             constant
             Resignation
             of
             your selves
             and
             your
             all
             unto
             the
             Will
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             will
             not
             be
             done
             without
             much
             Thoughtfulness
             and
             Meditations
             on
             the
             Reasons
             of
             it
             and
             Motives
             unto
             it
             ,
             I
             cannot
             understand
             how
             you
             can
             judge
             your selves
             to
             be
             Spiritually
             minded
             .
          
           
             If
             any
             therefore
             shall
             say
             ,
             that
             they
             would
             
               abound
               more
            
             in
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             ,
             only
             they
             know
             not
             what
             to
             fix
             them
             upon
             ;
             I
             propose
             this
             in
             the
             first
             place
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             will
             lead
             them
             unto
             the
             due
             performance
             of
             present
             Duties
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             The
             
               special
               Trials
               and
               Temptations
               of
               men
               ,
            
             call
             for
             the
             Exercise
             of
             their
             Thoughts
             in
             a
             peculiar
             manner
             with
             respect
             unto
             them
             .
             If
             a
             man
             hath
             a
             bodily
             Disease
             ,
             Pain
             or
             Distemper
             ,
             it
             will
             cause
             him
             to
             
             think
             much
             of
             it
             whether
             he
             will
             or
             no
             ;
             at
             least
             if
             he
             be
             wise
             he
             will
             so
             do
             ;
             nor
             will
             he
             always
             be
             complaining
             of
             their
             smart
             ,
             but
             enquire
             into
             their
             causes
             and
             seek
             their
             removal
             .
             Yet
             are
             there
             some
             distempers
             ,
             as
             Lethargies
             ,
             which
             in
             their
             own
             Nature
             take
             away
             all
             sence
             and
             thoughts
             of
             themselves
             ;
             and
             some
             are
             of
             such
             a
             slow
             secret
             Progress
             ,
             as
             
               Hectick
               Feavers
            
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             not
             taken
             notice
             of
             .
             But
             both
             these
             are
             mortal
             .
             And
             shall
             men
             be
             more
             negligent
             about
             the
             
               Spiritual
               Distempers
            
             of
             their
             Souls
             ;
             so
             as
             to
             have
             multiplied
             Temptations
             ,
             the
             cause
             of
             all
             Spiritual
             Diseases
             ,
             and
             take
             no
             Thought
             about
             them
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             to
             be
             fear'd
             ,
             that
             where
             it
             is
             so
             ,
             they
             are
             such
             as
             either
             in
             their
             own
             Nature
             have
             deprived
             them
             of
             Spiritual
             sence
             ,
             or
             by
             their
             deceitfulness
             are
             leading
             on
             insensibly
             unto
             death
             Eternal
             ?
             Not
             to
             have
             our
             minds
             exercised
             about
             these
             things
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             stupidly
             secure
             ,
             Prov.
             23.34
             ,
             35.
             
          
           
             There
             is
             I
             confess
             some
             difficulty
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             how
             to
             exercise
             our
             Thoughts
             aright
             about
             our
             Temptations
             .
             For
             the
             great
             way
             of
             the
             prevalency
             of
             Temptations
             is
             by
             stirring
             up
             
               multiplyed
               Thoughts
            
             about
             their
             Objects
             ,
             or
             what
             they
             do
             lead
             unto
             .
             And
             this
             is
             done
             or
             occasioned
             several
             ways
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             From
             the
             previous
             power
             of
             
               Lust
               in
               the
               Affections
            
             .
             This
             will
             fill
             the
             mind
             with
             Thoughts
             .
             The
             heart
             will
             coin
             Imaginations
             in
             complyance
             therewith
             .
             They
             are
             the
             way
             and
             means
             whereby
             Lust
             
               draws
               away
            
             the
             heart
             from
             Duty
             and
             enticeth
             unto
             sin
             ,
             Jam.
             1.14
             .
             The
             means
             at
             least
             whereby
             men
             come
             to
             have
             
               eyes
               full
               of
               Adultery
            
             ;
             2
             Pet.
             2.14
             .
             or
             live
             in
             constant
             Contemplation
             of
             the
             Pleasures
             of
             Sin.
             (
             2.
             )
             They
             arise
             and
             are
             occasioned
             by
             renewed
             Representations
             of
             the
             Object
             of
             Sin.
             And
             this
             is
             twofold
             ;
             (
             1.
             )
             That
             which
             is
             real
             ,
             as
             Achan
             saw
             the
             Wedge
             of
             Gold
             and
             
               coveted
               it
               ,
               Josh.
            
             7.21
             .
             Prov.
             23.31
             .
             Against
             this
             is
             that
             Prayer
             of
             the
             Psalmist
             ,
             
               Turn
               away
               mine
               eyes
               from
               beholding
               vanity
            
             ;
             and
             the
             Covenant
             of
             Job
             ,
             chap.
             31.1
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             Imaginary
             ,
             when
             the
             
             Imagination
             being
             tainted
             or
             infected
             by
             Lust
             ,
             continually
             represents
             the
             pleasure
             of
             sin
             and
             the
             actings
             of
             it
             unto
             the
             mind
             .
             Herein
             do
             men
             make
             provision
             for
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             to
             fulfil
             the
             Lusts
             thereof
             ,
             Rom.
             13.14
             .
             (
             3.
             )
             From
             the
             Suggestions
             of
             Sathan
             ,
             who
             useth
             all
             his
             Wiles
             and
             Artifices
             to
             stir
             up
             thoughts
             about
             that
             sin
             whereunto
             the
             Temptation
             leads
             .
             And
             Temptation
             seldom
             fails
             of
             its
             end
             ,
             when
             it
             can
             stir
             up
             a
             multitude
             of
             unprofitable
             Thoughts
             about
             its
             Object
             .
             For
             when
             Temptations
             do
             multiply
             Thoughts
             about
             Sin
             ,
             proceeding
             from
             some
             or
             all
             of
             these
             causes
             ,
             and
             the
             mind
             hath
             wonted
             it self
             to
             give
             them
             Entertainment
             ,
             those
             in
             whom
             they
             are
             ,
             do
             want
             nothing
             but
             opportunities
             and
             Occasions
             taking
             off
             the
             power
             of
             outward
             restraints
             for
             the
             commission
             of
             actual
             sin
             .
             When
             men
             have
             so
             
               devised
               mischief
            
             ,
             they
             practise
             it
             when
             it
             is
             in
             the
             
               power
               of
               their
               hand
               ,
               Mic.
            
             2.1
             .
             It
             is
             no
             way
             safe
             to
             advise
             such
             Persons
             to
             have
             many
             Thoughts
             about
             their
             Temptations
             ;
             they
             will
             all
             turn
             to
             their
             disadvantage
             .
          
           
             I
             speak
             unto
             them
             only
             ,
             unto
             whom
             their
             
               Temptations
               are
               their
               Affliction
            
             and
             their
             Burden
             .
             And
             such
             Persons
             also
             must
             be
             very
             careful
             how
             they
             suffer
             their
             Thoughts
             to
             be
             exercised
             about
             the
             Matter
             of
             their
             Temptation
             ,
             lest
             it
             be
             a
             snare
             ,
             and
             be
             too
             hard
             for
             them
             .
             Men
             may
             begin
             their
             Thoughts
             of
             any
             Object
             with
             
               Abhorrency
               and
               Detestation
            
             ,
             and
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             in
             case
             of
             Temptation
             ,
             end
             them
             in
             
               Complacency
               and
               Approbation
            
             .
             The
             deceitfulness
             of
             sin
             lays
             hold
             on
             something
             or
             other
             that
             Lust
             in
             the
             mind
             
               stays
               upon
               with
               Delectation
            
             ,
             and
             so
             corrupts
             the
             whole
             frame
             of
             Spirit
             which
             began
             the
             Duty
             .
             There
             have
             been
             Instances
             wherein
             Persons
             have
             entred
             with
             a
             Resolution
             to
             punish
             sin
             ,
             and
             have
             been
             ensnared
             by
             the
             occasion
             unto
             the
             Commission
             of
             the
             sin
             they
             thought
             to
             punish
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             it
             is
             seldom
             that
             the
             mind
             of
             any
             one
             exercised
             with
             an
             
               actual
               Temptation
            
             ,
             is
             able
             safely
             to
             conflict
             with
             it
             ,
             if
             it
             entertain
             abiding
             thoughts
             ,
             of
             the
             
             matter
             of
             it
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             sin
             whereunto
             it
             leads
             .
             For
             sin
             hath
             
               mille
               nocendi
               Artes
            
             ,
             and
             is
             able
             to
             transfuse
             its
             Poyson
             into
             the
             affections
             from
             every
             thing
             it
             hath
             once
             made
             a
             bait
             of
             ,
             especially
             if
             it
             hath
             already
             defiled
             the
             mind
             with
             pleasing
             Contemplations
             of
             it
             .
             Yea
             oftentimes
             a
             man
             that
             hath
             some
             Spiritual
             strength
             and
             therein
             ingageth
             unto
             the
             performance
             of
             Duties
             ,
             if
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             them
             the
             
               matter
               of
               his
               Temptation
            
             is
             so
             presented
             unto
             him
             ,
             as
             to
             take
             hold
             of
             his
             thoughts
             ;
             in
             a
             moment
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             had
             seen
             (
             as
             they
             say
             )
             
               Medusa's
               Head
            
             ,
             he
             is
             turned
             into
             a
             Stone
             ;
             his
             spirits
             are
             all
             frozen
             ,
             his
             strength
             is
             gone
             ,
             all
             actings
             of
             Grace
             do
             cease
             ,
             his
             Armor
             falls
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             he
             gives
             up
             himself
             a
             Prey
             to
             his
             Temptation
             .
             It
             must
             be
             a
             new
             supply
             of
             Grace
             that
             can
             give
             him
             any
             Deliverance
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             whilst
             Persons
             are
             exercised
             with
             any
             Temptation
             ,
             I
             do
             not
             advise
             them
             to
             be
             conversant
             in
             their
             thoughts
             about
             the
             matter
             of
             it
             .
             For
             sometimes
             Remembrances
             of
             former
             satisfaction
             of
             their
             Lusts
             ,
             sometimes
             present
             surprizals
             ,
             with
             the
             suitableness
             of
             it
             unto
             corruption
             not
             yet
             mortified
             ,
             sometimes
             the
             craft
             of
             Sathan
             fixing
             their
             Imagination
             on
             it
             ,
             will
             be
             too
             hard
             for
             them
             ,
             and
             carry
             them
             unto
             a
             fresh
             complyance
             with
             that
             sin
             ,
             which
             they
             would
             be
             delivered
             from
             .
          
           
             But
             this
             season
             calls
             in
             an
             especial
             manner
             for
             the
             exercise
             of
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             men
             ,
             about
             the
             wayes
             and
             means
             of
             
               Deliverance
               from
               the
               snare
               wherein
               they
               are
               taken
               ,
            
             or
             the
             danger
             they
             find
             themselves
             exposed
             unto
             .
             Think
             of
             the
             
               Guilt
               of
               sin
            
             ,
             that
             you
             may
             be
             humbled
             .
             Think
             of
             the
             
               Power
               of
               sin
            
             ,
             that
             you
             may
             seek
             strength
             against
             it
             .
             Think
             not
             of
             the
             
               Matter
               of
               sin
            
             ,
             the
             things
             that
             are
             in
             the
             World
             suited
             unto
             the
             Lusts
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             the
             Lust
             of
             the
             Eye
             ,
             and
             the
             Pride
             of
             Life
             ,
             lest
             you
             be
             more
             and
             more
             entangled
             .
             But
             the
             present
             Direction
             is
             ,
             think
             much
             of
             the
             wayes
             of
             Relief
             from
             the
             power
             of
             your
             own
             Temptation
             ,
             leading
             unto
             sin
             .
             But
             this
             ,
             men
             unless
             they
             
             are
             spiritually
             minded
             ,
             are
             very
             loth
             to
             come
             unto
             .
             I
             speak
             not
             of
             them
             that
             love
             their
             Shackles
             ,
             that
             glory
             in
             their
             Yoak
             ,
             that
             like
             their
             Temptations
             well
             enough
             ,
             as
             those
             which
             give
             the
             most
             satisfactory
             entertainment
             unto
             their
             minds
             .
             Such
             men
             know
             not
             well
             what
             to
             do
             ,
             unless
             they
             may
             in
             their
             Minds
             converse
             with
             the
             Objects
             of
             their
             Lusts
             ,
             and
             do
             multiply
             Thoughts
             about
             them
             continually
             .
             The
             Apostle
             calls
             it
             
               making
               Provision
               for
               the
               Flesh
               ,
               to
               fulfill
               the
               Lusts
               thereof
               .
            
             Their
             Principal
             trouble
             is
             ,
             that
             they
             cannot
             comply
             with
             them
             to
             the
             utmost
             by
             reason
             of
             some
             outward
             restraints
             .
             These
             dwell
             near
             unto
             
               those
               Fools
               who
               make
               a
               mock
               of
               sin
               ,
            
             and
             will
             e're
             long
             take
             up
             their
             Habitation
             among
             them
             .
          
           
             But
             I
             speak
             ,
             as
             I
             said
             before
             ,
             of
             them
             only
             whose
             
               Temptations
               are
               their
               Afflictions
            
             ,
             and
             who
             groan
             for
             Deliverance
             from
             them
             .
             Acquaint
             such
             persons
             with
             the
             great
             ,
             indeed
             only
             way
             of
             Relief
             in
             this
             Distress
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             expressed
             ,
             Heb.
             2.17
             ,
             18.
             
             
               He
               is
               a
               Mercifull
               and
               Faithfull
               High
               Priest
               in
               things
               appertaining
               unto
               God
               ;
               for
               in
               that
               he
               himself
               hath
               suffered
               being
               tempted
               ,
               he
               is
               able
               to
               Succour
               them
               that
               are
               Tempted
               .
            
             And
             chap.
             4.15
             ,
             16.
             
             
               For
               we
               have
               not
               an
               High
               Priest
               that
               cannot
               be
               touched
               with
               the
               feeling
               of
               our
               Infirmities
               ,
               but
               was
               in
               all
               points
               tempted
               like
               as
               we
               are
               ,
               yet
               without
               sin
               .
               Let
               us
               therefore
               come
               boldly
               to
               the
               Throne
               of
               Grace
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               obtain
               Mercy
               ,
               and
               find
               Grace
               to
               help
               in
               time
               of
               need
               .
            
             Let
             them
             know
             that
             their
             only
             way
             for
             their
             Deliverance
             is
             by
             acting
             Faith
             in
             Thoughts
             on
             Christ
             ,
             his
             Power
             to
             succour
             them
             that
             are
             tempted
             ,
             with
             the
             ways
             whereby
             he
             administreth
             a
             sufficiency
             of
             Grace
             unto
             that
             end
             ;
             retreating
             for
             Relief
             unto
             him
             on
             the
             urgency
             of
             Temptations
             ,
             they
             can
             hardly
             be
             brought
             unto
             a
             complyance
             therewithall
             .
             They
             are
             ready
             to
             say
             ,
             
               Are
               not
               Abana
               and
               Pharpar
               Rivers
               of
               Damascus
               better
               than
               all
               the
               Waters
               of
               Israel
               ?
            
             Is
             it
             not
             better
             to
             betake
             our selves
             and
             to
             trust
             unto
             our
             own
             Promises
             ,
             Resolutions
             and
             Endeavours
             ,
             
             with
             such
             other
             wayes
             of
             escape
             ,
             as
             are
             in
             our
             own
             power
             ?
             I
             shall
             speak
             nothing
             against
             any
             of
             them
             in
             their
             
               proper
               place
            
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             they
             are
             warranted
             by
             Scripture
             Rule
             .
             But
             this
             I
             say
             ,
             none
             shall
             ever
             be
             delivered
             from
             perplexing
             Temptations
             unto
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             and
             their
             own
             Spiritual
             Advantage
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             
               acting
               and
               exercising
               of
               Faith
               on
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
            
             and
             the
             sufficiency
             of
             his
             Grace
             for
             our
             Deliverance
             .
             But
             when
             men
             are
             not
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             they
             cannot
             fix
             their
             Thoughts
             on
             Spiritual
             things
             .
             Therefore
             do
             men
             daily
             pine
             away
             under
             their
             Temptations
             ,
             they
             get
             ground
             upon
             them
             ,
             until
             their
             Breach
             grow
             great
             like
             the
             Sea
             ,
             and
             there
             be
             no
             healing
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             I
             mention
             this
             only
             to
             shew
             the
             weight
             and
             necessity
             of
             the
             Duty
             proposed
             .
             For
             when
             
               men
               under
               the
               Power
               of
               Conviction
            
             are
             pressed
             with
             Temptation
             ,
             they
             will
             do
             any
             thing
             rather
             than
             betake
             themselves
             unto
             the
             only
             efficacious
             Relief
             .
             Some
             will
             groan
             and
             cry
             out
             under
             their
             Vexation
             from
             the
             Torture
             they
             are
             put
             unto
             in
             the
             conflict
             between
             their
             Temptations
             and
             Convictions
             .
             Some
             will
             betake
             themselves
             unto
             the
             pretended
             Relief
             that
             any
             
               false
               Religion
            
             tenders
             unto
             them
             .
             But
             to
             apply
             themselves
             in
             Thoughts
             of
             Faith
             unto
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             whose
             Grace
             alone
             is
             sufficient
             for
             all
             ,
             that
             they
             will
             not
             be
             perswaded
             unto
             .
          
           
             We
             are
             all
             of
             us
             liable
             unto
             Temptations
             .
             Those
             who
             are
             not
             sensible
             of
             it
             ,
             are
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             what
             the
             Temptation
             leads
             unto
             .
             And
             they
             are
             of
             two
             sorts
             .
             First
             ,
             Such
             as
             are
             extraordinary
             ,
             when
             the
             hand
             of
             God
             is
             in
             them
             in
             a
             peculiar
             manner
             for
             our
             Rebuke
             ,
             It
             is
             true
             ,
             
               God
               tempts
               none
            
             ,
             as
             Temptation
             formally
             leads
             unto
             sin
             .
             But
             he
             
               orders
               Temptations
            
             so
             far
             forth
             as
             they
             are
             Afflictive
             and
             Chastisements
             .
             Thus
             it
             is
             when
             he
             suffers
             an
             
               especial
               corruption
            
             within
             to
             fall
             in
             ●onjunction
             with
             an
             
               especial
               Temptation
            
             without
             ,
             and
             to
             obtain
             a
             prevalency
             thereby
             .
             Of
             these
             there
             is
             no
             doub●
             ,
             but
             any
             
             man
             not
             judicially
             hardened
             ,
             may
             know
             both
             his
             Disease
             and
             the
             Remedy
             .
             But
             that
             
               ordinary
               course
               of
               Temptations
            
             which
             we
             are
             exercised
             withall
             ,
             needs
             a
             diligent
             Attendance
             for
             their
             Discovery
             as
             well
             as
             for
             our
             Deliverance
             from
             them
             .
             And
             it
             is
             to
             be
             feared
             ,
             that
             many
             are
             kept
             in
             Spiritual
             weakness
             ,
             useless
             ,
             and
             in
             darkness
             all
             their
             dayes
             through
             the
             Power
             of
             their
             Temptations
             ,
             yet
             never
             know
             what
             they
             are
             ,
             or
             wherein
             they
             consist
             .
             These
             
               gray
               hairs
               are
               sprinkled
               on
               them
               ,
            
             yet
             they
             know
             it
             not
             ;
             some
             approve
             themselves
             in
             those
             very
             things
             and
             ways
             which
             are
             their
             Temptations
             .
             Yet
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             due
             Watchfulness
             ,
             Diligence
             and
             Prudence
             ,
             men
             may
             know
             both
             the
             
               Plague
               of
               their
               own
               hearts
            
             in
             their
             prevailing
             Corruptions
             ,
             and
             the
             ways
             whereby
             it
             is
             excited
             through
             Temptation
             ,
             with
             the
             occasions
             it
             makes
             use
             of
             ,
             and
             the
             Advantages
             it
             takes
             .
             For
             Instance
             :
             One
             may
             have
             an
             Eminency
             in
             Gifts
             ,
             and
             usefulness
             or
             success
             in
             his
             labours
             ,
             which
             gives
             him
             great
             Acceptance
             with
             others
             .
             Such
             an
             one
             shall
             hardly
             avoid
             a
             double
             Temptation
             .
             First
             of
             Spiritual
             Pride
             and
             self
             Exaltation
             .
             Hence
             the
             Apostle
             will
             not
             admit
             a
             Novice
             ,
             one
             unexperienced
             in
             the
             ways
             of
             Grace
             and
             deceits
             of
             Sin
             ,
             into
             the
             Office
             of
             the
             Ministry
             ,
             lest
             he
             should
             be
             
               lifted
               up
               with
               Pride
               ,
               and
               fall
               into
               the
               condemnation
               of
               the
               Devil
               ,
            
             1
             Tim.
             3.6
             .
             He
             himself
             was
             not
             without
             danger
             hereof
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             12.17
             .
             The
             best
             of
             men
             can
             hardly
             fortifie
             their
             minds
             against
             the
             
               secret
               workings
               of
               Pride
            
             upon
             successes
             and
             applause
             ,
             unless
             they
             keep
             them
             constantly
             ballanced
             with
             Thoughts
             of
             their
             own
             vileness
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             God.
             And
             Secondly
             ,
             Remisseness
             unto
             exact
             universal
             Mortification
             ,
             which
             they
             countenance
             themselves
             against
             ,
             by
             their
             Acceptance
             and
             Success
             above
             others
             in
             the
             Ministry
             .
             It
             were
             much
             to
             be
             desired
             that
             all
             we
             who
             are
             Ministers
             ,
             would
             be
             carefull
             in
             these
             things
             ;
             for
             although
             some
             of
             us
             may
             not
             much
             
               please
               others
            
             ,
             yet
             we
             may
             so
             far
             please
             our selves
             ,
             as
             to
             expose
             our
             
             Souls
             unto
             these
             Snares
             .
             And
             the
             effects
             of
             negligence
             herein
             do
             openly
             appear
             unto
             the
             Disadvantage
             of
             the
             Gospel
             :
             Others
             are
             much
             conversant
             in
             the
             World
             and
             the
             Affairs
             of
             it
             .
             Negligence
             as
             unto
             a
             
               Spiritual
               watch
            
             ,
             Vanity
             in
             Converse
             ,
             Love
             of
             earthly
             things
             ,
             with
             conformity
             unto
             the
             World
             ,
             will
             on
             all
             occasions
             impose
             themselves
             upon
             them
             .
             If
             they
             understand
             not
             their
             Temptations
             herein
             ,
             
               Spiritual
               Mindedness
            
             will
             be
             impaired
             in
             them
             continually
             .
             Those
             that
             are
             Rich
             have
             their
             especial
             Temptations
             ,
             which
             for
             the
             most
             part
             are
             many
             ,
             plausible
             and
             effectual
             ;
             and
             those
             that
             are
             Poor
             have
             theirs
             also
             .
             The
             Snares
             of
             some
             lye
             in
             their
             Constitutions
             ,
             of
             others
             in
             their
             Society
             ,
             of
             most
             in
             the
             
               various
               Circumstances
               of
               Life
            
             .
             Those
             who
             are
             upon
             their
             Watch
             in
             any
             due
             measure
             ,
             who
             exercise
             any
             Wisdom
             or
             Observation
             concerning
             themselves
             ,
             may
             know
             wherein
             their
             Temptations
             do
             lye
             ,
             what
             are
             the
             Advantages
             whereby
             they
             perplex
             their
             Minds
             and
             endanger
             their
             Souls
             .
          
           
             In
             these
             cases
             generally
             men
             are
             taught
             what
             are
             the
             ways
             and
             means
             of
             their
             Deliverance
             and
             Preservation
             .
             Wherefore
             there
             are
             three
             things
             required
             unto
             this
             Duty
             ,
             and
             
               Spiritual
               Wisdom
            
             unto
             them
             all
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             To
             know
             what
             are
             the
             
               especial
               Temptations
            
             from
             whence
             you
             suffer
             ,
             and
             whereby
             the
             Life
             of
             God
             is
             obstructed
             in
             in
             you
             .
             If
             this
             be
             neglected
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             disregarded
             ,
             no
             man
             can
             maintain
             either
             
               Life
               or
               Peace
            
             ,
             or
             is
             Spiritually
             minded
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             Know
             your
             Remedy
             ,
             your
             Relief
             ,
             wherein
             alone
             it
             doth
             consist
             .
             Many
             Duties
             are
             required
             of
             us
             unto
             this
             end
             ,
             and
             are
             usefull
             thereunto
             .
             But
             know
             assuredly
             ,
             that
             no
             one
             of
             them
             ,
             not
             all
             of
             them
             in
             conjunction
             will
             bring
             in
             Relief
             unto
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             and
             your
             own
             Peace
             ,
             without
             Application
             by
             Faith
             unto
             him
             who
             is
             
               able
               to
               succour
               them
               that
               are
               Tempted
               .
            
             Wherefore
             ,
             (
             3.
             )
             Herein
             lyes
             your
             great
             Duty
             with
             respect
             unto
             your
             Temptations
             ,
             namely
             ,
             in
             a
             constant
             exercise
             of
             your
             Thoughts
             on
             the
             Love
             ,
             Care
             ,
             Compassion
             
             and
             tenderness
             of
             Christ
             ,
             with
             his
             Ability
             to
             help
             ,
             succour
             and
             save
             them
             that
             do
             believe
             ,
             so
             to
             strengthen
             your
             Faith
             and
             Trust
             in
             him
             ,
             which
             will
             prove
             assuredly
             successeful
             and
             Victorious
             .
          
           
             The
             same
             Duty
             is
             incumbent
             on
             us
             with
             respect
             unto
             any
             
               urgent
               prevalent
               general
               Temptation
            
             .
             There
             are
             Seasons
             wherein
             an
             
               hour
               of
               Temptation
            
             comes
             on
             the
             earth
             to
             try
             them
             that
             dwell
             therein
             .
             What
             if
             a
             man
             should
             judge
             that
             now
             it
             is
             
               such
               an
               hour
            
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             
               Power
               of
               Darkness
            
             is
             put
             forth
             therein
             ?
             what
             if
             he
             should
             be
             perswaded
             that
             a
             general
             security
             ,
             coldness
             ,
             deadness
             and
             
               Decay
               in
               Grace
            
             ,
             especially
             as
             to
             the
             vigorous
             Actings
             of
             Zeal
             ,
             Love
             ,
             and
             Delight
             in
             God
             ,
             with
             an
             Indifferency
             unto
             Holy
             Duties
             ,
             are
             the
             
               effects
               of
               this
               hour
               of
               Temptation
               ?
            
             I
             do
             not
             say
             determinately
             that
             so
             it
             is
             ,
             let
             others
             judge
             as
             they
             see
             cause
             .
             But
             if
             any
             one
             do
             so
             judge
             ,
             undoubtedly
             it
             is
             his
             Duty
             to
             be
             exercised
             in
             his
             Thoughts
             ,
             how
             he
             may
             escape
             in
             
               this
               day
               of
               Tryal
               ,
               and
               be
               counted
               worthy
               to
               stand
               before
               the
               Son
               of
               Man.
            
             He
             will
             find
             it
             his
             concernment
             to
             be
             conversant
             in
             his
             mind
             with
             the
             Reasons
             and
             Motives
             unto
             watchfulness
             ,
             and
             how
             he
             may
             obtain
             such
             supplies
             of
             Grace
             as
             may
             effectually
             preserve
             him
             from
             such
             Decayes
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             All
             things
             in
             Religion
             both
             in
             Faith
             and
             Practice
             are
             to
             be
             the
             Objects
             of
             such
             Thoughts
             .
             As
             they
             are
             proposed
             or
             occurr
             unto
             our
             Minds
             in
             great
             variety
             on
             all
             sorts
             of
             occasions
             ,
             so
             we
             ought
             to
             give
             them
             entertainment
             in
             our
             Meditations
             .
             To
             hear
             things
             ,
             to
             have
             them
             proposed
             unto
             us
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             in
             the
             way
             of
             a
             Divine
             Ordinance
             ,
             and
             to
             let
             them
             slip
             out
             or
             flow
             from
             us
             ,
             as
             Water
             that
             is
             poured
             into
             a
             leaking
             Vessel
             ,
             is
             the
             Ruine
             of
             many
             Souls
             .
             I
             shall
             therefore
             choose
             out
             
               some
               Instances
            
             as
             was
             before
             proposed
             ,
             of
             those
             things
             which
             I
             judge
             that
             they
             who
             would
             be
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             ought
             to
             abide
             and
             abound
             in
             Thoughts
             concerning
             them
             .
          
           
           
             1.
             
             It
             is
             our
             Duty
             greatly
             
               to
               mind
               the
               things
               that
               are
               above
               ,
               eternal
               things
               ,
            
             both
             as
             unto
             their
             Reality
             ,
             their
             present
             State
             ,
             and
             our
             future
             enjoyment
             of
             them
             .
             Herein
             consists
             the
             Life
             of
             this
             Grace
             and
             Duty
             .
             To
             be
             
               Heavenly
               Minded
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             to
             mind
             the
             things
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             
               Spiritually
               Minded
            
             is
             all
             one
             ;
             Or
             it
             is
             the
             effect
             of
             being
             Spiritually
             Minded
             ,
             as
             unto
             its
             Original
             and
             essence
             ;
             or
             the
             first
             proper
             actings
             of
             it
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Cause
             of
             it
             ,
             as
             unto
             its
             growth
             and
             Degrees
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             the
             Evidence
             of
             it
             in
             Experience
             .
             Nor
             do
             I
             understand
             how
             it
             is
             possible
             for
             a
             Man
             to
             place
             his
             chief
             Interest
             in
             things
             above
             ,
             and
             not
             have
             many
             thoughts
             of
             them
             .
             It
             is
             the
             great
             Advice
             of
             the
             Apostle
             on
             a
             supposition
             of
             our
             Interest
             in
             Christ
             and
             Conformity
             unto
             him
             ,
             Col.
             3.1
             ,
             2.
             
             
               If
               ye
               then
               be
               risen
               with
               Christ
               ,
               seek
               those
               things
               that
               are
               above
               ,
               where
               Christ
               sitteth
               at
               the
               right
               hand
               of
               God.
               Set
               your
               Affections
            
             (
             or
             your
             Thoughts
             )
             Mind
             much
             ,
             the
             
               things
               that
               are
               above
            
             .
             It
             becomes
             those
             who
             through
             the
             vertue
             of
             the
             Resurrection
             of
             Christ
             are
             raised
             unto
             
               Newness
               of
               Life
            
             ,
             to
             have
             their
             Thoughts
             exercised
             on
             the
             State
             of
             things
             above
             ,
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             Presence
             of
             Christ
             among
             them
             .
             And
             the
             singular
             use
             of
             our
             Prospect
             into
             these
             things
             ,
             or
             our
             Meditations
             on
             them
             ,
             he
             instructs
             us
             in
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             4.16
             ,
             17
             ,
             18.
             
             
               For
               which
               cause
               we
               faint
               not
               ,
               but
               though
               our
               outward
               man
               perish
               ,
               yet
               the
               inward
               man
               is
               renewed
               day
               by
               day
               .
               For
               our
               light
               Affliction
               which
               is
               but
               for
               a
               Moment
               ,
               worketh
               for
               us
               a
               far
               more
               exceeding
               and
               eternal
               weight
               of
               Glory
               .
               Whilst
               we
               look
               not
               at
               the
               things
               which
               are
               seen
               ,
               but
               at
               the
               things
               which
               are
               not
               seen
               ,
               for
               the
               things
               which
               are
               seen
               are
               temporal
               ,
               but
               the
               things
               which
               are
               not
               seen
               are
               eternal
               .
            
             Not
             to
             faint
             under
             the
             daily
             Decays
             of
             our
             outward
             man
             ,
             and
             the
             Approaches
             of
             Death
             thereby
             ,
             to
             bear
             afflictions
             as
             things
             
               light
               and
               Momentary
            
             ,
             to
             thrive
             under
             all
             in
             the
             inward
             man
             ,
             are
             unspeakable
             Mercies
             and
             Priviledges
             .
             Can
             you
             attain
             a
             
               better
               frame
            
             ?
             Is
             there
             any
             thing
             that
             you
             
             would
             
               more
               desire
            
             ,
             if
             you
             are
             Believers
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             better
             to
             have
             such
             a
             mind
             in
             us
             ,
             than
             to
             enjoy
             all
             the
             Peace
             and
             security
             that
             the
             world
             can
             afford
             ?
             One
             principal
             means
             whereby
             we
             are
             made
             partakers
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             is
             a
             
               due
               Meditation
               on
               things
               unseen
               and
               Eternal
               .
            
             These
             are
             the
             things
             that
             are
             
               within
               the
               Vail
            
             ,
             whereon
             we
             ought
             to
             
               cast
               the
               Anchor
               of
               our
               Hope
            
             in
             all
             the
             Storms
             we
             meet
             withall
             ,
             Heb.
             6.19
             ,
             20.
             whereof
             we
             shall
             speak
             more
             afterwards
             .
          
           
             Without
             doubt
             the
             generality
             of
             Christians
             are
             greatly
             defective
             in
             this
             Duty
             ,
             partly
             for
             want
             of
             Light
             into
             them
             ,
             partly
             for
             want
             of
             Delight
             in
             them
             ;
             they
             think
             little
             of
             an
             eternal
             Countrey
             .
             Wherever
             men
             are
             ,
             they
             do
             not
             use
             to
             neglect
             Thoughts
             of
             that
             Countrey
             wherein
             their
             Inheritance
             lyes
             .
             If
             they
             are
             absent
             from
             it
             for
             a
             season
             ,
             yet
             will
             they
             labour
             to
             acquaint
             themselves
             with
             the
             principal
             Concernments
             of
             it
             .
             But
             this
             
               Heavenly
               Countrey
            
             wherein
             lyes
             our
             Eternal
             Inheritance
             ,
             is
             not
             regarded
             .
             Men
             do
             not
             as
             they
             ought
             exercise
             themselves
             unto
             thoughts
             of
             things
             
               Eternal
               and
               Invisible
            
             .
             It
             were
             impossible
             if
             they
             did
             so
             ,
             that
             their
             Minds
             should
             be
             so
             earthly
             ,
             and
             their
             Affections
             cleave
             so
             as
             they
             do
             unto
             present
             things
             .
             He
             that
             looks
             steadily
             on
             the
             Sun
             ,
             although
             he
             cannot
             bear
             the
             lustre
             of
             its
             beams
             fully
             ,
             yet
             his
             sight
             is
             so
             affected
             with
             it
             ,
             that
             when
             he
             calls
             off
             his
             eyes
             from
             it
             ,
             he
             can
             see
             nothing
             as
             it
             were
             of
             the
             things
             about
             him
             ,
             they
             are
             all
             dark
             unto
             him
             .
             And
             he
             who
             looks
             steadily
             in
             his
             Contemplations
             on
             
               things
               above
            
             ,
             eternal
             things
             ,
             though
             he
             cannot
             comprehend
             their
             Glory
             ,
             yet
             a
             Vail
             will
             be
             cast
             by
             it
             on
             all
             the
             desireable
             Beauties
             of
             Earthly
             things
             ,
             and
             take
             off
             his
             Affections
             from
             them
             .
          
           
             Men
             live
             and
             act
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             a
             Conviction
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             a
             
               State
               of
               Immortality
               and
               Glory
               to
               come
               .
            
             With
             a
             perswasion
             hereof
             they
             much
             relieve
             themselves
             in
             their
             Sorrows
             ,
             Sufferings
             and
             Temptations
             .
             Yet
             with
             
             many
             it
             is
             only
             a
             Reserve
             when
             they
             can
             be
             here
             no
             more
             ;
             But
             as
             unto
             daily
             Contemplation
             of
             the
             Nature
             and
             Causes
             of
             it
             ,
             or
             as
             unto
             any
             entrance
             into
             it
             by
             Faith
             and
             Hope
             ,
             the
             most
             are
             Strangers
             thereunto
             .
             If
             we
             are
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             nothing
             will
             be
             more
             natural
             unto
             us
             ,
             than
             to
             have
             many
             Thoughts
             of
             Eternal
             things
             ,
             as
             those
             wherein
             all
             our
             own
             principal
             Concerns
             do
             lye
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             those
             which
             are
             excellent
             and
             glorious
             in
             themselves
             .
             The
             Direction
             thereon
             is
             ,
             that
             we
             would
             
               make
               Heavenly
               Things
               ,
               the
               things
               of
               the
               future
               State
               of
               Blessedness
               and
               Glory
               ,
               a
               principal
               Object
               of
               our
               Thoughts
            
             ;
             that
             we
             would
             think
             much
             about
             them
             ,
             that
             we
             would
             Meditate
             much
             upon
             them
             .
             Many
             are
             discouraged
             herein
             ,
             by
             their
             Ignorance
             ,
             and
             Darkness
             ,
             by
             their
             want
             of
             due
             conceptions
             and
             steady
             apprehensions
             of
             
               Invisible
               Things
            
             .
             Hence
             one
             of
             these
             two
             things
             do
             befall
             them
             ,
             when
             they
             would
             Meditate
             on
             things
             above
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             
               The
               Glory
               of
               them
               ,
               the
               Glory
               of
               God
               in
               them
               ,
            
             being
             essentially
             Infinite
             and
             Incomprehensible
             ,
             doth
             immediately
             overwhelm
             them
             ,
             and
             as
             it
             were
             in
             a
             moment
             ,
             put
             them
             unto
             an
             utter
             loss
             ,
             that
             they
             cannot
             frame
             one
             Thought
             in
             their
             minds
             about
             them
             .
             Or
             ,
             (
             2.
             )
             They
             want
             
               Skill
               and
               Ability
            
             to
             conceive
             aright
             of
             
               Invisible
               things
            
             ,
             and
             to
             dispose
             of
             them
             in
             such
             order
             in
             their
             minds
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             may
             sedately
             exercise
             their
             Thoughts
             about
             them
             .
             Both
             these
             shall
             be
             afterwards
             spoken
             unto
             .
             At
             present
             I
             shall
             only
             say
             ,
             that
          
           
             Whosoever
             shall
             sincerely
             engage
             in
             this
             Duty
             according
             unto
             what
             he
             hath
             ,
             and
             shall
             abide
             constant
             therein
             ,
             he
             will
             make
             such
             a
             
               refreshing
               Progress
            
             in
             his
             Apprehension
             of
             Heavenly
             Things
             ,
             as
             he
             will
             be
             greatly
             satisfied
             withall
             .
             We
             are
             kept
             in
             Darkness
             ,
             Ignorance
             ,
             and
             unsteadiness
             of
             Meditations
             about
             them
             ,
             not
             from
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             Things
             themselves
             ,
             but
             from
             our
             own
             
               Sloth
               ,
               Negligence
            
             ,
             and
             readiness
             to
             be
             turned
             aside
             by
             Apprehensions
             of
             Difficulties
             ,
             of
             the
             Lyon
             in
             the
             way
             .
             
             Wherefore
             I
             shall
             consider
             two
             things
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             What
             are
             the
             
               principal
               Motives
            
             unto
             this
             Duty
             of
             fixing
             our
             Thoughts
             on
             the
             things
             that
             are
             above
             ,
             and
             the
             Advantages
             which
             we
             receive
             thereby
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             Give
             
               some
               Directions
            
             how
             and
             on
             what
             in
             particular
             we
             may
             exercise
             our
             Thoughts
             on
             those
             things
             above
             .
          
           
             (
             1.
             )
             Faith
             will
             be
             encreased
             and
             strengthened
             by
             it
             .
             Invisible
             things
             are
             the
             proper
             Objects
             of
             Faith.
             It
             is
             the
             
               evidence
               of
               things
               not
               seen
            
             ,
             Heb.
             11.1
             .
             Wherefore
             in
             our
             Thoughts
             of
             them
             ,
             Faith
             is
             in
             its
             proper
             exercise
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             principal
             means
             of
             its
             Growth
             and
             encrease
             .
             And
             hereon
             two
             things
             will
             ensue
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             Soul
             will
             come
             unto
             a
             more
             satisfactory
             abiding
             sense
             of
             the
             Reality
             of
             them
             .
             Things
             of
             Imagination
             which
             maintain
             a
             value
             of
             themselves
             by
             Darkness
             ,
             will
             not
             bear
             a
             
               diligent
               search
            
             into
             them
             .
             They
             lose
             of
             their
             Reputation
             on
             every
             serious
             Enquiry
             .
             If
             rational
             men
             would
             but
             give
             themselves
             the
             Liberty
             of
             free
             Indagation
             by
             their
             own
             Thoughts
             ,
             it
             would
             quickly
             cashiere
             the
             
               Fools
               Paradise
               of
               Mahomet
            
             ,
             the
             
               Purgatory
               of
               the
               Papists
            
             ,
             and
             all
             such
             Creatures
             of
             Imagination
             and
             Superstition
             .
             But
             where
             things
             are
             real
             and
             substantial
             ,
             the
             more
             they
             are
             enquired
             into
             ,
             the
             more
             they
             evidence
             their
             being
             and
             subsistence
             .
             It
             is
             not
             therefore
             every
             Profession
             of
             a
             Faith
             of
             a
             future
             state
             of
             Blessedness
             that
             will
             reallize
             it
             in
             our
             Minds
             .
             And
             therefore
             for
             the
             most
             part
             it
             is
             rather
             a
             Notion
             that
             men
             have
             of
             Heavenly
             things
             which
             they
             do
             not
             contradict
             ,
             than
             any
             
               solid
               satisfaction
            
             in
             ,
             or
             spiritual
             sense
             of
             their
             Reality
             .
             For
             these
             are
             things
             
               that
               Eye
               hath
               not
               seen
               ,
               nor
               Ear
               heard
               ,
               nor
               will
               enter
               into
               the
               Heart
               of
               man
               to
               conceive
               ,
            
             whose
             existence
             ,
             nature
             and
             real
             state
             are
             not
             easily
             comprehended
             .
             But
             through
             the
             continual
             Exercise
             of
             holy
             thoughts
             about
             them
             ,
             the
             Soul
             obtains
             an
             entrance
             into
             the
             midst
             of
             them
             ,
             finding
             in
             them
             both
             
               durable
               substance
            
             and
             Riches
             .
             There
             is
             no
             way
             therefore
             to
             strengthen
             Faith
             unto
             any
             degree
             ,
             but
             by
             a
             
             daily
             Contemplation
             on
             the
             things
             themselves
             .
             They
             who
             do
             not
             think
             of
             them
             frequently
             ,
             shall
             never
             believe
             them
             sincerely
             .
             They
             admit
             not
             of
             any
             collateral
             Evidence
             ,
             where
             they
             do
             not
             evidence
             themselves
             unto
             our
             Souls
             .
             Faith
             ,
             as
             we
             said
             ,
             thus
             exercised
             ,
             will
             give
             them
             a
             subsistence
             ,
             not
             
               in
               themselves
            
             ,
             which
             they
             have
             antecedent
             thereunto
             ;
             but
             
               in
               us
            
             ,
             in
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             in
             the
             Minds
             of
             them
             that
             do
             believe
             .
             Imagination
             creates
             its
             own
             Object
             ;
             Faith
             finds
             it
             prepared
             before-hand
             .
             It
             will
             not
             leave
             a
             
               bare
               Notion
            
             of
             them
             in
             the
             Understanding
             ,
             but
             give
             them
             a
             
               spiritual
               subsistence
            
             in
             the
             Heart
             ;
             as
             Christ
             himself
             
               dwells
               in
               our
               hearts
               by
               Faith.
            
             And
             there
             are
             two
             things
             that
             will
             discover
             this
             subsistence
             of
             them
             in
             us
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             When
             we
             find
             them
             in
             a
             continual
             Readiness
             to
             
               rise
               up
               in
               our
               Minds
            
             ,
             on
             all
             Occasions
             wherein
             the
             Thoughts
             and
             Remembrance
             of
             them
             are
             needfull
             and
             usefull
             unto
             us
             .
             There
             are
             many
             seasons
             ,
             some
             whereof
             shall
             be
             immediately
             spoken
             unto
             ,
             and
             many
             Duties
             wherein
             and
             whereunto
             the
             Faith
             and
             Thoughts
             of
             things
             invisible
             and
             eternal
             are
             needful
             unto
             us
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             we
             cannot
             fill
             up
             those
             Seasons
             ,
             nor
             perform
             those
             Duties
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             without
             them
             .
             If
             on
             all
             such
             occasions
             they
             do
             from
             the
             inward
             frame
             of
             our
             minds
             present
             themselves
             unto
             us
             ,
             or
             through
             our
             acquaintance
             and
             familiarity
             with
             them
             ,
             we
             recurre
             in
             our
             Thoughts
             unto
             them
             ,
             they
             seem
             to
             have
             a
             
               real
               subsistence
            
             given
             unto
             them
             in
             our
             Souls
             .
             But
             if
             on
             such
             occasions
             wherein
             alone
             they
             will
             yield
             us
             help
             and
             relief
             ,
             we
             
               accustom
               our selves
               to
               other
               Thoughts
            
             ,
             if
             those
             concerning
             them
             are
             as
             it
             were
             out
             of
             the
             way
             ,
             and
             arise
             not
             in
             our
             minds
             of
             their
             own
             accord
             ,
             we
             are
             yet
             strangers
             unto
             this
             effect
             of
             Faith.
             (
             2.
             )
             They
             are
             realized
             unto
             us
             ,
             they
             have
             a
             subsistence
             in
             us
             ,
             when
             the
             Soul
             continually
             
               longeth
               to
               be
               in
               them
            
             .
             When
             they
             have
             given
             such
             a
             Relish
             unto
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             as
             the
             first
             Fruits
             of
             Glory
             ,
             that
             we
             cannot
             but
             desire
             on
             all
             opportune
             Considerations
             ,
             to
             be
             in
             the
             full
             enjoyment
             of
             them
             ,
             Faith
             seems
             to
             have
             had
             its
             
             effectual
             work
             herein
             upon
             us
             .
             For
             want
             of
             these
             things
             do
             many
             among
             us
             walk
             in
             Disconsolation
             all
             their
             Dayes
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             It
             will
             
               gradually
               give
               the
               Heart
               an
               acquaintance
               with
               the
               especial
               nature
               and
               use
               of
               these
               things
               .
               General
               Thoughts
            
             and
             Notions
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Glory
             ,
             do
             but
             fluctuate
             up
             and
             down
             in
             the
             Mind
             ,
             and
             very
             little
             influence
             it
             unto
             other
             Duties
             .
             But
             
               assiduous
               Contemplation
            
             will
             give
             the
             mind
             such
             distinct
             Apprehensions
             of
             Heavenly
             things
             as
             shall
             duely
             affect
             it
             with
             the
             Glory
             of
             them
             .
             The
             more
             we
             discern
             of
             the
             Glory
             and
             Excellency
             of
             them
             in
             their
             own
             nature
             ,
             of
             their
             suitableness
             unto
             ours
             ,
             as
             our
             only
             proper
             Rest
             and
             Blessedness
             ,
             as
             the
             Perfection
             and
             complement
             of
             what
             is
             already
             begun
             in
             us
             by
             Grace
             ,
             of
             the
             restless
             tendency
             of
             all
             gracious
             Dispositions
             and
             Inclinations
             of
             our
             Hearts
             towards
             their
             Enjoyment
             ,
             the
             more
             will
             Faith
             be
             established
             in
             its
             cleaving
             unto
             them
             ;
             so
             in
             the
             Contemplation
             of
             these
             things
             consists
             the
             principal
             
               food
               of
               Faith
            
             ,
             whereby
             it
             is
             nourished
             and
             strengthened
             .
             And
             we
             are
             not
             to
             expect
             much
             work
             ,
             where
             there
             is
             not
             provision
             of
             proper
             Food
             for
             them
             that
             labour
             .
             No
             wonder
             if
             we
             find
             Faith
             faint
             and
             weak
             in
             the
             work
             it
             hath
             to
             do
             ,
             which
             oft
             times
             is
             great
             and
             weighty
             ,
             if
             we
             neglect
             to
             guide
             it
             daily
             unto
             that
             which
             should
             administer
             strength
             unto
             it
             .
          
           
             (
             2.
             )
             It
             will
             give
             
               Life
               and
               Exercise
               unto
               the
               Grace
               of
               Hope
               .
            
             Hope
             is
             a
             glorious
             Grace
             ,
             whereunto
             blessed
             Effects
             are
             ascribed
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             and
             an
             effectual
             Operation
             unto
             the
             supportment
             and
             consolation
             of
             Believers
             .
             By
             it
             are
             we
             
               purified
               ,
               sanctified
               ,
               saved
            
             .
             And
             to
             summe
             up
             the
             whole
             of
             its
             excellency
             and
             efficacy
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             principal
             way
             of
             the
             working
             of
             Christ
             as
             
               inhabiting
               in
               us
            
             ,
             Col.
             1.27
             .
             
               Christ
               in
               you
               the
               hope
               of
               Glory
               .
            
             Where
             Christ
             evidenceth
             his
             Presence
             with
             us
             ,
             he
             gives
             us
             an
             
               infallible
               hope
            
             of
             Glory
             ;
             he
             gives
             us
             an
             assured
             Pledge
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             worketh
             our
             Souls
             unto
             an
             expectation
             of
             it
             .
             Hope
             in
             general
             is
             but
             
             an
             uncertain
             Expectation
             of
             a
             future
             Good
             which
             we
             desire
             .
             But
             as
             it
             is
             a
             Gospel
             Grace
             ,
             all
             uncertainty
             is
             removed
             from
             it
             ,
             which
             would
             hinder
             us
             of
             the
             Advantage
             intended
             in
             it
             .
             It
             is
             an
             
               earnest
               Expectation
               proceeding
               from
               Faith
               ,
               Trust
               and
               Confidence
               ,
               accompanied
               with
               longing
               desires
               of
               Enjoyment
               .
            
             From
             a
             Mistake
             of
             its
             Nature
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             few
             Christians
             labour
             after
             it
             ,
             exercise
             themselves
             unto
             it
             ,
             or
             have
             the
             benefit
             of
             it
             .
             For
             to
             
               live
               by
               Hope
            
             ,
             they
             suppose
             inferres
             a
             State
             not
             only
             beneath
             the
             
               Life
               of
               Faith
            
             and
             all
             assurance
             in
             believing
             ,
             but
             also
             exclusive
             of
             them
             .
             They
             think
             ,
             
               to
               hope
               to
               be
               saved
            
             is
             a
             condition
             of
             men
             who
             have
             no
             grounds
             of
             Faith
             or
             Assurance
             .
             But
             this
             is
             to
             turn
             a
             Blessed
             fruit
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             into
             a
             common
             Affection
             of
             nature
             .
             
               Gospel
               Hope
            
             is
             a
             fruit
             of
             Faith
             ,
             Trust
             and
             Confidence
             .
             Yea
             the
             height
             of
             the
             actings
             of
             all
             Grace
             issues
             in
             a
             
               well
               grounded
               hope
            
             ,
             nor
             can
             it
             rise
             any
             higher
             ,
             Rom.
             5.
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             Now
             the
             Reason
             why
             men
             have
             no
             more
             use
             of
             ,
             no
             more
             benefit
             by
             this
             excellent
             Grace
             ,
             is
             because
             they
             do
             not
             abide
             in
             Thoughts
             and
             contemplation
             of
             the
             things
             hoped
             for
             .
             The
             especial
             Object
             of
             Hope
             is
             
               Eternal
               Glory
               .
               Col.
            
             1.27
             .
             Rom.
             5.2
             .
             The
             peculiar
             use
             of
             it
             is
             ,
             to
             support
             ,
             comfort
             and
             refresh
             the
             Soul
             in
             all
             Trials
             ,
             under
             all
             weariness
             and
             Despondencies
             ,
             with
             a
             firm
             expectation
             of
             a
             speedy
             entrance
             into
             that
             Glory
             ,
             with
             an
             earnest
             desire
             after
             it
             .
             Wherefore
             unless
             we
             acquaint
             our selves
             by
             
               continual
               Meditation
            
             with
             the
             Reality
             and
             Nature
             of
             this
             Glory
             ;
             it
             is
             impossible
             it
             should
             be
             the
             Object
             of
             a
             vigorous
             active
             Hope
             ,
             such
             as
             whereby
             ,
             the
             Apostle
             says
             ,
             
               we
               are
               saved
            
             .
             Whithout
             this
             we
             can
             neither
             have
             that
             Evidence
             of
             Eternal
             things
             ,
             nor
             that
             valuation
             of
             them
             ,
             nor
             that
             preparedness
             in
             our
             minds
             for
             them
             ,
             as
             should
             keep
             us
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             
               Gracious
               Hope
            
             about
             them
             .
          
           
             Suppose
             sundry
             Persons
             engaged
             in
             a
             Voyage
             unto
             a
             most
             
               remote
               Countrey
            
             ,
             wherein
             all
             of
             them
             have
             an
             Apprehension
             
             that
             there
             is
             a
             place
             of
             Rest
             and
             an
             Inheritance
             provided
             for
             them
             .
             Under
             this
             Apprehension
             they
             all
             put
             themselves
             upon
             their
             Voyage
             ,
             to
             possess
             what
             is
             so
             prepared
             .
             Howbeit
             some
             of
             them
             have
             only
             a
             general
             Notion
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             they
             know
             nothing
             distinctly
             concerning
             them
             ,
             and
             are
             so
             busied
             about
             other
             affairs
             ,
             that
             they
             have
             no
             leisure
             to
             inquire
             into
             them
             ,
             or
             do
             suppose
             that
             they
             cannot
             come
             unto
             any
             satisfactory
             knowledge
             of
             them
             in
             particular
             ,
             and
             so
             are
             content
             to
             go
             on
             with
             
               general
               Hopes
            
             and
             Expectations
             .
             Others
             there
             are
             who
             by
             all
             possible
             means
             acquaint
             themselves
             particularly
             with
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             Climate
             whither
             they
             are
             going
             ,
             with
             the
             
               Excellency
               of
               the
               Inheritance
            
             and
             Provision
             that
             is
             made
             for
             them
             .
             Their
             Voyage
             proves
             long
             and
             wearisome
             ,
             their
             Difficulties
             many
             and
             their
             Dangers
             great
             ,
             and
             they
             have
             nothing
             to
             relieve
             and
             encourage
             themselves
             ,
             but
             the
             Hope
             and
             expectation
             of
             the
             Countrey
             whither
             they
             are
             going
             .
             Those
             of
             the
             first
             sort
             will
             be
             very
             apt
             to
             despond
             and
             faint
             ;
             their
             general
             hopes
             will
             not
             be
             able
             to
             relieve
             them
             .
             But
             those
             who
             have
             a
             distinct
             Notion
             and
             Apprehension
             of
             the
             
               State
               of
               things
            
             whither
             they
             are
             going
             ,
             and
             of
             their
             
               incomparable
               Excellency
            
             ,
             have
             alwayes
             in
             a
             readiness
             wherewith
             to
             chear
             their
             minds
             and
             support
             themselves
             .
          
           
             In
             that
             Journey
             or
             Pilgrimage
             wherein
             we
             are
             ingaged
             towards
             an
             Heavenly
             Countrey
             ,
             we
             are
             sure
             to
             meet
             with
             all
             kinds
             of
             dangers
             ,
             difficulties
             and
             Perils
             .
             It
             is
             not
             a
             general
             Notion
             of
             Blessedness
             that
             will
             excite
             and
             work
             in
             us
             a
             spiritual
             refreshing
             Hope
             .
             But
             when
             we
             think
             and
             Meditate
             on
             future
             Glory
             as
             we
             ought
             ,
             that
             Grace
             which
             is
             neglected
             for
             the
             most
             part
             as
             unto
             its
             benefit
             ,
             and
             dead
             as
             unto
             its
             exercise
             ,
             will
             of
             all
             others
             be
             most
             Vigorous
             and
             active
             ,
             puting
             it self
             forth
             on
             all
             occasions
             .
             This
             therefore
             is
             an
             inestimable
             Benefit
             of
             the
             Duty
             exhorted
             unto
             ,
             and
             which
             they
             find
             the
             Advantage
             of
             ,
             who
             ,
             are
             really
             Spiritually
             minded
             .
          
           
           
             3.
             
             This
             alone
             will
             make
             us
             
               ready
               for
               the
               Cross
            
             ,
             for
             all
             sorts
             of
             Sufferings
             that
             we
             may
             be
             exposed
             unto
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             nothing
             more
             necessary
             unto
             Believers
             at
             this
             season
             ,
             than
             to
             have
             their
             minds
             furnished
             with
             provision
             of
             such
             things
             as
             may
             prepare
             them
             for
             the
             
               Cross
               and
               Sufferings
            
             .
             Various
             Intimations
             of
             the
             mind
             of
             God
             ,
             Circumstances
             of
             Providence
             ,
             the
             present
             State
             of
             things
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             with
             the
             instant
             Peril
             of
             the
             latter
             dayes
             ,
             do
             all
             call
             them
             hereunto
             .
             If
             it
             be
             otherwise
             with
             them
             ,
             they
             will
             at
             one
             time
             or
             other
             be
             wofully
             surprized
             ,
             and
             think
             strange
             of
             their
             Trials
             ,
             as
             if
             
               some
               strange
               thing
               did
               befall
               them
               .
            
             Nothing
             is
             more
             usefull
             unto
             this
             end
             ,
             than
             constant
             Thoughts
             and
             contemplations
             of
             Eternal
             things
             and
             future
             Glory
             .
             From
             thence
             alone
             can
             the
             Soul
             have
             in
             a
             readiness
             ,
             what
             to
             lay
             in
             the
             Ballance
             against
             all
             sorts
             of
             Sufferings
             .
             When
             a
             Storm
             begins
             to
             arise
             at
             Sea
             ,
             the
             Mariners
             bestir
             themselves
             in
             the
             Management
             of
             the
             
               Tackling
               of
               the
               Ship
            
             ,
             and
             other
             Applications
             of
             their
             Art
             for
             their
             safety
             .
             But
             if
             the
             Storm
             encrease
             and
             come
             to
             extremity
             ,
             they
             are
             forced
             to
             forego
             all
             other
             means
             and
             betake
             themselves
             unto
             a
             Sheat-Anchor
             ,
             to
             hold
             their
             Ship
             steady
             against
             its
             violence
             .
             So
             when
             a
             Storm
             of
             Persecution
             and
             Troubles
             begins
             to
             arise
             ,
             men
             have
             various
             wayes
             and
             considerations
             for
             their
             Relief
             .
             But
             if
             it
             once
             comes
             to
             extremity
             ,
             if
             Sword
             ,
             Nakedness
             ,
             Famine
             ,
             and
             Death
             ,
             are
             inevitably
             coming
             upon
             them
             ,
             they
             have
             nothing
             to
             betake
             themselves
             unto
             that
             will
             yield
             them
             solid
             Relief
             ,
             but
             the
             consideration
             and
             Faith
             of
             things
             Invisible
             and
             Eternal
             .
          
           
             So
             the
             Apostle
             declares
             this
             State
             of
             things
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             4.
             16
             ,
             17
             ,
             18.
             the
             words
             before
             insisted
             on
             .
             
               For
               which
               cause
               we
               faint
               not
               ,
               but
               though
               our
               outward
               man
               perish
               ,
               yet
               the
               inward
               is
               renewed
               day
               by
               day
               .
               For
               our
               light
               affliction
               which
               is
               but
               for
               a
               moment
               ,
               worketh
               for
               us
               a
               far
               more
               exceeding
               and
               eternal
               weight
               of
               Glory
               ;
               while
               we
               look
               not
               at
               the
               things
               which
               are
               seen
               ,
               but
               at
               the
               things
               which
               are
               not
               seen
               ;
               for
               the
               things
               which
               are
               seen
               
               are
               temporal
               ,
               but
               the
               things
               which
               are
               not
               seen
               are
               eternal
               .
            
             He
             lays
             all
             sorts
             of
             Afflictions
             in
             one
             Scale
             ,
             and
             on
             the
             consideration
             of
             them
             ,
             declares
             them
             to
             be
             light
             and
             but
             for
             a
             moment
             .
             Then
             he
             layes
             Glory
             in
             the
             other
             Scale
             ,
             and
             finds
             it
             to
             be
             ponderous
             ,
             weighty
             ,
             and
             Eternal
             ;
             
               an
               exceeding
               weight
               of
               Glory
            
             .
             In
             the
             one
             is
             Sorrow
             for
             a
             little
             while
             ,
             in
             the
             other
             Eternal
             Joy.
             In
             the
             one
             Pain
             for
             a
             few
             moments
             ,
             in
             the
             other
             everlasting
             Rest
             ;
             In
             the
             one
             is
             the
             loss
             of
             some
             few
             temporary
             things
             ,
             in
             the
             other
             the
             full
             fruition
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             who
             is
             all
             in
             all
             .
          
           
             Hence
             the
             same
             Apostle
             casts
             up
             the
             account
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             and
             gives
             us
             his
             Judgment
             concerning
             them
             ,
             Rom.
             8.18
             .
             
               For
               I
               reckon
               that
               the
               Sufferings
               of
               this
               present
               time
               are
               not
               to
               be
               compared
               with
               the
               Glory
               that
               shall
               be
               revealed
               in
               us
            
             ;
             there
             is
             no
             comparison
             between
             them
             ,
             as
             if
             one
             had
             as
             much
             Evil
             and
             Misery
             in
             them
             ,
             as
             the
             other
             hath
             of
             Good
             and
             Blessedness
             ;
             as
             though
             his
             State
             was
             any
             way
             to
             be
             complained
             of
             ,
             who
             must
             undergo
             the
             one
             whilest
             he
             hath
             an
             interest
             in
             the
             other
             ;
             or
             as
             though
             to
             escape
             the
             one
             ,
             he
             hazard
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             the
             other
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             inseparable
             from
             our
             Nature
             to
             have
             a
             fear
             of
             and
             aversation
             from
             great
             distressing
             Sufferings
             ,
             that
             are
             above
             the
             power
             of
             Nature
             to
             bear
             .
             Even
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             himself
             ,
             having
             taken
             on
             him
             all
             the
             sinless
             Properties
             of
             our
             Natures
             ,
             had
             a
             
               fear
               and
               aversation
            
             ,
             though
             holy
             and
             gracious
             with
             respect
             unto
             his
             own
             .
             Those
             who
             through
             a
             stout-heartedness
             do
             contemn
             them
             before
             their
             Approach
             ,
             boasting
             in
             themselves
             of
             their
             Abilities
             to
             undergo
             them
             ,
             censuring
             such
             as
             will
             not
             unadvisedly
             engage
             in
             them
             ,
             are
             such
             as
             seldom
             glorify
             God
             when
             they
             are
             really
             to
             conflict
             with
             them
             .
             Peter
             alone
             trusted
             unto
             himself
             that
             he
             would
             not
             forsake
             his
             Master
             ,
             and
             seemed
             to
             take
             the
             Warning
             ill
             that
             they
             should
             all
             do
             so
             ;
             and
             he
             alone
             denyed
             him
             .
             All
             Church
             Stories
             are
             filled
             with
             Instances
             of
             such
             as
             having
             born
             themselves
             
             high
             before
             the
             Approach
             of
             Trials
             ,
             have
             shamefully
             miscarried
             when
             their
             Trials
             have
             come
             .
             Wherefore
             it
             is
             moreover
             allowed
             unto
             us
             ,
             to
             use
             all
             lawfull
             means
             for
             the
             avoiding
             of
             them
             .
             Both
             Rules
             and
             Examples
             of
             the
             Scripture
             give
             sufficient
             warranty
             for
             it
             .
             But
             there
             are
             Times
             and
             Seasons
             wherein
             without
             any
             Tergiversation
             they
             are
             to
             be
             undergone
             unto
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             discharge
             of
             our
             Duty
             ,
             confessing
             Christ
             before
             men
             ,
             as
             we
             would
             be
             owned
             by
             him
             before
             his
             Father
             in
             Heaven
             .
             All
             things
             do
             now
             call
             us
             to
             prepare
             for
             such
             a
             season
             ,
             to
             be
             
               Martyrs
               in
               Resolution
            
             ,
             though
             we
             should
             never
             really
             lose
             our
             lives
             by
             Violence
             .
             Nothing
             will
             give
             us
             this
             Preparation
             ,
             but
             to
             have
             our
             minds
             exercised
             in
             the
             Contemplation
             of
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             of
             things
             that
             are
             Invisible
             and
             Eternal
             .
             He
             who
             is
             thus
             
               Spiritually
               Minded
            
             ,
             who
             hath
             his
             Thoughts
             and
             Affections
             set
             on
             things
             above
             ,
             will
             have
             alwayes
             in
             a
             Readiness
             what
             to
             oppose
             unto
             any
             circumstance
             of
             his
             Sufferings
             .
          
           
             Those
             views
             which
             such
             an
             one
             hath
             had
             by
             Faith
             ,
             of
             the
             
               increated
               Glories
               above
            
             ,
             of
             the
             things
             
               in
               Heavenly
               Places
               ,
               where
               Christ
               sits
               at
               the
               right
               hand
               of
               God
               ,
            
             of
             the
             Glory
             within
             the
             Vail
             ,
             whereby
             they
             have
             been
             realized
             and
             made
             present
             unto
             his
             Soul
             ,
             will
             now
             
               visit
               him
               every
               moment
            
             ,
             abide
             with
             him
             continually
             ,
             and
             put
             forth
             their
             efficacy
             unto
             his
             supportment
             and
             refreshment
             .
             Alas
             !
             what
             will
             become
             of
             many
             of
             us
             ,
             who
             are
             grovelling
             continually
             on
             the
             Earth
             ,
             
               whose
               Bellies
               cleave
               unto
               the
               Dust
               ,
            
             who
             are
             strangers
             unto
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             Heavenly
             Things
             ,
             when
             distressing
             troubles
             shall
             befall
             us
             ?
             Why
             shall
             we
             think
             that
             
               refreshing
               Thoughts
            
             of
             things
             above
             will
             
               then
               visit
               our
               Souls
            
             ,
             when
             we
             resisted
             their
             admittance
             in
             dayes
             of
             Peace
             ?
             Do
             you
             come
             to
             me
             in
             your
             distress
             ,
             saith
             Jepthe
             ,
             when
             in
             the
             time
             of
             your
             Peace
             you
             drove
             me
             from
             you
             ?
             When
             we
             would
             thus
             think
             of
             Heavenly
             things
             to
             our
             Refreshment
             ,
             
             we
             shall
             hardly
             get
             them
             to
             make
             an
             abode
             with
             us
             .
             I
             know
             God
             can
             come
             in
             by
             the
             mighty
             Power
             of
             his
             Spirit
             and
             Grace
             ,
             to
             support
             and
             comfort
             the
             Souls
             of
             them
             who
             are
             called
             and
             even
             surprized
             into
             the
             greatest
             of
             Sufferings
             .
             Yet
             do
             I
             know
             also
             that
             it
             is
             our
             Duty
             not
             to
             Tempt
             him
             in
             the
             neglect
             of
             the
             ways
             and
             means
             which
             he
             hath
             appointed
             for
             the
             communication
             of
             his
             Grace
             unto
             us
             .
          
           
             Our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             himself
             ,
             as
             
               the
               Author
               and
               finisher
               of
               our
               Faith
               ,
               for
               the
               Joy
               that
               was
               set
               before
               him
               ,
               endured
               the
               Cross
               and
               despised
               the
               Shame
               ,
               Heb.
            
             12.2
             .
             His
             Mediatory
             Glory
             in
             the
             Salvation
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             was
             the
             Matter
             of
             the
             
               Joy
               set
               before
               him
            
             .
             This
             he
             took
             the
             view
             and
             prospect
             of
             in
             all
             his
             Sufferings
             ,
             unto
             his
             Refreshment
             and
             Supportment
             .
             And
             his
             Example
             ,
             as
             
               the
               Author
               and
               finisher
               of
               our
               Faith
               ,
            
             is
             more
             efficaciously
             instructive
             than
             any
             other
             Rule
             or
             Precept
             .
             Eternal
             Glory
             is
             
               set
               before
               us
               also
            
             ;
             It
             is
             the
             Design
             of
             Gods
             Wisdom
             and
             Grace
             ,
             that
             by
             the
             contemplation
             of
             it
             we
             should
             relieve
             our selves
             in
             all
             our
             Sufferings
             ,
             yea
             and
             rejoyce
             with
             Joy
             unspeakable
             and
             full
             of
             Glory
             .
             How
             many
             of
             those
             blessed
             Souls
             now
             in
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             God
             and
             Glory
             ,
             who
             passed
             through
             fiery
             Trials
             and
             great
             Tribulations
             ,
             were
             enabled
             to
             sing
             and
             rejoyce
             in
             the
             Flames
             by
             a
             
               Prepossession
               of
               this
               Glory
            
             in
             their
             Minds
             through
             Believing
             ?
             yea
             some
             have
             been
             so
             filled
             with
             them
             ,
             as
             to
             take
             off
             all
             sence
             of
             pain
             under
             the
             most
             exquisite
             Tortures
             .
             When
             Stephen
             was
             to
             be
             Stoned
             ,
             to
             encourage
             him
             in
             his
             Sufferings
             and
             comfort
             him
             in
             it
             ,
             the
             
               Heavens
               were
               opened
               ,
               and
               he
               saw
               Jesus
               standing
               at
               the
               right
               hand
               of
               God.
            
             Who
             can
             conceive
             what
             contempt
             of
             all
             the
             Rage
             and
             madness
             of
             the
             Jews
             ,
             what
             a
             neglect
             of
             all
             the
             pains
             of
             Death
             this
             view
             raised
             his
             holy
             Soul
             unto
             ?
             To
             obtain
             therefore
             such
             views
             frequently
             by
             Faith
             ,
             as
             they
             do
             who
             are
             truely
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             is
             the
             most
             effectual
             way
             to
             encourage
             us
             unto
             all
             our
             
             Sufferings
             .
             The
             Apostle
             gives
             us
             the
             force
             of
             this
             encouragement
             in
             a
             comparison
             with
             Earthly
             things
             .
             1
             Cor.
             9.25
             .
             
               Every
               man
               who
               striveth
               for
               the
               mastery
               ,
               is
               temperate
               in
               all
               things
               ;
               Now
               they
               do
               it
               to
               obtain
               a
               corruptible
               Crown
               ,
               but
               we
               an
               incorruptible
               .
            
             If
             men
             when
             a
             corruptible
             Crown
             of
             vain
             Honour
             and
             Applause
             is
             proposed
             unto
             them
             ,
             will
             do
             and
             endure
             all
             that
             is
             needfull
             for
             the
             Attainment
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             relieve
             themselves
             in
             their
             hardships
             with
             Thoughts
             and
             Imaginations
             of
             attaining
             it
             ,
             grounded
             on
             uncertain
             hopes
             ;
             shall
             not
             we
             who
             have
             a
             
               Crown
               immortal
               and
               invisible
            
             proposed
             unto
             us
             ,
             and
             that
             with
             the
             highest
             assurance
             of
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             it
             ,
             chearfully
             undergo
             ,
             endure
             and
             suffer
             what
             we
             are
             to
             go
             through
             in
             the
             way
             unto
             it
             ?
          
           
             4.
             
             This
             is
             the
             
               most
               effectual
               Means
               to
               wean
               the
               heart
               and
               affections
               from
               things
               here
               below
            
             ;
             to
             keep
             the
             mind
             unto
             an
             undervaluation
             ,
             yea
             a
             Contempt
             of
             them
             as
             occasion
             shall
             require
             .
             For
             there
             is
             a
             season
             wherein
             there
             is
             such
             a
             contempt
             required
             in
             us
             of
             all
             Relations
             and
             enjoyments
             ,
             as
             our
             Saviour
             calleth
             ,
             the
             
               hating
               of
               them
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             not
             absolutely
             but
             comparatively
             ,
             in
             comparison
             of
             him
             and
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             with
             the
             Duties
             which
             belong
             unto
             our
             Profession
             ,
             Luke
             14.26
             .
             
               If
               any
               man
               come
               to
               me
               ,
               and
               hate
               not
               Father
               and
               Mother
               ,
               and
               Wife
               and
               Children
               ,
               and
               Brethren
               and
               Sisters
               ,
               yea
               and
               his
               own
               Life
               also
               ,
               he
               cannot
               be
               my
               Disciple
               .
            
             Some
             I
             fear
             if
             they
             did
             but
             consider
             it
             ,
             would
             be
             apt
             to
             say
             ,
             
               This
               is
               an
               hard
               saying
               ,
               who
               can
               bear
               it
               ?
            
             and
             others
             cry
             out
             with
             the
             Disciples
             in
             another
             case
             ,
             
               Lord
               who
               then
               can
               be
               saved
               ?
            
             But
             it
             is
             the
             Word
             whereby
             we
             must
             be
             judged
             ,
             nor
             can
             we
             be
             the
             Disciples
             of
             Christ
             on
             any
             other
             Terms
             .
             But
             here
             in
             an
             especial
             manner
             lyes
             the
             wound
             and
             weakness
             of
             Faith
             and
             Profession
             in
             these
             our
             dayes
             .
             
               The
               Bellies
               of
               men
               cleave
               unto
               the
               Dust
               ,
            
             or
             their
             Affections
             unto
             earthly
             things
             .
          
           
             I
             speak
             not
             of
             those
             who
             by
             Rapine
             ,
             Deceit
             and
             Oppression
             ,
             strive
             to
             enrich
             themselves
             ;
             nor
             of
             those
             who
             
             design
             nothing
             more
             than
             the
             Attainment
             of
             Greatness
             and
             Promotions
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             though
             not
             by
             wayes
             of
             open
             wickedness
             ;
             least
             of
             all
             of
             them
             who
             make
             Religion
             and
             perhaps
             their
             Ministry
             therein
             ,
             a
             Means
             for
             the
             attaining
             Secular
             ends
             and
             Preferments
             .
             No
             wise
             man
             can
             suppose
             such
             persons
             ,
             any
             of
             them
             ,
             to
             be
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             most
             easie
             to
             disprove
             all
             their
             pretences
             .
             But
             I
             intend
             only
             those
             at
             present
             ,
             whose
             wayes
             and
             Means
             of
             attaining
             Riches
             ,
             are
             lawfull
             ,
             honest
             and
             unblameable
             ;
             who
             use
             them
             with
             some
             moderation
             ,
             and
             do
             profess
             that
             their
             Portion
             lyes
             in
             better
             things
             ;
             so
             as
             it
             is
             hard
             to
             fasten
             a
             Conviction
             on
             them
             in
             matter
             of
             their
             conversation
             .
             Whatever
             may
             seem
             to
             reflect
             upon
             them
             ,
             they
             esteem
             it
             to
             be
             that
             whose
             omission
             would
             make
             them
             foolish
             in
             their
             Affairs
             ,
             or
             negligent
             in
             their
             Duty
             .
             But
             even
             among
             these
             also
             ,
             there
             is
             oft
             times
             that
             
               inordinate
               Love
            
             unto
             present
             things
             ,
             that
             esteem
             and
             valuation
             of
             them
             ,
             that
             concernment
             in
             them
             ,
             as
             are
             not
             consistent
             with
             their
             being
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             .
             With
             some
             their
             Relations
             ,
             with
             some
             their
             Enjoyments
             ,
             with
             most
             both
             in
             Conjunction
             ,
             are
             an
             Idol
             which
             they
             set
             up
             in
             their
             hearts
             ,
             and
             secretly
             bow
             down
             unto
             .
             About
             these
             are
             their
             Hopes
             and
             Fears
             exercised
             ,
             on
             them
             is
             their
             Love
             ,
             in
             them
             is
             their
             Delight
             .
             They
             are
             wholly
             taken
             up
             with
             their
             own
             concerns
             ,
             count
             all
             lost
             that
             is
             not
             spent
             on
             them
             ,
             and
             all
             time
             mispent
             that
             is
             not
             engaged
             about
             them
             .
             Yet
             the
             things
             which
             they
             do
             ,
             they
             judge
             to
             be
             good
             in
             themselves
             ,
             their
             hearts
             do
             not
             condemn
             them
             as
             to
             the
             Matter
             of
             them
             .
             The
             Valuation
             they
             have
             of
             their
             Relations
             and
             Enjoyments
             they
             suppose
             to
             be
             lawful
             ,
             within
             the
             bounds
             which
             they
             have
             assigned
             unto
             it
             .
             Their
             care
             about
             them
             is
             in
             their
             own
             minds
             but
             their
             Duty
             .
             It
             is
             no
             easie
             matter
             ,
             it
             requires
             much
             Spiritual
             Wisdom
             to
             fix
             right
             boundaries
             unto
             our
             Affections
             and
             their
             actings
             about
             Earthly
             things
             .
             But
             let
             men
             plead
             and
             pretend
             what
             
             they
             please
             ,
             I
             shall
             offer
             one
             Rule
             in
             this
             case
             which
             will
             not
             fail
             .
             And
             this
             is
             ,
             that
             when
             men
             are
             so
             confident
             in
             the
             good
             State
             and
             measure
             of
             their
             affections
             and
             their
             Actings
             towards
             earthly
             things
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             will
             oppose
             their
             ingagements
             into
             them
             ,
             unto
             known
             Duties
             of
             Religion
             ,
             Piety
             and
             Charity
             ,
             they
             are
             gone
             into
             a
             sinfull
             excess
             .
             Is
             there
             a
             State
             of
             the
             Poor
             that
             requires
             their
             Liberality
             and
             Bounty
             ?
             you
             must
             excuse
             them
             ,
             they
             have
             
               Families
               to
               provide
               for
            
             ;
             when
             what
             is
             expected
             from
             them
             signifies
             nothing
             at
             all
             ,
             as
             unto
             a
             due
             provision
             for
             their
             Families
             ,
             nor
             is
             what
             would
             lessen
             their
             Inheritances
             or
             Portions
             one
             Penny
             in
             the
             issue
             .
             Are
             they
             called
             to
             an
             Attendance
             on
             seasons
             of
             Religious
             Duties
             ?
             
               they
               are
               so
               full
               of
               Business
               ,
            
             that
             it
             is
             impossible
             for
             them
             ,
             to
             have
             leisure
             for
             any
             such
             occasions
             ;
             so
             by
             all
             ways
             declaring
             that
             they
             are
             under
             the
             power
             of
             a
             prevalent
             predominant
             .
             Affection
             unto
             earthly
             things
             .
             This
             fills
             all
             places
             with
             lifeless
             ,
             sapless
             ,
             useless
             Professors
             ,
             who
             approve
             themselves
             in
             their
             condition
             ,
             whilest
             it
             is
             visibly
             unspiritual
             and
             withering
             .
          
           
             The
             Heart
             will
             have
             something
             whereon
             in
             a
             way
             of
             Preheminence
             ,
             it
             will
             fix
             it self
             and
             its
             Affections
             .
             This
             in
             all
             its
             perpetual
             motions
             it
             seeks
             for
             rest
             and
             satisfaction
             in
             ;
             And
             every
             man
             hath
             an
             Edge
             ,
             the
             
               Edge
               of
               his
               Affections
            
             is
             set
             one
             way
             or
             other
             ,
             though
             it
             be
             more
             keen
             in
             some
             than
             others
             .
             And
             whereas
             all
             sorts
             of
             things
             ,
             that
             the
             Heart
             can
             fix
             upon
             or
             turn
             the
             Edge
             of
             its
             Affections
             unto
             ,
             are
             distributed
             by
             the
             Apostle
             into
             
               things
               above
            
             and
             
               things
               beneath
            
             ,
             things
             Heavenly
             and
             things
             Earthly
             ,
             if
             we
             have
             not
             such
             a
             view
             and
             prospect
             of
             Heavenly
             things
             as
             to
             cause
             our
             Hearts
             to
             cleave
             unto
             them
             and
             delight
             in
             them
             ,
             let
             us
             pretend
             what
             we
             will
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             but
             that
             we
             shall
             be
             under
             the
             power
             of
             a
             predominant
             Affection
             unto
             the
             things
             of
             this
             World.
             
          
           
             Herein
             lyes
             the
             great
             Danger
             of
             Multitudes
             at
             this
             
             present
             season
             .
             For
             let
             men
             profess
             what
             they
             will
             under
             the
             power
             of
             this
             frame
             ,
             their
             Eternal
             state
             is
             in
             hazard
             every
             moment
             .
             And
             Persons
             are
             ingaged
             in
             it
             in
             great
             variety
             of
             Degrees
             .
             And
             we
             may
             cast
             them
             under
             two
             Heads
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Some
             do
             not
             at
             all
             understand
             that
             things
             are
             amiss
             with
             them
             ,
             or
             that
             they
             are
             much
             to
             be
             blamed
             .
             They
             plead
             as
             was
             before
             observed
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             all
             lawful
             things
             which
             their
             hearts
             do
             cleave
             unto
             ,
             and
             which
             it
             is
             their
             Duty
             to
             take
             care
             of
             and
             regard
             .
             May
             they
             not
             delight
             in
             
               their
               own
               Relations
            
             ,
             especially
             at
             such
             a
             time
             when
             others
             break
             and
             cancel
             all
             Duties
             and
             bonds
             of
             Relation
             in
             the
             service
             of
             and
             provision
             they
             make
             for
             their
             Lusts
             ?
             May
             they
             not
             be
             
               careful
               in
               good
               and
               honest
               wayes
            
             of
             diligence
             about
             the
             things
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             when
             the
             most
             either
             lavish
             their
             time
             away
             in
             the
             pursuit
             of
             bestial
             Lusts
             ,
             or
             heap
             them
             up
             by
             deceit
             and
             Oppression
             ?
             May
             they
             not
             
               contrive
               for
               the
               promotion
               of
               their
               children
            
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             to
             adde
             the
             other
             hundred
             or
             thousand
             pounds
             unto
             their
             Advancement
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             in
             as
             good
             condition
             as
             others
             ,
             seeing
             he
             is
             worse
             than
             an
             
               Infidel
               who
               provides
               not
               for
               his
               own
               family
            
             ?
             By
             such
             reasonings
             and
             secret
             Thoughts
             do
             many
             justifie
             themselves
             in
             their
             earthly
             mindedness
             .
             And
             so
             fixed
             they
             are
             in
             the
             Approbation
             of
             themselves
             ,
             that
             if
             you
             urge
             them
             to
             their
             Duty
             ,
             you
             shall
             loose
             their
             acquaintance
             ,
             if
             they
             do
             not
             become
             your
             Enemies
             for
             telling
             them
             the
             Truth
             .
             Yea
             they
             will
             avoid
             one
             Duty
             that
             lyeth
             not
             against
             their
             earthly
             Interest
             ,
             because
             it
             leads
             unto
             another
             .
             They
             will
             not
             ingage
             in
             
               Religious
               Assemblies
            
             ,
             or
             be
             constant
             unto
             their
             Duty
             in
             them
             ,
             for
             fear
             Dutyes
             of
             Charity
             should
             be
             required
             of
             them
             or
             expected
             from
             them
             :
             On
             what
             Grounds
             such
             Persons
             can
             satisfie
             themselves
             that
             they
             are
             Spiritually-minded
             ,
             I
             know
             not
             .
             I
             shall
             leave
             only
             one
             Rule
             with
             Persons
             that
             are
             thus
             minded
             .
             
               Where
               our
               Love
               unto
               the
               world
               ,
               hath
               prevailed
               by
               its
               reasonings
               ,
               
               pleas
               and
               pretences
               ,
               to
               take
               away
               our
               fear
               and
               jealousy
               over
               our
               own
               hearts
               ,
               lest
               we
               should
               inordinately
               love
               it
               ,
               there
               it
               is
               assuredly
               predominant
               in
               us
               .
            
          
           
             2.
             
             Others
             are
             sensible
             of
             the
             
               evil
               of
               their
               hearts
            
             ,
             at
             least
             are
             jealous
             and
             afraid
             lest
             it
             should
             be
             found
             that
             their
             hearts
             do
             cleave
             inordinately
             unto
             these
             things
             .
             Hence
             they
             endeavour
             to
             contend
             against
             this
             evil
             ,
             sometimes
             by
             
               forcing
               themselves
            
             unto
             such
             Acts
             of
             Piety
             or
             Charity
             as
             are
             contrary
             unto
             that
             frame
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             by
             labouring
             a
             
               change
               of
               the
               frame
               it self
            
             :
             Especially
             they
             will
             do
             so
             when
             God
             is
             pleased
             to
             awaken
             them
             by
             Trials
             and
             Afflictions
             ,
             such
             as
             write
             Vanity
             and
             Emptiness
             on
             all
             earthly
             enjoyments
             .
             But
             for
             the
             most
             part
             they
             strive
             not
             lawfully
             ,
             and
             so
             obtain
             not
             what
             they
             seem
             to
             aim
             at
             .
          
           
             This
             Disease
             with
             many
             is
             mortal
             ;
             and
             will
             not
             be
             throughly
             cured
             in
             any
             but
             by
             the
             due
             exercise
             of
             this
             part
             of
             Spiritual-mindedness
             .
             There
             are
             other
             Duties
             required
             also
             unto
             the
             same
             end
             ,
             namely
             ,
             of
             the
             
               Mortification
               of
               our
               Desires
               and
               Affections
            
             unto
             earthly
             things
             ,
             whereof
             I
             have
             treated
             elsewhere
             .
             But
             without
             this
             or
             a
             fixed
             contemplation
             on
             the
             Desirableness
             ,
             Beauty
             and
             Glory
             of
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             it
             will
             not
             be
             attained
             .
             Further
             to
             evince
             the
             Truth
             hereof
             ,
             we
             may
             observe
             these
             two
             things
             .
             First
             ,
             If
             by
             any
             means
             a
             man
             do
             seem
             to
             have
             taken
             off
             his
             Heart
             from
             the
             Love
             of
             
               present
               things
            
             ,
             and
             be
             not
             at
             the
             same
             time
             taken
             up
             with
             the
             
               Love
               of
               things
               that
               are
               Heavenly
               ,
            
             his
             
               seeming
               Mortification
            
             is
             of
             no
             advantage
             unto
             him
             .
             So
             persons
             frequently
             through
             Discontent
             ,
             Disappointments
             or
             dissatisfaction
             with
             Relations
             ,
             or
             meer
             natural
             Weariness
             ,
             have
             left
             the
             world
             ,
             the
             Affairs
             and
             cares
             of
             it
             ,
             as
             unto
             their
             wonted
             conversations
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             have
             betaken
             themselves
             to
             
               Monasteries
               ,
               Convents
            
             ,
             or
             other
             Retirements
             suiting
             their
             Principles
             ,
             without
             any
             Advantage
             to
             their
             Souls
             .
             Secondly
             ,
             God
             is
             no
             such
             severe
             Lord
             and
             Master
             ,
             as
             to
             
             require
             us
             to
             take
             off
             our
             Affections
             from
             ,
             and
             mortifie
             them
             unto
             those
             things
             which
             the
             Law
             of
             our
             Nature
             makes
             dear
             unto
             us
             ,
             as
             Wives
             ,
             Children
             ,
             Houses
             ,
             Lands
             and
             Possessions
             ,
             and
             not
             propose
             unto
             us
             somewhat
             that
             is
             incomparably
             
               more
               excellent
            
             to
             fix
             them
             upon
             .
             So
             he
             invites
             the
             Elect
             of
             the
             Gentiles
             unto
             Christ
             ,
             Psal.
             45.10
             .
             
               Hearken
               O
               Daughter
               ,
               and
               consider
               ,
               and
               encline
               thine
               ear
               ,
               forget
               also
               thine
               own
               People
               and
               thy
               Fathers
               house
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             come
             into
             the
             Faith
             of
             Abraham
             ,
             who
             forsook
             his
             Country
             and
             his
             Fathers
             house
             to
             follow
             God
             whither
             ever
             he
             pleased
             .
             But
             he
             proposeth
             this
             for
             their
             encouragement
             ,
             ver
             .
             11.
             
             
               So
               shall
               the
               King
               greatly
               desire
               thy
               Beauty
               ,
               for
               he
               is
               thy
               Lord
               ,
               and
               worship
               thou
               him
               .
            
             The
             Love
             of
             the
             Great
             King
             is
             an
             abundant
             satisfactory
             Recompence
             for
             parting
             with
             all
             things
             in
             this
             world
             .
             So
             when
             Abrahams
             Servant
             was
             sent
             to
             take
             Rebecka
             for
             a
             Wife
             unto
             Isaac
             ,
             he
             required
             that
             she
             should
             immediately
             leave
             Father
             and
             Mother
             ,
             Brothers
             and
             all
             enjoyments
             ,
             and
             go
             along
             with
             him
             ;
             But
             withall
             ,
             that
             she
             might
             know
             her self
             to
             be
             
               no
               loser
            
             thereby
             ,
             he
             not
             only
             assured
             her
             of
             the
             
               Greatness
               of
               his
               Master
            
             ,
             but
             also
             at
             present
             he
             gave
             her
             
               Jewels
               of
               Silver
            
             ,
             and
             
               Jewels
               of
               Gold
            
             ,
             and
             Rayment
             ,
             Gen.
             24.53
             .
             And
             when
             our
             Saviour
             requires
             that
             we
             should
             
               part
               with
               all
            
             for
             his
             sake
             and
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             he
             promiseth
             an
             
               hundred
               Fold
            
             in
             lieu
             of
             them
             even
             in
             this
             Life
             ,
             namely
             ,
             in
             an
             Interest
             in
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             without
             an
             assiduous
             Meditation
             on
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             as
             a
             better
             ,
             more
             noble
             and
             suitable
             Object
             for
             our
             Affections
             to
             be
             fixed
             on
             ,
             we
             can
             never
             be
             freed
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             from
             an
             inordinate
             Love
             of
             the
             things
             here
             below
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             sad
             to
             see
             some
             Professors
             who
             will
             keep
             up
             spiritual
             Duties
             in
             Churches
             and
             in
             their
             Families
             ,
             who
             will
             speak
             and
             discourse
             of
             Spiritual
             Things
             ,
             and
             keep
             themselves
             from
             the
             
               open
               Excesses
            
             of
             the
             world
             ;
             yet
             when
             they
             come
             to
             be
             tryed
             by
             such
             Duties
             as
             entrench
             
             on
             their
             Love
             and
             adherence
             unto
             Earthly
             Things
             ,
             quickly
             manifest
             how
             remote
             they
             are
             from
             being
             Spiritually-minded
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             .
             Were
             they
             to
             be
             tryed
             ,
             as
             our
             Saviour
             tryed
             the
             young
             man
             who
             made
             such
             a
             profession
             of
             his
             conscientious
             and
             religious
             conversation
             ;
             
               Go
               sell
               what
               thou
               hast
               ,
               give
               to
               the
               poor
               ,
               and
               follow
               me
            
             ;
             something
             might
             be
             pleaded
             in
             excuse
             for
             their
             Tergiversation
             .
             But
             alas
             !
             they
             will
             decline
             their
             Duty
             when
             they
             are
             not
             touched
             unto
             the
             
               hundredth
               part
            
             of
             their
             enjoyments
             .
          
           
             I
             bless
             God
             ,
             I
             speak
             not
             thus
             of
             many
             of
             my
             own
             knowledge
             ;
             and
             may
             say
             with
             the
             Apostle
             unto
             the
             most
             unto
             whom
             I
             
               usually
               speak
            
             in
             this
             manner
             ;
             
               But
               Beloved
               we
               are
               perswaded
               better
               things
               of
               you
               ,
               and
               things
               that
               accompany
               Salvation
               ,
               though
               we
               thus
               speak
               ,
               Heb.
            
             6.9
             .
             Yea
             ,
             the
             same
             Testimony
             may
             be
             given
             of
             many
             in
             this
             City
             ,
             which
             the
             same
             Apostle
             gives
             unto
             the
             Churches
             of
             Macedonia
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             8.1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3.
             
             
               Vnderstand
               the
               Grace
               of
               God
               bestowed
               on
               the
               Churches
               of
               Macedonia
               ,
               how
               that
               in
               a
               great
               Trial
               of
               Affliction
               ,
               the
               Abundance
               of
               their
               Joy
               and
               their
               Poverty
               abounded
               unto
               the
               Riches
               of
               their
               Liberality
               .
               For
               to
               their
               Power
               ,
               and
               beyond
               their
               Power
               ,
               they
               were
               willing
               of
               themselves
               .
            
             There
             hath
             been
             nothing
             done
             amongst
             us
             ,
             that
             may
             or
             can
             be
             boasted
             of
             ,
             yet
             considering
             all
             Circumstances
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             there
             have
             not
             been
             more
             Instances
             of
             true
             
               Evangelical
               Charity
            
             in
             any
             Age
             or
             Place
             for
             these
             many
             years
             .
             For
             them
             who
             have
             been
             but
             useful
             and
             helpful
             herein
             ,
             
               the
               Lord
               remember
               them
               for
               good
               ,
            
             and
             spare
             them
             according
             to
             the
             Multitude
             of
             his
             Mercies
             .
             It
             is
             true
             ,
             they
             have
             not
             ,
             many
             of
             them
             ,
             founded
             Colledges
             ,
             built
             Hospitals
             ,
             or
             raised
             works
             of
             State
             and
             Magnificence
             .
             For
             very
             many
             of
             them
             are
             such
             ,
             as
             whose
             
               deep
               Poverty
               comparatively
               hath
               abounded
               unto
               the
               Riches
               of
               their
               Liberality
               .
            
             The
             Basks
             and
             Bellyes
             of
             multitudes
             of
             poor
             and
             needy
             Servants
             of
             Christ
             have
             been
             warmed
             and
             refreshed
             by
             them
             ,
             blessing
             God
             for
             them
             .
             
               Thank
               's
               
               be
               to
               God
            
             ,
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             in
             this
             case
             ,
             
               for
               his
               unspeakable
               Gift
            
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             9.15
             .
             Blessed
             be
             God
             who
             hath
             not
             left
             the
             Gospel
             without
             this
             Glory
             ,
             nor
             the
             Profession
             of
             it
             without
             this
             evidence
             of
             its
             Power
             and
             Efficacy
             .
             Yea
             God
             hath
             exalted
             the
             
               Glory
               of
               Persecutions
               and
               Afflictions
            
             .
             For
             many
             ,
             since
             they
             have
             lost
             much
             of
             their
             enjoyments
             by
             them
             ,
             and
             have
             all
             endangered
             continually
             ,
             have
             abounded
             in
             Dutyes
             of
             Charity
             beyond
             what
             they
             did
             in
             the
             dayes
             of
             their
             fulness
             and
             prosperity
             .
             So
             
               out
               of
               the
               Eater
               there
               hath
               come
               forth
               meat
               .
            
             And
             if
             the
             world
             did
             but
             know
             what
             Fruits
             in
             a
             way
             of
             Charity
             and
             Bounty
             ,
             unto
             the
             Praise
             of
             God
             and
             Glory
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             have
             been
             occasioned
             by
             their
             making
             many
             poor
             ,
             it
             would
             abate
             of
             their
             satisfaction
             in
             their
             successes
             .
          
           
             But
             with
             many
             it
             is
             not
             so
             .
             Their
             Minds
             are
             so
             full
             of
             earthly
             things
             ,
             they
             do
             so
             cleave
             unto
             them
             in
             their
             Affections
             ,
             that
             no
             sence
             of
             Duty
             ,
             no
             Example
             of
             others
             ,
             no
             concernment
             of
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             or
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             can
             make
             any
             impressions
             on
             them
             .
             If
             there
             be
             yet
             in
             them
             so
             much
             Life
             and
             Light
             of
             Grace
             ,
             as
             to
             
               design
               a
               Deliverance
            
             from
             this
             woful
             condition
             ,
             the
             means
             insisted
             on
             must
             be
             made
             use
             of
             .
          
           
             Especially
             this
             Advice
             is
             needful
             unto
             those
             who
             are
             Rich
             ,
             who
             have
             
               large
               Possessions
            
             ,
             or
             abound
             in
             the
             Goods
             of
             this
             world
             .
             The
             Poor
             ,
             the
             Afflicted
             ,
             the
             Sorrowful
             are
             prompted
             from
             their
             outward
             circumstances
             as
             well
             as
             excited
             by
             inward
             Grace
             ,
             frequently
             to
             remember
             and
             to
             think
             of
             the
             
               Things
               above
            
             ,
             wherein
             lyes
             their
             only
             Reserve
             and
             Relief
             against
             the
             trouble
             and
             urgency
             of
             their
             present
             condition
             .
             But
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             these
             things
             in
             abundance
             ,
             is
             accompanyed
             with
             a
             two-fold
             evil
             ,
             lying
             directly
             contrary
             unto
             this
             Duty
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             A
             
               Desire
               of
               encrease
               and
               adding
               thereunto
               .
            
             Earthly
             enjoyments
             enlarge
             mens
             Earthly
             Desires
             ;
             and
             the
             Love
             of
             them
             grows
             with
             their
             income
             .
             A
             moderate
             stock
             
             of
             Waters
             ,
             sufficient
             for
             our
             use
             ,
             may
             be
             kept
             within
             ordinary
             banks
             .
             But
             if
             a
             Flood
             be
             turned
             into
             them
             ,
             they
             know
             no
             bounds
             ,
             but
             overflow
             all
             about
             them
             .
             The
             encrease
             of
             Wealth
             and
             Riches
             enlargeth
             the
             Desires
             of
             men
             after
             them
             ,
             beyond
             all
             bounds
             of
             wisdom
             ,
             sobriety
             ,
             or
             safety
             .
             He
             that
             labours
             hard
             for
             his
             daily
             bread
             ,
             hath
             seldom
             such
             earnest
             vehement
             Desires
             of
             an
             Addition
             unto
             what
             he
             hath
             ,
             as
             many
             have
             who
             already
             have
             more
             than
             they
             know
             how
             to
             use
             ,
             or
             almost
             what
             to
             do
             withal
             .
             This
             they
             must
             have
             more
             ,
             and
             the
             last
             Advantage
             serves
             for
             nothing
             but
             to
             stir
             them
             up
             to
             look
             out
             for
             another
             .
             And
             yet
             such
             men
             would
             on
             other
             Accounts
             be
             esteemed
             
               good
               Christians
            
             ,
             and
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             as
             all
             Good
             Christians
             are
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               They
               draw
               the
               Heart
               to
               value
               and
               esteem
               them
               ,
            
             as
             those
             which
             bring
             in
             their
             satisfaction
             ,
             and
             make
             them
             to
             differ
             from
             those
             whom
             they
             see
             to
             be
             poor
             and
             miserable
             .
             Now
             these
             things
             are
             contrary
             unto
             ,
             and
             where
             they
             are
             habitually
             prevalent
             ,
             inconsistent
             utterly
             with
             being
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             .
             Nor
             is
             it
             possible
             ,
             that
             any
             who
             in
             the
             least
             degree
             are
             under
             their
             power
             ,
             can
             ever
             attain
             Deliverance
             ,
             unless
             their
             Thoughts
             are
             fixed
             ,
             and
             their
             Minds
             thereby
             possessed
             with
             due
             apprehensions
             of
             
               invisible
               things
            
             and
             eternal
             Glory
             .
          
           
             These
             are
             some
             few
             of
             those
             many
             Advantages
             which
             we
             may
             obtain
             by
             
               fixing
               our
               Thoughts
               and
               Meditations
            
             ,
             and
             thereby
             our
             Affections
             on
             the
             things
             that
             are
             above
             .
             And
             there
             are
             some
             things
             which
             make
             me
             willing
             to
             give
             some
             few
             Directions
             for
             the
             practice
             of
             this
             Duty
             .
             For
             whatever
             else
             we
             are
             and
             do
             ,
             we
             neither
             are
             nor
             can
             be
             truely
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             whereon
             Life
             and
             Peace
             depend
             ,
             unless
             we
             do
             really
             exercise
             our
             Thoughts
             unto
             Meditations
             of
             Things
             above
             .
             Without
             it
             all
             our
             Religion
             is
             but
             vain
             .
             And
             as
             I
             fear
             ,
             men
             are
             generally
             wanting
             and
             defective
             herein
             in
             point
             of
             Practice
             ;
             so
             I
             do
             also
             ,
             that
             many
             through
             the
             Darkness
             
             of
             their
             Minds
             ,
             the
             weakness
             of
             their
             Intellectuals
             ,
             and
             Ignorance
             of
             the
             nature
             of
             all
             things
             unseen
             ,
             do
             seldom
             set
             themselves
             unto
             the
             Contemplation
             of
             them
             .
             I
             shall
             therefore
             give
             some
             few
             Directions
             for
             the
             Practice
             of
             this
             Duty
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VI.
             
          
           
             
               
                 Directions
                 unto
                 the
                 Exercise
                 of
                 our
                 Thoughts
                 on
                 things
                 above
                 ;
                 things
                 future
                 ,
                 invisible
                 and
                 eternal
                 ;
                 On
                 God
                 himself
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 Difficultyes
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 Oppositions
                 unto
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 their
                 Removal
                 .
                 Right
                 Notions
                 of
                 future
                 Glory
                 stated
                 .
              
            
          
           
             WE
             have
             treated
             in
             general
             before
             of
             the
             proper
             Objects
             of
             our
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             as
             unto
             our
             present
             Duty
             .
             That
             which
             we
             were
             last
             ingaged
             in
             ,
             is
             an
             
               Especial
               Instance
               in
               Heavenly
               Things
            
             ;
             Things
             future
             and
             invisible
             ,
             with
             the
             Fountain
             and
             Spring
             of
             them
             all
             in
             Christ
             and
             God
             himself
             .
             And
             because
             men
             generally
             are
             
               unskilled
               herein
            
             ,
             and
             great
             Difficulties
             arise
             in
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Discharge
             of
             this
             Part
             of
             the
             Duty
             in
             hand
             ,
             I
             shall
             give
             some
             especial
             Directions
             concerning
             it
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             
               Possess
               your
               Minds
               with
               right
               notions
               and
               apprehensions
               of
               things
               above
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               state
               of
               future
               Glory
               .
            
             We
             are
             in
             this
             duty
             
               to
               look
               at
               the
               things
               which
               are
               not
               seen
               ,
            
             2
             Cor.
             4.16
             .
             It
             is
             Faith
             only
             whereby
             we
             have
             a
             prospect
             of
             them
             ;
             for
             
               we
               walk
               by
               Faith
               and
               not
               by
               sight
               .
            
             And
             Faith
             can
             give
             us
             no
             interest
             in
             them
             ,
             unless
             we
             have
             due
             apprehensions
             of
             them
             .
             For
             it
             doth
             but
             assent
             and
             cleave
             unto
             the
             Truth
             of
             what
             is
             proposed
             unto
             it
             .
             And
             the
             greatest
             part
             of
             Mankind
             do
             both
             deceive
             themselves
             ,
             and
             
             
               feed
               on
               Ashes
            
             in
             this
             matter
             .
             They
             fancy
             a
             
               future
               Estate
            
             which
             hath
             no
             foundation
             but
             in
             their
             own
             Imaginations
             .
             Wherefore
             the
             Apostle
             directing
             us
             to
             seek
             and
             mind
             the
             
               things
               that
               are
               above
            
             ,
             addes
             for
             the
             guidance
             of
             our
             Thoughts
             ,
             the
             consideration
             of
             the
             principal
             concernment
             of
             them
             ,
             
               where
               Christ
               sitteth
               at
               the
               right
               hand
               of
               God
               ,
               Col.
            
             3.1
             ,
             2.
             
             He
             would
             lead
             us
             unto
             distinct
             Apprehensions
             of
             those
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             especially
             of
             the
             presence
             of
             Christ
             in
             his
             Exaltation
             and
             Glory
             .
             Wherefore
             the
             true
             Notion
             of
             these
             things
             which
             we
             are
             to
             possess
             our
             minds
             withal
             ,
             may
             here
             be
             considered
             .
          
           
             All
             that
             have
             an
             Apprehension
             of
             a
             
               future
               State
               of
               Happiness
            
             do
             agree
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             that
             it
             contains
             in
             it
             or
             is
             accompanied
             with
             a
             
               deliverance
               and
               freedom
               from
               all
               that
               is
               evil
               .
            
             But
             in
             what
             is
             so
             ,
             they
             are
             not
             agreed
             .
             Many
             esteem
             only
             those
             things
             that
             are
             grievous
             ,
             troublesome
             ,
             wasting
             and
             destructive
             unto
             Nature
             to
             be
             so
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             what
             is
             poenal
             ,
             in
             pain
             ,
             sickness
             ,
             sorrow
             ,
             loss
             ,
             poverty
             ,
             with
             all
             kind
             of
             outward
             Troubles
             ,
             and
             Death
             it self
             ,
             are
             evil
             .
             Wherefore
             they
             suppose
             that
             the
             
               future
               state
               of
               Blessedness
            
             will
             free
             them
             from
             all
             these
             things
             ,
             if
             they
             can
             attain
             unto
             it
             .
             This
             they
             will
             lay
             in
             the
             Ballance
             against
             the
             Troubles
             of
             Life
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             it
             may
             be
             against
             the
             Pleasures
             of
             it
             ,
             which
             they
             must
             forego
             .
             Yea
             
               Persons
               profane
               and
               profligate
            
             will
             in
             words
             at
             least
             profess
             ,
             that
             
               Heaven
               will
               give
               them
               rest
               from
            
             all
             their
             Troubles
             .
             But
             it
             is
             no
             place
             of
             Rest
             for
             such
             Persons
             .
          
           
             Unto
             all
             others
             also
             ,
             unto
             Believers
             themselves
             ,
             
               these
               things
               are
               evil
            
             ,
             such
             as
             they
             expect
             a
             Deliverance
             from
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Glory
             .
             And
             there
             is
             no
             doubt
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             lawful
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             meet
             that
             we
             should
             contemplate
             on
             them
             ,
             as
             those
             which
             will
             give
             us
             a
             Deliverance
             from
             all
             
               outward
               Troubles
            
             ,
             Death
             it self
             and
             all
             that
             leads
             thereunto
             .
             Heaven
             is
             promised
             
               as
               Rest
               unto
               them
               that
               are
               troubled
               .
            
             2
             Thes.
             1.7
             .
             It
             is
             our
             Duty
             under
             all
             our
             .
             
             Sufferings
             ,
             Reproaches
             ,
             Persecutions
             ,
             Troubles
             and
             Sorrows
             ,
             to
             raise
             up
             our
             minds
             unto
             the
             contemplation
             of
             that
             state
             ,
             wherein
             we
             shall
             be
             freed
             from
             them
             all
             .
             It
             is
             a
             
               blessed
               Notion
               of
               Heaven
            
             ,
             that
             God
             shall
             therein
             
               wipe
               away
               all
               tears
               from
               our
               eyes
               ,
               Rev.
            
             7.17
             .
             or
             remove
             far
             from
             us
             all
             causes
             of
             sorrow
             .
             And
             it
             would
             be
             unto
             our
             Advantage
             ,
             if
             we
             did
             accustome
             our
             minds
             more
             unto
             this
             kind
             of
             Relief
             than
             we
             do
             ;
             If
             upon
             the
             Incursion
             of
             fears
             ,
             dangers
             ,
             sorrows
             ,
             we
             did
             more
             readily
             retreat
             unto
             Thoughts
             of
             
               that
               State
            
             wherein
             we
             shall
             be
             freed
             from
             them
             all
             ;
             even
             this
             most
             
               inferiour
               consideration
            
             of
             it
             ,
             would
             render
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             it
             more
             familiar
             ,
             and
             the
             thing
             it self
             more
             useful
             unto
             us
             .
             Much
             better
             it
             were
             ,
             than
             on
             such
             occasions
             to
             be
             exercised
             with
             
               heartless
               complaints
            
             ,
             uncertain
             hopes
             ,
             and
             fruitless
             contrivances
             .
          
           
             But
             there
             is
             that
             which
             unto
             them
             who
             are
             
               truely
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             hath
             
               more
               evil
               in
               it
            
             than
             all
             these
             things
             together
             ,
             and
             that
             is
             sin
             .
             Heaven
             is
             a
             state
             of
             Deliverance
             from
             sin
             ,
             from
             all
             sin
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             causes
             ,
             concomitants
             and
             effects
             of
             it
             .
             He
             is
             no
             true
             Believer
             unto
             whom
             sin
             is
             not
             the
             greatest
             burden
             ,
             sorrow
             ,
             and
             trouble
             .
             Other
             things
             ,
             as
             the
             Loss
             of
             Dear
             Relations
             ,
             or
             extraordinary
             pains
             ,
             may
             make
             deeper
             Impressions
             on
             the
             Mind
             by
             its
             natural
             Affections
             at
             some
             seasons
             ,
             than
             ever
             our
             sins
             did
             at
             any
             one
             time
             ,
             in
             any
             one
             Instance
             .
             So
             a
             man
             may
             have
             a
             greater
             Trouble
             in
             
               sense
               of
               pain
            
             ,
             by
             a
             fit
             of
             the
             Tooth-ache
             ,
             which
             will
             be
             gone
             in
             an
             hour
             ,
             than
             in
             an
             
               Hectick
               Feavour
            
             or
             Consumption
             ,
             which
             will
             assuredly
             take
             away
             his
             Life
             .
             But
             take
             in
             the
             whole
             course
             of
             our
             Lives
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             actings
             of
             our
             souls
             in
             Spiritual
             Judgment
             as
             well
             as
             natural
             Affection
             ,
             and
             I
             do
             not
             understand
             how
             a
             man
             can
             be
             a
             sincere
             Believer
             ,
             unto
             whom
             
               sin
               is
               not
               the
               greatest
               Burden
               and
               sorrow
               .
            
          
           
             Wherefore
             in
             the
             first
             place
             it
             belongs
             unto
             the
             true
             
               Notion
               of
               Heaven
            
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             a
             State
             wherein
             we
             shall
             be
             
               eternally
               
               freed
               from
               sin
            
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             concernments
             of
             it
             ,
             but
             only
             the
             exaltation
             of
             the
             Glory
             of
             Gods
             Grace
             in
             Christ
             ,
             by
             the
             pardon
             of
             it
             .
             He
             that
             truely
             
               hates
               sin
            
             and
             abhorrs
             it
             ,
             whose
             principal
             Desire
             and
             Design
             of
             Life
             is
             to
             be
             freed
             from
             it
             so
             far
             as
             it
             is
             possible
             ;
             who
             walks
             in
             self
             Abasement
             through
             a
             sence
             of
             his
             many
             Disappointments
             ,
             when
             he
             hoped
             it
             should
             act
             in
             him
             no
             more
             ,
             cannot
             as
             I
             judge
             but
             frequently
             betake
             himself
             for
             Refreshment
             unto
             Thoughts
             of
             that
             state
             wherein
             he
             shall
             be
             
               freed
               from
               it
            
             and
             
               triumph
               over
               it
            
             unto
             eternity
             .
             This
             is
             a
             
               Notion
               of
               Heaven
            
             that
             is
             easily
             apprehended
             and
             fixed
             on
             the
             Mind
             ,
             which
             we
             may
             dwell
             upon
             ,
             unto
             the
             great
             advantage
             and
             satisfaction
             of
             our
             Souls
             .
          
           
             Frequent
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             of
             Heaven
             under
             this
             notion
             ,
             do
             argue
             a
             man
             to
             be
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             .
             For
             it
             is
             a
             convincing
             Evidence
             that
             
               sin
               is
               a
               Burden
            
             unto
             him
             ,
             that
             he
             longs
             to
             be
             delivered
             from
             it
             and
             all
             its
             consequents
             ;
             that
             no
             Thoughts
             are
             more
             welcome
             unto
             him
             ,
             than
             those
             of
             that
             state
             wherein
             sin
             shall
             be
             no
             more
             .
             And
             although
             men
             are
             troubled
             about
             their
             sins
             ,
             and
             would
             desirously
             be
             freed
             from
             them
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             they
             
               perplex
               their
               Minds
            
             ,
             and
             make
             their
             Consciences
             uneasie
             ;
             yet
             if
             they
             are
             not
             much
             in
             the
             prospect
             of
             this
             Relief
             ,
             if
             they
             find
             not
             Refreshment
             in
             it
             ,
             I
             fear
             their
             trouble
             is
             not
             such
             as
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             when
             men
             can
             so
             wrangle
             and
             wrestle
             with
             their
             Convictions
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             yet
             take
             up
             the
             best
             of
             their
             Relief
             in
             hopes
             that
             it
             will
             be
             better
             with
             them
             at
             some
             times
             or
             other
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             without
             longing
             Desires
             after
             that
             state
             wherein
             
               sin
               shall
               be
               no
               more
            
             ,
             they
             can
             give
             no
             evidence
             that
             they
             are
             Spiritually
             minded
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             quite
             otherwise
             with
             
               sincere
               Believers
            
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             this
             Duty
             .
             The
             considerations
             of
             the
             Grace
             and
             Love
             of
             God
             ,
             of
             the
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             ,
             of
             the
             Purity
             and
             Holiness
             of
             that
             good
             Spirit
             that
             dwelleth
             in
             them
             ,
             of
             the
             Light
             ,
             Grace
             and
             Mercy
             which
             they
             have
             
             attained
             through
             the
             Promises
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             are
             those
             which
             make
             the
             
               Remainders
               of
               sin
            
             most
             grievous
             and
             burdensom
             unto
             them
             .
             This
             is
             that
             which
             even
             breaks
             their
             hearts
             ,
             and
             makes
             some
             of
             them
             go
             mourning
             all
             the
             day
             long
             ,
             namely
             ,
             that
             any
             thing
             of
             that
             which
             alone
             God
             
               hates
               ▪
            
             should
             be
             found
             in
             them
             ,
             or
             be
             remaining
             with
             them
             .
             It
             is
             in
             this
             condition
             an
             Evidence
             that
             they
             are
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             if
             together
             with
             watchful
             endeavours
             for
             the
             universal
             mortification
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             utter
             excision
             of
             it
             both
             root
             and
             branch
             ,
             they
             constantly
             adde
             these
             Thoughts
             of
             that
             blessed
             State
             wherein
             they
             shall
             be
             absolutely
             and
             eternally
             freed
             from
             all
             sin
             ,
             with
             Refreshment
             ,
             Delight
             ,
             and
             Complacency
             .
          
           
             These
             things
             belong
             unto
             our
             Direction
             for
             the
             fixing
             of
             our
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             on
             
               things
               above
            
             .
             This
             the
             meanest
             and
             weakest
             person
             who
             hath
             the
             least
             spark
             of
             Sincerity
             and
             Grace
             is
             capable
             of
             apprehending
             and
             able
             to
             practise
             .
             And
             it
             is
             that
             which
             the
             
               sense
               they
               have
               of
               the
               evil
               of
               sin
            
             will
             put
             them
             on
             every
             day
             ,
             if
             they
             shut
             not
             their
             eyes
             against
             the
             Light
             of
             the
             Refreshment
             that
             is
             in
             it
             .
             Let
             them
             who
             cannot
             arise
             in
             their
             minds
             unto
             fixed
             and
             stable
             Thoughts
             of
             any
             other
             notion
             of
             these
             
               Invisible
               things
            
             ,
             dwell
             on
             this
             consideration
             of
             them
             ,
             wherein
             they
             will
             find
             no
             small
             Spiritual
             Advantage
             and
             Refreshment
             unto
             their
             Souls
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             As
             unto
             the
             Positive
             Part
             of
             this
             glorious
             future
             State
             ,
             the
             Thoughts
             and
             apprehensions
             of
             men
             are
             very
             various
             .
             And
             that
             we
             may
             know
             as
             well
             what
             to
             avoid
             ,
             as
             what
             to
             embrace
             ,
             we
             shall
             a
             little
             reflect
             on
             some
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Many
             are
             able
             to
             entertain
             no
             
               rational
               Conceptions
            
             about
             a
             future
             state
             of
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             ,
             no
             notions
             wherein
             either
             Faith
             or
             Reason
             is
             concerned
             .
             Imagination
             they
             have
             of
             something
             that
             is
             
               great
               and
               glorious
            
             ,
             but
             what
             it
             is
             they
             know
             not
             .
             No
             wonder
             if
             such
             Persons
             have
             no
             delight
             in
             ,
             no
             use
             of
             Thoughts
             of
             Heaven
             .
             
             When
             their
             Imaginations
             have
             fluctuated
             up
             and
             down
             in
             all
             uncertainties
             for
             a
             while
             ,
             they
             are
             swallowed
             up
             in
             nothing
             .
             Glorious
             and
             therefore
             desirable
             they
             take
             it
             for
             granted
             that
             it
             must
             be
             .
             But
             nothing
             can
             be
             so
             unto
             them
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             suitable
             unto
             their
             present
             Dispositions
             ,
             Inclinations
             and
             Principles
             .
             And
             hereof
             there
             is
             nothing
             in
             the
             true
             Spiritual
             Glory
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             or
             in
             the
             eternal
             enjoyment
             of
             God.
             These
             things
             are
             not
             suited
             unto
             the
             
               Wills
               of
               their
               minds
               and
               of
               the
               flesh
               ,
            
             and
             therefore
             they
             cannot
             rise
             up
             unto
             any
             constant
             desires
             of
             them
             .
             Hence
             to
             please
             themselves
             ,
             they
             begin
             to
             imagine
             what
             is
             not
             .
             But
             whereas
             what
             is
             truely
             Heaven
             pleaseth
             them
             not
             ,
             and
             what
             doth
             please
             them
             is
             not
             Heaven
             ,
             nor
             there
             to
             be
             found
             ,
             they
             seldom
             or
             never
             endeavour
             in
             good
             earnest
             to
             exercise
             their
             Thoughts
             about
             it
             .
          
           
             It
             were
             well
             if
             Darkness
             and
             Ignorance
             of
             the
             true
             nature
             of
             the
             future
             State
             and
             eternal
             Glory
             ,
             did
             not
             exceedingly
             prejudice
             
               Believers
               themselves
            
             ,
             as
             unto
             their
             Delight
             in
             them
             and
             Meditations
             about
             them
             .
             They
             have
             nothing
             fixed
             or
             stated
             in
             their
             Minds
             ,
             which
             they
             can
             betake
             themselves
             unto
             in
             their
             Thoughts
             when
             they
             would
             contemplate
             about
             them
             .
             And
             by
             the
             way
             ,
             whatever
             doth
             divert
             the
             minds
             of
             men
             from
             the
             power
             and
             life
             of
             
               Spiritual
               Worship
            
             ,
             as
             do
             all
             pompous
             Solemnities
             in
             the
             performance
             of
             it
             ,
             doth
             greatly
             hinder
             them
             as
             unto
             
               right
               Conceptions
            
             of
             our
             future
             state
             .
             There
             was
             a
             Promise
             of
             
               Eternal
               Life
            
             given
             unto
             the
             Saints
             under
             the
             Old
             Testament
             :
             But
             whereas
             they
             were
             obliged
             unto
             a
             Worship
             that
             was
             carnal
             and
             
               outwardly
               pompous
            
             ,
             they
             never
             had
             clear
             and
             distinct
             Apprehensions
             of
             the
             future
             state
             of
             Glory
             ;
             For
             Life
             and
             Immortality
             were
             brought
             to
             Light
             by
             the
             Gospel
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             although
             no
             man
             living
             can
             see
             or
             find
             out
             the
             
               infinite
               Riches
               of
               Eternal
               Glory
            
             ;
             yet
             is
             it
             the
             Duty
             of
             all
             to
             be
             acquainted
             with
             the
             Nature
             of
             it
             in
             general
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             
             they
             may
             have
             fixed
             Thoughts
             of
             it
             ,
             Love
             unto
             it
             ,
             earnest
             Desires
             after
             it
             ,
             all
             under
             its
             own
             true
             and
             proper
             Notion
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             So
             great
             a
             Part
             of
             Mankind
             as
             the
             Mahumetans
             ,
             unto
             whom
             God
             hath
             given
             all
             the
             principal
             and
             most
             desirable
             parts
             of
             the
             World
             to
             inhabit
             and
             possess
             ,
             do
             conceive
             the
             state
             of
             
               future
               Blessedness
               to
               consist
               in
               the
               full
               satisfaction
               of
               their
               sensual
               Lusts
               and
               Pleasures
               .
            
             An
             Evidence
             this
             is
             ,
             that
             the
             Religion
             which
             they
             profess
             ,
             hath
             no
             power
             or
             Efficacy
             on
             their
             Minds
             to
             change
             them
             from
             the
             Love
             of
             Sin
             ,
             or
             placing
             their
             Happiness
             in
             fulfilling
             the
             Desires
             of
             the
             Flesh.
             It
             doth
             not
             at
             all
             
               enlighten
               their
               Minds
            
             to
             discern
             a
             Beauty
             in
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             nor
             excite
             their
             Affections
             unto
             the
             Love
             of
             them
             ,
             nor
             free
             the
             Soul
             to
             look
             after
             Blessedness
             in
             such
             things
             as
             alone
             are
             suited
             unto
             its
             rational
             Constitution
             .
             For
             if
             it
             did
             ,
             they
             would
             place
             their
             
               Happiness
               and
               Blessedness
            
             in
             them
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             it
             is
             nothing
             but
             an
             Artifice
             of
             the
             god
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             to
             blind
             the
             Eyes
             of
             men
             unto
             their
             Eternal
             Destruction
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Some
             of
             the
             Philosophers
             of
             old
             did
             attain
             an
             Apprehension
             that
             the
             Blessedness
             of
             men
             in
             another
             world
             
               doth
               consist
               in
               the
               Souls
               full
               satisfaction
               in
               the
               Goodness
               and
               Beauty
               of
               the
               Divine
               Nature
               .
            
             And
             there
             is
             a
             Truth
             in
             this
             Notion
             which
             contemplative
             men
             have
             adorned
             with
             excellent
             and
             rational
             Discourses
             .
             And
             sundry
             who
             have
             been
             and
             are
             Learned
             among
             Christians
             ,
             have
             greatly
             improved
             this
             Truth
             ,
             by
             the
             Light
             of
             the
             Scripture
             .
             From
             Reason
             they
             take
             up
             with
             Thoughts
             of
             the
             Goodness
             ,
             the
             Amiableness
             ,
             the
             self-sufficiency
             ,
             the
             alsufficient
             satisfactoriness
             of
             the
             infinite
             Perfections
             of
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             .
             These
             things
             shine
             in
             themselves
             with
             such
             a
             glorious
             Light
             ,
             as
             that
             there
             is
             no
             more
             required
             unto
             a
             perception
             of
             them
             ,
             but
             that
             men
             do
             not
             wilfully
             shut
             their
             eyes
             against
             it
             ,
             through
             bestial
             Sensuality
             and
             Love
             of
             Sin.
             From
             Reason
             also
             do
             they
             frame
             their
             Conceptions
             
             concerning
             the
             Capacity
             of
             the
             Souls
             of
             men
             for
             the
             
               immediate
               Enjoyment
            
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             what
             is
             suited
             therein
             unto
             their
             utmost
             Blessedness
             .
             No
             more
             is
             required
             unto
             these
             things
             ,
             but
             a
             due
             consideration
             of
             the
             
               Nature
               of
               God
               and
               Man
            
             ,
             with
             our
             Relation
             unto
             him
             and
             dependance
             on
             him
             .
             By
             the
             
               Light
               of
               the
               Scripture
            
             they
             frame
             these
             things
             into
             that
             which
             they
             call
             the
             
               Beatifical
               Vision
            
             ,
             whereby
             they
             intend
             all
             the
             wayes
             whereby
             God
             in
             the
             highest
             and
             immediate
             Instances
             ,
             can
             and
             doth
             communicate
             of
             himself
             unto
             the
             Souls
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             the
             utmost
             
               Elevation
               of
               their
               intellectual
               Capacities
            
             to
             receive
             those
             Communications
             .
             It
             is
             such
             an
             Intellectual
             Apprehension
             of
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             and
             Perfections
             ,
             with
             ineffable
             Love
             ,
             as
             gives
             the
             Soul
             the
             utmost
             Rest
             and
             Blessedness
             which
             its
             Capacities
             can
             extend
             unto
             .
          
           
             These
             things
             are
             so
             ;
             and
             they
             have
             been
             by
             many
             both
             piously
             and
             elegantly
             illustrated
             .
             Howbeit
             they
             are
             
               above
               the
               Capacities
            
             of
             ordinary
             Christians
             ,
             they
             know
             not
             how
             to
             manage
             them
             in
             their
             Minds
             ,
             nor
             exercise
             their
             Thoughts
             about
             them
             .
             They
             cannot
             reduce
             them
             unto
             present
             usefulness
             ,
             nor
             make
             them
             subservient
             unto
             the
             exercise
             and
             encrease
             of
             Grace
             .
             And
             the
             Truth
             is
             ,
             the
             Scripture
             gives
             us
             another
             Notion
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Glory
             ,
             
               not
               contrary
            
             unto
             this
             ,
             not
             inconsistent
             with
             it
             ,
             but
             more
             suited
             unto
             the
             Faith
             and
             Experience
             of
             Believers
             ,
             and
             which
             alone
             can
             convey
             a
             true
             and
             useful
             sence
             of
             these
             things
             unto
             our
             Minds
             .
             This
             therefore
             is
             diligently
             to
             be
             enquired
             into
             ,
             and
             firmly
             stated
             in
             our
             Thoughts
             and
             Affections
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             The
             principal
             Notion
             which
             the
             Scripture
             gives
             us
             of
             the
             State
             of
             Heavenly
             Blessedness
             ,
             and
             which
             the
             meanest
             Believers
             are
             capable
             of
             improving
             in
             daily
             practice
             ,
             is
             ,
             That
             
               Faith
               shall
               be
               turned
               into
               Sight
               ,
               and
               Grace
               into
               Glory
               .
               We
               walk
               now
               by
               Faith
               and
               not
               by
               Sight
               ,
            
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             5.7
             .
             Wherefore
             this
             is
             the
             Difference
             between
             our
             present
             and
             our
             future
             state
             ,
             that
             Sight
             hereafter
             shall
             
             supply
             the
             room
             of
             Faith
             ,
             1
             Joh.
             3.2
             .
             And
             if
             Sight
             come
             into
             the
             place
             of
             Faith
             ,
             then
             the
             Object
             of
             that
             Sight
             must
             be
             the
             same
             with
             the
             
               present
               Object
            
             of
             our
             Faith.
             So
             the
             Apostle
             informs
             us
             ;
             1
             Cor.
             13.9.10
             ,
             12.
             
             
               For
               we
               know
               in
               part
               ,
               and
               when
               we
               Prophesie
               in
               part
               ;
               but
               when
               that
               which
               is
               perfect
               is
               come
               ,
               that
               which
               is
               in
               part
               shall
               be
               done
               away
               .
               For
               now
               we
               see
               through
               a
               Glass
               darkly
               ,
               but
               then
               face
               to
               face
               .
            
             Those
             things
             which
             we
             see
             now
             
               darkly
               as
               in
               a
               glass
            
             ,
             we
             shall
             then
             have
             an
             immediate
             sight
             and
             full
             comprehension
             of
             ;
             for
             that
             which
             is
             perfect
             must
             come
             and
             doe
             away
             that
             which
             is
             in
             part
             .
             What
             then
             is
             the
             principal
             Present
             Object
             of
             Faith
             as
             it
             is
             Evangelical
             ,
             into
             whose
             room
             Sight
             must
             succeed
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             
               the
               Manifestation
               of
               the
               Glory
               of
               the
               infinite
               Wisdom
               ,
               Grace
               ,
               Love
               ,
               Kindness
               and
               Power
               of
               God
               in
               Christ
               ,
               the
               Revelation
               of
               the
               eternal
               Councels
               of
               his
               Will
               ,
               and
               the
               ways
               of
               their
               Accomplishment
               unto
               the
               eternal
               Salvation
               of
               the
               Church
               in
               and
               by
               him
               ;
               with
               the
               glorious
               exaltation
               of
               Christ
               himself
               ?
            
             Wherefore
             ,
             in
             the
             full
             satisfactory
             Representation
             of
             these
             things
             unto
             our
             Souls
             ,
             received
             by
             Sight
             or
             a
             direct
             immediate
             Intuition
             of
             them
             ,
             doth
             the
             Glory
             of
             Heaven
             principally
             consist
             .
             We
             behold
             them
             now
             darkly
             as
             in
             a
             glass
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             utmost
             which
             by
             Faith
             we
             can
             attain
             unto
             ;
             in
             Heaven
             they
             shall
             be
             openly
             and
             fully
             displayed
             .
             The
             
               infinite
               incomprehensible
               Excellencies
               of
               the
               Divine
               Nature
               ,
            
             are
             not
             proposed
             in
             Scripture
             as
             the
             immediate
             Object
             of
             our
             Faith
             ,
             nor
             shall
             they
             be
             so
             unto
             Sight
             in
             Heaven
             .
             The
             Manifestation
             of
             them
             in
             Christ
             is
             the
             immediate
             Object
             of
             our
             Faith
             here
             ,
             and
             shall
             be
             of
             our
             Sight
             hereafter
             .
             Only
             through
             this
             Manifestation
             of
             them
             we
             are
             lead
             even
             by
             Faith
             ultimately
             to
             acquiesce
             in
             them
             ;
             as
             we
             shall
             in
             Heaven
             be
             lead
             by
             Love
             perfectly
             to
             adhere
             unto
             them
             with
             Delight
             ineffable
             .
             This
             is
             our
             immediate
             Objective
             Glory
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             we
             hope
             for
             no
             other
             .
             And
             this
             if
             God
             will
             I
             shall
             shortly
             more
             fully
             explain
             .
          
           
             Whoever
             lives
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             Faith
             ,
             and
             hath
             any
             
             experience
             of
             the
             Life
             ,
             Power
             and
             Sweetness
             of
             these
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             unto
             whom
             they
             are
             a
             Spring
             of
             Grace
             and
             Consolation
             ,
             they
             are
             able
             to
             meditate
             on
             the
             Glory
             of
             them
             in
             their
             full
             enjoyment
             .
             Think
             much
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             will
             give
             you
             a
             perfect
             view
             and
             comprehension
             of
             the
             
               Wisdom
               and
               Love
            
             and
             Grace
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             with
             those
             other
             things
             which
             shall
             be
             immediately
             declared
             .
          
           
             Some
             perhaps
             will
             be
             ready
             to
             say
             ,
             that
             if
             
               this
               be
               Heaven
            
             they
             can
             see
             no
             
               great
               Glory
            
             in
             it
             ,
             no
             such
             Beauty
             as
             for
             which
             it
             should
             be
             desired
             .
             It
             may
             be
             so
             ,
             for
             some
             have
             no
             Instrument
             to
             take
             a
             view
             of
             Invisible
             things
             but
             carnal
             Imaginations
             .
             Some
             have
             no
             Light
             ,
             no
             Principle
             ,
             no
             disposition
             of
             Mind
             or
             Soul
             ,
             whereunto
             these
             things
             are
             either
             acceptable
             or
             suitable
             .
             Some
             will
             go
             no
             further
             in
             the
             consideration
             of
             the
             
               Divine
               Excellencies
            
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             Faculties
             and
             actings
             of
             our
             Souls
             ,
             than
             Reason
             will
             guide
             them
             ,
             which
             may
             be
             of
             use
             .
             But
             we
             look
             
               for
               no
               other
               Heaven
            
             ,
             we
             desire
             none
             ,
             but
             what
             we
             are
             lead
             unto
             and
             prepared
             for
             by
             the
             
               Light
               of
               the
               Gospel
            
             ;
             that
             which
             shall
             perfect
             all
             the
             beginnings
             of
             Gods
             Grace
             in
             us
             ;
             not
             what
             shall
             be
             quite
             of
             another
             nature
             and
             destructive
             of
             them
             .
             We
             value
             not
             that
             Heaven
             which
             is
             equally
             suited
             unto
             the
             Desires
             and
             Inclinations
             of
             the
             
               worst
               of
               men
            
             as
             well
             as
             of
             the
             best
             ;
             for
             we
             know
             that
             they
             who
             like
             not
             Grace
             here
             ,
             neither
             do
             nor
             can
             like
             that
             which
             is
             Glory
             hereafter
             .
             No
             man
             who
             is
             not
             acquainted
             experimentally
             in
             some
             measure
             ,
             with
             the
             Life
             ,
             Power
             and
             Evidence
             of
             Faith
             here
             ,
             hath
             any
             other
             Heaven
             in
             his
             aim
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             erected
             in
             his
             own
             Imagination
             .
             The
             Glory
             of
             Heaven
             which
             the
             Gospel
             prepares
             us
             for
             ,
             which
             Faith
             leads
             and
             conducts
             us
             unto
             ,
             which
             the
             Souls
             of
             Believers
             long
             after
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             will
             give
             full
             Rest
             ,
             Satisfaction
             and
             Complacency
             ,
             is
             the
             full
             ,
             open
             ,
             
               perfect
               Manifestation
            
             of
             the
             Glory
             of
             the
             Wisdom
             ,
             Goodness
             ,
             
             and
             Love
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             in
             his
             Person
             and
             Mediation
             ,
             with
             the
             Revelation
             of
             all
             his
             Councels
             concerning
             them
             ,
             and
             the
             communication
             of
             their
             effects
             unto
             us
             .
             He
             that
             likes
             it
             not
             ,
             unto
             whom
             it
             is
             not
             desireable
             ,
             may
             betake
             himself
             unto
             
               Mahomets
               Paradise
            
             ,
             or
             the
             
               Philosophers
               Speculations
            
             ,
             in
             the
             
               Gospel
               Heaven
            
             he
             hath
             no
             Interest
             .
             These
             are
             the
             things
             which
             we
             see
             now
             
               darkly
               as
               in
               a
               Glass
            
             ,
             by
             Faith
             ;
             in
             the
             view
             of
             them
             are
             our
             Souls
             gradually
             changed
             into
             the
             likeness
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             the
             comprehension
             of
             them
             is
             that
             which
             shall
             give
             us
             our
             utmost
             conformity
             and
             likeness
             unto
             him
             whereof
             our
             natures
             are
             capable
             .
             In
             a
             sense
             and
             experience
             of
             their
             Reality
             and
             Goodness
             given
             us
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             do
             all
             our
             spiritual
             Consolations
             and
             Joyes
             consist
             .
             The
             Effects
             produced
             by
             them
             in
             our
             Souls
             are
             the
             first
             fruits
             of
             Glory
             .
             Our
             Light
             ,
             Sense
             ,
             Experience
             and
             Enjoyment
             of
             these
             things
             however
             weak
             and
             frequently
             interrupted
             ,
             our
             Apprehensions
             of
             them
             however
             dark
             and
             obscure
             ,
             are
             the
             only
             means
             whereby
             we
             are
             
               made
               meet
               for
               the
               Inheritance
               of
               the
               Saints
               in
               Light.
               
            
          
           
             To
             have
             the
             eternal
             Glory
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             with
             all
             the
             fruits
             of
             his
             Wisdom
             and
             Love
             ,
             whilest
             we
             are
             our selves
             under
             the
             full
             participation
             of
             the
             effects
             of
             them
             ,
             immediately
             ,
             directly
             ,
             revealed
             ,
             proposed
             ,
             made
             known
             unto
             us
             in
             a
             divine
             and
             glorious
             Light
             ,
             our
             Souls
             being
             furnished
             with
             a
             Capacity
             to
             behold
             and
             perfectly
             comprehend
             them
             ,
             this
             is
             the
             Heaven
             which
             according
             unto
             Gods
             Promise
             we
             look
             for
             .
             But
             as
             was
             said
             ,
             these
             things
             shall
             be
             elsewere
             more
             fully
             treated
             of
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             true
             ,
             that
             there
             are
             sundry
             
               other
               things
            
             in
             particular
             that
             belong
             unto
             this
             State
             of
             Glory
             .
             But
             what
             we
             have
             mentioned
             is
             the
             Fountain
             and
             Spring
             of
             them
             all
             .
             We
             can
             never
             have
             an
             immeditate
             enjoyment
             of
             God
             in
             the
             Immensity
             of
             his
             Nature
             ,
             nor
             can
             any
             created
             understanding
             conceive
             any
             such
             things
             .
             Gods
             communications
             of
             himself
             unto
             us
             ,
             and
             our
             enjoyment
             of
             
             him
             ,
             shall
             be
             
               in
               and
               by
               the
               manifestation
               of
               his
               Glory
               in
               Christ.
            
             He
             who
             can
             see
             no
             Glory
             ,
             who
             is
             sensible
             of
             no
             Blessedness
             in
             these
             things
             ,
             is
             a
             stranger
             unto
             
               that
               Heaven
            
             which
             the
             Scripture
             reveals
             ,
             and
             which
             Faith
             leads
             unto
             .
          
           
             It
             may
             be
             enquired
             ,
             what
             is
             the
             
               Subjective
               Glory
            
             ,
             or
             what
             Change
             is
             to
             be
             wrought
             in
             our selves
             that
             we
             may
             enjoy
             this
             Glory
             ?
             Now
             that
             consists
             principally
             as
             unto
             our
             Souls
             in
             the
             
               Perfection
               of
               all
               Grace
               ,
               which
               is
               initially
               wrought
               and
               subjectively
               resides
               in
               us
               in
               this
               world
               .
            
             The
             Grace
             which
             we
             have
             here
             ,
             shall
             not
             be
             done
             away
             as
             unto
             its
             essence
             and
             nature
             ,
             though
             somewhat
             of
             it
             shall
             cease
             as
             unto
             the
             
               manner
               of
               its
               Operation
            
             .
             What
             Soul
             could
             think
             with
             Joy
             of
             going
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             if
             thereby
             he
             must
             lose
             all
             his
             present
             
               Light
               ,
               Faith
            
             ,
             and
             Love
             of
             God
             ,
             though
             he
             be
             told
             that
             he
             should
             receive
             that
             in
             lieu
             of
             them
             ,
             which
             is
             more
             excellent
             ,
             whereof
             he
             hath
             
               no
               experience
            
             ,
             nor
             can
             understand
             of
             what
             nature
             it
             is
             .
             When
             the
             Saints
             enter
             into
             Rest
             ,
             their
             
               Good
               Works
            
             do
             follow
             them
             ,
             and
             how
             can
             they
             do
             so
             ,
             if
             their
             Grace
             do
             not
             accompany
             them
             ,
             from
             whence
             they
             proceed
             ?
             The
             Perfection
             of
             our
             present
             Graces
             which
             are
             here
             weak
             ,
             and
             interrupted
             in
             their
             operations
             ,
             is
             a
             principal
             Eminency
             of
             the
             State
             of
             Glory
             .
             Faith
             shall
             be
             heightned
             into
             Vision
             as
             was
             proved
             before
             ,
             which
             doth
             not
             destroy
             its
             Nature
             ,
             but
             cause
             it
             to
             cease
             as
             unto
             its
             
               manner
               of
               Operation
            
             towards
             things
             invisible
             .
             If
             a
             man
             have
             a
             weak
             small
             Faith
             in
             this
             Life
             ,
             with
             little
             Evidence
             ,
             and
             no
             Assurance
             ,
             so
             that
             he
             doubts
             of
             all
             things
             ,
             questions
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             hath
             no
             Comfort
             from
             what
             he
             doth
             believe
             ;
             if
             afterwards
             through
             supplyes
             of
             Grace
             ,
             he
             hath
             a
             mighty
             
               prevailing
               Evidence
               of
               the
               things
               believed
               ,
            
             is
             filled
             with
             Comfort
             and
             Assurance
             ;
             this
             is
             not
             by
             a
             Faith
             or
             Grace
             of
             another
             kind
             than
             what
             he
             had
             before
             ;
             but
             by
             the
             same
             Faith
             raised
             unto
             an
             higher
             Degree
             of
             Perfection
             .
             When
             
             our
             Saviour
             cured
             the
             Blind
             man
             ,
             and
             gave
             him
             hls
             sight
             ;
             Mark
             8.
             at
             first
             he
             saw
             all
             things
             obscurely
             and
             imperfectly
             ,
             he
             saw
             
               men
               ,
               as
               Trees
               ,
               walking
               ;
               ver
               .
            
             24.
             
             But
             on
             another
             application
             of
             Vertue
             unto
             him
             ,
             he
             saw
             all
             things
             clearly
             ;
             ver
             .
             25.
             
             It
             was
             not
             a
             
               sight
               of
               another
               kind
            
             which
             he
             then
             received
             ,
             than
             what
             he
             had
             at
             first
             ;
             only
             its
             imperfection
             whereby
             he
             
               saw
               men
               like
               Trees
               walking
            
             was
             taken
             away
             .
             Nor
             will
             our
             
               perfect
               vision
            
             of
             things
             above
             ,
             be
             a
             Grace
             absolutely
             of
             another
             kind
             from
             the
             
               Light
               of
               Faith
            
             which
             we
             here
             enjoy
             ;
             only
             what
             is
             imperfect
             in
             it
             will
             be
             done
             away
             ,
             and
             it
             will
             be
             made
             meet
             for
             the
             present
             enjoyment
             of
             things
             here
             at
             a
             distance
             and
             invisible
             .
             Love
             shall
             have
             its
             Perfection
             also
             ,
             and
             the
             least
             Alteration
             in
             its
             manner
             of
             Operation
             of
             any
             Grace
             whatever
             .
             And
             there
             is
             nothing
             that
             should
             more
             excite
             us
             to
             labour
             after
             a
             growth
             
               in
               Love
               to
               God
            
             in
             Christ
             ,
             than
             this
             ,
             that
             it
             shall
             to
             all
             Eternity
             be
             the
             same
             in
             its
             Nature
             and
             in
             all
             its
             Operations
             ,
             only
             both
             the
             one
             and
             the
             other
             shall
             be
             made
             absolutely
             perfect
             .
             The
             Soul
             will
             by
             it
             be
             enabled
             to
             cleave
             unto
             God
             unchangeably
             ,
             with
             eternal
             Delight
             ,
             Satisfaction
             and
             Complacency
             .
             Hope
             shall
             be
             perfect
             in
             Enjoyment
             ,
             which
             is
             all
             the
             Perfection
             it
             is
             capable
             of
             .
             So
             shall
             it
             be
             as
             unto
             other
             Graces
             .
          
           
             This
             
               subjective
               Perfection
               of
               our
               Natures
            
             ,
             especially
             in
             all
             the
             Faculties
             ,
             Powers
             ,
             and
             Affections
             of
             our
             Souls
             and
             all
             their
             Operations
             ,
             belongs
             unto
             our
             Blessedness
             ,
             nor
             can
             we
             be
             blessed
             without
             it
             .
             All
             the
             
               Objective
               Glory
            
             in
             Heaven
             would
             not
             in
             our
             beholding
             and
             enjoyment
             of
             it
             (
             if
             it
             were
             possible
             )
             make
             us
             blessed
             and
             happy
             ,
             if
             our
             own
             Natures
             were
             not
             made
             perfect
             ,
             freed
             from
             all
             disorder
             ,
             irregular
             motions
             and
             weak
             imperfect
             Operations
             .
             What
             is
             it
             then
             that
             must
             give
             our
             Nature
             this
             
               subjective
               Perfection
            
             ?
             It
             is
             that
             Grace
             alone
             whose
             beginnings
             we
             are
             here
             made
             partakers
             of
             .
             For
             therein
             consists
             the
             
               Renovation
               of
               the
               Image
               of
               God
            
             
             in
             us
             .
             And
             the
             perfect
             communication
             of
             that
             Image
             unto
             us
             ,
             is
             the
             absolute
             Perfection
             of
             our
             Natures
             ;
             the
             utmost
             which
             their
             capacity
             is
             suited
             unto
             .
             And
             this
             gives
             us
             the
             last
             thing
             to
             be
             enquired
             into
             ,
             namely
             by
             what
             
               means
               in
               our selves
            
             we
             shall
             
               eternally
               abide
               in
               that
               state
            
             .
             And
             this
             is
             by
             the
             
               unalterable
               Adherence
               of
               our
               whole
               Souls
               unto
               God
               ,
            
             in
             perfect
             Love
             and
             Delight
             .
             This
             is
             that
             whereby
             alone
             the
             Soul
             reacheth
             unto
             the
             essence
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             infinite
             incomprehensible
             perfections
             of
             his
             Nature
             .
             For
             the
             
               perfect
               nature
            
             hereof
             ,
             Divine
             Revelation
             hath
             left
             it
             under
             a
             vail
             ,
             and
             so
             must
             we
             do
             also
             .
             Nor
             do
             I
             designedly
             handle
             these
             things
             in
             this
             place
             ,
             but
             only
             in
             the
             way
             of
             a
             Direction
             how
             to
             exercise
             our
             Thoughts
             about
             them
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             that
             
               notion
               of
               Heaven
            
             which
             those
             who
             are
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             ought
             to
             be
             conversant
             withall
             .
             And
             the
             true
             stating
             of
             it
             by
             Faith
             ,
             is
             a
             discriminating
             character
             of
             Believers
             .
             This
             is
             
               no
               Heaven
            
             unto
             any
             others
             .
             Those
             who
             have
             not
             an
             experience
             of
             the
             Excellency
             of
             these
             things
             in
             their
             
               initial
               state
            
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             and
             their
             incomparable
             Transcendency
             unto
             all
             other
             things
             ,
             cannot
             conceive
             how
             
               heavenly
               Glory
            
             and
             Blessedness
             should
             consist
             in
             them
             .
             Unskilful
             men
             may
             cast
             away
             
               rough
               unwrought
               Diamonds
            
             as
             useless
             Stones
             ;
             they
             know
             not
             what
             polishing
             will
             bring
             them
             unto
             .
             Nor
             do
             men
             unskilful
             in
             the
             Mysteries
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             judge
             there
             can
             be
             any
             Glory
             in
             
               rough
               unwrought
               Grace
            
             ;
             they
             know
             not
             what
             lustre
             and
             beauty
             the
             polishing
             of
             the
             Heavenly
             hand
             will
             give
             unto
             it
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             generally
             supposed
             that
             however
             men
             differ
             in
             and
             about
             Religion
             here
             ,
             yet
             they
             agree
             well
             enough
             
               about
               Heaven
            
             ,
             they
             would
             all
             go
             to
             the
             same
             Heaven
             .
             But
             it
             is
             a
             great
             Mistake
             ,
             they
             differ
             in
             nothing
             more
             ;
             they
             would
             not
             all
             go
             to
             the
             
               same
               Heaven
            
             .
             How
             few
             are
             they
             who
             value
             that
             Heavenly
             State
             which
             we
             have
             treated
             of
             ;
             or
             do
             understand
             how
             
               any
               blessedness
            
             can
             consist
             
             in
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             it
             ?
             But
             this
             and
             no
             other
             Heaven
             would
             we
             go
             unto
             .
             Other
             notions
             there
             may
             be
             ,
             there
             are
             of
             it
             ,
             which
             being
             but
             fruits
             and
             effects
             of
             mens
             own
             Imaginations
             ,
             the
             more
             they
             dwell
             in
             the
             contemplation
             of
             them
             ,
             the
             more
             
               carnal
               they
               may
               grow
            
             ,
             at
             best
             the
             more
             superstitious
             .
             But
             
               spiritual
               Thoughts
            
             of
             this
             Heaven
             ,
             consisting
             principally
             in
             freedom
             from
             all
             sin
             ,
             in
             the
             Perfection
             of
             all
             Grace
             in
             the
             vision
             of
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             excellencies
             of
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             as
             manifested
             in
             him
             ,
             are
             an
             effectual
             Means
             for
             the
             improvement
             of
             
               spiritual
               Life
            
             ,
             and
             the
             encrease
             of
             all
             Graces
             in
             us
             .
             For
             they
             cannot
             but
             effect
             an
             Assimilation
             in
             the
             Mind
             and
             Heart
             unto
             the
             things
             contemplated
             on
             ,
             where
             the
             Principles
             and
             Seeds
             of
             them
             are
             already
             inlaid
             and
             begun
             .
             This
             is
             our
             first
             Direction
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             Having
             fixed
             
               right
               Notions
               and
               Apprehensions
            
             of
             Heavenly
             things
             in
             our
             minds
             ,
             it
             is
             our
             Duty
             to
             think
             and
             contemplate
             greatly
             on
             them
             ,
             and
             our
             own
             concernment
             in
             them
             .
             Without
             this
             all
             our
             Speculations
             concerning
             the
             nature
             of
             eternal
             things
             ,
             will
             be
             of
             no
             use
             unto
             us
             .
             And
             unto
             your
             Encouragement
             and
             Direction
             ,
             take
             these
             few
             short
             Rules
             relating
             unto
             this
             Duty
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             Here
             lyes
             the
             great
             Trial
             whether
             we
             are
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             or
             no
             ,
             by
             vertue
             of
             this
             
               Rule
               ;
               If
               we
               are
               risen
               with
               Christ
               ,
               we
               will
               mind
               the
               things
               that
               are
               above
               ,
               Col.
            
             3.3
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             Here
             lyes
             the
             great
             Means
             whereby
             we
             may
             attain
             further
             degrees
             in
             that
             blessed
             frame
             of
             mind
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             already
             formed
             in
             us
             ,
             by
             vertue
             of
             that
             
               Rule
               ;
               Beholding
               the
               Glory
               of
               God
               as
               in
               a
               Glass
               ,
               we
               are
               changed
               into
               the
               same
               Image
               from
               Glory
               to
               Glory
               ,
            
             2
             Cor.
             3.18
             .
             (
             3.
             )
             Here
             lyes
             the
             great
             Evidence
             whether
             we
             have
             a
             
               real
               interest
            
             in
             the
             things
             above
             or
             no
             ;
             whether
             we
             place
             our
             Portion
             and
             Blessedness
             in
             them
             ,
             by
             vertue
             of
             that
             
               Rule
               ;
               Where
               our
               Treasure
               is
               ,
               there
               will
               our
               Hearts
               be
               also
               .
            
             Are
             they
             our
             Treasure
             ,
             our
             Portion
             ,
             our
             Reward
             ,
             
             in
             comparison
             whereof
             all
             other
             things
             are
             but
             loss
             and
             dung
             ?
             we
             shall
             assuredly
             be
             conversant
             in
             our
             minds
             about
             them
             .
             (
             4.
             )
             It
             cannot
             be
             imagined
             ,
             that
             a
             man
             should
             have
             in
             him
             a
             Principle
             cognate
             and
             suited
             unto
             things
             above
             ,
             of
             the
             same
             kind
             and
             nature
             with
             them
             ,
             that
             his
             Soul
             should
             be
             under
             the
             conduct
             of
             those
             habits
             of
             Grace
             ,
             which
             strive
             and
             naturally
             tend
             unto
             Perfection
             ,
             labouring
             greatly
             here
             under
             the
             weight
             of
             their
             own
             weaknesses
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             with
             all
             who
             are
             truely
             Spiritually
             Minded
             ,
             and
             yet
             not
             have
             his
             Thoughts
             greatly
             exercised
             about
             these
             things
             ,
             1
             Joh.
             3.3
             .
          
           
             It
             were
             well
             if
             we
             would
             trye
             our selves
             by
             things
             of
             so
             uncontroulable
             Evidence
             .
             What
             can
             any
             object
             unto
             the
             Truth
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             or
             the
             Necessity
             of
             this
             Duty
             ?
             If
             it
             be
             otherwise
             with
             us
             ,
             it
             is
             from
             one
             of
             these
             two
             causes
             ;
             either
             we
             are
             not
             convinced
             of
             the
             Truth
             and
             Reality
             of
             them
             ,
             or
             we
             have
             
               no
               delight
            
             in
             them
             ,
             because
             we
             are
             not
             spiritually
             minded
             .
             Do
             we
             think
             that
             men
             may
             turmoyl
             themselves
             in
             earthly
             Thoughts
             all
             the
             day
             long
             ,
             and
             when
             they
             are
             freed
             of
             their
             Affairs
             ,
             betake
             themselves
             unto
             those
             that
             are
             vain
             and
             useless
             ,
             without
             any
             stated
             converse
             with
             things
             above
             ,
             and
             yet
             enjoy
             
               Life
               and
               Peace
            
             ?
             We
             must
             take
             other
             measures
             of
             things
             ,
             if
             we
             intend
             to
             live
             unto
             God
             ,
             to
             be
             like
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             come
             unto
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             him
             .
          
           
             What
             is
             the
             matter
             with
             men
             that
             they
             are
             so
             stupid
             ?
             They
             all
             generally
             desire
             to
             go
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             at
             least
             when
             they
             can
             live
             here
             no
             longer
             .
             Some
             indeed
             have
             no
             other
             regard
             unto
             it
             ,
             but
             only
             that
             they
             would
             not
             
               go
               to
               Hell.
            
             But
             most
             would
             
               dye
               the
               Death
               of
               the
               Righteous
               ,
            
             and
             have
             their
             latter
             end
             like
             his
             ,
             yet
             few
             there
             are
             who
             endeavour
             to
             attain
             a
             right
             Notion
             of
             it
             ,
             to
             try
             how
             it
             is
             suited
             unto
             their
             Principles
             and
             Desires
             ;
             but
             content
             themselves
             with
             such
             general
             notions
             of
             it
             as
             please
             their
             Imaginations
             .
             It
             is
             no
             wonder
             if
             
             such
             Persons
             seldom
             exercise
             their
             Minds
             or
             Thoughts
             about
             it
             ,
             nor
             do
             they
             so
             much
             as
             pretend
             to
             be
             Spiritually
             minded
             .
             But
             as
             for
             those
             who
             are
             instructed
             in
             these
             things
             ,
             who
             profess
             their
             chiefest
             Interest
             to
             lye
             in
             them
             ,
             not
             to
             abound
             in
             Meditation
             concerning
             them
             ,
             it
             argues
             indeed
             that
             whatever
             they
             profess
             ,
             they
             are
             earthly
             and
             carnal
             .
          
           
             Again
             ;
             Meditate
             and
             think
             of
             the
             
               Glory
               of
               Heaven
            
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             compare
             it
             with
             the
             
               opposite
               state
               of
               Death
               and
               eternal
               Misery
               .
            
             Few
             men
             care
             to
             
               think
               much
               of
               Hell
            
             ,
             and
             the
             Everlasting
             Torments
             of
             the
             Wicked
             therein
             .
             Those
             do
             
               so
               least
            
             ,
             who
             are
             in
             
               most
               danger
            
             of
             falling
             thereinto
             .
             They
             put
             far
             from
             them
             the
             evil
             day
             ,
             and
             suppose
             their
             Covenant
             with
             Death
             and
             Hell
             to
             be
             sure
             .
             Some
             begin
             to
             advance
             an
             Opinion
             that
             there
             is
             
               no
               such
               Place
            
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             their
             Interest
             and
             Desire
             that
             there
             should
             be
             none
             .
             Some
             out
             of
             Profaneness
             make
             a
             Scoffe
             at
             it
             ,
             as
             though
             a
             
               future
               Judgment
            
             were
             but
             a
             Fable
             .
             Most
             seem
             to
             think
             that
             there
             is
             a
             Severity
             in
             thoughts
             about
             it
             ,
             which
             it
             is
             not
             fit
             we
             should
             be
             too
             much
             terrified
             withal
             .
             Some
             
               transient
               Thoughts
            
             they
             will
             have
             of
             it
             ,
             but
             not
             suffer
             them
             to
             abide
             in
             their
             minds
             ,
             lest
             they
             should
             be
             too
             much
             discomposed
             .
             Or
             they
             think
             it
             not
             consistent
             with
             the
             
               Goodness
               of
               Christ
            
             to
             leave
             any
             men
             in
             that
             condition
             ;
             whereas
             there
             is
             more
             spoken
             
               directly
               of
               Hell
            
             ,
             its
             Torments
             and
             their
             Eternity
             ,
             by
             himself
             self
             〈◊〉
             in
             all
             the
             Scripture
             besides
             .
             These
             Thoughts
             ●●●…ost
             proceed
             from
             an
             unwillingness
             to
             be
             troubled
             〈◊〉
             their
             sins
             ,
             and
             are
             useful
             unto
             none
             .
             It
             is
             the
             height
             of
             Folly
             for
             men
             to
             endeavour
             the
             
               hiding
               of
               themselves
            
             for
             a
             few
             Moments
             from
             that
             which
             is
             unavoidably
             coming
             upon
             them
             unto
             Eternity
             ;
             and
             the
             due
             consideration
             whereof
             ,
             is
             a
             means
             for
             an
             Escape
             from
             it
             .
             But
             I
             speak
             only
             of
             
               true
               Believers
            
             .
             And
             the
             more
             they
             are
             conversant
             in
             their
             Thoughts
             about
             the
             future
             estate
             of
             
               Eternal
               Misery
            
             ,
             the
             greater
             Evidence
             they
             have
             of
             
             the
             Life
             and
             confidence
             of
             Faith.
             It
             is
             a
             necessary
             Duty
             to
             consider
             it
             ,
             as
             what
             we
             were
             by
             nature
             obnoxious
             unto
             ,
             as
             being
             
               Children
               of
               Wrath
            
             ;
             what
             we
             have
             deserved
             by
             our
             
               Personal
               sins
            
             ,
             as
             the
             
               wages
               of
               sin
               is
               Death
            
             ;
             what
             we
             are
             delivered
             from
             through
             
               Jesus
               the
               Deliverer
            
             who
             saves
             us
             from
             the
             wrath
             to
             come
             ;
             what
             expression
             it
             is
             of
             the
             Indignation
             of
             God
             against
             sin
             ,
             who
             hath
             prepared
             
               this
               Tophet
               of
               Old
            
             ;
             that
             we
             may
             be
             delivered
             from
             sin
             ,
             kept
             up
             to
             an
             Abhorrency
             of
             it
             ,
             walking
             in
             Humility
             ,
             self-abasement
             ,
             and
             the
             Admiration
             of
             Divine
             Grace
             .
             This
             therefore
             is
             required
             of
             us
             ,
             that
             in
             our
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             ,
             we
             
               compare
               the
               state
               of
               Blessedness
               and
               Eternal
               Glory
               ,
            
             as
             a
             free
             and
             absolute
             effect
             of
             the
             Grace
             of
             God
             in
             and
             through
             Christ
             Jesus
             ,
             with
             that
             
               state
               of
               Eternal
               Misery
            
             ,
             which
             we
             had
             deserved
             .
             And
             if
             there
             be
             any
             spark
             of
             Grace
             or
             of
             holy
             Thankfulness
             in
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             stirred
             up
             unto
             its
             due
             exercise
             .
          
           
             Some
             it
             may
             be
             will
             say
             ,
             that
             they
             complained
             before
             that
             they
             cannot
             get
             their
             minds
             fixed
             on
             these
             things
             .
             Weakness
             ,
             Weariness
             ,
             Darkness
             ,
             Diversions
             ,
             Occasions
             do
             prevalently
             obstruct
             their
             abiding
             in
             such
             Thoughts
             .
             I
             shall
             speak
             further
             unto
             this
             afterwards
             ,
             at
             present
             I
             shall
             only
             suggest
             two
             things
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             If
             you
             cannot
             attain
             ,
             yet
             continue
             to
             follow
             after
             ;
             get
             your
             minds
             in
             a
             perpetual
             endeavour
             after
             an
             abode
             in
             spiritual
             Thoughts
             .
             Let
             your
             minds
             be
             rising
             towards
             them
             every
             hour
             ,
             yea
             an
             hundred
             times
             a
             day
             ,
             on
             all
             occasions
             ,
             on
             a
             continual
             sense
             of
             Duty
             ;
             and
             sigh
             within
             your selves
             for
             deliverance
             ,
             when
             you
             find
             Disappointments
             ,
             or
             not
             a
             continuance
             in
             them
             .
             It
             is
             the
             sence
             of
             that
             Place
             ;
             Rom.
             8.23
             ,
             24
             ,
             25
             ,
             26
             ,
             27.
             
             (
             2.
             )
             Take
             care
             you
             
               go
               not
               backwards
            
             and
             lose
             what
             you
             have
             wrought
             .
             If
             you
             neglect
             these
             things
             for
             a
             season
             ,
             you
             will
             quickly
             find
             your selves
             neglected
             by
             them
             .
             So
             I
             observe
             it
             every
             day
             in
             the
             hearing
             of
             the
             Word
             .
             Whilst
             Persons
             keep
             up
             themselves
             to
             a
             diligent
             Attendance
             on
             it
             
             where
             they
             find
             it
             preached
             unto
             their
             Edification
             ,
             they
             find
             great
             Delight
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             will
             undergo
             great
             Difficulties
             for
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             it
             :
             Let
             them
             be
             diverted
             from
             it
             for
             a
             season
             ,
             after
             a
             while
             it
             grows
             indifferent
             unto
             them
             ,
             any
             thing
             will
             satisfy
             them
             that
             pretends
             unto
             the
             same
             Duty
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VII
             .
          
           
             
               
                 Especial
                 Objects
                 of
                 Spiritual
                 Thoughts
                 on
                 the
                 Glorious
                 State
                 of
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 belongs
                 thereunto
                 .
                 First
                 ,
                 of
                 Christ
                 himself
                 .
                 Thoughts
                 of
                 Heavenly
                 Glory
                 ,
                 in
                 opposition
                 unto
                 .
                 Thoughts
                 of
                 Eternal
                 Misery
                 .
                 The
                 Use
                 of
                 such
                 Thoughts
                 .
                 Advantage
                 in
                 Sufferings
                 .
              
            
          
           
             IT
             will
             be
             unto
             our
             Advantage
             having
             stated
             
               right
               Notions
               of
               the
               Glory
            
             of
             the
             blessed
             State
             above
             in
             our
             minds
             ,
             to
             fix
             on
             
               some
               particulars
            
             belonging
             unto
             it
             ,
             as
             the
             especial
             Object
             of
             our
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             .
             As
             ,
             (
             1.
             )
             Think
             much
             of
             
               him
               who
               unto
               us
               is
               the
               Life
               and
               Center
               of
               all
               the
               Glory
               of
               Heaven
            
             that
             is
             ,
             Christ
             himself
             .
             I
             shall
             be
             very
             brief
             in
             treating
             hereof
             ,
             because
             I
             have
             designed
             a
             peculiar
             Treatise
             on
             this
             Subject
             ,
             of
             
               beholding
               the
               Glory
               of
               Christ
            
             both
             here
             and
             unto
             Eternity
             .
             At
             present
             therefore
             a
             few
             things
             only
             shall
             be
             mentioned
             ,
             because
             on
             this
             occasion
             they
             are
             not
             to
             be
             omitted
             .
             The
             
               whole
               of
               the
               Glory
            
             of
             the
             State
             above
             is
             expressed
             by
             
               being
               ever
               with
               the
               Lord
               ;
               where
               he
               is
               ,
               to
               behold
               his
               Glory
               .
            
             For
             in
             and
             through
             him
             is
             the
             Beatifical
             manifestation
             of
             God
             and
             his
             Glory
             made
             for
             evermore
             .
             And
             through
             him
             are
             all
             Communications
             of
             inward
             Glory
             unto
             us
             .
             The
             present
             Resplendency
             of
             Heavenly
             Glory
             ,
             consists
             in
             his
             
               Mediatory
               Ministry
            
             ,
             as
             I
             have
             at
             large
             
             elsewhere
             declared
             .
             And
             he
             will
             be
             the
             means
             of
             all
             glorious
             communications
             between
             God
             and
             the
             Church
             unto
             Eternity
             .
             Wherefore
             if
             we
             are
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             we
             should
             fix
             our
             Thoughts
             on
             Christ
             above
             ,
             as
             the
             Center
             of
             all
             Heavenly
             Glory
             .
             To
             help
             us
             herein
             we
             may
             consider
             the
             things
             that
             follow
             .
          
           
             (
             1.
             )
             Faith
             hath
             continual
             Recourse
             unto
             him
             on
             the
             account
             of
             what
             
               he
               did
               and
               suffered
            
             for
             us
             in
             this
             world
             .
             For
             thereon
             ,
             Pardon
             of
             sin
             ,
             Justification
             and
             Peace
             with
             God
             do
             depend
             .
             This
             ariseth
             in
             the
             first
             place
             from
             a
             sence
             of
             our
             own
             wants
             .
             But
             Love
             of
             him
             is
             no
             less
             necessary
             unto
             us
             than
             Faith
             in
             him
             .
             And
             although
             we
             have
             powerful
             Motives
             unto
             Love
             ,
             from
             what
             he
             did
             and
             was
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             yet
             the
             formal
             Reason
             of
             our
             Adherence
             unto
             him
             thereby
             
               is
               what
               he
               is
               in
               himself
               ,
            
             as
             he
             is
             now
             exalted
             in
             Heaven
             .
             If
             we
             rejoyce
             not
             at
             the
             Remembrance
             of
             his
             present
             Glory
             ,
             if
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             it
             be
             not
             frequent
             with
             us
             and
             refreshing
             unto
             us
             ,
             how
             dwelleth
             his
             Love
             in
             us
             ?
          
           
             (
             2.
             )
             Our
             Hope
             is
             that
             e're
             long
             we
             shall
             be
             ever
             with
             him
             .
             And
             if
             so
             ,
             it
             is
             certainly
             our
             Wisdom
             and
             Duty
             to
             be
             
               here
               with
               him
            
             as
             much
             as
             we
             can
             .
             It
             is
             a
             vain
             thing
             for
             any
             to
             suppose
             that
             they
             place
             their
             chiefest
             happiness
             in
             
               being
               for
               ever
               in
               the
               Presence
            
             of
             Christ
             ,
             who
             care
             not
             at
             all
             to
             be
             with
             him
             here
             as
             they
             may
             .
             And
             the
             only
             way
             of
             our
             being
             present
             with
             him
             here
             ,
             is
             by
             Faith
             and
             Love
             ,
             acting
             themselves
             in
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             and
             Affections
             .
             And
             it
             is
             an
             absurd
             thing
             for
             men
             to
             esteem
             themselves
             Christians
             ,
             who
             scarce
             think
             of
             Christ
             all
             the
             day
             long
             .
             Yet
             some
             ,
             as
             one
             complained
             of
             old
             ,
             scarce
             ever
             think
             or
             speak
             of
             him
             but
             
               when
               they
               swear
               by
               his
               Name
               .
            
             I
             have
             read
             of
             them
             who
             have
             lived
             and
             dyed
             in
             continual
             Contemplation
             on
             him
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             the
             Imperfection
             of
             our
             present
             state
             will
             admit
             .
             I
             have
             known
             them
             ,
             I
             do
             know
             them
             ,
             who
             call
             themselves
             unto
             a
             Reproof
             if
             at
             any
             time
             he
             hath
             been
             many
             minutes
             out
             of
             their
             Thoughts
             .
             And
             it
             is
             strange
             
             that
             it
             should
             be
             otherwise
             with
             them
             who
             
               love
               him
               in
               sincerity
            
             ;
             yet
             I
             wish
             I
             did
             not
             know
             more
             ,
             who
             give
             evidences
             that
             it
             is
             a
             
               rare
               thing
            
             for
             them
             to
             be
             exercised
             in
             serious
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             about
             him
             .
             Yea
             there
             are
             some
             who
             are
             not
             averse
             upon
             occasions
             to
             speak
             of
             God
             ,
             of
             Mercy
             ,
             of
             Pardon
             ,
             of
             his
             Power
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             who
             if
             you
             mention
             
               Christ
               unto
               them
            
             ,
             with
             any
             thing
             of
             Faith
             ,
             Love
             ,
             Trust
             in
             him
             ,
             they
             seem
             unto
             them
             as
             a
             strange
             thing
             .
             Few
             there
             are
             who
             are
             sensible
             of
             any
             Religion
             beyond
             what
             is
             natural
             .
             The
             things
             of
             the
             Wisdom
             and
             Power
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             are
             foolishness
             unto
             them
             .
             Take
             some
             Directions
             for
             the
             Discharge
             of
             this
             Duty
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             In
             your
             
               Thoughts
               of
               Christ
            
             be
             very
             careful
             that
             they
             are
             
               conceived
               and
               directed
               according
               to
               the
               Rule
               of
               the
               Word
               ,
            
             lest
             you
             deceive
             your
             own
             souls
             ,
             and
             give
             up
             the
             conduct
             of
             your
             Affections
             unto
             vain
             Imaginations
             .
             Spiritual
             Notions
             befalling
             carnal
             minds
             ,
             did
             once
             by
             the
             means
             of
             Superstition
             ruine
             the
             Power
             of
             Religion
             .
             A
             Conviction
             men
             had
             that
             they
             must
             
               think
               much
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             that
             this
             would
             make
             them
             conformable
             unto
             him
             ;
             but
             having
             no
             real
             
               Evangelical
               Faith
            
             ,
             nor
             the
             Wisdom
             of
             Faith
             to
             exercise
             it
             in
             their
             Thoughts
             and
             Affections
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             ,
             nor
             understanding
             what
             it
             was
             to
             be
             truely
             like
             unto
             him
             ,
             they
             gave
             up
             themselves
             unto
             many
             foolish
             Inventions
             and
             Imaginations
             ;
             by
             which
             they
             Thought
             to
             express
             their
             Love
             and
             conformity
             unto
             him
             .
             They
             would
             have
             Images
             of
             him
             which
             they
             would
             embrace
             ,
             adore
             ,
             and
             bedew
             with
             their
             tears
             .
             They
             would
             have
             Crucifixes
             as
             they
             called
             them
             ,
             which
             they
             would
             carry
             about
             them
             ,
             and
             wear
             next
             unto
             their
             hearts
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             resolved
             to
             lodge
             Christ
             alwayes
             in
             their
             bosoms
             .
             They
             would
             go
             in
             Pilgrimage
             to
             the
             place
             where
             he
             dyed
             and
             rose
             again
             ,
             through
             a
             
               thousand
               dangers
            
             ;
             and
             purchase
             a
             feigned
             
               Chip
               of
               a
               Tree
            
             whereon
             he
             suffered
             ,
             at
             the
             price
             of
             all
             they
             had
             in
             the
             world
             .
             They
             would
             endeavour
             by
             
               long
               Thoughtfulness
            
             ,
             Fastings
             and
             Watchings
             ,
             to
             cast
             their
             Souls
             into
             
             
               Raptures
               and
               Extasies
            
             ,
             wherein
             they
             fancied
             themselves
             in
             his
             Presence
             .
             They
             came
             at
             last
             to
             make
             themselves
             like
             him
             ,
             in
             getting
             
               impressions
               of
               wounds
            
             ,
             on
             their
             sides
             ,
             
               their
               hands
               and
               feet
            
             .
             Unto
             all
             these
             things
             and
             sundry
             others
             of
             an
             alike
             Nature
             and
             Tendency
             ,
             did
             Superstition
             abuse
             and
             corrupt
             the
             Minds
             of
             men
             ,
             from
             a
             pretence
             of
             a
             Principle
             of
             Truth
             ;
             For
             there
             is
             no
             more
             certain
             
               Gospel
               Truth
            
             than
             this
             ,
             that
             Believers
             ought
             continually
             to
             contemplate
             on
             Christ
             ,
             by
             the
             actings
             of
             Faith
             in
             their
             Thoughts
             and
             Affections
             ;
             and
             that
             thereby
             they
             are
             changed
             and
             transformed
             
               into
               his
               Image
            
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             3.18
             .
             And
             we
             are
             not
             to
             forego
             our
             Duty
             ,
             because
             other
             men
             have
             been
             mistaken
             in
             theirs
             ;
             nor
             part
             with
             
               practical
               fundamental
            
             Principles
             of
             Religion
             ,
             because
             they
             have
             been
             abused
             by
             Superstition
             .
             But
             we
             may
             see
             herein
             ,
             how
             dangerous
             it
             is
             to
             depart
             in
             any
             thing
             from
             the
             
               conduct
               of
               Scripture
               Light
               and
               Rule
               ,
            
             when
             for
             want
             thereof
             ,
             the
             best
             and
             most
             noble
             Endeavours
             of
             the
             minds
             of
             men
             ,
             even
             to
             
               love
               Christ
            
             and
             
               to
               be
               like
               unto
               him
            
             ,
             do
             issue
             in
             Provocations
             of
             the
             highest
             nature
             .
          
           
             Pray
             therefore
             that
             you
             may
             be
             kept
             unto
             the
             Truth
             in
             all
             things
             by
             a
             diligent
             Attendance
             unto
             the
             only
             Rule
             thereof
             ,
             and
             conscientious
             subjection
             of
             Soul
             unto
             the
             Authority
             of
             God
             in
             it
             .
             For
             we
             ought
             not
             to
             suffer
             our
             Affections
             to
             be
             entangled
             with
             the
             paint
             or
             Artificial
             Beauty
             of
             any
             way
             or
             means
             of
             giving
             our
             Love
             unto
             Christ
             ,
             which
             are
             not
             warranted
             by
             the
             Word
             of
             Truth
             .
             Yet
             I
             must
             say
             ,
             that
             I
             had
             rather
             be
             among
             them
             who
             in
             the
             actings
             of
             their
             Love
             and
             Affections
             unto
             Christ
             do
             fall
             into
             some
             irregularities
             and
             excesses
             in
             the
             manner
             of
             expressing
             it
             (
             provided
             their
             Worship
             of
             him
             be
             neither
             Superstitious
             nor
             Idolatrous
             )
             than
             among
             those
             who
             professing
             themselves
             to
             be
             Christians
             ,
             do
             almost
             disavow
             their
             having
             any
             Thoughts
             of
             or
             Affection
             unto
             the
             
               Person
               of
               Christ
            
             :
             But
             there
             is
             no
             need
             that
             we
             should
             foolishly
             run
             into
             either
             of
             these
             extreams
             .
             God
             hath
             
             in
             the
             Scripture
             sufficiently
             provided
             against
             them
             both
             .
             He
             hath
             both
             shewed
             us
             the
             Necessity
             of
             our
             
               diligent
               acting
               of
               Faith
               and
               Love
               on
               the
               Person
               of
               Christ
            
             ;
             and
             hath
             limited
             out
             the
             way
             and
             means
             whereby
             we
             may
             so
             do
             ;
             And
             let
             our
             Designs
             be
             what
             they
             will
             ,
             where
             in
             any
             thing
             we
             depart
             from
             his
             Prescriptions
             ,
             we
             are
             not
             under
             the
             conduct
             of
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             so
             are
             sure
             to
             lose
             all
             that
             we
             do
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             two
             things
             are
             required
             that
             we
             may
             thus
             
               think
               of
               Christ
               and
               Meditate
               on
               him
            
             according
             to
             the
             mind
             and
             will
             of
             God.
             (
             1.
             )
             That
             the
             
               means
               of
               bringing
               him
               to
               Mind
               ,
            
             be
             what
             God
             hath
             promised
             and
             appointed
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             That
             the
             
               continued
               Proposal
               of
               him
            
             as
             the
             Object
             of
             our
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             be
             of
             the
             same
             kind
             .
             For
             
               both
               these
               ends
            
             ,
             the
             superstitious
             minds
             of
             men
             invented
             the
             wayes
             of
             Images
             and
             Crucifixes
             ,
             with
             their
             Appurtenances
             before
             mentioned
             .
             And
             this
             rendred
             all
             their
             Devotion
             an
             Abomination
             .
             That
             which
             tends
             unto
             these
             ends
             among
             Believers
             ,
             is
             the
             
               Promise
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             ;
             and
             the
             
               Institutions
               of
               the
               Word
            
             .
             Would
             you
             then
             think
             of
             Christ
             as
             you
             ought
             ;
             take
             these
             two
             directions
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             Pray
             that
             the
             
               Holy
               Spirit
            
             may
             abide
             with
             you
             continually
             to
             mind
             you
             of
             him
             ,
             which
             he
             will
             do
             in
             all
             in
             whom
             he
             doth
             abide
             ;
             For
             it
             belongs
             unto
             his
             Office.
             (
             2.
             )
             For
             more
             fixed
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             ;
             take
             some
             express
             place
             of
             Scripture
             ,
             wherein
             he
             is
             set
             forth
             and
             proposed
             either
             in
             his
             Person
             ,
             Office
             ,
             or
             Grace
             unto
             you
             ,
             Gal.
             3.1
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             This
             Duty
             lyes
             at
             the
             Foundation
             of
             all
             that
             
               blessed
               communion
               and
               entercourse
            
             ,
             that
             is
             between
             Jesus
             Christ
             and
             the
             Souls
             of
             Believers
             .
             This
             I
             confess
             is
             despised
             by
             some
             and
             the
             very
             Notion
             of
             it
             esteemed
             ridiculous
             .
             But
             they
             do
             therein
             no
             less
             than
             renounce
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             turn
             the
             Lord
             Christ
             into
             an
             Idol
             ,
             that
             neither
             knoweth
             ,
             seeth
             ,
             nor
             heareth
             .
             But
             I
             speak
             unto
             them
             who
             are
             not
             utter
             strangers
             unto
             the
             
               Life
               of
               Faith
            
             ,
             who
             know
             
             not
             what
             Religion
             is
             ,
             unless
             they
             have
             real
             spiritual
             entercourse
             and
             communion
             with
             the
             Lord
             Christ
             thereby
             .
             Consider
             this
             therefore
             as
             it
             is
             in
             particular
             exemplified
             in
             the
             
               Book
               of
               Canticles
            
             .
             There
             is
             not
             one
             Instance
             of
             it
             to
             be
             found
             ,
             which
             doth
             not
             suppose
             a
             
               continual
               Thoughtfulness
               of
               him
            
             .
             And
             in
             answer
             unto
             them
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             actings
             of
             Faith
             and
             Love
             wherein
             he
             is
             delighted
             ,
             doth
             he
             by
             his
             Spirit
             insinuate
             into
             our
             Minds
             and
             Hearts
             ,
             a
             
               gracious
               sence
               of
               his
               own
               Love
               ,
            
             Kindness
             and
             Relation
             unto
             us
             .
             The
             great
             variety
             wherein
             these
             things
             are
             mutually
             carryed
             on
             between
             him
             and
             the
             Church
             ,
             the
             singular
             endearments
             which
             ensue
             thereon
             ,
             and
             blessed
             Estate
             in
             Rest
             and
             Complacency
             ,
             do
             make
             up
             the
             substance
             of
             that
             Holy
             Discourse
             .
             No
             Thoughts
             then
             of
             Christ
             ,
             proceeding
             from
             Faith
             ,
             accompanyed
             with
             Love
             and
             Delight
             ,
             shall
             be
             lost
             :
             They
             that
             sow
             this
             seed
             shall
             return
             with
             their
             sheaves
             ;
             Christ
             will
             meet
             them
             with
             
               gracious
               Intimations
            
             of
             his
             Acceptance
             of
             them
             ,
             delight
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             return
             a
             
               sense
               of
               his
               own
               Love
            
             unto
             them
             .
             He
             never
             will
             be
             ,
             he
             never
             was
             behind
             with
             any
             poor
             Soul
             in
             
               returns
               of
               Love.
            
             Those
             gracious
             and
             blessed
             Promises
             which
             he
             hath
             made
             of
             coming
             unto
             them
             that
             believe
             in
             him
             ,
             of
             
               making
               his
               abode
            
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             of
             supping
             with
             them
             ,
             all
             expressions
             of
             a
             Gracious
             Presence
             and
             intimate
             Communion
             ,
             do
             all
             depend
             on
             this
             duty
             .
             Wherefore
             we
             may
             consider
             three
             things
             concerning
             these
             
               Thoughts
               of
               Christ.
            
             (
             1.
             )
             That
             they
             are
             
               exceeding
               acceptable
               unto
               him
            
             ,
             as
             the
             best
             pledges
             of
             our
             Cordial
             Affection
             .
             Cant.
             2.14
             .
             
               O
               my
               Dove
               that
               art
               in
               the
               clefts
               of
               the
               Rock
               ,
               in
               the
               secret
               places
               of
               the
               stairs
               ,
               let
               me
               see
               thy
               countenance
               ,
               let
               me
               hear
               thy
               voice
               ;
               for
               sweet
               is
               thy
               voice
               ,
               and
               thy
               countenance
               is
               comely
               .
            
             When
             a
             Soul
             through
             manifold
             discouragements
             and
             despondencies
             withdraws
             ,
             and
             as
             it
             were
             
               hides
               it self
               from
               him
            
             ,
             he
             calleth
             to
             see
             a
             poor
             weeping
             ,
             blubbered
             face
             ,
             and
             to
             hear
             a
             
               broken
               voice
            
             ,
             that
             scarce
             goes
             beyond
             sighs
             and
             groans
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             These
             
             Thoughts
             are
             the
             only
             Means
             ,
             whereby
             we
             comply
             with
             the
             gracious
             intimations
             of
             his
             Love
             mentioned
             before
             .
             By
             them
             do
             we
             
               hear
               his
               Knocking
               ,
               know
               his
               Voice
               ,
            
             and
             
               open
               the
               door
            
             of
             our
             Hearts
             to
             give
             him
             entrance
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             abide
             and
             sup
             with
             us
             .
             Sometimes
             indeed
             the
             Soul
             is
             surprized
             into
             Acts
             of
             Gracious
             Communion
             with
             Christ
             ,
             Cant.
             6.11
             .
             But
             they
             are
             not
             to
             be
             expected
             unless
             we
             abide
             in
             those
             wayes
             and
             means
             which
             prepare
             and
             make
             our
             Souls
             meet
             for
             the
             Reception
             and
             entertainment
             of
             him
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             (
             3.
             )
             Our
             want
             of
             experience
             in
             the
             power
             of
             this
             
               Holy
               entercourse
            
             and
             communion
             with
             Christ
             ,
             ariseth
             principally
             from
             our
             Defect
             in
             this
             Duty
             .
             I
             have
             known
             one
             who
             after
             a
             long
             Profession
             of
             Faith
             and
             Holiness
             ,
             fell
             into
             great
             Darkness
             and
             distress
             ,
             meerly
             on
             this
             account
             ,
             that
             he
             did
             not
             
               experience
               in
               himself
            
             ,
             the
             Sweetness
             ,
             Life
             ,
             and
             Power
             of
             the
             Testimonies
             given
             concerning
             the
             
               real
               Communications
               of
               the
               Love
               of
               Christ
               unto
               ,
            
             and
             the
             intimation
             of
             his
             Presence
             with
             Believers
             .
             He
             knew
             well
             enough
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             it
             ,
             but
             did
             not
             
               feel
               the
               Power
            
             of
             it
             ;
             at
             least
             he
             understood
             there
             was
             more
             in
             it
             ,
             than
             he
             had
             experience
             of
             .
             God
             carryed
             him
             by
             Faith
             through
             that
             Darkness
             ;
             but
             taught
             him
             withal
             ,
             that
             no
             sence
             of
             these
             things
             was
             to
             be
             let
             into
             the
             Soul
             ,
             but
             by
             constant
             
               Thoughtfulness
               and
               Contemplations
               on
               Christ.
            
             How
             many
             blessed
             visits
             do
             we
             lose
             ,
             by
             not
             being
             exercised
             unto
             this
             Duty
             .
             See
             Cant.
             5.1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3.
             
             Sometimes
             we
             are
             busie
             ,
             sometimes
             careless
             and
             negligent
             ,
             sometimes
             slothful
             ,
             sometimes
             under
             the
             power
             of
             Temptations
             ,
             so
             that
             we
             neither
             enquire
             after
             ,
             nor
             are
             ready
             to
             receive
             them
             .
             This
             is
             not
             the
             way
             to
             have
             our
             Joyes
             abound
             .
          
           
             Again
             ,
             I
             speak
             now
             with
             especial
             respect
             unto
             
               him
               in
               Heaven
            
             .
             The
             Glory
             of
             his
             Presence
             as
             God
             and
             Man
             eternally
             united
             ,
             the
             Discharge
             of
             his
             Mediatory
             Office
             as
             he
             is
             at
             the
             right
             hand
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             Glory
             of
             his
             present
             acting
             for
             the
             Church
             ,
             as
             he
             is
             the
             Minister
             of
             
             the
             Sanctuary
             and
             the
             true
             Tabernacle
             which
             God
             hath
             fixed
             and
             not
             Man
             ,
             the
             Love
             ,
             Power
             and
             Efficacy
             of
             his
             Intercession
             ,
             whereby
             he
             takes
             care
             for
             the
             Accomplishment
             of
             the
             Salvation
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             the
             approach
             of
             his
             Glorious
             coming
             unto
             Judgment
             ,
             are
             to
             be
             the
             
               Objects
               of
               our
               daily
               Thoughts
               and
               Meditations
               .
            
          
           
             Let
             us
             not
             mistake
             our selves
             .
             To
             be
             spiritually
             minded
             is
             not
             to
             have
             the
             Notions
             and
             Knowledge
             of
             spiritual
             things
             in
             our
             minds
             ;
             it
             is
             not
             to
             be
             constant
             ,
             no
             not
             to
             abound
             in
             the
             performance
             of
             Duties
             ,
             both
             which
             may
             be
             where
             there
             is
             no
             Grace
             in
             the
             Heart
             at
             all
             .
             It
             is
             to
             have
             our
             Minds
             really
             exercised
             with
             delight
             about
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             the
             things
             that
             are
             above
             ,
             especially
             Christ
             himself
             as
             at
             the
             right
             hand
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             Again
             :
             
               So
               think
               of
               eternal
               things
               as
               continually
               to
               lay
               them
               in
               the
               Ballance
               against
               all
               the
               sufferings
               of
               this
               Life
               .
            
             This
             use
             of
             it
             I
             have
             spoken
             unto
             somewhat
             before
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             necessary
             it
             should
             be
             pressed
             upon
             all
             occasions
             .
             It
             is
             very
             probable
             that
             we
             shall
             
               yet
               suffer
            
             more
             than
             we
             have
             done
             .
             Those
             who
             have
             gone
             before
             us
             ,
             have
             done
             so
             ;
             it
             is
             foretold
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             that
             if
             we
             will
             
               live
               Godly
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               we
               must
               do
               so
            
             ;
             we
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             World
             is
             prepared
             to
             bring
             it
             on
             us
             .
             And
             as
             we
             
               must
               suffer
            
             ,
             so
             it
             is
             necessary
             unto
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             our
             own
             Salvation
             ,
             that
             we
             suffer
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             .
             
               Meer
               sufferings
            
             will
             neither
             commend
             us
             unto
             God
             ,
             nor
             any
             way
             advantage
             our
             own
             Souls
             .
             When
             we
             
               suffer
               acording
               to
               the
               will
               of
               God
               ,
            
             it
             is
             an
             eminent
             Grace
             ,
             Gift
             and
             Priviledge
             ,
             Psal.
             1.29
             .
             But
             many
             things
             are
             required
             hereunto
             .
             It
             is
             not
             enough
             that
             men
             suppose
             themselves
             to
             suffer
             for
             
               Conscience
               sake
            
             ,
             though
             if
             we
             do
             not
             so
             ,
             all
             our
             sufferings
             are
             in
             vain
             .
             Nor
             is
             it
             enough
             that
             we
             suffer
             for
             this
             or
             that
             
               way
               of
               Profession
            
             in
             Religion
             ,
             which
             we
             esteem
             to
             be
             true
             and
             according
             to
             the
             Mind
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             opposition
             unto
             what
             is
             not
             
             so
             .
             The
             
               Glory
               of
               Sufferings
            
             on
             these
             accounts
             solely
             ,
             hath
             been
             much
             sullied
             in
             the
             dayes
             wherein
             we
             live
             .
             It
             is
             evident
             that
             Persons
             out
             of
             a
             natural
             Courage
             ,
             accompanied
             with
             deep
             radicate
             perswasions
             ,
             and
             having
             their
             minds
             influenced
             with
             some
             sinister
             ends
             ,
             may
             
               undergo
               things
               hard
               and
               difficult
            
             ,
             in
             giving
             Testimony
             unto
             what
             is
             not
             according
             to
             the
             Mind
             of
             God.
             Examples
             we
             have
             had
             hereof
             in
             all
             Ages
             ,
             and
             in
             that
             wherein
             we
             live
             in
             an
             especial
             manner
             .
             See
             1
             Pet.
             4.14
             ,
             15
             ,
             16.
             
             We
             have
             had
             enough
             to
             take
             off
             all
             paint
             and
             appearance
             of
             Honour
             from
             them
             who
             in
             their
             
               sufferings
               are
               deceived
               in
               what
               they
               profess
               .
            
             But
             men
             may
             from
             the
             same
             Principles
             suffer
             for
             what
             is
             indeed
             according
             to
             the
             Mind
             of
             God
             ,
             yea
             may
             give
             their
             bodyes
             to
             be
             burned
             therein
             ,
             and
             yet
             not
             to
             his
             Glory
             nor
             their
             own
             eternal
             Advantage
             .
             Wherefore
             we
             are
             duely
             to
             consider
             all
             things
             that
             are
             requisite
             to
             make
             our
             sufferings
             acceptable
             unto
             God
             and
             honourable
             unto
             the
             Gospel
             .
          
           
             I
             have
             observed
             in
             many
             a
             frame
             of
             Spirit
             with
             respect
             unto
             sufferings
             ,
             that
             I
             never
             saw
             good
             event
             of
             when
             it
             was
             tryed
             to
             the
             uttermost
             .
             
               Boldness
               ,
               confidence
            
             ,
             a
             
               pretended
               contempt
               of
               hardships
            
             ,
             and
             scorning
             other
             men
             whom
             they
             suppose
             defective
             in
             these
             things
             ,
             are
             the
             Garments
             or
             Livery
             they
             wear
             on
             this
             Occasion
             .
             Such
             Principles
             may
             carry
             men
             out
             in
             a
             bad
             Cause
             ,
             they
             will
             never
             do
             so
             in
             a
             
               good
               .
               Evangelical
               Truth
            
             will
             not
             be
             honourably
             witnessed
             unto
             ,
             but
             by
             
               Evangelical
               Graces
            
             .
             Distrust
             of
             our selves
             ,
             a
             due
             apprehension
             of
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             evils
             to
             be
             undergone
             ,
             and
             of
             our
             own
             frailty
             ,
             with
             continual
             Prayers
             to
             be
             delivered
             from
             them
             ,
             or
             supported
             under
             them
             ,
             and
             prudent
             care
             to
             avoid
             them
             without
             an
             
               inroad
               on
               conscience
            
             ,
             or
             neglect
             of
             Duty
             ,
             are
             much
             better
             preparations
             for
             an
             entrance
             into
             a
             state
             of
             Suffering
             .
             Many
             things
             belong
             unto
             our
             
               Learning
               aright
            
             this
             first
             and
             last
             Lesson
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             namely
             ,
             of
             
               bearing
               the
               Cross
            
             ,
             or
             undergoing
             all
             sorts
             of
             sufferings
             for
             
             the
             Profession
             of
             it
             .
             But
             they
             belong
             not
             unto
             our
             present
             Occasion
             .
             This
             only
             is
             that
             which
             we
             now
             press
             ,
             as
             an
             evidence
             of
             our
             sincerity
             in
             our
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             an
             effectual
             means
             to
             enable
             us
             chearfully
             to
             undergo
             them
             ,
             which
             is
             to
             have
             such
             a
             continual
             
               prospect
               of
               the
               future
               state
               of
               Glory
               ,
            
             so
             as
             to
             lay
             it
             in
             the
             Ballance
             against
             all
             that
             we
             may
             undergo
             .
             For
             ,
          
           
             (
             1.
             )
             To
             have
             our
             Minds
             filled
             and
             possessed
             with
             Thoughts
             thereof
             ,
             will
             give
             us
             an
             Alacrity
             in
             our
             entrance
             into
             sufferings
             in
             a
             way
             of
             Duty
             .
             Other
             considerations
             will
             offer
             themselves
             unto
             our
             Relief
             ,
             which
             will
             quickly
             fade
             and
             disappear
             .
             They
             are
             like
             a
             
               Cordial
               Water
            
             which
             gives
             a
             little
             Relief
             for
             a
             Season
             ,
             and
             then
             leaves
             the
             Spirits
             to
             sink
             beneath
             what
             they
             were
             before
             it
             was
             taken
             .
             Some
             relieve
             themselves
             from
             the
             consideration
             of
             the
             
               Nature
               of
               their
               Sufferings
            
             ;
             they
             are
             not
             so
             great
             ,
             but
             that
             they
             may
             conflict
             with
             them
             and
             come
             off
             with
             safety
             .
             But
             there
             is
             nothing
             of
             that
             kind
             
               so
               small
            
             ,
             which
             will
             not
             prove
             too
             
               hard
               and
               strong
            
             for
             us
             ,
             unless
             we
             have
             especial
             Assistance
             .
             Some
             do
             the
             same
             from
             their
             Duration
             ;
             they
             are
             but
             for
             
               ten
               dayes
            
             or
             
               six
               months
            
             ,
             and
             then
             they
             shall
             be
             free
             .
             Some
             from
             the
             Compassion
             and
             esteem
             of
             Men.
             These
             and
             the
             like
             considerations
             are
             apt
             to
             occur
             unto
             the
             minds
             of
             all
             sorts
             of
             Persons
             ,
             whether
             they
             are
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             or
             no.
             But
             when
             our
             Minds
             are
             accustomed
             unto
             Thoughts
             of
             the
             
               Glory
               that
               shall
               be
               revealed
            
             ,
             we
             shall
             chearfully
             entertain
             every
             way
             and
             path
             that
             leads
             thereunto
             ;
             as
             suffering
             for
             the
             Truth
             doth
             in
             a
             peculiar
             manner
             .
             Through
             this
             Medium
             we
             may
             look
             chearfully
             and
             comfortably
             ,
             on
             the
             loss
             of
             Name
             ,
             Reputation
             ,
             Goods
             ,
             Liberty
             ,
             Life
             it self
             ;
             
               as
               knowing
               in
               our selves
               that
               we
               have
               better
               and
               more
               abiding
               comforts
            
             to
             betake
             our selves
             unto
             .
             And
             we
             can
             no
             other
             way
             glorify
             God
             by
             our
             Alacrity
             in
             the
             entrance
             of
             sufferings
             ,
             than
             when
             it
             ariseth
             from
             a
             prospect
             into
             and
             valuation
             of
             those
             invisible
             things
             which
             he
             hath
             
             promised
             ,
             as
             an
             
               abundant
               Recompence
            
             for
             all
             we
             can
             lose
             in
             this
             world
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             great
             Aggravation
             of
             Sufferings
             is
             their
             
               long
               continuance
            
             ,
             without
             any
             rational
             Appearance
             or
             hopes
             of
             Relief
             .
             Many
             who
             have
             
               entred
               into
               Sufferings
            
             with
             much
             Courage
             and
             Resolution
             ,
             have
             been
             
               wearied
               and
               worn
               out
            
             with
             their
             continuance
             .
             Elijah
             himself
             was
             hereby
             reduced
             to
             pray
             that
             God
             would
             
               take
               away
               his
               Life
            
             ,
             to
             put
             an
             end
             unto
             his
             Ministry
             and
             Calamities
             .
             And
             not
             a
             few
             in
             all
             Ages
             have
             been
             hereby
             so
             
               broken
               in
               their
               natural
               Spirits
            
             ,
             and
             so
             shaken
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             Faith
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             have
             lost
             the
             Glory
             of
             their
             Confession
             ,
             in
             seeking
             deliverance
             by
             
               sinful
               compliances
            
             in
             the
             denial
             of
             the
             Truth
             .
             And
             although
             this
             may
             be
             done
             out
             of
             meer
             weariness
             ,
             (
             as
             it
             is
             the
             Design
             of
             Sathan
             
               to
               wear
               out
               the
               Saints
               of
               the
               most
               High
            
             )
             with
             reluctance
             of
             Mind
             ,
             and
             a
             Love
             yet
             remaining
             unto
             the
             Truth
             in
             their
             Hearts
             ,
             yet
             hath
             it
             constantly
             one
             of
             these
             two
             Effects
             .
             Some
             by
             the
             overwhelming
             sorrow
             that
             befalls
             them
             on
             the
             account
             of
             their
             failure
             in
             Profession
             ,
             and
             out
             of
             a
             deep
             sense
             of
             their
             unkindness
             unto
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             are
             stirred
             up
             immediately
             unto
             
               higher
               Acts
               of
               confession
            
             than
             ever
             they
             were
             before
             ingaged
             in
             ,
             and
             unto
             an
             
               higher
               Provocation
            
             of
             their
             Adversaries
             ,
             untill
             their
             former
             troubles
             are
             doubled
             upon
             them
             ,
             which
             they
             frequently
             undergo
             with
             great
             satisfaction
             .
             Instances
             of
             this
             nature
             occurr
             in
             all
             stories
             of
             great
             Persecutions
             .
             Others
             being
             cowed
             and
             discouraged
             in
             their
             Profession
             ,
             and
             perhaps
             neglected
             by
             them
             whose
             Duty
             it
             was
             rather
             to
             
               restore
               them
            
             ,
             have
             by
             the
             craft
             of
             Sathan
             given
             place
             to
             their
             Declensions
             ,
             and
             become
             vile
             Apostates
             .
             To
             prevent
             these
             evils
             arising
             from
             the
             
               Duration
               of
               sufferings
            
             without
             a
             prospect
             of
             Deliverance
             ,
             nothing
             is
             more
             prevalent
             than
             a
             constant
             Contemplation
             on
             the
             future
             Reward
             and
             Glory
             .
             So
             the
             Apostle
             declares
             it
             ;
             Heb.
             11.35
             .
             When
             the
             Mind
             is
             filled
             with
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             
             the
             unseen
             Glories
             of
             Eternity
             ,
             it
             hath
             in
             readiness
             what
             to
             lay
             in
             the
             Ballance
             against
             the
             longest
             continuance
             and
             Duration
             of
             sufferings
             ,
             which
             in
             comparison
             thereunto
             at
             their
             utmost
             extent
             are
             but
             for
             a
             Moment
             .
          
           
             I
             have
             insisted
             the
             longer
             on
             these
             things
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             the
             peculiar
             Object
             of
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             them
             that
             are
             indeed
             Spiritually
             minded
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VIII
             .
          
           
             
               
                 Spiritual
                 Thoughts
                 of
                 God
                 himself
                 .
                 The
                 Opposition
                 unto
                 them
                 and
                 Neglect
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 with
                 their
                 Causes
                 and
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 their
                 Prevalency
                 .
                 Predominant
                 Corruptions
                 expelling
                 due
                 Thoughts
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 how
                 to
                 be
                 discovered
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
               
                 Thoughts
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 of
                 what
                 nature
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 they
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 accompanyed
                 withal
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             I
             Have
             spoken
             very
             briefly
             unto
             the
             first
             particular
             Instance
             of
             the
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             to
             fix
             our
             Thoughts
             upon
             ,
             namely
             ,
             the
             Person
             of
             Christ.
             And
             I
             have
             done
             it
             on
             the
             Reason
             before
             mentioned
             ,
             namely
             ,
             that
             I
             intend
             a
             peculiar
             Treatise
             on
             that
             subject
             ,
             or
             and
             Enquiry
             how
             we
             may
             behold
             the
             Glory
             of
             Christ
             in
             this
             Life
             ,
             and
             how
             we
             shall
             do
             so
             unto
             Eternity
             .
             That
             which
             I
             have
             reserved
             unto
             the
             last
             place
             as
             unto
             the
             exercise
             of
             their
             Thoughts
             about
             ,
             who
             are
             
               Spiritually
               Minded
            
             ,
             is
             that
             which
             is
             the
             absolute
             Foundation
             and
             Spring
             of
             all
             spiritual
             things
             ;
             namely
             ,
             
               God
               himself
            
             .
             He
             is
             the
             Fountain
             whence
             all
             these
             things
             proceed
             ,
             and
             the
             Ocean
             wherein
             they
             issue
             ;
             He
             is
             their
             Center
             and
             Circumference
             wherein
             they
             all
             begin
             ,
             meet
             and
             end
             .
             So
             the
             Apostle
             issues
             his
             profound
             Discourse
             of
             the
             Councels
             of
             
             the
             Divine
             Will
             and
             Mysteries
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             Rom.
             11.36
             .
             
               Of
               him
               ,
               and
               through
               him
               ,
               and
               to
               him
               are
               all
               things
               ,
               to
               whom
               be
               Glory
               for
               ever
               .
            
             All
             things
             arise
             from
             his
             Power
             ,
             are
             all
             disposed
             by
             his
             Wisdom
             into
             a
             tendency
             unto
             his
             Glory
             ;
             
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               through
               him
               ,
               and
               to
               him
               are
               all
               things
               .
            
             Under
             that
             consideration
             alone
             are
             they
             to
             be
             the
             Objects
             of
             our
             Spiritual
             Meditations
             ,
             namely
             ,
             as
             they
             
               come
               from
               him
            
             ,
             and
             
               tend
               unto
               him
            
             .
             All
             other
             things
             are
             finite
             and
             limited
             ;
             But
             they
             begin
             and
             end
             in
             that
             which
             is
             immense
             and
             infinite
             .
             So
             
               God
               is
               All
               in
               All.
            
             He
             therefore
             is
             or
             ought
             to
             be
             the
             only
             Supream
             absolute
             Object
             of
             our
             Thoughts
             and
             Desires
             ;
             other
             things
             are
             from
             and
             for
             him
             only
             .
             Where
             our
             Thoughts
             do
             not
             either
             immediately
             and
             directly
             ,
             or
             mediately
             and
             by
             just
             consequence
             tend
             unto
             and
             End
             in
             him
             ,
             they
             are
             not
             Spiritual
             ,
             1.
             
             Pet.
             1.21
             .
          
           
             To
             make
             way
             for
             Directions
             how
             to
             
               exercise
               our
               Thoughts
               on
               God
               himself
               ,
            
             some
             things
             must
             be
             premised
             concerning
             a
             sinful
             defect
             herein
             ,
             with
             the
             Causes
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             It
             is
             the
             great
             Character
             of
             a
             Man
             presumptuously
             and
             flagitiously
             wicked
             ,
             that
             
               God
               is
               not
               in
               all
               his
               Thoughts
               ,
               Psal.
            
             10.4
             .
             That
             is
             ,
             
               he
               is
               in
               none
               of
               them
               .
            
             And
             of
             this
             want
             of
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             there
             are
             many
             Degrees
             ;
             for
             all
             wicked
             men
             are
             not
             equally
             so
             forgetful
             of
             him
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Some
             are
             under
             the
             power
             of
             
               Atheistical
               Thoughts
            
             :
             They
             deny
             ,
             or
             question
             ,
             or
             do
             not
             avowedly
             acknowledge
             the
             very
             
               Being
               of
               God.
            
             This
             is
             the
             height
             of
             what
             the
             
               enmity
               of
               the
               carnal
               Mind
            
             can
             rise
             unto
             .
             To
             acknowledge
             God
             ,
             and
             yet
             to
             refuse
             to
             be
             
               subject
               to
               his
               Law
               or
               Will
               ,
            
             a
             Man
             would
             think
             were
             as
             bad
             if
             not
             worse
             ,
             than
             to
             
               deny
               the
               Being
               of
            
             God.
             But
             it
             is
             not
             so
             .
             That
             is
             a
             Rebellion
             against
             his
             Authority
             ,
             this
             and
             Hatred
             unto
             the
             
               only
               Fountain
               of
               all
               Goodness
               ,
               Truth
               and
               Being
            
             ;
             and
             that
             because
             they
             cannot
             own
             it
             ,
             but
             withal
             they
             must
             acknowledge
             it
             to
             be
             infinitely
             righteous
             ,
             holy
             and
             powerful
             ,
             
             which
             would
             destroy
             all
             their
             desires
             and
             security
             .
             Such
             may
             be
             the
             Person
             in
             the
             Psalm
             ;
             for
             the
             words
             may
             be
             read
             ,
             
               All
               his
               Thoughts
               are
               that
               there
               is
               no
               God.
            
             Howbeit
             the
             Context
             describes
             him
             as
             one
             who
             rather
             
               despiseth
               his
               Providence
            
             ,
             than
             denyeth
             his
             Being
             .
             But
             such
             there
             are
             whom
             the
             same
             Psalmist
             elsewhere
             brands
             for
             Fools
             ,
             though
             themselves
             seem
             to
             suppose
             that
             Wisdom
             was
             born
             and
             will
             dye
             with
             them
             ,
             Psal.
             14.1
             .
             Psal.
             53.1
             .
          
           
             It
             may
             be
             never
             any
             Age
             since
             the
             Flood
             ,
             did
             more
             abound
             with
             
               open
               Atheism
            
             ,
             among
             such
             as
             pretended
             unto
             the
             use
             and
             improvement
             of
             Reason
             ,
             than
             that
             wherein
             we
             live
             .
             Among
             the
             ancient
             civilized
             Heathen
             ,
             we
             hear
             ever
             and
             anon
             of
             a
             person
             
               branded
               for
               an
               Atheist
            
             ;
             yet
             are
             not
             certain
             whether
             it
             was
             done
             justly
             or
             no.
             But
             in
             all
             Nations
             of
             Europe
             at
             this
             day
             ,
             Cities
             ,
             Courts
             ,
             Towns
             ,
             Fields
             ,
             Armies
             ,
             abound
             with
             Persons
             ,
             who
             if
             any
             credit
             may
             be
             given
             unto
             what
             they
             say
             or
             do
             ,
             
               believe
               not
               that
               there
               is
               a
               God.
            
             And
             the
             Reason
             hereof
             may
             be
             a
             little
             enquired
             into
             .
          
           
             Now
             this
             is
             no
             other
             in
             general
             ,
             but
             that
             men
             have
             decocted
             and
             wasted
             the
             
               Light
               and
               Power
            
             of
             Christian
             Religion
             .
             It
             is
             the
             fullest
             Revelation
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             ever
             he
             made
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             last
             that
             ever
             he
             will
             make
             in
             this
             World.
             If
             this
             be
             despised
             ,
             if
             men
             rebell
             against
             the
             Light
             of
             it
             ,
             if
             they
             break
             the
             Cords
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             are
             senseless
             of
             its
             Power
             ,
             nothing
             can
             preserve
             them
             from
             the
             
               highest
               Atheism
            
             that
             the
             nature
             of
             man
             is
             capable
             of
             .
             It
             is
             in
             vain
             to
             expect
             Relief
             or
             Preservation
             from
             inferior
             means
             ,
             where
             the
             highest
             and
             most
             Noble
             is
             rejected
             .
             Reason
             or
             the
             Light
             of
             Nature
             gives
             Evidences
             unto
             the
             being
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             Arguments
             are
             still
             well
             pleaded
             from
             them
             to
             the
             confusion
             of
             Atheists
             .
             And
             they
             were
             sufficient
             to
             retain
             men
             in
             an
             Acknowledgment
             of
             the
             
               Divine
               Power
               and
               Godhead
            
             ,
             who
             had
             no
             other
             ,
             no
             higher
             Evidences
             of
             them
             .
             But
             where
             men
             have
             had
             the
             
             Benefit
             of
             Divine
             Revelation
             ,
             where
             they
             have
             been
             Educated
             in
             the
             Principles
             of
             Christian
             Religion
             ,
             have
             had
             some
             Knowledge
             ,
             and
             made
             some
             Profession
             of
             them
             ;
             and
             have
             through
             the
             Love
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             hatred
             of
             every
             thing
             that
             is
             truely
             good
             ,
             rejected
             all
             Convictions
             from
             them
             concerning
             the
             
               Being
               ,
               Power
            
             and
             Rule
             of
             God
             ,
             they
             will
             not
             be
             kept
             unto
             a
             Confession
             of
             them
             ,
             by
             any
             considerations
             that
             the
             Light
             of
             nature
             can
             suggest
             .
          
           
             There
             are
             therefore
             among
             others
             ,
             
               three
               Reasons
            
             why
             there
             are
             
               more
               Atheists
            
             among
             them
             who
             live
             where
             the
             Christian
             Religion
             is
             professed
             ,
             and
             the
             Power
             of
             it
             rejected
             ,
             than
             among
             any
             other
             sort
             of
             men
             ,
             even
             than
             there
             were
             among
             the
             Heathens
             themselves
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             God
             hath
             designed
             to
             
               magnifie
               his
               Word
               above
               all
               his
               Name
               ,
            
             or
             all
             other
             wayes
             of
             the
             Revelation
             of
             himself
             unto
             the
             Children
             of
             Men
             ,
             Psal.
             138.2
             .
             Where
             therefore
             this
             is
             rejected
             and
             despised
             ,
             he
             will
             not
             give
             the
             Honour
             unto
             Reason
             or
             the
             Light
             of
             Nature
             ,
             that
             they
             shall
             preserve
             the
             Minds
             of
             men
             from
             any
             evil
             whatever
             .
             Reason
             shall
             not
             have
             the
             same
             Power
             and
             Efficacy
             on
             the
             Minds
             of
             men
             ,
             who
             reject
             the
             Light
             and
             Power
             of
             Divine
             Revelation
             by
             the
             Word
             ;
             as
             it
             hath
             ,
             or
             may
             have
             on
             them
             whose
             best
             guide
             it
             is
             ,
             who
             never
             enjoyed
             the
             
               Light
               of
               the
               Gospel
            
             .
             And
             therefore
             there
             is
             oft
             times
             more
             
               common
               Honesty
            
             among
             
               civilized
               Heathens
            
             and
             Mahumetans
             than
             amongst
             degenerate
             Christians
             .
             And
             from
             the
             same
             Reason
             the
             Children
             of
             Professors
             are
             sometimes
             irrecoverably
             profligate
             .
             It
             will
             be
             said
             ,
             many
             are
             recovered
             unto
             God
             by
             Afflictions
             ,
             who
             have
             despised
             the
             Word
             .
             But
             it
             is
             otherwise
             ;
             never
             any
             were
             converted
             unto
             God
             by
             Afflictions
             who
             had
             rejected
             the
             Word
             .
             Men
             may
             by
             Afflictions
             be
             recalled
             unto
             the
             
               Light
               of
               the
               Word
            
             ,
             but
             none
             are
             immediately
             turned
             unto
             God
             by
             them
             .
             As
             a
             good
             Shepheard
             ,
             when
             a
             Sheep
             wanders
             from
             the
             Flock
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             hear
             his
             call
             ,
             sends
             out
             his
             Dog
             ,
             which
             stops
             him
             and
             bites
             him
             .
             Hereon
             
             he
             looks
             about
             him
             ,
             and
             hearing
             the
             call
             of
             the
             Shepheard
             returns
             again
             to
             the
             Flock
             ,
             Job
             33.19
             ,
             20
             ,
             21
             ,
             22
             ,
             23
             ,
             24
             ,
             25.
             
             But
             with
             this
             sort
             of
             Persons
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             way
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             where
             the
             principal
             means
             of
             the
             Revelation
             of
             himself
             ,
             and
             wherein
             he
             doth
             most
             glorifie
             his
             Wisdom
             and
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             is
             despised
             ,
             he
             will
             not
             only
             take
             off
             the
             Efficacy
             of
             inferior
             means
             ,
             but
             judicially
             harden
             the
             Hearts
             and
             blind
             the
             Eyes
             of
             men
             ,
             that
             such
             means
             shall
             be
             of
             no
             use
             unto
             them
             .
             See
             Isa.
             6.8
             ,
             9
             ,
             10
             ,
             11
             ,
             12.
             
             Acts
             13
             ,
             40
             ,
             41.
             
             Rom.
             1.21
             ,
             28.
             2
             
             Thes.
             2.11
             ,
             12.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             Contempt
             of
             Gospel
             Light
             and
             Christian
             Religion
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             supernatural
             ,
             (
             which
             is
             the
             Beginning
             of
             Transgression
             unto
             all
             Atheists
             among
             us
             ,
             )
             begets
             in
             ,
             and
             leaves
             on
             the
             mind
             such
             a
             
               depraved
               ,
               corrupt
               habit
            
             ,
             such
             a
             Congeries
             of
             all
             Evils
             ,
             that
             the
             Hatred
             of
             the
             Goodness
             ,
             Wisdom
             and
             Grace
             of
             God
             can
             produce
             ;
             that
             it
             cannot
             but
             be
             wholly
             inclined
             unto
             the
             worst
             of
             Evils
             ,
             as
             all
             our
             Original
             vitious
             Inclinations
             succeeded
             immediately
             on
             our
             rejection
             and
             loss
             of
             the
             Image
             of
             God.
             The
             best
             things
             corrupted
             ,
             yeild
             the
             worst
             Savour
             ;
             as
             
               Manna
               stank
               and
               bred
               worms
            
             .
             The
             Knowledge
             of
             the
             Gospel
             being
             rejected
             ,
             
               stinking
               Worms
            
             take
             the
             place
             of
             it
             in
             the
             Mind
             ,
             which
             grow
             into
             Vipers
             and
             Scorpions
             .
             Every
             Degree
             of
             Apostacy
             from
             Gospel-Truth
             ,
             brings
             in
             a
             proportionate
             Degree
             of
             inclination
             unto
             wickedness
             into
             the
             Hearts
             and
             Minds
             of
             men
             ,
             2
             Pet.
             2.21
             .
             And
             that
             which
             is
             total
             ,
             unto
             all
             the
             evils
             that
             they
             are
             capable
             of
             in
             this
             world
             .
             Whereas
             therefore
             Multitudes
             from
             their
             Darkness
             ,
             Unbelief
             ,
             Temptation
             ,
             Love
             of
             Sin
             ,
             Pride
             and
             contempt
             of
             God
             ,
             do
             fall
             off
             from
             all
             subjection
             of
             Soul
             and
             Conscience
             unto
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             either
             notionally
             or
             practically
             ,
             deriding
             or
             despising
             all
             supernatural
             Revelations
             ;
             they
             are
             a
             thousand
             times
             more
             disposed
             unto
             
               down-right
               Atheism
            
             ,
             than
             Persons
             who
             never
             had
             the
             Light
             or
             Benefit
             of
             such
             Revelations
             .
             Take
             
             heed
             of
             Decayes
             .
             Whatever
             Ground
             the
             Gospel
             loseth
             in
             our
             Minds
             ,
             Sin
             possesseth
             it
             for
             it self
             and
             its
             own
             Ends.
             
          
           
             Let
             none
             say
             ,
             it
             is
             
               otherwise
               with
               them
            
             .
             Men
             grow
             Cold
             and
             Negligent
             in
             the
             Duties
             of
             Gospel
             Worship
             ,
             publick
             and
             private
             ;
             which
             is
             to
             reject
             Gospel
             Light.
             Let
             them
             say
             and
             pretend
             what
             they
             please
             ,
             that
             in
             
               other
               things
            
             ,
             in
             their
             Minds
             and
             Conversations
             ,
             it
             is
             well
             with
             them
             ;
             indeed
             it
             is
             not
             so
             .
             Sin
             will
             ,
             sin
             doth
             one
             way
             or
             other
             ,
             make
             an
             encrease
             in
             them
             proportionate
             unto
             these
             Decayes
             ;
             and
             will
             sooner
             or
             later
             discover
             it self
             so
             to
             do
             .
             And
             themselves
             if
             they
             are
             not
             utterly
             hardened
             ,
             may
             greatly
             discover
             it
             ,
             inwardly
             in
             their
             Peace
             ,
             or
             outwardly
             in
             their
             Lives
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Where
             Men
             are
             
               resolved
               not
               to
               see
            
             ,
             the
             greater
             the
             Light
             is
             that
             shines
             about
             them
             ,
             the
             faster
             they
             must
             
               close
               they
               Eyes
            
             .
             All
             Atheism
             springs
             from
             a
             Resolution
             not
             to
             see
             things
             invisible
             and
             Eternal
             .
             Love
             of
             sin
             ,
             a
             resolved
             continuance
             in
             the
             practice
             of
             it
             ,
             the
             effectual
             Power
             of
             vitious
             Inclinations
             ,
             in
             opposition
             unto
             all
             that
             is
             Good
             ,
             make
             it
             the
             Interest
             of
             such
             men
             that
             there
             should
             be
             no
             God
             to
             call
             them
             to
             an
             account
             .
             For
             a
             Supream
             unavoidable
             Judge
             ,
             an
             Eternal
             Rewarder
             of
             Good
             and
             Evil
             ,
             is
             inseparable
             from
             the
             first
             notion
             of
             a
             
               Divine
               Being
            
             .
             Whereas
             therefore
             the
             most
             glorious
             Light
             and
             uncontroulable
             Evidence
             of
             these
             things
             shines
             forth
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             men
             that
             will
             abide
             by
             their
             interest
             to
             love
             and
             live
             in
             sin
             ,
             must
             close
             their
             Eyes
             with
             all
             the
             Arts
             and
             Powers
             that
             they
             have
             ,
             or
             else
             they
             will
             pierce
             into
             their
             Minds
             unto
             their
             Torment
             .
             This
             they
             do
             by
             
               down-right
               Atheism
            
             ,
             which
             alone
             pretends
             to
             give
             them
             security
             against
             the
             Light
             of
             Divine
             Revelation
             .
             Against
             all
             other
             convictions
             ,
             they
             might
             take
             shelter
             from
             their
             ,
             fears
             ,
             under
             less
             degrees
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             not
             therefore
             unto
             the
             Disparagement
             but
             
               honour
               of
               the
               Gospel
            
             ,
             that
             so
             many
             avow
             themselves
             to
             be
             
             Atheists
             ,
             in
             those
             places
             wherein
             the
             Truth
             of
             it
             is
             known
             and
             professed
             .
             For
             none
             can
             have
             the
             least
             Inclination
             or
             Temptation
             thereunto
             ,
             untill
             they
             have
             before
             hand
             
               rejected
               the
               Gospel
            
             ,
             which
             immediately
             exposeth
             them
             unto
             the
             worst
             of
             Evils
             .
          
           
             Nor
             is
             there
             any
             
               means
               for
               the
               Recovery
               of
               such
               Persons
               .
            
             The
             Opposition
             that
             hath
             been
             made
             unto
             Atheism
             with
             Arguments
             for
             the
             
               Divine
               Being
               and
               Existence
            
             of
             God
             ,
             taken
             from
             Reason
             and
             natural
             Light
             ,
             in
             this
             and
             other
             Ages
             ,
             hath
             been
             of
             good
             use
             to
             cast
             contempt
             on
             the
             pretences
             of
             evil
             men
             ,
             to
             justifie
             themselves
             in
             their
             folly
             .
             But
             that
             they
             have
             so
             much
             as
             
               changed
               the
               Minds
            
             of
             any
             ,
             I
             much
             doubt
             .
             No
             man
             is
             under
             the
             power
             of
             
               Atheistical
               Thoughts
            
             ,
             or
             can
             be
             so
             long
             ,
             but
             he
             that
             is
             insnared
             into
             them
             by
             his
             desire
             to
             live
             securely
             and
             uncontroulably
             in
             sin
             .
             Such
             Persons
             know
             it
             to
             be
             their
             Interest
             ,
             that
             there
             should
             be
             no
             God
             ,
             and
             are
             willing
             to
             take
             shelter
             under
             the
             bold
             Expressions
             and
             Reasonings
             of
             them
             ,
             who
             by
             the
             same
             means
             have
             hardened
             and
             blinded
             their
             minds
             into
             such
             foolish
             Thoughts
             .
             But
             the
             most
             
               rational
               Arguments
            
             for
             the
             Being
             of
             the
             Deity
             ,
             will
             never
             prove
             an
             effectual
             cure
             unto
             a
             predominant
             Love
             of
             ,
             and
             habitual
             course
             in
             sin
             ,
             in
             them
             who
             have
             resisted
             and
             rejected
             the
             Means
             and
             Motives
             unto
             that
             End
             declared
             in
             divine
             Revelation
             .
             And
             unless
             the
             Love
             of
             sin
             be
             cured
             in
             the
             Heart
             ,
             Thoughts
             in
             the
             Acknowledgment
             of
             God
             ,
             will
             not
             be
             fixed
             in
             the
             Mind
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             There
             are
             those
             of
             whom
             also
             it
             may
             be
             said
             ,
             
               that
               God
               is
               not
               in
               all
               their
               Thaughts
               ,
            
             though
             they
             acknowledge
             his
             
               Essence
               and
               Being
            
             .
             For
             they
             are
             not
             practically
             influenced
             in
             any
             thing
             by
             the
             Notions
             they
             have
             of
             him
             .
             Such
             is
             the
             Person
             of
             whom
             this
             is
             affirmed
             ;
             Psal.
             10.4
             .
             He
             is
             one
             who
             through
             
               Pride
               and
               Profligacy
            
             with
             hardness
             in
             sin
             ,
             
               regards
               not
               God
               in
               the
               Rule
               of
               the
               World
               ,
            
             ver
             .
             4
             ,
             5
             ,
             11
             ,
             13.
             
             Such
             is
             the
             world
             filled
             
             withal
             at
             this
             day
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             described
             ,
             Tit.
             1.16
             .
             
               They
               profess
               that
               they
               know
               God
               ,
               but
               in
               their
               Works
               deny
               him
               ,
               being
               abominable
               and
               disobedient
               ,
               and
               to
               every
               good
               work
               Reprobate
               .
            
             They
             think
             ,
             they
             live
             ,
             they
             act
             in
             all
             things
             as
             if
             there
             were
             no
             God
             ,
             at
             least
             as
             if
             they
             never
             thought
             of
             him
             with
             fear
             and
             Reverence
             .
             And
             for
             the
             most
             part
             we
             need
             not
             seek
             far
             for
             Evidences
             of
             their
             disregard
             of
             God
             ;
             the
             
               Pride
               of
               their
               countenances
               testify
               against
               them
               ,
               Psal.
            
             10.4
             .
             And
             if
             they
             are
             followed
             further
             ,
             cursed
             Oaths
             ,
             Licentiousness
             of
             Life
             ,
             and
             hatred
             of
             all
             that
             is
             Good
             ,
             will
             confirm
             and
             Evidence
             the
             same
             .
             Such
             as
             these
             may
             
               own
               God
               in
               words
            
             ,
             may
             be
             
               afraid
               of
               him
               in
               dangers
            
             ,
             may
             attend
             outwardly
             on
             his
             Worship
             ;
             but
             they
             
               think
               not
               of
               God
               at
               all
            
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             ;
             he
             is
             not
             in
             all
             their
             Thoughts
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             There
             are
             yet
             less
             Degrees
             of
             this
             disregard
             of
             God
             and
             forgetfulness
             of
             him
             .
             Some
             are
             so
             filled
             with
             
               Thoughts
               of
               the
               World
            
             ,
             and
             the
             Occasions
             of
             Life
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             impossible
             they
             should
             think
             of
             God
             as
             they
             ought
             .
             For
             as
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             Love
             of
             the
             World
             in
             prevalent
             Degrees
             are
             inconsistent
             ,
             (
             
               for
               if
               a
               man
               loveth
               this
               World
               ,
               how
               dwelleth
               the
               Love
               of
               God
               in
               him
               ?
            
             )
             so
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             and
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             in
             the
             like
             Degree
             are
             inconsistent
             .
             This
             is
             the
             state
             of
             many
             who
             yet
             would
             be
             esteemed
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             .
             They
             are
             continually
             conversant
             in
             their
             Minds
             about
             earthly
             things
             .
             Some
             things
             
               impose
               themselves
            
             on
             them
             under
             the
             Notion
             of
             Duty
             :
             They
             belong
             unto
             their
             Callings
             ,
             they
             must
             be
             attended
             unto
             .
             Some
             are
             suggested
             unto
             their
             Minds
             from
             daily
             occasions
             and
             occurrences
             .
             
               Common
               Converse
            
             in
             the
             world
             ingageth
             men
             into
             no
             other
             but
             wordly
             Thoughts
             :
             
               Love
               and
               desire
            
             of
             earthly
             things
             ,
             their
             enjoyment
             and
             encrease
             ,
             exhaust
             the
             vigour
             of
             their
             Spirits
             all
             the
             day
             long
             .
             In
             the
             midst
             of
             a
             multitude
             of
             Thoughts
             arising
             from
             these
             and
             the
             like
             occasions
             ,
             whilst
             their
             Hearts
             and
             Heads
             are
             reaking
             with
             
             the
             steam
             of
             them
             ,
             many
             fall
             immediately
             in
             their
             seasons
             unto
             the
             
               Performance
               of
               Holy
               Duties
            
             .
             Those
             times
             must
             suffice
             for
             Thoughts
             of
             God.
             But
             notwithstanding
             such
             Duties
             ,
             what
             through
             the
             want
             of
             a
             
               due
               preparation
            
             for
             them
             ,
             what
             through
             the
             fulness
             of
             their
             minds
             and
             Affections
             with
             other
             things
             ,
             and
             what
             through
             a
             
               neglect
               of
               Exercising
               Grace
            
             in
             them
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             said
             comparatively
             ,
             that
             
               God
               is
               not
               in
               all
               their
               Thoughts
               .
            
          
           
             I
             pray
             God
             ,
             that
             this
             ,
             at
             least
             
               as
               unto
               some
               Degrees
               of
               it
               ,
            
             be
             not
             the
             condition
             of
             many
             among
             us
             .
             I
             speak
             not
             now
             of
             men
             who
             visibly
             and
             openly
             live
             in
             sin
             ,
             profane
             in
             their
             Principles
             and
             profligate
             in
             their
             Lives
             .
             The
             Prayers
             of
             such
             Persons
             are
             an
             Abomination
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ;
             neither
             have
             they
             ever
             any
             Thoughts
             of
             him
             ,
             which
             he
             doth
             accept
             :
             But
             I
             speak
             of
             them
             who
             are
             sober
             in
             their
             Lives
             ,
             industrious
             in
             their
             Callings
             ,
             and
             not
             
               openly
               negligent
            
             about
             the
             outward
             Duties
             of
             Religion
             .
             Such
             men
             are
             apt
             to
             approve
             of
             themselves
             ,
             and
             others
             also
             to
             speak
             well
             of
             them
             ;
             for
             these
             things
             are
             in
             themselves
             commendable
             and
             praise-worthy
             .
             But
             if
             they
             are
             traced
             home
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             found
             as
             to
             many
             of
             them
             ,
             that
             
               God
               is
               not
               in
               all
               their
               Thoughts
            
             as
             he
             ought
             to
             be
             .
             Their
             Earthly
             Conversation
             ,
             their
             vain
             Communication
             ,
             with
             their
             foolish
             Designs
             ,
             do
             all
             manifest
             that
             the
             vigour
             of
             their
             spirits
             ,
             and
             most
             intense
             contrivances
             of
             their
             Minds
             ,
             are
             ingaged
             into
             things
             below
             .
             Some
             refuse
             ,
             transient
             ,
             unmanaged
             Thoughts
             are
             sometimes
             
               cast
               away
            
             on
             God
             ,
             which
             he
             despiseth
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Where
             Persons
             do
             
               cherish
               secret
               predominant
               Lusts
               in
               their
               hearts
               and
               lives
               ,
            
             God
             is
             not
             in
             their
             Thoughts
             as
             he
             ought
             to
             be
             .
             He
             may
             be
             ,
             he
             often
             is
             much
             in
             the
             words
             of
             such
             Persons
             ,
             but
             in
             their
             Thoughts
             he
             is
             not
             ,
             he
             cannot
             be
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             .
             And
             such
             Persons
             no
             doubt
             there
             are
             .
             Ever
             and
             anon
             ,
             we
             hear
             of
             one
             and
             another
             whose
             
               secret
               Lusts
            
             break
             forth
             into
             a
             discovery
             .
             They
             flatter
             themselves
             for
             a
             season
             ,
             but
             God
             
             oft
             times
             so
             orders
             things
             in
             his
             holy
             Providence
             ,
             that
             their
             
               Iniquity
               shall
               be
               found
               out
               to
               be
               hateful
               .
            
             Some
             hateful
             Lust
             discovers
             it self
             to
             be
             predominant
             in
             them
             .
             One
             is
             Drunken
             ,
             another
             Unclean
             ,
             a
             third
             an
             Oppressour
             .
             Such
             there
             were
             ever
             found
             among
             Professors
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             the
             best
             of
             times
             ;
             Among
             the
             Apostles
             one
             was
             a
             Traytor
             ,
             a
             Devil
             .
             Of
             the
             first
             Professors
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             there
             were
             those
             
               whose
               God
               was
               their
               Belly
               ,
               whose
               end
               was
               Destruction
               ,
               who
               minded
               earthly
               things
               ,
               Phil.
            
             3.18
             ,
             19.
             
             Some
             may
             take
             Advantage
             at
             this
             Acknowledgment
             ,
             that
             there
             are
             such
             Evils
             among
             such
             as
             are
             called
             Professors
             .
             And
             it
             must
             be
             confessed
             that
             great
             scandal
             is
             given
             hereby
             unto
             the
             world
             ,
             casting
             both
             them
             that
             give
             it
             ,
             and
             them
             to
             whom
             it
             is
             given
             ,
             under
             a
             most
             dreadful
             woe
             .
             But
             we
             must
             bear
             the
             reproach
             of
             it
             ,
             as
             they
             did
             of
             old
             ,
             and
             commit
             the
             issue
             of
             all
             things
             unto
             the
             watchful
             care
             of
             God.
             However
             it
             is
             Good
             in
             such
             a
             season
             to
             be
             
               jealous
               over
               our selves
               and
               others
               ,
               to
               exhort
               one
               another
               daily
               whilst
               it
               is
               called
               to
               day
               ,
               lest
               any
               be
               hardened
               through
               the
               Deceitfulness
               of
               sin
               .
            
             See
             Heb.
             12.13
             ,
             14
             ,
             15
             ,
             16
             ,
             17.
             
             And
             because
             those
             with
             whom
             it
             is
             thus
             ,
             cannot
             be
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             ;
             yet
             are
             there
             some
             Difficulties
             in
             the
             case
             ,
             as
             unto
             the
             predominancy
             of
             a
             secret
             Lust
             or
             Sin
             ,
             I
             shall
             consider
             it
             somewhat
             more
             distinctly
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             We
             must
             distinguish
             between
             a
             
               Time
               of
               Temptation
            
             in
             some
             ,
             and
             the
             
               ordinary
               State
            
             of
             Mind
             and
             Affections
             in
             others
             .
             There
             may
             be
             a
             season
             wherein
             God
             in
             his
             holy
             wise
             Orderings
             of
             all
             things
             towards
             us
             ,
             and
             for
             his
             own
             Glory
             ,
             in
             his
             holy
             blessed
             Ends
             ,
             may
             suffer
             a
             
               Lust
               or
               Corruption
            
             to
             break
             loose
             in
             the
             Heart
             ,
             to
             strive
             ,
             tempt
             ,
             suggest
             ,
             and
             tumultuate
             ,
             unto
             the
             great
             trouble
             and
             disquietude
             of
             the
             Mind
             and
             Conscience
             .
             Neither
             can
             it
             be
             denyed
             ,
             but
             that
             falling
             in
             conjunction
             with
             some
             
               vigorous
               Temptation
            
             ,
             it
             may
             proceed
             so
             far
             as
             to
             
               surprize
               the
               Person
            
             in
             whom
             it
             is
             into
             actual
             sin
             ,
             unto
             his
             
             defilement
             and
             amazement
             .
             In
             this
             case
             no
             man
             can
             say
             ,
             
               he
               is
               tempted
               of
               God
               ,
               for
               God
               tempeth
               no
               man
               ,
            
             but
             every
             man
             is
             
               tempted
               of
               his
               own
               Lust
               and
               enticed
               .
            
             But
             yet
             Temptations
             of
             what
             sort
             soever
             they
             be
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             they
             are
             afflictive
             ,
             corrective
             ,
             or
             penal
             ,
             are
             ordered
             and
             disposed
             by
             God
             himself
             .
             For
             there
             is
             
               no
               evil
            
             of
             that
             nature
             ,
             and
             he
             hath
             not
             done
             it
             .
             And
             where
             he
             will
             have
             the
             Power
             of
             any
             corruption
             to
             be
             afflictive
             in
             any
             Instance
             ,
             two
             things
             may
             safely
             be
             ascribed
             unto
             him
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             He
             
               withholds
               the
               supplies
               of
               that
               Grace
            
             whereby
             it
             might
             be
             effectually
             mortifyed
             and
             subdued
             .
             He
             can
             give
             in
             a
             
               Sufficiency
               of
               Efficacious
               Grace
            
             ,
             to
             repell
             any
             Temptation
             ,
             to
             subdue
             any
             or
             all
             our
             Lusts
             and
             Sins
             .
             For
             he
             can
             and
             doth
             work
             in
             us
             
               to
               will
               and
               to
               do
            
             ,
             according
             to
             his
             Pleasure
             .
             Ordinarily
             he
             doth
             so
             in
             them
             that
             believe
             ;
             so
             that
             although
             their
             Lusts
             may
             rebell
             and
             war
             ,
             they
             cannot
             defile
             or
             prevail
             .
             But
             unto
             the
             continual
             supplies
             of
             this
             
               actual
               prevailing
               Grace
            
             he
             is
             not
             obliged
             .
             When
             it
             may
             have
             a
             Tendency
             unto
             his
             holy
             Ends
             ,
             he
             may
             and
             doth
             withhold
             it
             .
             When
             it
             may
             be
             a
             
               proud
               Soul
            
             is
             to
             be
             humbled
             ,
             a
             
               careless
               Soul
            
             to
             be
             awakened
             ,
             an
             
               unthankful
               Soul
            
             to
             be
             convinced
             and
             rebuked
             ,
             a
             
               backsliding
               Soul
            
             to
             be
             recovered
             ,
             a
             
               froward
               ,
               selfish
               ,
               passionate
               Soul
            
             to
             be
             broken
             and
             meekened
             ,
             he
             can
             leave
             them
             for
             a
             season
             unto
             the
             sore
             exercise
             of
             a
             prevalent
             corruption
             ,
             which
             under
             his
             holy
             guidance
             shall
             contribute
             greatly
             unto
             his
             blessed
             Ends.
             It
             was
             so
             in
             the
             Temptation
             of
             Paul
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             11.7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9.
             
             If
             a
             man
             through
             disorder
             and
             excesses
             ,
             is
             contracting
             many
             
               habitual
               Distempers
               of
               Body
            
             ,
             which
             gradually
             and
             insensibly
             tend
             unto
             his
             Death
             ;
             it
             may
             be
             an
             advantage
             to
             be
             cast
             into
             a
             
               violent
               feavour
            
             ,
             which
             threatens
             immediately
             to
             take
             away
             his
             Life
             .
             For
             he
             will
             hereby
             be
             
               throughly
               awakened
            
             unto
             the
             consideration
             of
             his
             Danger
             ,
             and
             not
             only
             labour
             to
             be
             freed
             from
             his
             Feavour
             ,
             but
             also
             
             for
             the
             future
             to
             watch
             against
             those
             
               Disorders
               and
               Excesses
            
             which
             cast
             him
             into
             that
             condition
             .
             And
             sometimes
             a
             loose
             careless
             Soul
             ,
             that
             walks
             in
             a
             secure
             formal
             Profession
             ,
             contracts
             many
             
               Spiritual
               Diseases
            
             which
             tend
             unto
             Death
             and
             ruine
             .
             No
             Arguments
             or
             Considerations
             can
             prevail
             with
             him
             ,
             to
             awaken
             himself
             ,
             to
             
               shake
               himself
               out
               of
               the
               Dust
               ,
            
             and
             to
             betake
             himself
             unto
             a
             more
             diligent
             and
             humble
             walking
             before
             God.
             In
             this
             state
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             through
             the
             permission
             of
             God
             ,
             he
             is
             surprized
             into
             some
             open
             actual
             sin
             .
             Hereon
             through
             the
             vigorous
             actings
             of
             an
             enlightened
             Conscience
             ,
             and
             the
             stirrings
             of
             any
             sparks
             of
             Grace
             which
             yet
             remain
             ,
             he
             is
             amazed
             ,
             terrifyed
             ,
             and
             stirs
             up
             himself
             to
             seek
             after
             Deliverance
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             God
             may
             and
             doth
             in
             his
             Providence
             
               administer
               Objects
               and
               Occasions
               of
               mens
               Lusts
            
             for
             their
             Trial.
             He
             will
             place
             them
             in
             such
             Relations
             ,
             in
             such
             Circumstances
             ,
             as
             shall
             be
             apt
             to
             provoke
             their
             
               Affections
               ,
               Passions
               ,
               Desires
            
             and
             Inclinations
             ,
             unto
             those
             Objects
             that
             are
             suited
             unto
             them
             .
          
           
             In
             this
             state
             
               any
               Lust
            
             will
             quickly
             get
             such
             Power
             in
             the
             Mind
             and
             Affections
             ,
             as
             to
             manage
             
               continual
               solicitations
            
             unto
             sin
             .
             It
             will
             not
             only
             dispose
             the
             Affections
             towards
             it
             ,
             but
             
               multiply
               Thoughts
            
             about
             it
             ,
             and
             darken
             the
             mind
             as
             unto
             those
             Considerations
             ,
             which
             ought
             to
             prevail
             unto
             its
             Mortification
             .
             In
             this
             condition
             it
             is
             hard
             to
             conceive
             how
             
               God
               should
               be
               in
               the
               Thoughts
               of
               men
               in
               a
               due
               manner
               .
            
             However
             this
             state
             is
             very
             different
             from
             the
             
               habitual
               Prevalency
               of
               any
               secret
               sin
            
             or
             corruption
             ,
             in
             the
             ordinary
             course
             of
             mens
             walking
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             therefore
             I
             do
             not
             directly
             intend
             it
             .
          
           
             If
             any
             one
             shall
             enquire
             how
             we
             may
             know
             this
             Difference
             ,
             namely
             ,
             That
             is
             between
             the
             
               occasional
               Prevalency
               of
               any
               Lust
               or
               Corruption
               in
               conjunction
               with
               a
               Temptation
               ,
            
             and
             
               the
               Power
               of
               sin
               in
               any
               Instance
               habitually
               and
               constantly
               complyed
               withall
               ,
               or
               indulged
               in
               the
               Mind
               :
            
             I
             answer
             :
          
           
           
             1.
             
             It
             is
             no
             great
             matter
             whether
             we
             are
             able
             to
             distinguish
             between
             them
             or
             no.
             For
             the
             End
             why
             God
             suffers
             any
             corruption
             to
             be
             such
             a
             Snare
             and
             Temptation
             ,
             such
             a
             Thorn
             and
             Bryar
             ,
             is
             to
             awaken
             the
             Souls
             of
             men
             out
             of
             their
             security
             ,
             and
             to
             humble
             them
             for
             their
             pride
             and
             negligence
             .
             The
             more
             severe
             are
             their
             apprehensions
             concerning
             it
             ,
             the
             more
             effectual
             it
             will
             be
             unto
             this
             end
             and
             purpose
             .
             It
             is
             Good
             it
             may
             be
             that
             the
             Soul
             should
             apprehend
             more
             of
             what
             is
             sinful
             in
             it
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             a
             corruption
             ,
             than
             of
             what
             is
             afflictive
             in
             it
             as
             it
             is
             a
             Temptation
             .
             For
             if
             it
             be
             conceived
             as
             a
             predominant
             Lust
             ,
             if
             there
             be
             any
             
               spark
               of
               Grace
            
             remaining
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             it
             will
             not
             rest
             untill
             in
             some
             measure
             it
             be
             subdued
             .
             It
             will
             also
             immediately
             put
             it
             upon
             a
             diligent
             search
             into
             it self
             ,
             which
             will
             issue
             in
             deep
             self-abasement
             ,
             the
             principal
             End
             designed
             .
             But
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             For
             the
             
               Relief
               of
               them
            
             that
             may
             be
             perplexed
             in
             their
             Minds
             ,
             about
             their
             state
             and
             condition
             ,
             I
             say
             ,
             there
             is
             an
             apparent
             Difference
             between
             these
             things
             .
             A
             Lust
             or
             Corruption
             arising
             up
             or
             breaking
             forth
             into
             a
             
               violent
               Temptation
            
             ,
             is
             the
             continual
             
               Burthen
               ,
               Grief
            
             ,
             and
             Affliction
             of
             the
             Soul
             wherein
             it
             is
             .
             And
             as
             the
             Temptation
             for
             the
             most
             part
             which
             befalls
             such
             a
             Person
             will
             
               give
               him
               no
               rest
            
             from
             its
             reiterated
             solicitations
             ;
             so
             he
             will
             
               give
               the
               Temptation
               no
               Rest
            
             ,
             but
             will
             be
             continually
             conflicting
             with
             it
             ,
             and
             contending
             against
             it
             .
             It
             fills
             the
             Souls
             with
             an
             Amazement
             at
             it self
             ,
             and
             continual
             self-abhorrency
             ,
             that
             any
             such
             seeds
             of
             filth
             and
             folly
             should
             be
             yet
             remaining
             in
             it
             .
             With
             them
             in
             whom
             any
             sin
             is
             
               ordinarily
               prevalent
            
             ,
             it
             is
             otherwise
             .
             According
             to
             their
             Light
             and
             renewed
             occasional
             convictions
             ,
             they
             have
             trouble
             about
             it
             ,
             they
             cannot
             but
             have
             so
             ,
             unless
             their
             Consciences
             are
             utterly
             seared
             .
             But
             this
             Trouble
             respects
             principally
             ,
             if
             not
             solely
             ,
             its
             Guilt
             and
             Effects
             .
             They
             know
             not
             what
             may
             ensue
             on
             their
             complyance
             with
             it
             ,
             in
             this
             world
             and
             another
             .
             Beyond
             
             this
             they
             like
             it
             well
             enough
             ,
             and
             are
             not
             willing
             to
             part
             with
             it
             .
             It
             is
             of
             this
             latter
             sort
             of
             Persons
             of
             whom
             we
             speak
             at
             present
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             We
             must
             distinguish
             between
             the
             
               perplexing
               sollicitation
            
             of
             any
             Lust
             ,
             and
             the
             
               conquering
               Predominancy
            
             of
             it
             .
             The
             Evil
             that
             is
             
               present
               with
               us
            
             ,
             will
             be
             solliciting
             and
             pressing
             unto
             sin
             of
             its
             own
             accord
             ,
             even
             where
             there
             is
             no
             such
             especial
             Temptation
             ,
             as
             that
             spoken
             of
             before
             .
             So
             is
             the
             case
             stated
             ,
             so
             are
             the
             nature
             and
             Operations
             of
             it
             described
             ,
             Rom.
             1.
             
             Gal.
             5.
             
             And
             sometimes
             an
             especial
             particular
             Lust
             ,
             may
             be
             so
             warmed
             and
             fomented
             by
             mens
             
               constitutions
               within
            
             ,
             or
             be
             so
             exposed
             unto
             provoking
             ,
             exciting
             
               occasions
               without
            
             ,
             as
             to
             bring
             perpetual
             trouble
             on
             the
             mind
             .
             Yet
             this
             may
             be
             where
             no
             sin
             hath
             the
             predominancy
             enquired
             after
             .
             And
             the
             Difference
             between
             the
             
               perplexing
               sollicitation
            
             of
             any
             corruption
             unto
             sin
             ,
             and
             the
             
               conquering
               prevalency
            
             of
             it
             ,
             lyes
             in
             this
             ;
             that
             under
             the
             former
             ,
             the
             Thoughts
             ,
             contrivances
             and
             actings
             of
             the
             mind
             ,
             are
             generally
             disposed
             and
             enclined
             unto
             an
             
               opposition
               unto
               it
            
             ,
             and
             a
             conflict
             with
             it
             ,
             how
             it
             may
             be
             obviated
             ,
             defeated
             ,
             destroyed
             ,
             how
             an
             absolute
             victory
             may
             be
             obtained
             against
             it
             .
             Yea
             Death
             it self
             is
             sweet
             unto
             such
             Persons
             under
             this
             notion
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             that
             which
             will
             deliver
             them
             from
             the
             
               perplexing
               Power
               of
               their
               Corruptions
            
             ,
             so
             is
             the
             state
             of
             such
             a
             Soul
             at
             large
             represented
             ,
             Rom.
             7.
             
             In
             the
             other
             case
             ,
             namely
             ,
             of
             its
             predominancy
             ,
             it
             disposeth
             of
             the
             Thoughts
             actually
             for
             the
             most
             part
             ,
             
               to
               make
               provision
               for
               the
               flesh
               ,
               and
               to
               fulfill
               it
               in
               the
               Lusts
               thereof
               .
            
             It
             fills
             the
             mind
             with
             pleasing
             contemplations
             of
             its
             Object
             ,
             and
             puts
             it
             on
             contrivances
             for
             satisfaction
             .
             Yea
             part
             of
             the
             
               Bitterness
               of
               Death
            
             unto
             such
             Persons
             ,
             is
             that
             it
             will
             make
             an
             everlasting
             separation
             between
             them
             ,
             and
             the
             satisfaction
             they
             have
             received
             in
             their
             Lusts.
             It
             is
             bitter
             in
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             it
             unto
             a
             worldly
             minded
             Man
             ,
             because
             it
             will
             take
             him
             from
             all
             his
             enjoyments
             ,
             
             his
             wealth
             ,
             profits
             and
             advantages
             .
             It
             is
             so
             unto
             the
             
               sensual
               Person
            
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             finally
             determines
             all
             his
             pleasures
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             There
             is
             a
             difference
             in
             the
             Degrees
             of
             such
             a
             predominant
             Corruption
             .
             In
             some
             it
             taints
             the
             Affections
             ,
             vitiates
             the
             Thoughts
             ,
             and
             works
             over
             the
             Will
             unto
             Acts
             of
             a
             secret
             complacency
             in
             sin
             ,
             but
             proceeds
             no
             farther
             .
             The
             whole
             Mind
             may
             be
             vitiated
             by
             it
             ,
             and
             rendred
             in
             the
             Multitude
             of
             its
             Thoughts
             ,
             
               vain
               ,
               sensual
            
             ,
             or
             worldly
             ,
             according
             as
             is
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             prevailing
             Corruption
             .
             Yet
             here
             God
             puts
             bounds
             unto
             the
             raging
             of
             some
             mens
             corruptions
             ,
             and
             sayes
             to
             their
             proud
             waves
             ,
             
               thus
               far
               shall
               ye
               proceed
               ,
               and
               no
               farther
               .
            
             He
             either
             layes
             a
             restraint
             on
             their
             minds
             ,
             that
             when
             Lust
             hath
             
               fully
               conceived
            
             ,
             it
             shall
             not
             bring
             forth
             sin
             ,
             or
             he
             sets
             an
             hedge
             before
             them
             in
             his
             Providence
             ,
             that
             they
             shall
             not
             be
             able
             in
             their
             circumstances
             ,
             to
             find
             their
             way
             unto
             what
             perhaps
             they
             do
             most
             earnestly
             desire
             .
             A
             
               woful
               Life
            
             it
             is
             that
             such
             Persons
             lead
             .
             They
             are
             continually
             tortured
             between
             their
             Corruptions
             and
             Convictions
             ,
             or
             the
             Love
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             fear
             of
             the
             Event
             .
             With
             others
             it
             pursues
             its
             course
             into
             
               outward
               actual
               sins
            
             ,
             which
             in
             some
             are
             discovered
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             in
             others
             they
             are
             not
             .
             For
             
               some
               mens
               sins
               go
               before
               them
               unto
               Judgment
               and
               some
               follow
               after
               .
            
             Some
             fall
             into
             sin
             upon
             surprizal
             ,
             from
             a
             concurrence
             of
             Temptation
             with
             Corruption
             ,
             and
             Opportunities
             ;
             some
             habituate
             themselves
             unto
             a
             course
             in
             sin
             ,
             though
             in
             many
             it
             be
             not
             discovered
             ,
             in
             some
             it
             is
             .
             But
             among
             those
             who
             have
             received
             any
             
               Spiritual
               Light
            
             ,
             and
             made
             Profession
             of
             Religion
             thereon
             ,
             this
             seldom
             falls
             out
             ,
             but
             from
             the
             great
             Displeasure
             of
             God.
             For
             when
             men
             have
             long
             given
             way
             unto
             the
             Prevalency
             of
             sin
             in
             their
             
               Affections
               ,
               Inclinations
            
             and
             Thoughts
             ,
             and
             God
             hath
             set
             many
             an
             hedge
             before
             them
             to
             give
             bounds
             unto
             their
             Inclinations
             ,
             and
             to
             shut
             up
             the
             womb
             of
             sin
             ;
             sometimes
             by
             Afflictions
             ,
             sometimes
             by
             
               fears
               and
               dangers
            
             ,
             sometimes
             by
             
             the
             Word
             ;
             and
             yet
             the
             bent
             of
             their
             Spirits
             is
             towards
             their
             sin
             ;
             God
             takes
             off
             his
             
               hand
               of
               restraint
            
             ,
             removes
             his
             hindrances
             ,
             and
             
               gives
               them
               up
               unto
               their
               own
               Hearts
               Lusts
               ,
               to
               do
               the
               things
               that
               are
               not
               convenient
               .
            
             All
             things
             hereon
             suits
             their
             Desires
             ▪
             and
             they
             rush
             into
             actual
             sins
             and
             follies
             ,
             setting
             their
             feet
             in
             the
             paths
             that
             go
             down
             to
             the
             Chambers
             of
             Death
             .
             The
             uncontrollable
             Power
             of
             sin
             in
             such
             Persons
             ,
             and
             the
             greatness
             of
             Gods
             Displeasure
             against
             them
             ,
             makes
             their
             condition
             most
             deplorable
             .
          
           
             Those
             that
             are
             in
             this
             State
             ,
             of
             either
             sort
             ,
             the
             first
             or
             the
             latter
             ,
             are
             remote
             from
             being
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             nor
             
               is
               God
               in
               all
               their
               Thoughts
            
             as
             he
             ought
             to
             be
             .
             For
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             They
             
               will
               not
            
             so
             think
             and
             meditate
             on
             God.
             Their
             Delight
             is
             turned
             another
             way
             .
             Their
             Affections
             which
             are
             the
             spring
             on
             their
             Thoughts
             ,
             which
             feed
             them
             continually
             ,
             
               do
               cleave
            
             unto
             the
             things
             which
             are
             most
             adverse
             unto
             him
             .
             
               Love
               of
               sin
            
             is
             gotten
             to
             be
             the
             Spring
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             the
             whole
             stream
             of
             the
             Thoughts
             which
             they
             choose
             and
             delight
             in
             ,
             are
             towards
             the
             Pleasures
             of
             it
             .
             If
             any
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             come
             in
             ,
             as
             a
             
               faint
               Tyde
            
             for
             a
             few
             minutes
             ,
             and
             drive
             back
             the
             other
             stream
             ,
             they
             are
             quickly
             repelled
             and
             carryed
             away
             with
             the
             strong
             current
             of
             those
             which
             proceed
             from
             their
             powerful
             Inclinations
             .
             Yet
             may
             such
             Persons
             abide
             in
             the
             
               Performance
               of
               outward
               holy
               Duties
            
             ;
             or
             attendance
             unto
             them
             .
             Pride
             of
             or
             satisfaction
             in
             their
             Gifts
             may
             give
             them
             Delight
             in
             their
             own
             performances
             ,
             and
             something
             in
             those
             of
             others
             they
             may
             be
             exceedingly
             pleased
             withal
             ;
             as
             it
             is
             expresly
             affirmed
             ,
             Ezek.
             33.31
             ,
             32.
             
             But
             in
             these
             things
             they
             have
             no
             
               immediate
               real
               Thoughts
               of
               God
            
             ,
             none
             that
             they
             delight
             in
             ,
             none
             that
             they
             seek
             to
             stirr
             up
             in
             themselves
             ,
             and
             those
             which
             impose
             themselves
             on
             them
             they
             reject
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             As
             they
             
               will
               not
            
             ,
             so
             they
             
               dare
               not
            
             think
             of
             God.
             They
             
               will
               not
            
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             Power
             of
             their
             Lusts
             ;
             they
             
             
               dare
               not
            
             ,
             because
             of
             their
             Guilt
             .
             No
             sooner
             should
             they
             begin
             to
             think
             of
             him
             in
             Good
             Earnest
             ,
             but
             their
             sin
             would
             lose
             all
             its
             desirable
             forms
             and
             appearances
             ,
             and
             represent
             it self
             in
             the
             
               Horror
               of
               Guilt
            
             alone
             .
             And
             in
             that
             condition
             all
             the
             Properties
             of
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             are
             suited
             to
             encrease
             the
             Dread
             and
             Terror
             of
             the
             sinner
             .
             Adam
             had
             heard
             Gods
             voice
             before
             with
             Delight
             and
             satisfaction
             ;
             But
             on
             the
             
               hearing
               of
               the
               same
               voice
            
             after
             he
             had
             sinned
             ,
             he
             hid
             himself
             and
             cryed
             that
             he
             was
             afraid
             .
             There
             is
             a
             way
             for
             men
             to
             think
             of
             God
             
               with
               the
               Guilt
               of
               sin
               upon
               them
               ,
            
             which
             they
             intend
             to
             forsake
             ;
             but
             none
             for
             any
             to
             do
             it
             with
             the
             Guilt
             of
             sin
             which
             they
             resolve
             to
             
               continue
               in
            
             .
             Wherefore
             of
             all
             these
             sorts
             of
             Persons
             it
             may
             be
             said
             ,
             that
             God
             is
             not
             in
             all
             their
             Thoughts
             ,
             and
             therefore
             are
             they
             far
             enough
             from
             being
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             .
             For
             unless
             we
             have
             many
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             cannot
             be
             so
             .
             Yea
             moreover
             there
             are
             two
             things
             required
             unto
             those
             Thoughts
             which
             we
             have
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             there
             may
             be
             an
             Evidence
             of
             our
             being
             so
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             we
             
               take
               delight
               in
               them
            
             ,
             Psal.
             30.4
             .
             
               Sing
               unto
               the
               Lord
               ,
               O
               ye
               Saints
               of
               his
               ,
               and
               give
               thanks
               at
               the
               remembrance
               of
               his
               Holiness
               .
            
             The
             Remembrance
             of
             God
             ,
             delighteth
             and
             refresheth
             the
             Hearts
             of
             his
             Saints
             ,
             and
             stirrs
             them
             up
             unto
             Thankfulness
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             They
             rejoyce
             
               in
               what
               God
               is
               in
               himself
               .
            
             Whatever
             is
             good
             ,
             amiable
             or
             desireable
             ;
             whatever
             is
             holy
             just
             and
             powerful
             ;
             whatever
             is
             gracious
             ,
             wise
             and
             merciful
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             is
             so
             ,
             they
             see
             and
             apprehend
             in
             God.
             That
             
               God
               is
               what
               he
               is
            
             ,
             is
             the
             matter
             of
             their
             chiefest
             Joy.
             Whatever
             befalls
             them
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             whatever
             Troubles
             and
             Disquietment
             they
             are
             exercised
             withal
             ,
             the
             
               Remembrance
               of
               God
            
             is
             a
             satisfactory
             Refreshment
             unto
             them
             .
             For
             therein
             they
             behold
             all
             that
             is
             
               Good
               and
               Excellent
            
             ,
             the
             infinite
             Center
             of
             all
             Perfections
             .
             Wicked
             
             men
             would
             have
             God
             to
             be
             
               any
               thing
               but
               what
               he
               is
               .
            
             Nothing
             that
             God
             is
             really
             and
             truely
             ,
             pleaseth
             them
             .
             Wherefore
             they
             either
             frame
             
               false
               Notions
            
             of
             him
             in
             their
             Minds
             ,
             as
             Psal.
             50.21
             .
             Or
             they
             think
             not
             of
             him
             at
             all
             ,
             at
             least
             as
             they
             ought
             ,
             unless
             sometimes
             they
             tremble
             at
             his
             Anger
             and
             Power
             .
             Some
             Benefit
             they
             suppose
             may
             be
             had
             ,
             by
             
               what
               he
               can
               do
            
             ,
             but
             how
             there
             can
             be
             any
             Delight
             
               in
               what
               he
               is
            
             ,
             they
             know
             not
             .
             Yea
             all
             their
             trouble
             ariseth
             from
             hence
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             what
             he
             is
             .
             It
             would
             be
             a
             relief
             unto
             them
             ,
             if
             they
             could
             make
             any
             abatement
             of
             his
             Power
             ,
             his
             Holiness
             ,
             his
             Righteousness
             ,
             his
             Omnipresence
             ;
             But
             his
             Saints
             ,
             as
             the
             Psalmist
             speaks
             ,
             
               give
               thanks
               at
               the
               Remembrance
               of
               his
               Holiness
               .
            
          
           
             And
             when
             we
             can
             delight
             in
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             what
             God
             is
             in
             himself
             ,
             of
             his
             infinite
             Excellencies
             and
             Perfections
             ,
             it
             gives
             us
             a
             threefold
             evidence
             of
             our
             being
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             In
             that
             it
             is
             such
             an
             Evidence
             that
             we
             have
             a
             gracious
             Interest
             in
             those
             Excellencies
             and
             Perfections
             ,
             whereon
             we
             can
             say
             with
             rejoycing
             in
             our selves
             ,
             
               this
               God
            
             ,
             thus
             holy
             ,
             thus
             powerful
             ,
             thus
             just
             ,
             good
             and
             gracious
             ,
             
               is
               our
               God
               ,
               and
               he
               will
               be
               our
               guide
               unto
               Death
               .
            
             So
             the
             Psalmist
             under
             the
             consideration
             of
             his
             own
             frailty
             and
             apprehensions
             of
             Death
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             his
             years
             ,
             comforts
             and
             refresheth
             himself
             with
             Thoughts
             of
             
               Gods
               Eternity
               and
               Immutability
            
             ,
             with
             his
             Interest
             in
             them
             ,
             Psal.
             102.23
             ,
             24
             ,
             25
             ,
             26
             ,
             27
             ,
             28.
             
             And
             God
             himself
             proposeth
             unto
             us
             ,
             his
             infinite
             Immutability
             as
             the
             Ground
             whereon
             we
             may
             except
             safety
             and
             deliverance
             ,
             Mal.
             3.6
             .
             When
             we
             can
             thus
             think
             of
             God
             and
             what
             he
             is
             with
             delight
             ,
             it
             is
             I
             say
             an
             Evidence
             that
             we
             have
             a
             gracious
             Covenant
             Interest
             ,
             even
             in
             what
             
               God
               is
               in
               Himself
            
             ;
             which
             none
             have
             but
             those
             who
             are
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             It
             is
             an
             Evidence
             that
             the
             
               Image
               of
               God
            
             is
             begun
             to
             be
             wrought
             in
             our
             own
             Souls
             ;
             and
             we
             approve
             of
             and
             rejoyce
             in
             it
             more
             than
             in
             all
             other
             things
             whatever
             .
             
             Whatever
             Notions
             men
             may
             have
             of
             the
             Divine
             Goodness
             ,
             Holiness
             ,
             Righteousness
             and
             Purity
             ,
             they
             are
             all
             but
             barren
             ,
             jejune
             and
             fruitless
             ,
             unless
             there
             be
             a
             similitude
             and
             conformity
             unto
             them
             ,
             wrought
             in
             their
             Minds
             and
             Souls
             .
             Without
             this
             they
             cannot
             rejoyce
             in
             the
             Thoughts
             and
             Remembrance
             of
             the
             Divine
             Excellencies
             .
             Wherefore
             when
             we
             can
             do
             so
             ,
             when
             such
             Meditations
             of
             God
             are
             
               sweet
               unto
               us
            
             ,
             it
             is
             an
             Evidence
             that
             we
             have
             some
             experience
             in
             our selves
             of
             the
             excellency
             of
             the
             Image
             of
             those
             Perfections
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             rejoyce
             in
             them
             above
             all
             things
             in
             this
             world
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             They
             are
             so
             also
             ,
             in
             that
             they
             are
             manifest
             ,
             that
             we
             do
             discern
             and
             judge
             that
             our
             
               Eternal
               Blessedness
               doth
               consist
               in
               the
               full
               Manifestation
               ,
               and
               our
               Enjoyment
               of
               God
               in
               what
               he
               is
               ,
               and
               of
               all
               his
               Divine
               Excellencies
               .
            
             This
             Men
             for
             the
             most
             part
             take
             for
             granted
             ,
             but
             how
             it
             should
             be
             so
             ,
             they
             know
             not
             .
             They
             understand
             it
             in
             some
             measure
             whose
             hearts
             are
             here
             deeply
             affected
             with
             Delight
             in
             them
             ;
             they
             are
             able
             to
             believe
             that
             the
             manifestation
             and
             Enjoyment
             of
             the
             Divine
             Excellencies
             will
             give
             
               Eternal
               Rest
            
             ,
             satisfaction
             and
             complacency
             unto
             their
             Souls
             .
             No
             wicked
             man
             can
             look
             upon
             it
             otherwise
             than
             a
             Torment
             ,
             to
             abide
             for
             ever
             
               with
               Eternal
               Holiness
               ,
               Isa.
            
             33.14
             .
             And
             we
             our selves
             can
             have
             no
             present
             prospect
             into
             the
             fulness
             of
             future
             Glory
             ,
             when
             God
             shall
             be
             all
             in
             all
             ,
             but
             through
             the
             Delight
             and
             satisfaction
             which
             we
             have
             here
             in
             the
             contemplation
             of
             what
             God
             is
             in
             himself
             ,
             as
             the
             Center
             of
             all
             divine
             Perfections
             .
          
           
             I
             would
             therefore
             press
             this
             unknown
             ,
             this
             neglected
             Duty
             on
             the
             minds
             of
             those
             of
             us
             in
             an
             especial
             manner
             ,
             who
             are
             
               visibly
               drawing
               nigh
               unto
               Eternity
            
             .
             The
             Daies
             are
             coming
             ,
             wherein
             what
             God
             is
             in
             himself
             ,
             that
             is
             as
             manifest
             and
             exerted
             in
             Christ
             ,
             shall
             alone
             be
             (
             as
             we
             hope
             )
             the
             Eternal
             Blessedness
             and
             Reward
             of
             our
             Souls
             .
             Is
             it
             possible
             that
             any
             thing
             should
             be
             more
             necessary
             
             for
             us
             ,
             more
             useful
             unto
             us
             ,
             than
             to
             be
             exercised
             in
             
               such
               Thoughts
            
             and
             Contemplations
             .
             The
             Benefits
             we
             may
             have
             hereby
             are
             not
             to
             be
             reckoned
             ,
             some
             of
             them
             only
             may
             be
             named
             .
             As
             (
             1.
             )
             We
             shall
             have
             the
             best
             Trial
             of
             our selves
             ,
             how
             our
             hearts
             really
             stand
             affected
             towards
             God.
             For
             if
             upon
             Examination
             we
             find
             our selves
             not
             really
             to
             delight
             and
             rejoyce
             in
             God
             ,
             
               for
               what
               he
               is
               in
               himself
               ,
            
             and
             that
             all
             Perfections
             are
             eternally
             resident
             in
             him
             ,
             how
             dwelleth
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             in
             us
             ?
             But
             if
             we
             can
             truely
             
               rejoyce
               at
               the
               Remembrance
               of
               his
               Holiness
               ,
            
             in
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             what
             he
             is
             ,
             our
             Hearts
             are
             upright
             with
             him
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             This
             is
             that
             which
             will
             effectually
             
               take
               off
               our
               Thoughts
               and
               Affections
            
             from
             things
             here
             below
             .
             One
             spiritual
             view
             of
             the
             Divine
             Goodness
             ,
             Beauty
             and
             Holiness
             ,
             will
             have
             more
             efficacy
             to
             raise
             the
             heart
             unto
             a
             contempt
             of
             all
             earthly
             things
             ,
             than
             any
             other
             Evidences
             whatever
             .
             (
             3.
             )
             It
             will
             encrease
             the
             
               Grace
               of
               being
               heavenly
               minded
            
             in
             us
             ,
             on
             the
             Grounds
             before
             declared
             .
             (
             4.
             )
             It
             is
             the
             best
             ,
             I
             had
             almost
             said
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             
               only
               Preparation
            
             for
             the
             future
             full
             enjoyment
             of
             God.
             This
             will
             gradually
             lead
             us
             into
             his
             Presence
             ,
             take
             away
             all
             fears
             of
             Death
             ,
             increase
             our
             longing
             after
             Eternal
             Rest
             ,
             and
             ever
             make
             us
             groan
             to
             be
             uncloathed
             .
             Let
             us
             not
             than
             cease
             labouring
             with
             our
             hearts
             ,
             until
             through
             Grace
             ,
             we
             have
             a
             
               spiritually
               sensible
            
             Delight
             and
             Joy
             in
             the
             Remembrances
             and
             Thoughts
             of
             what
             God
             is
             in
             himself
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             In
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             his
             Saints
             rejoyce
             at
             the
             
               Remembrance
               of
               what
               he
               is
               ,
               and
               what
               he
               will
               be
               unto
               them
               .
            
             Herein
             have
             they
             regard
             unto
             all
             the
             holy
             Relations
             that
             he
             hath
             taken
             on
             himself
             towards
             them
             ,
             with
             all
             the
             Effects
             of
             his
             
               Covenant
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
            
             .
             To
             that
             purpose
             were
             some
             of
             the
             last
             words
             of
             David
             ,
             2
             Sam.
             23.
             5.
             
             
               Although
               my
               house
               be
               not
               so
               with
               God
               ,
               yet
               he
               hath
               made
               with
               me
               an
               everlasting
               Covenant
               ,
               ordered
               in
               all
               things
               and
               sure
               ,
               this
               is
               all
               my
               Salvation
               and
               all
               my
               desire
               .
            
             In
             the
             
             prospect
             he
             had
             of
             all
             the
             Distresses
             that
             were
             to
             befall
             his
             Family
             ,
             he
             triumphantly
             rejoyceth
             in
             the
             
               Everlasting
               Covenant
            
             that
             God
             had
             made
             with
             him
             .
             In
             these
             Thoughts
             his
             Saints
             take
             delight
             ,
             they
             are
             sweet
             unto
             them
             and
             full
             of
             refreshment
             .
             
               Their
               Meditations
               of
               him
               are
               sweet
               ,
               and
               they
               are
               glad
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
               Psal.
            
             104.34
             .
             Thus
             is
             it
             with
             them
             that
             are
             truely
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             .
             They
             not
             only
             think
             much
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             they
             take
             Delight
             in
             these
             Thoughts
             ,
             they
             are
             sweet
             unto
             them
             ;
             and
             not
             only
             so
             ,
             but
             they
             have
             no
             solid
             Joy
             nor
             Delight
             ,
             but
             in
             their
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             therefore
             they
             retreat
             unto
             continually
             .
             They
             do
             so
             especially
             on
             
               great
               occasions
            
             ,
             which
             of
             themselves
             are
             apt
             to
             divert
             them
             from
             them
             .
             As
             suppose
             a
             Man
             hath
             received
             a
             
               signal
               Mercy
            
             ,
             with
             the
             matter
             whereof
             he
             is
             exceedingly
             affected
             and
             delighted
             .
             The
             minds
             of
             some
             men
             are
             apt
             on
             such
             occasions
             to
             be
             
               filled
               with
               thoughts
               of
               what
               they
               have
               received
               ,
            
             and
             their
             Affections
             to
             be
             wholly
             taken
             up
             with
             it
             .
             But
             he
             who
             is
             
               Spiritually
               Minded
            
             ,
             will
             immediately
             retreat
             unto
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             placing
             his
             Delight
             and
             taking
             up
             his
             satisfaction
             in
             him
             .
             And
             so
             on
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             great
             Distresses
             ,
             prevalent
             Sorrows
             ,
             strong
             Pains
             ,
             violent
             Distempers
             ,
             are
             apt
             of
             themselves
             to
             take
             up
             and
             exercise
             all
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             men
             about
             them
             .
             But
             those
             who
             are
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             will
             in
             and
             under
             them
             all
             continually
             betake
             themselves
             unto
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             wherein
             they
             find
             relief
             and
             refreshment
             against
             all
             that
             they
             feel
             or
             fear
             .
             In
             every
             state
             ,
             their
             principal
             Joy
             is
             in
             the
             Remembrance
             of
             his
             Holiness
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               That
               they
               be
               accompanied
               with
               Godly
               Fear
               and
               Reverence
               .
            
             These
             are
             required
             of
             us
             ,
             in
             all
             wherein
             we
             have
             to
             do
             with
             God
             ,
             Heb.
             12.28
             ,
             29.
             
             And
             as
             the
             Scripture
             doth
             not
             more
             abound
             with
             Precepts
             unto
             any
             Duty
             ,
             so
             the
             Nature
             of
             God
             and
             our
             own
             ,
             with
             the
             
               infinite
               distance
            
             between
             them
             ,
             make
             it
             indispensably
             necessary
             even
             in
             the
             light
             of
             the
             natural
             Conscience
             ,
             
             Infinite
             Greatness
             ,
             infinite
             Holiness
             ,
             infinite
             Power
             ,
             all
             which
             God
             is
             ,
             command
             the
             uttermost
             
               reverential
               fear
            
             that
             our
             nature
             are
             capable
             of
             .
             The
             want
             hereof
             is
             the
             spring
             of
             innumerable
             evils
             ,
             yea
             indeed
             of
             all
             that
             is
             so
             .
             Hence
             are
             
               blasphemous
               abuses
            
             of
             the
             holy
             Name
             of
             God
             in
             cursed
             Oaths
             and
             Execrations
             ;
             hence
             it
             is
             taken
             in
             vain
             ,
             in
             Ordinary
             Exclamations
             ;
             hence
             is
             all
             Formality
             in
             Religion
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             the
             spiritual
             Mind
             alone
             that
             can
             Reconcile
             those
             things
             which
             are
             prescribe
             us
             as
             our
             Duty
             towards
             God.
             To
             delight
             and
             Rejoyce
             in
             him
             alwayes
             ,
             to
             triumph
             in
             the
             Remembrance
             of
             him
             ,
             to
             draw
             nigh
             unto
             him
             with
             boldness
             and
             confidence
             ,
             are
             on
             the
             one
             hand
             prescrib'd
             unto
             us
             :
             And
             on
             the
             other
             it
             is
             so
             ,
             that
             we
             
               fear
               and
               tremble
            
             before
             him
             ,
             that
             we
             
               fear
               that
               Great
               and
               dreadful
               Name
               the
               Lord
               our
               God
               ,
            
             that
             we
             have
             Grace
             to
             serve
             him
             with
             Reverence
             and
             Godly
             Fear
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             a
             consuming
             fire
             .
             These
             things
             Carnal
             Reason
             can
             comprehend
             no
             consistency
             in
             ;
             what
             it
             is
             
               afraid
               of
            
             ,
             it
             cannot
             delight
             in
             ;
             and
             what
             it
             delights
             in
             ,
             it
             will
             not
             long
             fear
             .
             But
             the
             Consideration
             of
             Faith
             (
             concerning
             what
             
               God
               is
               in
               himself
            
             ,
             and
             
               what
               he
               will
               be
               unto
               us
               ,
            
             )
             gives
             these
             different
             Graces
             their
             distinct
             Operations
             ,
             and
             a
             blessed
             Reconciliation
             in
             our
             Souls
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             all
             our
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             ought
             to
             be
             accompanied
             with
             an
             holy
             Awe
             and
             Reverence
             ,
             from
             a
             due
             sense
             of
             his
             Greatness
             ,
             Holiness
             and
             Power
             .
             Two
             things
             will
             utterly
             vitiate
             all
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             render
             them
             useless
             unto
             us
             .
          
           
             (
             1.
             )
             
               Vain
               Curiosity
            
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             
               Carnal
               Boldness
            
             .
             It
             is
             inimaginable
             how
             the
             subtle
             disquisitions
             and
             disputes
             of
             men
             ,
             about
             the
             Nature
             ,
             Properties
             and
             Councels
             of
             God
             ,
             have
             been
             corrupted
             ,
             rendred
             sapless
             and
             useless
             by
             
               vain
               Curiosity
            
             ,
             and
             striving
             for
             an
             
               artificial
               Accuracy
            
             in
             the
             expression
             of
             mens
             apprehensions
             .
             When
             the
             Wits
             and
             Minds
             of
             men
             are
             engaged
             in
             such
             Thoughts
             ,
             God
             is
             
               not
               in
               
               all
               their
               Thoughts
               ,
               even
               when
               all
               their
               Thoughts
               are
               concerning
               him
               .
            
             When
             once
             men
             are
             got
             into
             their
             
               Metaphysical
               Curiosities
            
             ,
             and
             
               Logical
               Niceties
            
             in
             their
             Contemplations
             about
             God
             and
             his
             Divine
             Properties
             ,
             they
             bid
             farewell
             for
             the
             most
             part
             unto
             all
             
               Godly
               Fear
               and
               Reverence
            
             .
             Others
             are
             under
             the
             power
             of
             
               Carnal
               Boldness
            
             ,
             that
             they
             think
             of
             God
             with
             no
             other
             respect
             ,
             than
             if
             they
             thought
             of
             Worms
             of
             the
             earth
             like
             themselves
             .
             There
             is
             no
             
               holy
               Awfulness
            
             upon
             their
             Minds
             and
             Souls
             in
             the
             mention
             of
             his
             Name
             .
             By
             these
             things
             may
             our
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             be
             
               so
               vitiated
            
             ,
             that
             the
             heart
             shall
             not
             in
             them
             be
             affected
             with
             a
             Reverence
             of
             him
             ,
             nor
             any
             Evidence
             be
             given
             that
             we
             are
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             this
             
               holy
               Reverence
            
             that
             is
             the
             means
             of
             bringing
             in
             
               Sanctifying
               vertue
            
             into
             our
             Souls
             ,
             from
             God
             ,
             upon
             our
             Thoughts
             of
             him
             .
             None
             that
             think
             of
             God
             with
             a
             
               due
               Reverence
            
             ,
             but
             he
             shall
             be
             sensible
             of
             Advantage
             by
             it
             .
             Hereby
             do
             we
             sanctifie
             God
             in
             our
             Access
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             when
             we
             do
             so
             ,
             he
             will
             
               sanctifie
               and
               purifie
               our
               hearts
            
             by
             those
             very
             Thoughts
             in
             which
             we
             draw
             nigh
             to
             him
             .
          
           
             We
             may
             have
             many
             sudden
             ,
             occasional
             ,
             transient
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             are
             not
             Introduced
             into
             our
             minds
             by
             a
             preceding
             
               Reverential
               Fear
            
             .
             But
             if
             they
             leave
             not
             that
             fear
             on
             our
             hearts
             ,
             in
             proportion
             unto
             their
             continuance
             with
             us
             ,
             they
             are
             of
             no
             value
             ,
             but
             will
             insensibly
             habituate
             us
             unto
             a
             common
             bold
             frame
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             which
             he
             despises
             .
          
           
             So
             is
             it
             in
             the
             case
             of
             Thoughts
             of
             a
             contrary
             nature
             .
             Thoughts
             of
             sin
             ,
             of
             sinful
             Objects
             may
             arise
             in
             our
             minds
             from
             the
             Remainders
             of
             Corruption
             ;
             or
             be
             occasioned
             by
             the
             Temptations
             and
             Suggestions
             of
             Satan
             ;
             If
             these
             are
             immediately
             rejected
             and
             cast
             out
             of
             us
             ,
             the
             Soul
             is
             not
             more
             prejudiced
             by
             their
             entrance
             ,
             than
             it
             is
             Advantaged
             by
             their
             Rejection
             through
             the
             power
             of
             Grace
             .
             But
             if
             they
             make
             frequent
             returns
             into
             the
             minds
             of
             
             men
             ,
             or
             make
             any
             abode
             or
             continuance
             in
             their
             soliciting
             of
             the
             Affections
             ,
             they
             greatly
             defile
             the
             Mind
             and
             Conscience
             ,
             disposing
             the
             person
             unto
             the
             further
             entertainment
             of
             them
             .
             So
             if
             our
             
               occasional
               Thoughts
               of
               God
            
             ,
             do
             immediately
             leave
             us
             ,
             and
             pass
             away
             without
             much
             affecting
             our
             Minds
             ;
             we
             shall
             have
             little
             or
             no
             Benefit
             by
             them
             .
             But
             if
             by
             their
             frequent
             visits
             ,
             and
             some
             continuance
             with
             us
             ,
             they
             dispose
             Souls
             unto
             an
             holy
             
               Reverence
               of
               God
            
             ,
             they
             are
             a
             blessed
             means
             of
             promoting
             our
             Sanctification
             .
             Without
             this
             ,
             I
             say
             ,
             there
             may
             be
             thoughts
             of
             God
             unto
             no
             advantage
             of
             the
             Soul.
             
          
           
             There
             is
             implanted
             on
             our
             Nature
             such
             a
             sence
             of
             
               a
               Divine
               Power
            
             and
             Presence
             ,
             as
             that
             on
             all
             sudden
             occasions
             and
             surprizals
             ,
             it
             will
             act
             it self
             according
             unto
             that
             sence
             and
             apprehension
             .
             There
             is
             
               Vox
               Naturae
               clamantis
               ad
               Dominum
               Naturae
               :
            
             A
             voice
             in
             Nature
             it self
             ,
             upon
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             suddenly
             too
             hard
             for
             it
             ,
             which
             cryes
             out
             immediately
             unto
             the
             God
             of
             Nature
             .
             So
             men
             on
             such
             occasions
             without
             any
             consideration
             are
             surprized
             into
             a
             calling
             on
             the
             Name
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             crying
             unto
             him
             .
             And
             from
             the
             same
             
               natural
               apprehension
            
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             wicked
             and
             profane
             persons
             ,
             will
             break
             forth
             on
             all
             occasions
             into
             cursed
             Swearing
             by
             his
             Name
             .
             So
             men
             in
             such
             wayes
             have
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             without
             either
             Reverence
             or
             Godly
             fear
             ,
             without
             giving
             any
             Glory
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             most
             part
             unto
             their
             own
             disadvantage
             .
             Such
             are
             all
             thoughts
             of
             God
             that
             are
             not
             accompanyed
             with
             holy
             
               Fear
               and
               Reverence
            
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             scarce
             any
             Duty
             that
             ought
             at
             present
             to
             be
             more
             press'd
             on
             the
             Consciences
             of
             men
             ,
             than
             this
             of
             keeping
             up
             a
             constant
             
               holy
               Reverence
            
             of
             God
             in
             all
             wherein
             they
             have
             to
             do
             with
             him
             ,
             both
             in
             private
             and
             publick
             ,
             in
             their
             inward
             Thoughts
             ,
             and
             outward
             Communication
             .
             Formality
             hath
             so
             prevailed
             on
             Religion
             ,
             and
             that
             under
             the
             most
             effectual
             means
             of
             its
             suppression
             ,
             that
             very
             many
             do
             manifest
             ,
             that
             they
             have
             little
             
             or
             
               no
               Reverence
               of
               God
            
             ,
             in
             the
             most
             solemn
             Duties
             of
             his
             Worship
             ;
             and
             less
             it
             may
             be
             in
             their
             secret
             Thoughts
             .
             Some
             wayes
             that
             have
             been
             found
             out
             to
             keep
             up
             a
             pretence
             and
             appearance
             of
             it
             ,
             have
             been
             and
             are
             destructive
             unto
             it
             .
          
           
             But
             herein
             consists
             the
             very
             Life
             of
             all
             Religion
             .
             The
             
               fear
               of
               God
            
             is
             in
             the
             Old
             Testament
             the
             usual
             expression
             of
             all
             the
             due
             respect
             of
             our
             Souls
             unto
             him
             ;
             and
             that
             because
             where
             that
             is
             not
             in
             exercise
             ,
             nothing
             is
             accepted
             with
             him
             .
             And
             thence
             the
             whole
             of
             our
             wisdom
             is
             said
             to
             consist
             therein
             ,
             and
             if
             it
             be
             not
             in
             a
             prevalent
             exercise
             in
             all
             wherein
             we
             have
             to
             do
             with
             him
             immediately
             ,
             all
             our
             Duties
             are
             utterly
             lost
             as
             to
             the
             Ends
             of
             his
             Glory
             and
             the
             Spiritual
             Advantage
             of
             our
             own
             Souls
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IX
             .
          
           
             
               
                 What
                 of
                 God
                 or
                 in
                 God
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 think
                 and
                 meditate
                 upon
                 .
                 His
                 Being
                 ;
                 Reasons
                 of
                 it
                 ;
                 Oppositions
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 their
                 Conquest
                 .
                 Thoughts
                 of
                 the
                 Omnipresence
                 ,
                 and
                 Omniscience
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 peculiarly
                 necessary
                 .
                 The
                 Reasons
                 hereof
                 .
                 As
                 also
                 of
                 his
                 Omnipotency
                 .
                 The
                 Use
                 and
                 Benefit
                 of
                 such
                 Thoughts
                 .
              
            
          
           
             THese
             things
             mentioned
             have
             been
             premised
             in
             General
             ,
             as
             unto
             the
             nature
             ,
             manner
             and
             way
             of
             exercise
             of
             our
             Thoughts
             on
             God.
             That
             which
             remains
             is
             to
             give
             some
             particular
             instances
             ,
             of
             
               what
               we
               are
               to
               think
            
             upon
             in
             an
             especial
             manner
             ;
             and
             what
             we
             will
             be
             conversant
             withall
             in
             our
             Thoughts
             ,
             if
             so
             be
             we
             are
             
               Spiritually
               
               minded
            
             .
             And
             I
             shall
             not
             insist
             at
             present
             on
             the
             things
             which
             concern
             his
             Grace
             and
             Love
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             ,
             which
             belong
             unto
             another
             head
             ,
             but
             on
             those
             which
             have
             an
             Immediate
             respect
             unto
             the
             
               Divine
               Nature
            
             it self
             ,
             and
             its
             holy
             essential
             Properties
             .
          
           
             (
             1.
             )
             Think
             much
             of
             the
             Being
             and
             
               Existence
               of
               God.
            
             Herein
             lyes
             the
             Foundation
             of
             all
             our
             Relation
             and
             access
             unto
             him
             .
             Heb.
             11.6
             .
             
               He
               that
               cometh
               unto
               God
               ,
               must
               believe
               that
               he
               is
               .
            
             This
             is
             the
             
               first
               Object
            
             of
             Faith
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             the
             
               first
               Act
            
             of
             Reason
             ;
             and
             being
             the
             sole
             Foundation
             of
             all
             Religion
             ,
             it
             is
             our
             duty
             to
             be
             exercised
             unto
             multiplied
             Thoughts
             about
             it
             ,
             renewed
             on
             all
             occasions
             .
             For
             many
             who
             are
             not
             direct
             Atheists
             ,
             yet
             live
             without
             any
             solid
             
               well-grounded
               Assent
            
             unto
             the
             Divine
             being
             ;
             They
             do
             not
             so
             believe
             it
             as
             to
             be
             practically
             influenced
             with
             the
             Consideration
             of
             it
             .
             It
             is
             granted
             ,
             that
             the
             
               inbred
               Light
               of
               Nature
            
             ,
             in
             the
             due
             exercise
             of
             Reason
             ,
             will
             give
             any
             Rational
             creature
             satisfaction
             in
             the
             Being
             of
             God.
             But
             there
             is
             in
             the
             most
             an
             Anticipation
             of
             any
             Thoughts
             of
             this
             nature
             by
             Tradition
             and
             Education
             ,
             which
             hath
             invited
             men
             into
             an
             assent
             unto
             it
             ,
             they
             know
             not
             how
             .
             They
             never
             call'd
             it
             into
             question
             ,
             nor
             have
             as
             they
             suppose
             any
             cause
             so
             to
             do
             .
             Nature
             it self
             startles
             at
             the
             first
             Thoughts
             of
             denying
             of
             it
             ,
             but
             if
             ever
             such
             persons
             on
             any
             urgent
             occasions
             come
             to
             have
             real
             Thoughts
             about
             it
             ,
             they
             are
             at
             a
             loss
             and
             fluctuate
             in
             their
             minds
             ,
             as
             not
             having
             any
             certain
             indubitable
             convicton
             of
             its
             truth
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             as
             our
             Knowledge
             of
             the
             Divine
             Being
             is
             as
             to
             the
             Foundation
             of
             it
             laid
             in
             the
             
               Light
               of
               Nature
            
             ,
             the
             
               Operation
               of
               Conscience
            
             ,
             and
             the
             due
             exercise
             of
             Reason
             about
             the
             works
             and
             effects
             of
             infinite
             Power
             and
             Wisdom
             ;
             so
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             increased
             ,
             and
             rendred
             useful
             by
             
               faith
               in
               Divine
               Revelations
            
             ,
             and
             the
             Experience
             of
             Divine
             power
             through
             them
             .
             By
             this
             Faith
             we
             ought
             to
             let
             in
             frequent
             thoughts
             of
             the
             Divine
             being
             and
             Existence
             .
             
             And
             that
             on
             
               two
               Reasons
            
             rendring
             the
             duty
             necessary
             in
             an
             Eminent
             manner
             ,
             in
             this
             Age
             wherein
             we
             live
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             
               abounding
               of
               Atheism
            
             both
             Notional
             and
             Practical
             .
             The
             Reasons
             of
             it
             ,
             have
             been
             given
             before
             ,
             and
             the
             
               matter
               of
               fact
            
             is
             evident
             unto
             any
             Ordinary
             observation
             .
             And
             on
             two
             accounts
             with
             respect
             hereunto
             we
             ought
             to
             abound
             in
             Thoughts
             of
             Faith
             concerning
             the
             Being
             of
             God.
             (
             1.
             )
             An
             especial
             Testimony
             is
             required
             in
             us
             ,
             in
             opposition
             to
             this
             cursed
             effect
             of
             Hell.
             He
             therefore
             who
             is
             spiritually
             minded
             ,
             cannot
             but
             have
             many
             Thoughts
             of
             the
             Being
             of
             God
             ,
             thereby
             giving
             Glory
             to
             him
             .
             Isai.
             43.9
             ,
             10
             ,
             11
             ,
             12.
             
             
               Let
               all
               the
               Nations
               be
               gathered
               together
               ,
               and
               let
               the
               people
               be
               assembled
               :
               who
               among
               them
               can
               declare
               this
               ,
               and
               shew
               us
               former
               things
               ?
               let
               them
               bring
               forth
               their
               witnesses
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               be
               justified
               :
               or
               let
               them
               hear
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               It
               is
               truth
               .
               Ye
            
             are
             
               my
               witnesses
               ,
               saith
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               my
               servant
               whom
               I
               have
               chosen
               :
               that
               ye
               may
               know
               and
               believe
               me
               ,
               and
               understand
               that
               I
            
             am
             
               he
               :
               before
               me
               there
               was
               no
               God
               formed
               ,
               neither
               shall
               there
               be
               after
               me
               .
               I
               ,
            
             even
             I
             am
             
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               beside
               me
               there
               is
               no
               Saviour
               .
               I
               have
               declared
               ,
               and
               have
               saved
               ,
               and
               I
               have
               shewed
               ,
               when
            
             there
             was
             
               no
               strange
            
             god
             
               among
               you
               :
               therefore
               ye
               are
               my
               witnesses
               ,
               saith
               the
               Lord
               ,
               that
               I
            
             am
             God.
             Chap.
             44.8
             .
             
               Fear
               ye
               not
               ,
               neither
               be
               afraid
               :
               have
               not
               I
               told
               thee
               from
               that
               time
               ,
               and
               have
               declared
            
             it
             ;
             ye
             are
             
               even
               my
               witnesses
               .
               Is
               there
               a
               God
               besides
               me
               ?
               yea
               ,
            
             there
             is
             
               no
               God
               :
               I
               know
               not
               any
               .
            
             (
             2.
             )
             We
             shall
             have
             occasion
             of
             them
             continually
             administred
             unto
             us
             .
             Those
             
               Atheistical
               impieties
            
             ,
             principles
             and
             practices
             which
             abound
             amongst
             us
             ,
             are
             grievous
             provocations
             unto
             all
             pious
             Souls
             .
             Without
             frequent
             retreat
             unto
             Thoughts
             of
             the
             
               Being
               of
               God
            
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             relief
             nor
             refreshment
             to
             be
             had
             under
             them
             .
             Such
             was
             the
             case
             of
             
               Noah
               in
               the
               old
            
             World
             ,
             and
             of
             Lot
             in
             Sodom
             ,
             which
             rendred
             their
             Graces
             illustrious
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Because
             of
             the
             
               unaccountable
               Confusions
            
             that
             all
             things
             
             are
             fill'd
             withall
             at
             this
             day
             in
             the
             World.
             Whatever
             in
             former
             times
             hath
             been
             a
             Temptation
             in
             humane
             Affairs
             unto
             any
             of
             the
             People
             of
             God
             ,
             it
             abounds
             at
             this
             day
             .
             Never
             had
             men
             profane
             and
             profligate
             greater
             outward
             appearances
             to
             strengthen
             them
             in
             their
             Atheism
             ,
             nor
             those
             that
             are
             Godly
             greater
             Tryals
             for
             their
             Faith
             ,
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             visible
             State
             of
             things
             in
             the
             world
             .
             The
             Psalmist
             of
             old
             on
             such
             an
             occasion
             was
             almost
             surprized
             into
             unbelieving
             complaints
             ,
             Psal.
             73.2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             &c.
             
             And
             such
             surprizals
             may
             now
             also
             befall
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             ready
             to
             say
             with
             him
             ;
             
               Verily
               I
               have
               cleansed
               my
               heart
               in
               vain
               ,
               and
               washed
               my
               hands
               in
               Innocency
               ,
               for
               all
               the
               day
               long
               have
               I
               been
               plagued
               and
               chastened
               every
               morning
               .
            
             Hence
             when
             the
             Prophet
             Habakkuk
             was
             exercised
             with
             Thoughts
             about
             such
             a
             state
             of
             things
             as
             is
             at
             this
             day
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             which
             he
             declares
             ,
             Chap.
             1.6
             ,
             7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9
             ,
             10
             ,
             11
             ,
             12.
             he
             layes
             the
             foundation
             of
             his
             consideration
             in
             the
             fresh
             exercise
             of
             Faith
             on
             the
             
               Being
               and
               Properties
               of
               God
            
             ,
             v.
             12
             ,
             13.
             
             And
             David
             makes
             that
             
               his
               Retreat
            
             on
             the
             like
             occasion
             ,
             Psal.
             11.3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             In
             such
             a
             season
             as
             this
             is
             ,
             upon
             both
             the
             accounts
             mentioned
             ,
             those
             who
             are
             spiritually
             minded
             will
             much
             exercise
             their
             Thoughts
             about
             the
             
               Being
               and
               Existence
            
             of
             God.
             They
             will
             say
             within
             themselves
             ,
             
               Verily
               there
               is
               a
               Reward
               for
               the
               Righteous
               ,
               verily
               he
               is
               a
               God
               who
               judgeth
               in
               the
               earth
               .
            
             Hence
             will
             follow
             such
             apprehensions
             of
             the
             Immensity
             of
             his
             Nature
             ,
             of
             his
             eternal
             Power
             and
             Infinite
             Wisdom
             ,
             of
             his
             absolute
             Soveraignty
             ,
             as
             will
             hold
             their
             Souls
             firm
             and
             stedfast
             ,
             in
             the
             highest
             storms
             of
             Temptation
             that
             may
             befall
             them
             .
          
           
             Yet
             are
             there
             two
             things
             that
             the
             weaker
             sort
             of
             Believers
             may
             be
             exercised
             with
             ,
             in
             their
             
               Thoughts
               of
               the
               Divine
               Being
               and
               Existence
               ,
            
             which
             may
             occasion
             them
             some
             trouble
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Sathan
             knowing
             the
             
               weakness
               of
               our
               Minds
            
             in
             the
             immediate
             Contemplation
             of
             things
             infinite
             and
             incomprehensible
             ,
             
             will
             sometimes
             take
             advantage
             to
             insinuate
             
               blasphemous
               Imaginations
            
             in
             opposition
             unto
             what
             we
             would
             fix
             upon
             ,
             and
             relieve
             our selves
             withal
             .
             He
             will
             take
             that
             very
             time
             ,
             trusting
             unto
             our
             weakness
             and
             his
             own
             methods
             of
             subtilty
             ,
             to
             suggest
             his
             Temptations
             unto
             Atheism
             ,
             by
             insnaring
             Enquiries
             ,
             when
             we
             go
             about
             to
             refresh
             our
             Souls
             with
             Thoughts
             of
             the
             Divine
             Being
             and
             Excellencies
             .
             
               But
               is
               there
               a
               God
               indeed
               ?
               How
               do
               you
               know
               that
               there
               is
               a
               God
               ?
               and
               may
               it
               not
               be
               otherwise
               ?
            
             will
             be
             his
             language
             unto
             our
             minds
             .
             For
             from
             his
             first
             Temptation
             by
             way
             of
             an
             ensnaring
             Question
             ,
             
               Yea
               ,
               and
               hath
               God
               said
               it
               ,
               ye
               shall
               not
               eat
               of
               every
               Tree
               of
               the
               Garden
               ?
            
             he
             proceeds
             still
             much
             in
             the
             same
             methods
             .
             So
             he
             did
             with
             our
             Saviour
             himself
             ,
             
               If
               thou
               be
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               :
            
             Is
             there
             a
             God
             ?
             how
             if
             there
             should
             be
             none
             ?
             In
             such
             a
             case
             the
             Rule
             is
             given
             us
             by
             the
             Apostle
             ;
             
               Above
               all
               take
               the
               shield
               of
               Faith
               ,
               whereby
               ye
               shall
               be
               able
               to
               quench
               all
               the
               fiery
               darts
               of
               the
               Wicked
               ,
               Eph.
            
             6.16
             .
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             of
             
               the
               wicked
               one
            
             ,
             that
             is
             the
             Devil
             .
             And
             two
             wayes
             will
             Faith
             Act
             it self
             on
             this
             occasion
             .
          
           
             (
             1.
             )
             By
             a
             
               speedy
               rejection
               of
               such
               Diabolical
               Suggestions
               with
               detestation
               .
            
             So
             did
             our
             Saviour
             in
             a
             case
             not
             unlike
             it
             ;
             
               Get
               thee
               behind
               me
               Sathan
            
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             if
             any
             such
             Thoughts
             are
             suggested
             ,
             or
             seem
             to
             arise
             in
             your
             minds
             ,
             know
             assuredly
             that
             they
             are
             no
             less
             
               immediately
               from
               the
               Devil
            
             ,
             than
             if
             he
             personally
             stood
             before
             you
             ,
             and
             visibly
             appear'd
             unto
             you
             ;
             if
             he
             did
             so
             ,
             there
             is
             none
             of
             you
             but
             would
             
               arm
               your selves
            
             with
             an
             utter
             defiance
             of
             what
             he
             should
             offer
             unto
             you
             .
             It
             is
             no
             less
             necessary
             on
             this
             occasion
             ,
             when
             you
             may
             feel
             him
             ,
             though
             you
             see
             him
             not
             .
             Suffer
             not
             his
             
               fiery
               darts
            
             to
             abide
             one
             moment
             with
             you
             ,
             entertain
             no
             parly
             or
             dispute
             about
             them
             ,
             reject
             them
             with
             indignation
             ,
             and
             strengthen
             your
             rejection
             of
             them
             with
             some
             pertinent
             testimony
             of
             Scripture
             ,
             as
             our
             Saviour
             did
             .
             If
             a
             man
             have
             a
             Granado
             or
             Fire-ball
             cast
             into
             his
             Cloaths
             by
             his
             Enemy
             ,
             he
             
             doth
             not
             consider
             whether
             it
             will
             burn
             or
             no
             ,
             but
             Immediately
             shakes
             it
             off
             from
             him
             .
             Deal
             no
             otherwise
             with
             these
             
               fiery
               darts
            
             ,
             lest
             by
             their
             abode
             with
             you
             they
             inflame
             your
             Imagination
             unto
             greater
             disturbance
             .
          
           
             (
             2.
             )
             In
             case
             they
             utterly
             depart
             not
             upon
             this
             Endeavour
             for
             their
             exclusion
             and
             casting
             out
             ,
             return
             immediately
             without
             further
             dispute
             unto
             your
             
               own
               Experience
            
             .
             When
             the
             Devil
             hath
             ask'd
             you
             the
             Question
             ,
             if
             you
             answer
             him
             ,
             you
             will
             be
             ensnar'd
             ;
             but
             if
             thereon
             you
             ask
             your selves
             the
             Question
             ,
             and
             apply
             your selves
             unto
             your
             own
             experience
             for
             an
             answer
             unto
             it
             ,
             you
             will
             frustrate
             all
             his
             designs
             .
          
           
             There
             are
             Arguments
             to
             be
             taken
             as
             was
             said
             from
             the
             
               Light
               of
               Nature
            
             ,
             and
             Reason
             in
             its
             proper
             exercise
             ,
             sufficient
             to
             defeat
             all
             Objections
             of
             that
             kind
             .
             But
             these
             are
             not
             our
             proper
             weapons
             in
             case
             of
             our
             
               own
               Temptation
            
             ,
             which
             alone
             is
             now
             under
             Consideration
             .
             It
             requires
             longer
             and
             more
             sedate
             reasonings
             than
             such
             a
             state
             will
             admit
             of
             ,
             nor
             is
             it
             a
             
               Sanctified
               medium
            
             for
             our
             Relief
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             what
             is
             suited
             unto
             suggestions
             on
             the
             occasion
             of
             our
             Meditations
             that
             we
             enquire
             after
             .
             In
             them
             we
             are
             not
             to
             argue
             on
             such
             Principles
             ,
             but
             to
             take
             the
             
               shield
               of
               Faith
            
             to
             Quench
             these
             fiery
             darts
             .
             And
             if
             on
             such
             occasions
             Sathan
             can
             divert
             us
             into
             long
             disputes
             about
             the
             
               Being
               of
               God
            
             ,
             he
             hath
             his
             end
             ,
             by
             carrying
             us
             off
             from
             the
             meditation
             on
             him
             which
             we
             did
             design
             ,
             and
             after
             a
             while
             he
             will
             prevail
             to
             make
             it
             a
             common
             road
             and
             trade
             ,
             that
             no
             sooner
             shall
             we
             begin
             to
             think
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             immediately
             we
             must
             
               dispute
               about
               his
               Being
            
             .
          
           
             Therefore
             the
             way
             in
             this
             case
             for
             him
             who
             is
             
               really
               a
               Believer
            
             ,
             is
             to
             retreat
             immediately
             unto
             his
             own
             Experience
             ,
             which
             will
             pour
             shame
             and
             contempt
             on
             the
             suggestions
             of
             Sathan
             .
             There
             is
             no
             Believer
             ,
             who
             hath
             knowledge
             and
             time
             to
             exercise
             the
             wisdom
             of
             Faith
             in
             
             the
             consideration
             of
             himself
             and
             of
             Gods
             dealings
             with
             him
             ,
             but
             hath
             a
             
               witness
               in
               himself
            
             of
             his
             eternal
             Power
             and
             Godhead
             ,
             as
             also
             of
             all
             those
             other
             Perfections
             of
             his
             Nature
             which
             he
             is
             pleased
             to
             manifest
             and
             glorify
             by
             Jesus
             Christ.
             Wherefore
             on
             this
             suggestion
             of
             Sathan
             ,
             that
             there
             
               is
               no
               God
            
             ,
             he
             will
             be
             able
             to
             say
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             better
             tell
             me
             that
             I
             do
             not
             Live
             nor
             Breathe
             ,
             that
             I
             am
             not
             fed
             by
             my
             Meat
             ,
             nor
             warm'd
             by
             my
             Cloaths
             ,
             that
             I
             know
             not
             my self
             nor
             any
             thing
             else
             :
             For
             I
             have
             spiritual
             
               sence
               and
               experience
            
             of
             the
             contrary
             ;
             like
             him
             of
             old
             ,
             who
             when
             a
             
               cunning
               Sophister
            
             would
             prove
             
               unto
               him
               by
               Syllogisms
            
             that
             there
             was
             no
             such
             thing
             as
             motion
             ,
             he
             gave
             no
             answer
             unto
             his
             Arguments
             ,
             but
             
               Rose
               up
               and
               walked
            
             .
             How
             often
             ,
             will
             he
             say
             ,
             have
             I
             had
             experience
             of
             the
             
               power
               and
               presence
               of
               God
            
             in
             Prayer
             ;
             as
             though
             I
             had
             not
             only
             heard
             of
             him
             by
             the
             hearing
             of
             the
             ear
             ,
             but
             also
             seen
             him
             by
             the
             seeing
             of
             the
             eye
             ?
             How
             often
             hath
             he
             put
             forth
             his
             Power
             and
             Grace
             in
             
               me
               by
               his
               Spirit
               and
               his
               Word
            
             with
             an
             uncontrollable
             Evidence
             of
             his
             Being
             ,
             Goodness
             ,
             Love
             and
             Grace
             ?
             How
             often
             hath
             he
             refreshed
             
               my
               Conscience
            
             with
             the
             sense
             of
             the
             pardon
             of
             sin
             ,
             speaking
             that
             peace
             unto
             my
             Soul
             ,
             which
             all
             the
             world
             could
             not
             communicate
             unto
             me
             ?
             In
             how
             many
             afflictions
             ,
             dangers
             ,
             troubles
             hath
             he
             been
             a
             present
             help
             and
             relief
             ?
             what
             sensible
             Emanations
             of
             Life
             and
             Power
             from
             him
             have
             I
             obtain'd
             in
             Meditation
             on
             his
             Grace
             and
             Glory
             ?
             As
             he
             who
             had
             
               been
               blind
            
             answered
             the
             Pharisees
             unto
             their
             ensnaring
             captious
             questions
             ;
             Be
             it
             what
             it
             will
             ,
             
               One
               thing
               I
               know
               ,
               that
               whereas
               I
               was
               blind
               now
               I
               see
               .
            
             Whatever
             ,
             saith
             such
             a
             Soul
             ,
             be
             in
             this
             Temptation
             of
             Sathan
             ,
             one
             thing
             I
             know
             full
             well
             ,
             that
             
               whereas
               I
               was
               dead
               ,
               I
               am
               alive
               ,
            
             whereas
             
               I
               was
               blind
               ,
               now
               I
               see
               ,
               and
               that
               by
               an
               effect
               of
               divine
               power
               .
            
          
           
             This
             shield
             of
             Faith
             managed
             in
             the
             hand
             of
             Experience
             ,
             will
             quench
             the
             fiery
             darts
             of
             Sathan
             ;
             and
             he
             will
             fall
             under
             a
             double
             defeat
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             His
             Temptations
             will
             
             be
             repell'd
             by
             the
             proper
             way
             of
             resistance
             ,
             whereon
             he
             will
             not
             only
             desist
             in
             his
             Attempt
             ,
             but
             even
             fly
             from
             you
             .
             
               Resist
               the
               Devil
            
             ,
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               and
               he
               will
               fly
               from
               you
               .
            
             He
             will
             not
             only
             depart
             and
             cease
             to
             trouble
             you
             ,
             but
             will
             depart
             as
             one
             defeated
             and
             confounded
             .
             And
             it
             is
             for
             want
             of
             this
             resistance
             lively
             made
             use
             of
             ,
             that
             many
             hang
             so
             long
             in
             the
             Bryars
             of
             this
             Temptation
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             Recalling
             the
             Experiences
             we
             have
             had
             of
             God
             ,
             will
             lead
             us
             unto
             the
             exercise
             of
             all
             kind
             of
             Graces
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             greatest
             disappointment
             of
             our
             Adversary
             .
          
           
             (
             2.
             )
             In
             Thoughts
             of
             the
             
               Divine
               Being
               and
               Existence
            
             ,
             we
             are
             apt
             to
             
               be
               at
               a
               loss
            
             ,
             to
             be
             as
             it
             were
             overwhelmed
             in
             our
             minds
             ,
             because
             the
             Object
             is
             too
             great
             and
             Glorious
             for
             us
             to
             contemplate
             on
             .
             Eternity
             and
             Immensity
             ,
             every
             thing
             under
             the
             notion
             of
             Infinite
             ,
             take
             off
             the
             mind
             from
             its
             distinct
             actings
             ,
             and
             reduce
             it
             as
             it
             were
             unto
             nothing
             .
             Hereon
             in
             some
             ,
             not
             able
             to
             abide
             in
             the
             strict
             Reasons
             of
             things
             ,
             vain
             and
             foolish
             Imaginations
             are
             apt
             to
             arise
             ,
             and
             enquiries
             how
             can
             these
             things
             be
             ,
             which
             we
             cannot
             comprehend
             ?
             Others
             are
             utterly
             at
             a
             loss
             ,
             and
             turn
             away
             their
             Thoughts
             from
             them
             ,
             as
             they
             would
             do
             their
             eyes
             from
             the
             bright
             beams
             of
             the
             Sun.
             Two
             things
             are
             adviseable
             in
             this
             case
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             we
             betake
             our selves
             unto
             an
             
               holy
               Admiration
            
             of
             what
             we
             
               cannot
               comprehend
            
             .
             In
             these
             things
             we
             cannot
             see
             God
             and
             Live
             ;
             nay
             in
             life
             Eternal
             it self
             they
             are
             not
             absolutely
             to
             be
             comprehended
             ,
             only
             what
             is
             Infinite
             can
             fully
             comprehend
             what
             is
             so
             .
             Here
             they
             are
             the
             
               Objects
               of
            
             Faith
             and
             Worship
             ,
             in
             them
             we
             may
             find
             rest
             and
             satisfaction
             ,
             when
             enquiries
             and
             reasonings
             will
             disquiet
             us
             ,
             and
             it
             may
             be
             overwhelm
             us
             .
             Infinite
             Glory
             forbids
             us
             any
             near
             approach
             but
             only
             by
             Faith.
             The
             Soul
             thereby
             bowing
             down
             it self
             unto
             Gods
             adoreable
             Greatness
             ,
             and
             Imcomprehensible
             Perfections
             ,
             finding
             our selves
             to
             be
             nothing
             and
             God
             to
             be
             all
             ,
             will
             
             give
             us
             rest
             and
             peace
             in
             these
             things
             ;
             Rom.
             11.33
             ,
             34
             ,
             35
             ,
             36.
             
             We
             have
             but
             unsteady
             Thoughts
             ,
             of
             the
             
               greatness
               of
               the
               World
            
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Nations
             and
             Inhabitants
             of
             it
             ,
             yet
             are
             both
             it
             and
             these
             but
             as
             
               the
               dust
               of
               the
               ballance
               and
               the
               drop
               of
               the
               bucket
               ,
               as
               vanity
               ,
               as
               nothing
               ,
            
             compared
             with
             God
             :
             what
             then
             can
             our
             Thoughts
             concerning
             him
             issue
             in
             ,
             but
             
               holy
               Admiration
            
             ?
          
           
             2.
             
             In
             case
             we
             are
             brought
             unto
             a
             loss
             and
             disorder
             in
             our
             minds
             ,
             on
             the
             contemplation
             of
             any
             one
             
               Infinite
               Property
               of
               God
            
             ,
             it
             is
             good
             to
             divert
             our
             Thoughts
             unto
             the
             
               Effects
               of
               it
            
             ,
             such
             as
             whereof
             we
             have
             ,
             or
             may
             have
             experience
             ;
             for
             what
             is
             too
             great
             or
             high
             for
             us
             
               in
               it self
            
             ,
             is
             made
             suitable
             to
             our
             understandings
             in
             its
             Effects
             .
             So
             the
             
               Invisible
               things
               of
               God
               ,
               are
               known
               in
               and
               by
               the
               things
               that
               are
               seen
               .
            
             And
             there
             is
             indeed
             no
             Property
             of
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             ,
             but
             we
             may
             have
             an
             experience
             of
             it
             as
             unto
             some
             of
             its
             effects
             in
             and
             upon
             our selves
             .
             These
             we
             may
             consider
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Streams
             taste
             of
             the
             Fountain
             which
             we
             cannot
             approach
             .
             By
             them
             we
             may
             be
             led
             unto
             an
             
               holy
               admiration
            
             of
             what
             is
             in
             it self
             Infinite
             ,
             Immense
             ,
             Imcomprehensible
             .
             I
             cannot
             comprehend
             the
             
               Immensity
               of
               Gods
            
             Nature
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             I
             cannot
             understand
             the
             nature
             of
             Immensity
             ;
             yet
             if
             I
             find
             by
             experience
             and
             do
             strongly
             believe
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             alwaies
             present
             wherever
             I
             am
             ,
             I
             have
             the
             Faith
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             satisfaction
             in
             it
             .
          
           
             (
             2.
             )
             With
             Thoughts
             of
             
               the
               divine
               Being
            
             ,
             those
             of
             his
             Omnipresence
             and
             Omniscience
             ought
             continually
             to
             accompany
             us
             .
             We
             cannot
             take
             one
             step
             in
             a
             walk
             before
             him
             ,
             unless
             we
             remember
             that
             alwayes
             and
             in
             all
             places
             he
             is
             present
             with
             us
             ,
             that
             the
             frame
             of
             our
             hearts
             and
             our
             
               inward
               Thoughts
            
             are
             continually
             in
             his
             view
             no
             less
             than
             our
             outward
             Actions
             .
             And
             as
             we
             ought
             to
             be
             perpetually
             under
             an
             awe
             of
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God
             in
             these
             apprehensions
             ,
             so
             there
             are
             
               some
               seasons
            
             wherein
             our
             minds
             ought
             to
             be
             in
             the
             actual
             conception
             
             and
             thoughts
             of
             them
             ,
             without
             which
             we
             shall
             not
             be
             preserved
             in
             our
             Duty
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             first
             
               season
               of
               this
               nature
            
             ,
             is
             when
             
               times
               ,
               places
            
             ,
             with
             other
             occasions
             of
             Temptation
             and
             consequently
             of
             Sinning
             ,
             do
             come
             and
             meet
             .
             With
             some
             ,
             Company
             doth
             constitute
             such
             a
             season
             ;
             and
             with
             some
             ,
             Secrecy
             with
             Opportunity
             do
             the
             same
             .
             There
             are
             those
             who
             are
             ready
             with
             a
             careless
             boldness
             to
             put
             themselves
             on
             such
             Societies
             as
             they
             do
             know
             have
             been
             Temptations
             unto
             them
             and
             occasions
             of
             sin
             ;
             every
             such
             entrance
             into
             any
             society
             or
             company
             ,
             unto
             them
             who
             know
             how
             it
             hath
             formerly
             succeeded
             ,
             is
             their
             
               actual
               sin
            
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             Just
             with
             God
             to
             leave
             them
             to
             all
             the
             evil
             Consequents
             that
             do
             ensue
             .
             Others
             also
             do
             either
             choose
             ,
             or
             are
             frequently
             cast
             on
             such
             Societies
             ;
             and
             no
             sooner
             are
             they
             engag'd
             in
             them
             ,
             but
             they
             forget
             all
             regard
             unto
             God
             ,
             and
             give
             themselves
             up
             not
             only
             unto
             Vanity
             ,
             but
             unto
             various
             sorts
             of
             excess
             .
             David
             knew
             the
             Evil
             and
             Danger
             of
             such
             occasions
             ;
             and
             gives
             us
             an
             account
             of
             his
             behaviour
             in
             them
             ,
             Psal.
             39.1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3.
             
             
               I
               said
               ,
               I
               will
               take
               heed
               to
               my
               wayes
               ,
               that
               I
               sin
               not
               with
               my
               tongue
               :
               I
               will
               keep
               my
               mouth
               with
               a
               bridle
               ,
               while
               the
               wicked
               is
               before
               me
               .
               I
               was
               dumb
               with
               silence
               ,
               I
               held
               my
               peace
               ,
               even
               from
               Good
               ,
               and
               my
               sorrow
               was
               stirred
               :
               My
               heart
               was
               hot
               within
               me
               ,
               while
               I
               was
               musing
               ,
               the
               fire
               burned
               :
               then
               spake
               I
               with
               my
               tongue
               .
            
             As
             for
             their
             evil
             words
             and
             wayes
             he
             would
             have
             no
             communication
             with
             them
             .
             And
             as
             unto
             Good
             discourse
             ,
             he
             judged
             it
             unseasonable
             ,
             to
             cast
             
               Pearl
               before
               Swine
            
             .
             He
             was
             therefore
             silent
             as
             unto
             that
             also
             ,
             though
             it
             was
             a
             grief
             and
             trouble
             to
             him
             .
             But
             this
             occasioned
             in
             him
             afterwards
             those
             excellent
             Meditations
             which
             he
             expresseth
             in
             the
             following
             Verses
             .
             In
             the
             entrances
             of
             these
             occasions
             ,
             if
             men
             would
             remember
             the
             
               presence
               of
               God
               with
               them
            
             ,
             in
             these
             places
             ,
             with
             the
             holy
             severity
             of
             the
             Eye
             that
             is
             upon
             them
             ,
             it
             would
             put
             an
             awe
             upon
             their
             spirits
             ,
             and
             embitter
             those
             Jollities
             ,
             whose
             Relish
             is
             
             given
             them
             by
             Temptation
             and
             Sin.
             He
             doth
             neither
             walk
             humbly
             nor
             circumspectly
             ,
             who
             being
             unnecessarily
             cast
             on
             the
             Society
             of
             men
             wicked
             or
             profane
             ,
             (
             on
             such
             occasions
             wherein
             the
             ordinary
             sort
             of
             men
             give
             more
             than
             ordinary
             liberty
             unto
             corrupt
             Communication
             or
             Excess
             in
             any
             kind
             ,
             )
             doth
             not
             in
             his
             entrance
             of
             them
             call
             to
             mind
             the
             presence
             and
             
               all-seeing
               Eye
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             at
             his
             Departure
             from
             them
             ,
             consider
             whether
             his
             Deportment
             hath
             been
             such
             as
             became
             that
             Presence
             ,
             and
             his
             being
             under
             that
             Eye
             .
             But
             alas
             !
             Pretences
             of
             Business
             and
             necessary
             Occasions
             ,
             Ingagements
             of
             Trade
             ,
             carnal
             Relations
             ,
             and
             the
             common
             course
             of
             communication
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             with
             a
             supposition
             that
             all
             sorts
             of
             Society
             are
             allowed
             for
             Diversion
             ,
             have
             cast
             out
             the
             Remembrance
             of
             God
             from
             the
             minds
             of
             most
             ,
             even
             then
             when
             men
             cannot
             be
             preserved
             from
             sin
             without
             it
             .
          
           
             This
             hath
             sullied
             
               the
               Beauty
            
             of
             Gospel
             Conversation
             amongst
             the
             most
             ,
             and
             left
             in
             very
             few
             any
             prevalent
             Evidence
             of
             being
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             ,
             as
             unto
             them
             who
             either
             by
             their
             voluntary
             choice
             or
             necessity
             of
             their
             Occasions
             ,
             do
             enter
             and
             engage
             pomiscuously
             into
             all
             
               Societies
               and
               Companies
            
             ,
             let
             them
             know
             assuredly
             ,
             that
             if
             they
             awe
             not
             their
             hearts
             and
             spirits
             continually
             with
             the
             Thoughts
             and
             apprehensions
             of
             the
             
               Omnipresence
               and
               Omniscience
            
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             alwayes
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             his
             Eye
             alwayes
             upon
             them
             ,
             they
             will
             not
             be
             preserved
             from
             Snares
             and
             sinful
             miscarriages
             .
          
           
             Yea
             ,
             such
             Thoughts
             are
             needful
             unto
             the
             best
             of
             us
             all
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             best
             of
             our
             societies
             ,
             that
             we
             behave
             not
             our selves
             undecently
             in
             them
             at
             any
             time
             .
          
           
             Again
             ,
             unto
             some
             ,
             
               Privacy
               ,
               Secresy
               ,
               and
               Opportunity
               ,
            
             are
             occasions
             of
             Temptation
             and
             Sin.
             They
             are
             so
             unto
             persons
             under
             Convictions
             not
             wholly
             turned
             to
             God.
             Many
             a
             good
             Beginning
             hath
             been
             utterly
             ruined
             by
             this
             occasion
             and
             Temptation
             .
             
               Privacy
               and
               Opportunity
            
             
             have
             overthrown
             many
             such
             persons
             in
             the
             best
             of
             their
             Resolutions
             .
             And
             they
             are
             so
             unto
             all
             persons
             not
             yet
             flagitiously
             wicked
             .
             Cursed
             fruits
             proceed
             every
             day
             from
             these
             Occasions
             .
             We
             need
             no
             other
             Demonstration
             of
             their
             Power
             and
             Efficacy
             in
             Tempting
             unto
             sin
             ,
             but
             the
             visible
             Effects
             of
             them
             .
             And
             what
             they
             are
             unto
             any
             ,
             they
             may
             be
             unto
             all
             ,
             if
             not
             diligently
             watched
             against
             ▪
             So
             the
             Apostle
             reflects
             on
             the
             
               shameful
               things
               that
               are
               done
               in
               the
               dark
               ,
            
             in
             a
             concurrence
             of
             Secresie
             and
             Opportunity
             .
             This
             therefore
             gives
             a
             Just
             season
             unto
             Thoughts
             of
             the
             
               Omnipresence
               and
               Omniscience
            
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             they
             will
             not
             be
             wanting
             in
             some
             measure
             in
             them
             that
             are
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             .
          
           
             
               God
               is
               in
               this
               place
               ,
               the
               darkness
               is
               no
               darkness
               unto
               him
               ,
               Light
               and
               Darkness
               are
               with
               him
               both
               alike
               ,
            
             are
             sufficient
             considerations
             to
             lay
             in
             the
             Ballance
             against
             any
             Temptation
             springing
             out
             of
             
               Secresie
               and
               Opportunity
            
             .
             One
             Thought
             of
             the
             actual
             presence
             of
             the
             holy
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             open
             view
             of
             his
             all-seeing
             eye
             ,
             will
             do
             more
             to
             cool
             those
             Affections
             which
             Lust
             may
             put
             into
             a
             tumult
             on
             such
             occasions
             ,
             than
             any
             other
             consideration
             whatever
             .
             A
             speedy
             Retreat
             hereunto
             upon
             the
             first
             perplexing
             Thought
             wherewith
             Temptation
             assaults
             the
             Soul
             ,
             will
             be
             its
             strong
             Tower
             ,
             where
             it
             shall
             be
             safe
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             A
             second
             Season
             calling
             for
             the
             Exercise
             of
             our
             minds
             in
             Thoughts
             of
             the
             
               Omnipresence
               and
               Omniscience
            
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             made
             up
             of
             our
             Solitudes
             and
             Retirements
             .
             These
             give
             us
             the
             most
             genuine
             Tryals
             whether
             we
             are
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             or
             no.
             What
             we
             are
             in
             them
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             and
             no
             more
             .
             But
             yet
             in
             some
             of
             them
             ,
             as
             in
             Walking
             and
             Journeyings
             or
             the
             like
             ,
             vain
             Thoughts
             and
             foolish
             Imaginations
             are
             exceeding
             apt
             to
             solicit
             our
             minds
             .
             Whatever
             is
             stored
             up
             in
             the
             Affections
             or
             Memory
             ,
             will
             at
             such
             a
             time
             
               offer
               it self
            
             for
             our
             present
             entertainment
             :
             And
             where
             men
             have
             accustomed
             themselves
             unto
             any
             sort
             of
             things
             ,
             they
             will
             press
             on
             them
             for
             the
             possession
             of
             their
             Thoughts
             ,
             as
             
             it
             were
             whether
             they
             will
             or
             no.
             The
             Psalmist
             gives
             us
             the
             way
             to
             prevent
             this
             evil
             ;
             Psal.
             16.7
             ,
             8.
             
             
               I
               will
               bless
               the
               Lord
               who
               hath
               given
               me
               counsel
               ,
               my
               reins
               also
               instruct
               me
               in
               the
               night
               season
               .
               I
               have
               set
               the
               Lord
               alwayes
               before
               me
               ,
               because
               he
               is
               at
               my
               Right
               hand
               .
            
             His
             Reins
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             his
             Affections
             ,
             and
             secret
             Thoughts
             ,
             gave
             him
             counsel
             and
             instructed
             him
             in
             all
             such
             seasons
             ;
             But
             whence
             had
             they
             that
             wisdom
             and
             faithfulness
             :
             In
             themselves
             they
             are
             the
             seat
             of
             all
             Lusts
             and
             Corruptions
             ,
             nor
             could
             do
             any
             thing
             but
             seduce
             him
             into
             an
             evil
             frame
             .
             It
             was
             from
             hence
             alone
             
               that
               he
               set
               the
               Lord
               alwayes
               before
               him
               .
            
             Continual
             Apprehensions
             of
             the
             presence
             of
             God
             with
             him
             ,
             kept
             his
             Mind
             ,
             his
             Heart
             and
             Affections
             ,
             in
             that
             Awe
             and
             Reverence
             of
             him
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             alwayes
             instructed
             him
             unto
             his
             Duty
             .
             But
             as
             I
             remember
             ,
             I
             spake
             somewhat
             as
             unto
             the
             due
             management
             of
             our
             Thoughts
             in
             this
             Season
             before
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Times
             of
             
               great
               Difficulties
               ,
               Dangers
               ,
               and
               Perplexities
               of
               mind
               thereon
               ,
            
             are
             a
             season
             calling
             for
             the
             same
             Duty
             .
             Suppose
             a
             man
             is
             left
             alone
             in
             his
             Tryals
             for
             the
             Profession
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             with
             Paul
             ,
             when
             
               all
               men
               forsook
               him
               ,
               and
               no
               man
               stood
               by
               him
               .
            
             Suppose
             him
             to
             be
             brought
             before
             
               Princes
               ,
               Rulers
            
             ,
             or
             Judges
             that
             are
             fill'd
             with
             Rage
             and
             armed
             with
             Power
             against
             him
             ,
             all
             things
             being
             disposed
             to
             affect
             him
             with
             dread
             and
             terrour
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Duty
             of
             such
             a
             one
             to
             call
             
               off
               his
               Thoughts
               from
               all
               things
               visibly
               present
               ,
            
             and
             to
             fix
             them
             on
             the
             Omnipresence
             and
             Omniscience
             of
             God.
             He
             sits
             amongst
             those
             Judges
             though
             they
             acknowledge
             him
             not
             ;
             He
             rules
             over
             them
             at
             his
             pleasure
             ;
             He
             knows
             the
             cause
             of
             the
             Oppressed
             ,
             and
             justifies
             them
             whenever
             the
             world
             condemns
             ;
             and
             can
             deliver
             them
             when
             he
             pleaseth
             .
             With
             the
             Thoughts
             hereof
             did
             those
             
               holy
               Souls
            
             support
             themselves
             when
             they
             stood
             before
             the
             fiery
             countenance
             of
             the
             bloody
             Tyrant
             on
             the
             one
             hand
             ,
             and
             the
             burning
             fiery
             Furnace
             on
             the
             other
             ,
             Dan.
             3.14
             .
             
               Our
               God
               
               whom
               we
               serve
               is
               able
               to
               deliver
               us
               from
               the
               burning
               fiery
               furnace
               ,
               and
               he
               will
               deliver
               us
               out
               thine
               hand
               ,
               O
               King
               ;
               But
               if
               not
               ,
               be
               it
               known
               unto
               thee
               O
               King
               ,
               that
               we
               will
               not
               serve
               thy
               Gods
               ,
               nor
               worship
               the
               Golden
               Image
               which
               thou
               hast
               set
               up
               .
            
             Thoughts
             of
             the
             Presence
             and
             Power
             of
             God
             ,
             gave
             them
             not
             only
             comfort
             and
             supportment
             under
             :
             their
             distress
             ,
             when
             they
             were
             alone
             and
             helpless
             ,
             but
             Courage
             and
             Resolution
             to
             defie
             the
             Tyrant
             to
             his
             face
             .
             And
             when
             the
             Apostle
             was
             brought
             before
             Nero
             that
             Monster
             of
             cruelty
             and
             villany
             ,
             and
             all
             men
             forsook
             him
             ,
             he
             affirms
             ,
             
               that
               the
               Lord
               stood
               by
               him
               ,
               and
               strengthened
               him
               ,
            
             2
             Tim.
             4.17
             .
             He
             refreshed
             himself
             with
             Thoughts
             of
             his
             presence
             ,
             and
             had
             the
             blessed
             fruit
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             ,
             on
             such
             occasions
             ,
             when
             the
             Hearts
             of
             men
             are
             ready
             to
             quake
             ,
             when
             they
             see
             all
             things
             about
             them
             
               fill'd
               with
               dread
               and
               Terrour
            
             ,
             and
             all
             help
             far
             away
             ,
             it
             is
             I
             say
             ,
             their
             duty
             and
             wisdom
             ,
             to
             abstract
             and
             take
             off
             their
             Thoughts
             from
             all
             outward
             and
             present
             appearances
             ,
             and
             to
             fix
             them
             on
             the
             presence
             of
             God.
             This
             will
             greatly
             change
             the
             Scene
             of
             things
             in
             their
             minds
             ;
             and
             they
             will
             find
             that
             
               Strength
               and
               Power
               and
               Wisdom
            
             are
             on
             their
             side
             alone
             ;
             all
             that
             appears
             against
             them
             ,
             being
             but
             
               vanity
               ,
               folly
            
             ,
             and
             weakness
             .
          
           
             So
             when
             the
             Servant
             of
             Elisha
             saw
             the
             place
             where
             they
             were
             ,
             compassed
             with
             an
             Host
             ,
             both
             Horses
             and
             Chariots
             that
             came
             to
             take
             them
             ,
             he
             cryed
             out
             for
             fear
             ,
             
               Alas
               my
               Master
               how
               shall
               we
               do
               ?
            
             But
             upon
             the
             prayer
             of
             the
             Prophet
             ,
             the
             Lord
             opening
             the
             eyes
             of
             the
             young
             man
             ,
             to
             see
             the
             Heavenly
             guard
             that
             he
             had
             sent
             unto
             him
             ,
             the
             mountain
             being
             full
             of
             Horses
             and
             Chariots
             of
             fire
             round
             about
             Elisha
             ,
             his
             fear
             and
             trouble
             departed
             ,
             2
             Kings
             6.15
             ,
             16
             ,
             17.
             
             And
             when
             in
             the
             like
             Extremity
             God
             opens
             the
             Eye
             of
             Faith
             to
             behold
             his
             glorious
             Presence
             ,
             we
             shall
             no
             more
             be
             afraid
             of
             the
             dread
             of
             men
             .
             Herein
             did
             the
             
               Holy
               Martyrs
            
             triumph
             
             of
             Old
             ,
             and
             even
             despised
             their
             bloody
             Persecutors
             .
             Our
             Saviour
             himself
             made
             it
             the
             ground
             of
             his
             supportment
             on
             the
             like
             occasion
             ,
             John
             16.32
             .
             Behold
             ,
             saith
             he
             to
             his
             Disciples
             ,
             his
             only
             Friends
             ,
             
               the
               hour
               cometh
               ,
               yea
               is
               now
               come
               ,
               that
               ye
               shall
               be
               scattered
               every
               one
               to
               his
               own
               ,
               and
               leave
               me
               alone
               ,
               and
               yet
               I
               am
               not
               alone
               ,
               because
               the
               Father
               is
               with
               me
               .
            
             Can
             we
             but
             possess
             our
             Souls
             with
             the
             Apprehension
             ,
             that
             when
             we
             are
             
               left
               alone
            
             in
             our
             tryals
             and
             dangers
             ,
             from
             any
             countenance
             of
             Friends
             ,
             or
             help
             of
             men
             ,
             yet
             that
             indeed
             we
             are
             
               not
               alone
               ,
               because
               the
               Father
               is
               with
               us
               ,
            
             it
             will
             support
             us
             under
             our
             despondencies
             ,
             and
             enable
             us
             unto
             our
             Duties
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Especial
             Providential
             warnings
             call
             for
             Thoughts
             of
             
               Gods
               Omnipresence
               and
               Omniscience
            
             .
             So
             Jacob
             in
             his
             nightly
             Vision
             ,
             instantly
             made
             this
             Conclusion
             ;
             
               God
               is
               in
               this
               place
               and
               I
               knew
               it
               not
               .
            
             We
             have
             frequently
             such
             warnings
             given
             unto
             us
             .
             Sometimes
             we
             have
             so
             in
             the
             things
             which
             are
             esteemed
             accidental
             ,
             whence
             it
             may
             be
             we
             are
             strangely
             delivered
             .
             Sometimes
             we
             have
             so
             in
             the
             things
             which
             we
             see
             to
             
               befall
               others
            
             ,
             by
             Thunder
             ,
             Lightning
             ,
             Storms
             at
             Sea
             or
             Land.
             For
             all
             the
             works
             of
             God
             ,
             especially
             those
             that
             are
             rare
             and
             strange
             ,
             have
             
               a
               voice
            
             whereby
             he
             speaks
             unto
             us
             .
             The
             first
             thing
             suggested
             unto
             a
             spiritual
             Mind
             in
             such
             seasons
             ,
             will
             be
             ,
             God
             is
             in
             this
             place
             ,
             he
             is
             present
             that
             liveth
             and
             seeth
             ,
             as
             Hagar
             confessed
             on
             the
             like
             occasion
             ,
             Gen.
             16.13
             ,
             14.
             
          
           
             (
             3.
             )
             Have
             frequent
             Thoughts
             of
             
               Gods
               Omnipotency
            
             ,
             or
             his
             
               Almighty
               Power
            
             .
             This
             most
             men
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             suppose
             they
             need
             not
             much
             Exhortation
             unto
             ;
             for
             none
             ever
             doubted
             of
             it
             ;
             who
             doth
             not
             grant
             it
             on
             all
             occasions
             ?
             Men
             grant
             it
             indeed
             in
             general
             ;
             for
             
               eternal
               Power
            
             is
             inseparable
             from
             the
             first
             notion
             of
             the
             Divine
             Being
             .
             So
             are
             they
             conjoyned
             by
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               his
               eternal
               Power
               and
               Godhead
               ,
               Rom.
            
             1.20
             .
             Yet
             few
             believe
             it
             for
             themselves
             and
             as
             they
             ought
             .
             Indeed
             ,
             to
             believe
             the
             
               Almighty
               Power
               of
               God
            
             ,
             with
             reference
             unto
             our selves
             and
             all
             our
             
             Concernments
             Temporal
             and
             Eternal
             ,
             is
             one
             of
             the
             highest
             and
             most
             Noble
             Acts
             of
             Faith
             ,
             which
             includes
             all
             others
             in
             it
             .
             For
             this
             is
             that
             which
             God
             at
             first
             proposed
             alone
             as
             the
             proper
             Object
             of
             our
             Faith
             ,
             in
             our
             entrance
             into
             Covenant
             with
             him
             ,
             Gen.
             17.1
             .
             
               I
               am
               God
               Almighty
            
             ;
             That
             which
             Job
             arrived
             unto
             after
             his
             long
             exercise
             and
             Tryal
             :
             
               I
               know
            
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               thou
               canst
               do
               every
               thing
               ,
               and
               no
               Thought
               of
               thine
               can
               be
               hindred
               ,
            
             Chap.
             42.2
             .
             
               God
               hath
               spoken
               once
            
             ,
             (
             saith
             the
             Psalmist
             )
             
               twice
               have
               I
               heard
               this
               ,
               that
               Power
               belongs
               unto
               God
               ,
               Psal.
            
             62.11
             .
             It
             was
             that
             which
             God
             saw
             it
             necessary
             frequently
             to
             instruct
             him
             in
             .
             For
             we
             are
             ready
             to
             be
             affected
             with
             the
             Appearances
             of
             
               present
               power
            
             in
             Creatures
             ,
             and
             to
             suppose
             that
             all
             things
             will
             go
             according
             unto
             their
             wills
             ,
             because
             of
             their
             power
             .
             But
             it
             is
             quite
             otherwise
             ;
             all
             creatures
             are
             poor
             feeble
             Ciphers
             that
             can
             do
             nothing
             ;
             
               Power
               belongs
            
             unto
             God
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             flower
             of
             his
             Crown
             Imperial
             ,
             which
             he
             will
             suffer
             none
             to
             usurp
             ;
             if
             the
             proudest
             of
             them
             go
             beyond
             the
             Bounds
             and
             Limits
             of
             his
             present
             Permission
             ,
             he
             will
             
               send
               Worms
            
             to
             eat
             them
             up
             ,
             as
             he
             did
             to
             Herod
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             utterly
             impossible
             we
             should
             walk
             before
             God
             ,
             unto
             his
             Glory
             ,
             or
             with
             any
             real
             peace
             ,
             comfort
             or
             satisfaction
             in
             our
             own
             Souls
             ,
             unless
             our
             minds
             are
             continually
             exercised
             with
             Thoughts
             of
             his
             
               Almighty
               Power
            
             .
             Every
             thing
             that
             befalls
             us
             ,
             every
             thing
             that
             we
             hear
             of
             ,
             which
             hath
             the
             Least
             of
             Danger
             in
             it
             ,
             will
             discompose
             our
             Minds
             ,
             and
             either
             make
             us
             tremble
             like
             the
             leaves
             of
             the
             Forrest
             that
             are
             shaken
             with
             the
             wind
             ,
             or
             betake
             our selves
             to
             foolish
             or
             sinful
             relief
             ,
             unless
             we
             are
             firmly
             established
             in
             the
             Faith
             hereof
             .
             Consider
             
               the
               Promises
               of
               God
            
             unto
             the
             Church
             which
             are
             upon
             Record
             ,
             and
             as
             yet
             unaccomplished
             ;
             consider
             the
             present
             state
             of
             the
             Church
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             with
             all
             that
             belongs
             unto
             it
             ;
             in
             all
             the
             fears
             and
             dangers
             they
             are
             exposed
             unto
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             evils
             they
             are
             exercised
             withall
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             
             quickly
             find
             ,
             that
             unless
             this
             Sheat-anchor
             be
             well
             fix'd
             ,
             we
             shall
             be
             tossed
             up
             and
             down
             at
             all
             uncertainties
             ,
             and
             exposed
             to
             most
             violent
             Temptations
             ,
             Rev.
             19.6
             .
             Unto
             this
             end
             are
             we
             call'd
             hereunto
             by
             God
             himself
             ,
             in
             his
             Answer
             unto
             the
             despondent
             complaints
             of
             the
             Church
             in
             its
             greatest
             dangers
             and
             calamities
             .
             Isa.
             40.
             28
             ,
             29
             ,
             30
             ,
             31.
             
             
               Hast
               thou
               not
               known
               ,
               hast
               thou
               not
               heard
               ,
               that
               the
               Everlasting
               God
               ,
               the
               Lord
               ,
               the
               Creator
               of
               the
               ends
               of
               the
               Earth
               fainteth
               not
               ,
               neither
               is
               weary
               ?
               There
               is
               no
               searching
               of
               his
               understanding
               .
               He
               giveth
               power
               to
               the
               faint
               ,
               and
               to
               them
               that
               have
               no
               might
               ,
               he
               increaseth
               strength
               .
               Even
               the
               youths
               shall
               faint
               and
               be
               weary
               ,
               and
               the
               young
               men
               shall
               utterly
               fall
               :
               But
               they
               that
               wait
               upon
               the
               Lord
               shall
               renew
               their
               strength
               :
               they
               shall
               mount
               up
               with
               wings
               as
               Eagles
               ,
               they
               shall
               run
               and
               not
               be
               weary
               ,
               and
               they
               shall
               walk
               and
               not
               faint
               .
            
          
           
             Take
             one
             Instance
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             continual
             concernment
             of
             us
             all
             .
             We
             are
             obnoxious
             unto
             Death
             every
             moment
             .
             It
             is
             never
             the
             further
             from
             any
             of
             us
             because
             we
             think
             not
             of
             it
             as
             we
             ought
             .
             This
             will
             lay
             our
             Bodies
             in
             the
             dust
             ,
             from
             whence
             they
             will
             have
             no
             more
             disposition
             nor
             power
             in
             themselves
             to
             rise
             again
             ,
             than
             any
             other
             part
             of
             the
             mould
             of
             the
             Earth
             .
             Their
             recovery
             must
             be
             an
             act
             of
             
               external
               Almighty
               Power
            
             ,
             when
             God
             shall
             have
             a
             desire
             to
             the
             work
             of
             his
             hands
             ;
             when
             he
             shall
             call
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             answer
             him
             out
             of
             the
             dust
             .
             And
             it
             will
             transmit
             the
             Soul
             into
             an
             
               invisible
               world
            
             ,
             putting
             a
             final
             End
             unto
             all
             Relations
             ,
             Enjoyments
             and
             Circumstances
             here
             below
             .
             I
             speak
             not
             of
             them
             who
             are
             stout-hearted
             and
             
               far
               from
               Righteousness
            
             ,
             who
             live
             and
             dye
             like
             Beasts
             ,
             or
             under
             the
             power
             of
             horrible
             Presumption
             ,
             without
             any
             due
             Thoughts
             of
             their
             future
             and
             Eternal
             state
             .
             But
             as
             unto
             others
             ,
             what
             comfort
             or
             satisfaction
             can
             any
             man
             have
             in
             his
             Life
             ,
             whereon
             his
             All
             depends
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             passing
             from
             him
             every
             moment
             ;
             unless
             he
             hath
             continual
             Thoughts
             
             of
             the
             
               mighty
               power
               of
               God
            
             ,
             whereby
             he
             is
             able
             to
             
               receive
               his
               departing
               Soul
            
             ,
             and
             
               to
               raise
               his
               Body
               out
               of
               the
               dust
               ?
            
          
           
             Not
             to
             insist
             on
             more
             particulars
             ;
             Thus
             is
             it
             with
             them
             who
             are
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             thus
             must
             it
             be
             with
             us
             all
             ,
             if
             we
             pretend
             a
             Title
             unto
             that
             Priviledge
             .
             They
             are
             
               filled
               with
               Thoughts
               of
               God
            
             ,
             in
             opposition
             unto
             that
             Character
             of
             wicked
             men
             ,
             that
             
               God
               is
               not
               in
               all
               their
               Thoughts
               .
            
             And
             it
             is
             greatly
             to
             be
             feared
             ,
             that
             many
             of
             us
             when
             we
             come
             to
             be
             weighed
             in
             this
             Ballance
             ,
             will
             be
             found
             too
             Light.
             Men
             may
             be
             in
             the
             performance
             of
             
               outward
               Dutyes
            
             ,
             they
             may
             hear
             the
             Word
             with
             some
             delight
             ,
             and
             do
             many
             things
             gladly
             ,
             they
             may
             escape
             the
             
               pollutions
               that
               are
               in
               the
               world
               through
               Lust
               ,
            
             and
             not
             run
             out
             into
             the
             same
             compass
             of
             Excess
             and
             Riot
             with
             other
             men
             ;
             yet
             may
             they
             be
             strangers
             unto
             inward
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             with
             delight
             and
             complacency
             .
             I
             cannot
             understand
             how
             it
             can
             be
             otherwise
             with
             them
             whose
             minds
             are
             over
             and
             over
             filled
             with
             earthly
             things
             ,
             however
             they
             may
             satisfie
             themselves
             with
             pretences
             of
             their
             Callings
             and
             lawful
             Enjoyments
             ,
             or
             not
             any
             way
             inordinately
             set
             on
             the
             Pleasures
             or
             Profits
             of
             the
             world
             .
          
           
             To
             walk
             with
             God
             ,
             to
             live
             unto
             him
             ,
             is
             not
             meerly
             to
             be
             found
             in
             an
             Abstinence
             from
             outward
             sins
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             performance
             of
             outward
             Duties
             ,
             though
             with
             Diligence
             in
             the
             Multiplication
             of
             them
             .
             All
             this
             may
             be
             
               done
               upon
               such
               Principles
               ,
               for
               such
               Ends
               ,
            
             with
             
               such
               a
               frame
               of
               heart
            
             ,
             as
             to
             find
             no
             Acceptance
             with
             God.
             It
             is
             our
             Hearts
             that
             he
             requireth
             ,
             and
             we
             can
             no
             way
             give
             them
             unto
             him
             ,
             but
             by
             our
             Affections
             ,
             and
             holy
             Thoughts
             of
             him
             with
             delight
             .
             This
             it
             is
             to
             be
             spiritually
             minded
             ,
             this
             it
             is
             to
             walk
             with
             God.
             Let
             no
             man
             deceive
             himself
             ,
             unless
             he
             thus
             
               abound
               in
            
             holy
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             unless
             our
             Meditation
             of
             him
             be
             sweet
             unto
             us
             ,
             all
             that
             we
             else
             pretend
             unto
             ,
             will
             fail
             us
             in
             the
             day
             of
             our
             Tryal
             .
          
           
           
             This
             is
             the
             first
             thing
             wherein
             we
             may
             Evidence
             our selves
             unto
             our selves
             ,
             to
             be
             under
             the
             conduct
             of
             the
             
               minding
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             or
             to
             be
             spiritually
             minded
             .
             And
             I
             have
             insisted
             the
             longer
             on
             it
             ,
             because
             it
             contains
             the
             first
             
               sensible
               Egress
            
             of
             the
             Spring
             of
             living
             waters
             in
             us
             ,
             the
             first
             acting
             of
             spiritual
             Life
             unto
             our
             own
             experience
             .
             I
             should
             now
             proceed
             unto
             the
             consideration
             of
             our
             Affections
             ,
             of
             whose
             frame
             and
             state
             these
             Thoughts
             are
             the
             only
             genuine
             Exposition
             .
             But
             whereas
             there
             are
             ,
             or
             may
             be
             some
             who
             are
             sensible
             of
             their
             own
             weakness
             ,
             and
             deficiency
             in
             the
             discharge
             of
             that
             part
             of
             this
             duty
             in
             being
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             which
             we
             have
             passed
             through
             ,
             and
             may
             fall
             under
             discouragements
             thereon
             ,
             we
             must
             follow
             him
             as
             we
             are
             able
             who
             will
             not
             
               Quench
               the
               smoaking
               Flax
               ,
               nor
               break
               the
               bruised
               Reed
               ,
            
             by
             offering
             something
             unto
             the
             relief
             of
             them
             that
             are
             sincere
             ,
             under
             the
             sense
             of
             their
             own
             weakness
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             X.
             
          
           
             
               
                 Sundry
                 things
                 tendred
                 unto
                 such
                 as
                 Complain
                 that
                 they
                 know
                 not
                 how
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 are
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 abide
                 in
                 holy
                 Thoughts
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 Spiritual
                 or
                 Heavenly
                 things
                 ;
                 for
                 their
                 Relief
                 ,
                 Instruction
                 and
                 Direction
                 .
                 Rules
                 concerning
                 stated
                 Spiritual
                 Meditation
                 .
              
            
          
           
             SOme
             will
             say
             ,
             yea
             many
             on
             all
             occasions
             do
             say
             ,
             That
             there
             is
             not
             any
             thing
             in
             all
             their
             Duty
             towards
             God
             wherein
             they
             are
             more
             at
             a
             loss
             ,
             than
             they
             are
             in
             this
             one
             ,
             of
             
               fixing
               or
               exercising
               their
               Thoughts
               or
               Meditations
               on
               things
               Heavenly
               or
               Spiritual
               .
            
             They
             acknowledge
             
             knowledge
             it
             a
             Duty
             ;
             they
             see
             an
             Excellency
             in
             it
             ,
             with
             inexpressible
             usefulness
             .
             But
             although
             they
             often
             try
             and
             attempt
             it
             ,
             they
             cannot
             attain
             unto
             any
             thing
             ,
             but
             what
             makes
             them
             ashamed
             both
             of
             it
             and
             themselves
             .
             Their
             Minds
             they
             find
             are
             unsteady
             ,
             apt
             to
             rove
             and
             wander
             ,
             or
             give
             entertainment
             unto
             
               other
               things
            
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             abide
             on
             the
             Object
             which
             they
             design
             their
             Meditation
             towards
             .
             Their
             Abilities
             are
             small
             ,
             their
             Invention
             barren
             ,
             their
             Memories
             frail
             ,
             and
             their
             Judgments
             to
             dispose
             of
             things
             into
             right
             order
             ,
             weak
             and
             unable
             .
             They
             know
             not
             what
             
               to
               think
               on
            
             for
             the
             most
             part
             ,
             and
             when
             they
             fix
             on
             any
             thing
             ,
             they
             are
             immediately
             at
             loss
             as
             unto
             any
             progress
             ,
             and
             so
             give
             over
             .
             Hence
             
               other
               Thoughts
            
             ,
             or
             
               Thoughts
               of
               other
               things
            
             take
             advantage
             to
             impose
             themselves
             on
             them
             ,
             and
             what
             began
             in
             
               spiritual
               Meditation
            
             ,
             ends
             in
             
               carnal
               Vanity
            
             .
             On
             these
             considerations
             ,
             oft-times
             they
             are
             discouraged
             to
             enter
             on
             the
             Duty
             ,
             oft-times
             give
             it
             over
             so
             soon
             as
             it
             is
             begun
             ,
             and
             are
             glad
             if
             they
             come
             off
             without
             being
             losers
             by
             their
             Endeavours
             ,
             which
             often
             befals
             them
             .
             With
             respect
             unto
             other
             Duties
             it
             is
             not
             so
             with
             them
             .
             Unto
             such
             as
             are
             really
             concerned
             in
             these
             things
             ,
             unto
             whom
             their
             want
             and
             defect
             is
             a
             Burden
             ;
             who
             mourn
             under
             it
             ,
             and
             desire
             to
             be
             freed
             from
             it
             ,
             or
             refreshed
             in
             their
             conflict
             with
             it
             ,
             I
             shall
             offer
             the
             things
             that
             ensue
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             
               That
               sense
               of
               the
               Vanity
               of
               our
               Minds
               which
               this
               consideration
               duely
               attended
               unto
               will
               give
               us
               ,
               ought
               greatly
               to
               humble
               and
               abase
               our
               Souls
               .
            
             Whence
             is
             it
             thus
             with
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             cannot
             abide
             in
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             of
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             ?
             It
             is
             because
             they
             are
             such
             things
             as
             we
             have
             no
             great
             concernment
             in
             ?
             It
             may
             be
             they
             are
             things
             worthless
             ,
             and
             unprofitable
             ,
             so
             that
             it
             is
             to
             purpose
             to
             spend
             our
             Thoughts
             about
             them
             :
             The
             Truth
             is
             ,
             they
             alone
             are
             worthy
             ,
             useful
             and
             desireable
             ,
             all
             other
             things
             in
             comparison
             of
             them
             ,
             are
             but
             
             Loss
             and
             dung
             .
             Or
             it
             is
             because
             the
             faculties
             and
             Powers
             of
             our
             Souls
             were
             not
             originally
             suited
             unto
             the
             contemplation
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             them
             ?
             This
             also
             is
             otherwise
             ;
             They
             were
             all
             given
             unto
             us
             ,
             all
             created
             of
             God
             for
             this
             End
             ,
             all
             fitted
             with
             Inclinations
             and
             power
             to
             abide
             with
             God
             in
             all
             things
             without
             aversation
             or
             weariness
             .
             Nothing
             was
             so
             natural
             ,
             easie
             and
             pleasant
             unto
             them
             ,
             as
             steadiness
             in
             the
             contemplation
             of
             God
             and
             his
             works
             .
             The
             cause
             therefore
             ,
             of
             all
             this
             evil
             lyes
             at
             our
             own
             doors
             .
             All
             this
             therefore
             and
             all
             other
             Evils
             ,
             came
             upon
             us
             by
             the
             entrance
             of
             sin
             .
             And
             therefore
             Solomon
             in
             his
             Enquiry
             after
             all
             the
             Causes
             and
             Effects
             of
             Vanity
             ,
             brings
             it
             under
             this
             Head
             ;
             
               Lo
               this
               only
               have
               I
               found
               ,
               that
               God
               made
               man
               upright
               ;
               but
               they
               have
               sought
               out
               many
               Inventions
               ,
               Eccles.
            
             7.29
             .
             For
             hereby
             our
             Minds
             that
             were
             created
             in
             a
             state
             of
             blessed
             Adherence
             unto
             God
             ,
             where
             wholly
             turned
             off
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             not
             only
             so
             ,
             but
             filled
             with
             Enmity
             against
             him
             .
             In
             this
             state
             that
             Vanity
             which
             is
             prevalent
             in
             them
             ,
             is
             both
             their
             Sin
             and
             their
             Punishment
             .
             Their
             sin
             in
             a
             perpetual
             Inclination
             unto
             things
             vain
             ,
             foolish
             ,
             sensual
             and
             wicked
             .
             So
             the
             Apostle
             describes
             it
             at
             large
             ,
             Ephes.
             4.17
             ,
             18
             ,
             19.
             
             Tit.
             3.3
             .
             And
             their
             punishment
             in
             that
             being
             turned
             off
             from
             the
             chiefest
             Good
             ,
             wherein
             alone
             Rest
             is
             to
             be
             found
             ,
             they
             are
             filled
             with
             darkness
             ,
             confusion
             and
             disquietment
             ,
             being
             like
             
               a
               troubled
               Sea
               that
               cannot
               rest
               ,
            
             whose
             waters
             cast
             up
             mire
             and
             dirt
             .
          
           
             By
             grace
             our
             Minds
             are
             renewed
             ;
             that
             is
             changed
             and
             delivered
             from
             this
             frame
             ;
             but
             they
             are
             so
             partially
             only
             .
             The
             
               Principle
               of
               Vanity
            
             is
             no
             longer
             predominant
             in
             us
             ,
             to
             alienate
             us
             from
             the
             life
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             to
             keep
             us
             in
             Enmity
             against
             him
             .
             Those
             who
             are
             so
             renewed
             do
             
               not
               walk
               in
               the
               Vanity
               of
               their
               Minds
            
             as
             others
             do
             ,
             Ephes.
             4.17
             .
             They
             go
             up
             and
             down
             in
             all
             their
             wayes
             and
             occasions
             with
             a
             Stream
             of
             vain
             Thoughts
             in
             their
             Minds
             .
             But
             the
             remainders
             of
             it
             ,
             are
             
               effectually
               Operative
            
             
             in
             us
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             actings
             of
             our
             minds
             towards
             God
             affecting
             them
             with
             Vncertainty
             and
             Instability
             .
             As
             he
             who
             hath
             received
             a
             great
             wound
             in
             any
             principal
             part
             of
             his
             Body
             ,
             though
             it
             may
             be
             so
             cured
             ,
             as
             that
             death
             shall
             not
             immediately
             ensue
             thereon
             ;
             yet
             it
             may
             make
             him
             go
             weak
             and
             lame
             all
             his
             dayes
             ,
             and
             hinder
             him
             in
             the
             Exercise
             of
             all
             the
             powers
             of
             Life
             .
             The
             
               Vanity
               of
               our
               Minds
            
             is
             so
             cured
             ,
             as
             to
             deliver
             us
             from
             
               spiritual
               death
            
             ;
             but
             yet
             such
             a
             wound
             ,
             such
             a
             weakness
             doth
             remain
             ,
             as
             both
             weakens
             and
             hinders
             us
             in
             all
             the
             operations
             of
             
               Spiritual
               life
            
             .
             Hence
             those
             who
             have
             made
             any
             progress
             in
             Grace
             ,
             are
             sensible
             of
             their
             Vanity
             ,
             as
             the
             greatest
             Burden
             of
             their
             Souls
             ,
             and
             do
             groan
             after
             such
             a
             compleat
             
               Renovation
               of
               their
               Minds
            
             ,
             as
             whereby
             they
             may
             be
             perfectly
             freed
             from
             it
             .
             This
             is
             that
             which
             they
             principally
             regard
             in
             that
             complaining
             desire
             ,
             Rom.
             7.24
             .
             
               O
               wretched
               man
               that
               I
               am
               ,
               who
               shall
               deliver
               me
               from
               this
               body
               of
               death
               ?
            
             Yea
             they
             groan
             under
             a
             sence
             of
             it
             every
             day
             ;
             nor
             is
             any
             thing
             such
             a
             trouble
             unto
             them
             ,
             observing
             how
             it
             defeats
             them
             in
             their
             designs
             to
             contemplate
             on
             Heavenly
             things
             ;
             how
             it
             frustrates
             their
             best
             Resolutions
             to
             abide
             in
             the
             spiritual
             actings
             of
             Faith
             and
             Love
             ;
             how
             they
             are
             imposed
             on
             by
             it
             with
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             things
             which
             either
             in
             themselves
             or
             in
             their
             consequences
             they
             most
             abhorre
             ;
             nothing
             are
             they
             so
             afraid
             of
             ,
             nothing
             is
             so
             
               grievous
               and
               burdensome
            
             unto
             them
             ,
             nothing
             do
             they
             more
             groan
             for
             deliverance
             from
             .
             When
             there
             is
             War
             in
             any
             place
             ,
             it
             behoveth
             them
             that
             are
             concerned
             ,
             to
             have
             an
             Eye
             and
             regard
             unto
             all
             their
             Enemies
             ,
             and
             their
             Attempts
             against
             them
             .
             But
             if
             they
             are
             Vigilant
             and
             diligent
             in
             their
             Oppositition
             unto
             those
             that
             are
             without
             ,
             that
             visibly
             contend
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             Neglect
             such
             as
             trayterously
             act
             within
             among
             themselves
             ,
             betraying
             their
             Councels
             ,
             and
             weakning
             their
             Strength
             ,
             they
             will
             be
             undoubtedly
             ruined
             .
             Wise
             men
             do
             first
             take
             care
             of
             
             what
             is
             within
             ,
             as
             knowing
             if
             they
             are
             there
             betrayed
             ,
             all
             they
             do
             against
             their
             open
             Enemies
             is
             to
             no
             purpose
             .
             In
             the
             warfare
             wherein
             we
             are
             engag'd
             ,
             we
             have
             Enemies
             of
             all
             sorts
             that
             openly
             and
             visibly
             in
             various
             Temptations
             fight
             against
             our
             Souls
             .
             These
             it
             is
             our
             Duty
             to
             
               watch
               against
            
             ,
             to
             conflict
             with
             ,
             and
             to
             seek
             a
             conquest
             over
             .
             But
             it
             is
             
               this
               internal
               vanity
               of
               mind
            
             ,
             that
             endeavours
             in
             all
             things
             to
             betray
             us
             ,
             to
             weaken
             us
             in
             all
             our
             Graces
             ,
             or
             to
             hinder
             their
             due
             operations
             ;
             and
             to
             open
             the
             doors
             of
             our
             Hearts
             unto
             our
             cursed
             Enemies
             .
             If
             our
             principal
             Endeavour
             be
             not
             to
             discover
             ,
             suppress
             and
             destroy
             this
             Traytor
             ,
             we
             shall
             not
             succed
             in
             our
             spiritual
             warfare
             .
          
           
             This
             therefore
             being
             the
             
               original
               cause
            
             of
             all
             that
             disabilty
             of
             mind
             as
             unto
             steadiness
             in
             holy
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             whereof
             you
             do
             complain
             ,
             when
             you
             are
             affected
             therewith
             ,
             turn
             unto
             the
             consideration
             of
             that
             from
             whence
             it
             doth
             proceed
             .
             Labour
             to
             be
             
               humbled
               greatly
            
             ,
             and
             to
             walk
             humbly
             under
             a
             sence
             of
             the
             Remainders
             of
             this
             Vanity
             of
             mind
             .
             So
             some
             wholesom
             Fruits
             may
             be
             taken
             from
             this
             bitter
             Root
             ;
             and
             Meat
             may
             come
             out
             of
             this
             Eater
             .
             If
             when
             you
             cannot
             
               abide
               in
               holy
               Thoughts
               of
               God
               ,
            
             and
             your
             Relation
             unto
             him
             ,
             you
             reflect
             on
             this
             cause
             of
             it
             to
             your
             further
             Humiliation
             and
             self-abasement
             ,
             your
             Good
             designs
             and
             purposes
             are
             not
             lost
             .
             Let
             such
             an
             one
             say
             ;
             
               I
               began
               to
               think
               of
               God
               ,
               of
               his
               Love
               and
               Grace
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
               of
               my
               Duty
               towards
               him
               ;
               and
               where
               now
               in
               a
               few
               minutes
               do
               I
               find
               my self
               ?
               I
               am
               got
               into
               the
               Ends
               of
               the
               earth
               ,
               into
               things
               useless
               and
               earthly
               ;
               or
               am
               at
               such
               a
               loss
               as
               that
               I
               have
               no
               mind
               to
               proceed
               in
               the
               work
               wherein
               I
               was
               ingaged
               .
               O
               wretched
               man
               that
               I
               am
               ,
            
             what
             a
             cursed
             Enemy
             have
             I
             within
             me
             !
             I
             am
             asham'd
             of
             my self
             ,
             weary
             of
             my self
             ,
             loath
             my self
             ,
             
               who
               shall
               deliver
               me
               from
               this
               Body
               of
               Death
               ?
            
             Such
             Thoughts
             may
             be
             as
             useful
             unto
             him
             as
             those
             which
             he
             first
             designed
             .
          
           
             True
             it
             is
             we
             can
             never
             be
             freed
             absolutely
             from
             all
             the
             
             Effects
             of
             this
             Vanity
             and
             Instability
             of
             Mind
             in
             this
             world
             .
             
               Vnchangeable
               cleaving
               unto
               God
            
             ,
             alwayes
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             Powers
             and
             Affections
             of
             our
             Minds
             ,
             is
             reserved
             for
             Heaven
             .
             But
             yet
             
               great
               degrees
            
             may
             be
             attained
             in
             the
             conquest
             and
             expulsion
             of
             it
             ,
             such
             as
             I
             fear
             few
             have
             experience
             of
             ;
             yet
             ought
             all
             to
             the
             labour
             after
             .
             If
             we
             apply
             our selves
             as
             we
             ought
             to
             the
             increase
             of
             
               Spiritual
               Light
               and
               Grace
            
             ;
             if
             we
             labour
             diligently
             to
             abide
             and
             abound
             
               in
               Thoughts
               of
               spiritual
               things
            
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             Love
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             them
             ;
             if
             we
             watch
             against
             the
             entertainment
             and
             approbation
             of
             such
             Thoughts
             and
             things
             in
             our
             minds
             ,
             as
             whereby
             this
             
               vain
               frame
            
             is
             pleased
             and
             confirmed
             ;
             there
             is
             ,
             though
             not
             an
             
               absolute
               perfection
            
             ,
             yet
             a
             blessed
             degree
             of
             Heavenly
             Mindedness
             to
             be
             attain'd
             ,
             and
             therein
             the
             nearest
             approach
             unto
             Glory
             ,
             that
             in
             this
             world
             we
             are
             capable
             of
             .
             If
             a
             man
             cannot
             attain
             an
             
               Athletick
               Constitution
               of
               Health
            
             ,
             or
             a
             strength
             like
             that
             of
             Sampson
             ;
             yet
             if
             he
             be
             wise
             he
             will
             not
             omit
             the
             use
             of
             such
             means
             as
             may
             make
             him
             to
             be
             useful
             in
             the
             ordinary
             Duties
             of
             Life
             .
             And
             although
             we
             cannot
             attain
             Perfection
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             which
             yet
             is
             our
             Duty
             to
             be
             continually
             pressing
             after
             ;
             yet
             if
             we
             are
             wise
             ,
             will
             be
             endeavouring
             
               such
               a
               cure
               of
               this
               spiritual
               distemper
               ,
            
             as
             we
             may
             be
             able
             to
             discharge
             all
             the
             duties
             of
             the
             
               Life
               of
               God.
            
             But
             if
             men
             in
             all
             other
             things
             ,
             
               feed
               the
               Vanity
               of
               their
               own
               Minds
               ,
            
             if
             they
             permit
             them
             to
             Rove
             continually
             after
             things
             foolish
             ,
             sensual
             and
             earthly
             ;
             if
             they
             wilfully
             supply
             them
             with
             Objects
             unto
             that
             End
             ,
             and
             labour
             not
             by
             all
             means
             for
             the
             Mortification
             of
             this
             evil
             frame
             ;
             in
             vain
             shall
             they
             desire
             or
             expect
             to
             bring
             them
             at
             any
             time
             ,
             on
             any
             occasion
             ,
             to
             be
             
               Steady
               in
               the
               Thoughts
               of
               Heavenly
               things
               .
            
             If
             it
             be
             thus
             with
             any
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             to
             be
             feared
             it
             is
             with
             many
             ,
             it
             is
             their
             duty
             to
             mind
             the
             words
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             in
             the
             first
             place
             ,
             
               Make
               the
               
               Tree
               Good
               ,
               and
               then
               the
               Fruit
               will
               be
               Good
               ,
            
             and
             not
             before
             .
             When
             the
             power
             of
             Sanctifying
             Grace
             hath
             made
             the
             
               Mind
               habitually
               Spiritual
               and
               Heavenly
            
             ,
             Thoughts
             of
             such
             things
             will
             be
             natural
             unto
             it
             ,
             and
             accompanyed
             with
             delight
             .
             But
             they
             will
             not
             be
             so
             untill
             the
             
               God
               of
               Peace
            
             have
             Sanctified
             us
             in
             our
             whole
             Spirits
             ,
             Souls
             and
             Bodies
             ;
             whereby
             we
             may
             be
             preserved
             blameless
             unto
             the
             comeing
             of
             Jesus
             Christ.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Be
             alwaies
             sensible
             of
             your
             own
             Insufficincy
             to
             raise
             in
             your
             Minds
             or
             to
             managed
             spiritual
             Thoughts
             ,
             or
             Thoughts
             of
             things
             spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             .
             But
             in
             this
             case
             men
             are
             apt
             to
             suppose
             ,
             that
             as
             they
             may
             ,
             so
             they
             can
             think
             of
             what
             they
             please
             .
             Thoughts
             are
             their
             own
             ,
             and
             therefore
             be
             they
             of
             what
             sort
             they
             will
             ,
             they
             need
             no
             assistance
             for
             them
             .
             They
             cannot
             
               think
               as
               they
               ought
            
             ,
             they
             can
             do
             nothing
             at
             all
             .
             And
             nothing
             will
             convince
             them
             of
             their
             folly
             ,
             untill
             they
             are
             burdened
             with
             an
             experience
             of
             the
             contrary
             ,
             as
             unto
             
               Spiritual
               things
            
             .
             But
             the
             advice
             given
             is
             expressely
             laid
             down
             by
             the
             Apostle
             in
             the
             Instance
             of
             himself
             .
             2
             Cor.
             3.5
             .
             
               Not
               that
               we
               are
               sufficient
               of
               our selves
               to
               think
               any
               thing
               as
               of
               our selves
               ,
               but
               our
               sufficiency
               is
               of
               God.
            
             He
             speaks
             principally
             of
             
               Ministers
               of
               the
               Gospel
            
             ,
             and
             that
             of
             such
             as
             were
             most
             
               eminently
               furnished
            
             with
             Spiritual
             Gifts
             and
             Graces
             ,
             as
             he
             declares
             v.
             6.
             
             And
             If
             it
             be
             so
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             that
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             work
             and
             Duties
             of
             their
             Calling
             ,
             how
             much
             more
             is
             it
             so
             with
             others
             ,
             who
             have
             not
             their
             Graces
             nor
             their
             Offices
             ?
             Wherefore
             if
             men
             without
             regard
             unto
             the
             present
             actual
             Grace
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             supplies
             of
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             do
             suppose
             that
             they
             can
             of
             themselves
             ,
             exercise
             their
             Minds
             in
             spiritual
             Thoughts
             ,
             and
             so
             only
             
               fret
               at
               themselves
            
             when
             they
             fall
             into
             disappointment
             ,
             not
             knowing
             what
             is
             the
             matter
             with
             them
             ,
             they
             will
             live
             in
             a
             lifeless
             barren
             frame
             all
             their
             dayes
             .
          
           
             By
             the
             strength
             of
             their
             
               natural
               Abilities
            
             ,
             men
             may
             
             
               frame
               Thoughts
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             heavenly
             things
             in
             their
             Minds
             ,
             according
             unto
             the
             knowledge
             they
             have
             of
             them
             .
             They
             may
             Methodize
             them
             by
             Rules
             of
             Art
             ,
             and
             express
             them
             elegantly
             unto
             others
             .
             But
             even
             while
             they
             do
             so
             ,
             they
             may
             be
             far
             enough
             from
             being
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             .
             For
             there
             may
             be
             in
             their
             Thoughts
             ,
             no
             
               actings
               of
               Faith
               ,
               Love
               or
               holy
               Delight
               in
               God
               ,
            
             or
             any
             Grace
             at
             all
             .
             But
             such
             alone
             are
             things
             which
             we
             enquire
             after
             ,
             they
             are
             such
             only
             as
             wherein
             the
             Graces
             of
             the
             Spirit
             are
             in
             their
             proper
             Exercise
             .
             With
             respect
             unto
             them
             we
             have
             no
             sufficiency
             in
             our selves
             ,
             
               all
               our
               sufficiency
               must
               be
               of
               God.
            
             There
             is
             no
             Truth
             among
             persons
             of
             Light
             and
             Knowledge
             more
             generally
             granted
             in
             the
             notion
             of
             it
             than
             this
             ,
             that
             of
             
               our selves
               we
               can
               do
               nothing
            
             ;
             and
             none
             more
             neglected
             in
             daily
             practice
             .
             Men
             profess
             they
             can
             
               do
               nothing
               of
               themselves
            
             ,
             and
             yet
             go
             about
             their
             Duties
             as
             if
             they
             
               could
               do
               all
               things
            
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Remember
             that
             I
             have
             not
             at
             present
             treated
             of
             
               solemn
               stated
               Meditation
            
             .
             Concerning
             which
             other
             
               Rules
               and
               Instructions
            
             ought
             to
             be
             given
             .
             By
             
               solemn
               or
               stated
               Meditation
            
             ,
             I
             intend
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             some
             Subject
             Spiritual
             and
             Divine
             ,
             with
             the
             fixing
             ,
             forcing
             and
             ordering
             our
             Thoughts
             about
             it
             ,
             with
             a
             design
             to
             affect
             our
             own
             Hearts
             and
             Souls
             with
             the
             matter
             of
             it
             ,
             or
             the
             things
             contained
             in
             it
             .
             By
             this
             design
             it
             is
             distinguish'd
             from
             the
             study
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             wherein
             our
             principal
             aim
             is
             to
             learn
             the
             Truth
             ,
             or
             to
             declare
             it
             unto
             others
             .
             And
             so
             also
             from
             Prayer
             ,
             whereof
             God
             himself
             is
             the
             immediate
             Object
             .
             But
             in
             Meditation
             it
             is
             the
             affecting
             of
             our
             own
             Hearts
             and
             Minds
             with
             
               Love
               ,
               Delight
            
             and
             Humiliation
             .
             At
             present
             I
             have
             only
             shewed
             what
             it
             is
             to
             be
             
               Spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             this
             Instance
             of
             our
             Thoughts
             as
             they
             proceed
             from
             the
             habitual
             frame
             of
             our
             hearts
             and
             affections
             ;
             or
             of
             what
             sort
             the
             constant
             course
             of
             our
             Thoughts
             ought
             to
             be
             ,
             with
             respect
             unto
             all
             the
             occasions
             of
             the
             
               Life
               of
               God.
            
             This
             persons
             may
             
             be
             in
             a
             readiness
             for
             ,
             who
             are
             yet
             unskilful
             in
             ,
             and
             unable
             for
             stated
             Meditation
             .
             For
             there
             is
             required
             thereunto
             such
             an
             Exercise
             of
             our
             Natural
             Faculties
             and
             Abilities
             ,
             as
             some
             through
             their
             weakness
             and
             Ignorance
             are
             incapable
             of
             .
             But
             as
             unto
             what
             we
             have
             hitherto
             insisted
             on
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             unattainable
             by
             any
             in
             whom
             is
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Faith
             and
             Love.
             For
             it
             is
             but
             the
             frequent
             actings
             of
             them
             that
             I
             intend
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             do
             your
             Hearts
             and
             Affections
             lead
             you
             unto
             
               many
               Thoughts
            
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             Spiritual
             Things
             ?
             do
             they
             
               spring
               up
               in
               you
            
             ,
             as
             water
             in
             a
             well
             of
             living
             Waters
             ?
             Are
             you
             ready
             on
             all
             occasions
             to
             entertain
             such
             Thoughts
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             conversant
             with
             them
             ,
             as
             opportunity
             doth
             offer
             it self
             ?
             Do
             you
             labour
             to
             have
             in
             a
             readiness
             what
             is
             useful
             for
             you
             with
             respect
             unto
             Temptations
             and
             Duties
             ?
             Is
             
               God
               in
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             the
             things
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             the
             ordinary
             Retreat
             of
             your
             Souls
             ?
             Though
             you
             should
             not
             be
             able
             to
             carry
             on
             an
             orderly
             stated
             Meditation
             in
             your
             minds
             ,
             yet
             you
             may
             be
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             .
          
           
             A
             man
             may
             not
             have
             a
             Capacity
             and
             Ability
             to
             carry
             on
             a
             great
             Trade
             of
             Merchandize
             in
             the
             world
             .
             The
             knowledge
             of
             all
             sorts
             of
             Commodities
             ,
             and
             Seasons
             ,
             of
             the
             World
             and
             Nations
             of
             it
             ,
             with
             those
             Contrivances
             and
             Accounts
             which
             belong
             unto
             such
             Trade
             may
             be
             above
             his
             comprehension
             ,
             and
             he
             may
             quickly
             ruine
             himself
             in
             undertaking
             such
             an
             Employment
             .
             Yet
             may
             the
             Abilities
             of
             this
             man
             serve
             him
             well
             enough
             to
             carry
             on
             a
             
               retail
               Trade
            
             in
             a
             
               private
               Shop
            
             ,
             wherein
             perhaps
             he
             may
             thrive
             as
             well
             ,
             and
             get
             as
             good
             an
             Estate
             as
             any
             of
             those
             whose
             
               greater
               Capacities
            
             lead
             them
             forth
             unto
             more
             large
             and
             hazardous
             Employments
             .
             So
             it
             may
             be
             with
             some
             in
             this
             case
             .
             The
             natural
             Faculties
             of
             their
             minds
             are
             not
             sufficient
             to
             enable
             them
             unto
             
               Stated
               Meditation
            
             .
             They
             cannot
             cast
             things
             into
             that
             method
             and
             order
             which
             is
             required
             thereunto
             ;
             nor
             frame
             the
             conceptions
             of
             their
             minds
             into
             words
             significant
             and
             
             expressive
             ;
             yet
             as
             unto
             
               frequency
               of
               Thoughts
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             a
             disposition
             of
             Mind
             thereunto
             ,
             they
             may
             thrive
             and
             be
             skilful
             beyond
             most
             others
             of
             greater
             natural
             Abilities
             .
             Howbeit
             ,
             because
             even
             
               Stated
               Meditation
            
             is
             a
             necessary
             Duty
             ,
             yea
             the
             principal
             way
             whereby
             our
             
               spiritual
               Thoughts
            
             do
             profitably
             act
             themselves
             ,
             I
             shall
             have
             regard
             thereunto
             in
             the
             following
             Direction
             ;
             wherefore
             ,
          
           
             4.
             
             Whatever
             
               Principle
               of
               Grace
               we
               have
               in
               our
               minds
               ,
               we
               cannot
               attain
               unto
               a
               ready
               exercise
               of
               it
               in
               a
               way
               of
               spiritual
               Meditation
               or
               otherwise
               ,
               without
               great
               Diligence
               ,
               nor
               without
               great
               Difficulty
               .
            
          
           
             It
             was
             shewed
             at
             the
             entrance
             of
             this
             Discourse
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             a
             Difference
             in
             
               this
               Grace
            
             ,
             between
             the
             
               Essence
               ,
               Substance
            
             or
             Reality
             of
             it
             ,
             which
             we
             would
             not
             exclude
             men
             from
             ,
             under
             many
             failings
             or
             infirmities
             ;
             and
             the
             useful
             Degrees
             of
             it
             ,
             wherein
             it
             hath
             its
             principal
             exercise
             .
             As
             there
             is
             a
             difference
             in
             Life
             natural
             ,
             and
             its
             actings
             ,
             in
             a
             weak
             
               deseased
               sickly
               Body
            
             ,
             and
             in
             that
             which
             is
             of
             a
             Good
             Constitution
             and
             in
             a
             vigorous
             health
             .
             Supposing
             the
             first
             ,
             the
             Reality
             of
             this
             Grace
             ,
             be
             wrought
             in
             us
             ,
             or
             implanted
             in
             our
             Minds
             by
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
             as
             a
             principal
             part
             of
             that
             
               new
               Nature
            
             which
             is
             the
             workmanship
             of
             God
             ,
             created
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             unto
             good
             works
             ;
             yet
             unto
             the
             growth
             and
             improvement
             of
             it
             ,
             as
             of
             all
             other
             Graces
             ,
             our
             own
             diligent
             Care
             ,
             Watchfulness
             ,
             and
             spiritual
             striving
             in
             all
             holy
             Duties
             are
             required
             .
             Unless
             the
             most
             fruitful
             Ground
             be
             manured
             ,
             it
             will
             not
             bring
             forth
             an
             useful
             Crop.
             Let
             not
             any
             think
             that
             this
             frame
             of
             a
             
               Spiritual
               mind
            
             ,
             wherein
             there
             is
             a
             disposition
             unto
             and
             a
             readiness
             for
             all
             holy
             Thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             of
             Christ
             ,
             of
             spiritual
             ,
             and
             heavenly
             things
             ,
             at
             all
             times
             and
             on
             all
             occasions
             ,
             will
             befall
             him
             and
             continue
             with
             him
             he
             knows
             not
             how
             .
             As
             good
             it
             is
             for
             a
             poor
             man
             to
             expect
             to
             be
             rich
             in
             this
             world
             without
             Industry
             ,
             or
             a
             weak
             man
             to
             be
             strong
             and
             healthy
             without
             Food
             and
             Exercise
             ;
             as
             to
             be
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             without
             
             an
             earnest
             endeavour
             after
             it
             .
             It
             may
             be
             enquired
             what
             is
             requisite
             thereunto
             ?
             And
             we
             may
             name
             some
             of
             those
             things
             without
             which
             such
             an
             
               holy
               frame
            
             will
             not
             be
             attained
             .
             As
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             A
             continual
             watch
             is
             to
             be
             kept
             in
             and
             on
             the
             Soul
             against
             the
             Incursions
             of
             vain
             Thoughts
             and
             Imaginations
             ,
             especially
             in
             such
             seasons
             wherein
             they
             are
             apt
             to
             obtain
             Advantage
             .
             If
             they
             are
             suffer'd
             to
             make
             an
             inroad
             into
             the
             mind
             ,
             if
             we
             accustom
             our selves
             to
             give
             them
             entertainment
             ,
             if
             they
             are
             wont
             to
             lodge
             within
             ,
             in
             vain
             shall
             we
             hope
             or
             desire
             to
             be
             spiritually
             minded
             .
             Herein
             consists
             a
             principal
             part
             of
             that
             duty
             which
             our
             Saviour
             so
             frequently
             ,
             so
             emphatically
             chargeth
             on
             us
             all
             ;
             namely
             to
             
               Watch
               ,
               Mark
            
             3.37
             .
             Unless
             we
             keep
             a
             strict
             watch
             herein
             ,
             we
             shall
             be
             betray'd
             into
             the
             hands
             of
             our
             spiritual
             enemies
             ;
             for
             all
             such
             Thoughts
             are
             but
             making
             provision
             for
             the
             flesh
             to
             fullfill
             its
             desires
             in
             the
             lusts
             thereof
             ,
             however
             they
             may
             be
             disappointed
             as
             unto
             actual
             sin
             .
             This
             is
             the
             substance
             of
             the
             advice
             given
             us
             in
             charge
             ,
             Prov.
             4.23
             .
             
               Keep
               thy
               heart
               with
               all
               diligence
               ,
               for
               out
               of
               it
               are
               the
               Issues
               of
               Life
               .
            
          
           
             2.
             
             Careful
             Avoidance
             of
             all
             societies
             and
             businesses
             of
             this
             life
             ,
             which
             are
             apt
             under
             various
             pretences
             to
             draw
             and
             seduce
             the
             mind
             unto
             an
             earthly
             or
             sensual
             frame
             .
             If
             men
             will
             venture
             on
             those
             things
             which
             they
             have
             found
             by
             Experience
             ,
             or
             may
             find
             by
             Observation
             ,
             that
             they
             seduce
             and
             draw
             off
             their
             Minds
             from
             an
             Heavenly
             frame
             unto
             that
             which
             is
             contrary
             thereunto
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             watch
             unto
             their
             avoidance
             ,
             they
             will
             be
             filled
             with
             the
             fruit
             of
             their
             own
             wayes
             .
             Indeed
             the
             Common
             Converses
             of
             Professors
             among
             themselves
             and
             others
             ,
             walking
             ,
             talking
             
             and
             behaving
             themselves
             like
             other
             men
             ,
             being
             as
             full
             of
             the
             world
             as
             the
             world
             is
             of
             it self
             ,
             hath
             lost
             the
             Grace
             of
             being
             Spiritually-minded
             within
             ,
             and
             stain'd
             the
             Glory
             of
             Profession
             without
             .
             The
             Rule
             observ'd
             by
             David
             will
             manifest
             how
             careful
             we
             ought
             to
             be
             herein
             ,
             Psal.
             39.1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3.
             
             
               I
               said
               I
               will
               take
               heed
               to
               my
               wayes
               ,
               that
               I
               sin
               not
               with
               my
               Tongue
               :
               I
               will
               keep
               my
               Mouth
               with
               a
               bridle
               while
               the
               wicked
               is
               before
               me
               .
               I
               was
               dumb
               with
               silence
               ,
               I
               held
               my
               peace
               even
               from
               good
               ,
               and
               my
               sorrow
               was
               stirred
               .
               My
               heart
               was
               hot
               within
               me
               ,
               while
               I
               was
               musing
               the
               fire
               burned
               ;
               then
               spake
               I
               with
               my
               Tongue
               :
            
             Which
             place
             was
             spoken
             unto
             before
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             An
             
               holy
               Constraint
            
             put
             on
             the
             Mind
             to
             abide
             in
             the
             Duty
             of
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             ,
             pressing
             it
             continually
             with
             the
             Consideration
             of
             their
             Necessity
             and
             Usefulness
             .
             The
             Mind
             will
             be
             apt
             of
             it self
             to
             start
             aside
             from
             Duties
             ?
             
               purely
               Spiritual
            
             ,
             through
             the
             mixture
             of
             the
             Flesh
             abiding
             in
             it
             .
             The
             more
             inward
             and
             
               purely
               Spiritual
            
             any
             Duty
             is
             ,
             which
             hath
             no
             outward
             Advantages
             ;
             the
             more
             prone
             will
             the
             Mind
             be
             to
             decline
             from
             it
             .
             It
             will
             be
             so
             ,
             more
             from
             
               private
               Prayer
            
             than
             Publick
             ,
             more
             from
             Meditation
             than
             Prayer
             .
             And
             other
             things
             will
             be
             apt
             to
             draw
             it
             aside
             by
             Objects
             without
             ,
             and
             various
             stirrings
             of
             the
             Affections
             within
             .
             An
             holy
             Constraint
             is
             to
             be
             put
             upon
             it
             ,
             with
             a
             sudden
             Rejection
             of
             what
             rises
             up
             to
             its
             diversion
             or
             disturbance
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             we
             are
             to
             call
             in
             all
             
               constraining
               Motives
            
             ,
             such
             as
             the
             Consideration
             of
             the
             
               Love
               of
               Christ
            
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             5.14
             .
             to
             keep
             the
             Mind
             steady
             unto
             its
             Duty
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             
               Diligent
               use
               of
               Means
            
             to
             furnish
             the
             Soul
             with
             that
             
               Light
               and
               Knowledge
            
             of
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             which
             
             may
             administer
             continual
             
               matter
               of
               holy
            
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             from
             within
             our selves
             .
             This
             hath
             been
             spoken
             unto
             at
             large
             before
             .
             And
             the
             want
             hereof
             is
             that
             which
             keeps
             many
             from
             the
             least
             Proficiency
             in
             these
             Duties
             .
             As
             a
             man
             may
             have
             some
             skill
             or
             ability
             for
             a
             Trade
             ,
             yet
             if
             he
             have
             no
             Materials
             to
             work
             upon
             ,
             he
             must
             sit
             still
             and
             let
             his
             Trade
             alone
             .
             And
             so
             must
             men
             do
             as
             unto
             the
             work
             of
             
               Holy
               Meditation
            
             :
             whatever
             be
             the
             Ability
             of
             the
             natural
             Faculties
             ,
             their
             Inventions
             or
             Memories
             ,
             if
             they
             are
             not
             furnished
             with
             Knowledge
             of
             
               things
               Spiritual
               and
               Heavenly
            
             ,
             which
             are
             the
             subject
             matter
             of
             such
             Meditations
             ,
             they
             must
             let
             their
             work
             alone
             .
             Hence
             the
             Apostle
             prays
             for
             the
             Colossians
             ,
             that
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             might
             
               dwell
               in
               them
               richly
               in
               all
               Wisdom
               ,
            
             Chap.
             3.16
             .
             That
             is
             ,
             that
             they
             might
             abound
             
               in
               the
               knowledge
               of
               the
               mind
               of
               Christ
               ,
            
             without
             which
             we
             shall
             be
             unfit
             for
             this
             Duty
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             
               Vnweariedness
               in
               our
               Conflict
               with
               Sathan
               ,
            
             who
             by
             various
             Artifices
             and
             the
             Injection
             of
             
               fiery
               darts
            
             labours
             continually
             to
             divert
             us
             from
             these
             Duties
             .
             He
             is
             seldom
             or
             never
             wanting
             unto
             this
             occasion
             .
             He
             who
             is
             furnished
             in
             any
             measure
             with
             
               spiritual
               Wisdom
               and
               Vnderstanding
            
             ,
             may
             find
             him
             more
             sensibly
             at
             work
             in
             his
             Craft
             and
             Opposition
             with
             respect
             unto
             this
             Duty
             ,
             than
             any
             other
             way
             .
             When
             we
             stand
             thus
             before
             the
             Lord
             ,
             he
             is
             
               alwayes
               at
               our
               right
               hand
               to
               resist
               us
               .
            
             And
             oft-times
             his
             Strength
             is
             great
             .
             Hence
             ,
             as
             was
             observed
             ,
             oft-times
             men
             design
             really
             to
             exercise
             themselves
             in
             holy
             Thoughts
             ,
             but
             end
             in
             vain
             Imaginations
             ,
             and
             rather
             take
             up
             with
             Trifles
             than
             continue
             in
             this
             Duty
             .
             Steadiness
             in
             the
             Resistance
             of
             him
             on
             these
             Occasions
             ,
             is
             one
             great
             part
             of
             our
             
               Spiritual
               Warfare
            
             .
             And
             we
             may
             know
             that
             
             he
             is
             at
             work
             by
             his
             Engines
             and
             Methods
             .
             For
             they
             consist
             in
             his
             Suggestions
             of
             vain
             ,
             foolish
             or
             corrupt
             Imaginations
             .
             When
             they
             begin
             to
             
               rise
               in
               our
               Minds
            
             ,
             at
             such
             times
             as
             we
             would
             engage
             them
             in
             Spiritual
             Meditation
             ,
             we
             may
             know
             assuredly
             from
             whence
             they
             are
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             
               Continual
               watchful
               Care
               ,
               that
               no
               root
               of
               Bitterness
               spring
               up
               and
               defile
               us
               ,
               that
               no
               Lust
               or
               Corruption
               be
               predominant
               in
               us
               .
            
             When
             it
             is
             so
             ,
             if
             Persons
             in
             complyance
             with
             their
             Convictions
             do
             endeavour
             sometimes
             to
             be
             exercised
             in
             these
             Duties
             ,
             they
             shall
             labour
             in
             the
             very
             fire
             ,
             where
             all
             their
             Endeavours
             will
             be
             Immediately
             consumed
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             
               Mortification
               unto
               the
               World
               in
               our
               Affections
               and
               Desires
               ,
               with
               Moderation
               in
               our
               Endeavours
               after
               the
               Needful
               things
               of
               it
               ,
            
             are
             also
             necessary
             hereunto
             ;
             yea
             to
             that
             Degree
             ,
             that
             without
             them
             no
             man
             can
             in
             any
             sence
             be
             said
             to
             be
             Spiritually-minded
             .
             For
             otherwise
             our
             Affections
             cannot
             be
             so
             preserved
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             Grace
             ,
             as
             that
             Spiritual
             things
             may
             be
             alwayes
             Savoury
             unto
             us
             .
          
           
             Some
             it
             may
             be
             will
             say
             ,
             That
             
               if
               all
               these
               things
               are
               required
               thereunto
               ,
               it
               will
               take
               up
               a
               mans
               whole
               Life
               and
               Time
               to
               be
               Spiritually-minded
               .
               They
               hope
               they
               may
               attain
               it
               at
               an
               easier
               rate
               ,
               and
               not
               forgoe
               all
               other
               Advantages
               and
               Sweetnesses
               of
               Life
               ,
               which
               a
               strict
               Observation
               of
               these
               things
               would
               cast
               them
               upon
               .
            
          
           
             I
             answer
             ;
             that
             however
             it
             may
             prove
             an
             
               hard
               Saying
            
             unto
             some
             ,
             yet
             I
             must
             say
             it
             ,
             and
             my
             heart
             would
             reproach
             me
             if
             I
             should
             not
             say
             ,
             that
             if
             the
             
               principal
               part
               of
               our
               time
            
             be
             not
             spent
             about
             these
             things
             ,
             whatever
             
             we
             suppose
             ,
             we
             have
             indeed
             neither
             Life
             nor
             Peace
             .
             The
             First-fruits
             of
             all
             were
             to
             be
             offered
             unto
             God
             ,
             and
             in
             Sacrifices
             he
             required
             the
             Blood
             ,
             and
             the
             Fat
             of
             the
             Inwards
             .
             If
             the
             
               best
               be
               not
               his
            
             ,
             he
             will
             have
             nothing
             .
             It
             is
             so
             as
             to
             our
             Time.
             Tell
             me
             ,
             I
             pray
             you
             ,
             how
             you
             can
             spend
             your
             Time
             and
             your
             Lives
             better
             ,
             or
             to
             better
             purpose
             ;
             and
             I
             shall
             say
             ,
             Go
             on
             and
             prosper
             .
             I
             am
             sure
             some
             
               spend
               so
               much
               of
               their
               time
            
             so
             much
             worse
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             a
             shame
             to
             see
             it
             .
             Do
             you
             think
             you
             came
             into
             this
             World
             ,
             to
             spend
             your
             whole
             Time
             and
             Strength
             in
             your
             Employments
             ,
             your
             Trades
             ,
             your
             Pleasures
             ,
             unto
             the
             Satisfaction
             of
             the
             Will
             of
             the
             Flesh
             and
             of
             the
             Mind
             ?
             Have
             you
             Time
             enough
             to
             Eat
             ,
             to
             Drink
             ,
             to
             Sleep
             ,
             to
             Talk
             unprofitably
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             corruptly
             ,
             in
             all
             sorts
             of
             unnecessary
             Societies
             ,
             but
             have
             not
             enough
             
               to
               Live
               unto
               God
            
             ,
             in
             the
             very
             Essentials
             of
             that
             Life
             which
             consists
             in
             these
             things
             ?
             Alas
             !
             you
             came
             into
             the
             World
             under
             this
             Law
             ;
             
               It
               is
               appointed
               to
               all
               men
               once
               to
               die
               ,
               and
               after
               that
               is
               the
               Judgment
            
             ;
             and
             the
             End
             why
             your
             Life
             here
             is
             granted
             unto
             you
             ,
             is
             that
             you
             may
             be
             prepared
             for
             that
             Judgement
             .
             If
             this
             be
             neglected
             ,
             if
             the
             
               principal
               part
               of
               your
               Time
            
             be
             not
             improv'd
             with
             respect
             unto
             this
             End
             ,
             you
             will
             fall
             under
             the
             Sentence
             of
             it
             unto
             Eternity
             .
          
           
             But
             men
             are
             apt
             to
             mistake
             in
             this
             matter
             .
             They
             may
             think
             that
             these
             things
             tend
             to
             take
             them
             off
             from
             their
             
               Lawful
               Employments
               and
               Recreations
            
             ,
             which
             they
             are
             generally
             afraid
             of
             ,
             and
             unwilling
             to
             purchase
             any
             frame
             of
             Mind
             at
             so
             dear
             a
             rate
             .
             They
             may
             suppose
             that
             to
             have
             men
             
               spiritually
               minded
            
             ,
             we
             would
             make
             them
             Mopes
             ,
             and
             to
             disregard
             all
             the
             Lawful
             Occasions
             of
             Life
             .
             But
             let
             not
             any
             be
             mistaken
             ;
             I
             am
             not
             upon
             a
             design
             that
             will
             be
             easily
             ,
             or
             it
             may
             
             be
             honestly
             defeated
             .
             Men
             are
             able
             to
             defend
             themselves
             in
             their
             Callings
             and
             Enjoyments
             ,
             and
             to
             satisfie
             their
             Consciences
             against
             any
             Perswasions
             to
             the
             contrary
             .
             Yet
             there
             is
             a
             Season
             wherein
             we
             are
             obliged
             
               to
               part
               with
               all
               we
               have
               ,
            
             and
             give
             up
             our selves
             wholly
             to
             follow
             Christ
             in
             all
             things
             ;
             Math.
             19.21
             .
             And
             if
             we
             neglect
             or
             refuse
             it
             
               in
               that
               season
            
             ,
             it
             is
             an
             Evidence
             that
             we
             are
             Hypocrites
             .
             And
             there
             was
             a
             time
             when
             Superstition
             had
             so
             much
             Power
             on
             the
             Minds
             of
             men
             ,
             that
             multitudes
             were
             perswaded
             to
             forsake
             ,
             to
             give
             up
             all
             their
             Interest
             in
             
               Relations
               ,
               Callings
               ,
               Goods
               ,
               Possessions
               ,
            
             and
             betake
             themselves
             unto
             tedious
             Pilgrimages
             ,
             yea
             hard
             Services
             in
             War
             ,
             to
             comply
             with
             that
             Superstition
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             not
             the
             Glory
             of
             our
             Profession
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             so
             few
             Instances
             of
             men
             parting
             with
             all
             ,
             and
             giving
             up
             themselves
             unto
             Heavenly
             Retirement
             .
             But
             I
             am
             at
             present
             on
             no
             such
             Design
             ;
             I
             aim
             not
             to
             take
             men
             out
             of
             their
             lawful
             Earthly
             occasions
             ,
             but
             to
             bring
             spiritual
             Affections
             and
             Thoughts
             into
             the
             management
             of
             them
             all
             .
             The
             things
             mentioned
             will
             deprive
             you
             of
             
               no
               Time
            
             you
             can
             lay
             a
             claim
             unto
             ;
             but
             Sanctifie
             it
             all
             .
          
           
             I
             confess
             he
             must
             be
             a
             great
             
               Proficient
               in
               Spirituality
            
             ,
             who
             dares
             venture
             on
             an
             
               absolute
               Retirement
            
             ,
             and
             he
             must
             be
             well
             satisfied
             that
             he
             is
             not
             called
             unto
             an
             usefulness
             among
             men
             inconsistent
             therewith
             :
             Unto
             them
             it
             may
             prove
             a
             disadvantage
             :
             Yet
             this
             also
             is
             attainable
             if
             other
             Circumstances
             do
             concur
             .
             Men
             under
             the
             due
             Exercise
             of
             Grace
             and
             the
             Improvement
             of
             it
             ,
             may
             attain
             unto
             that
             
               fixedness
               in
               Heavenly-mindedness
            
             ,
             that
             Inconcernment
             in
             all
             things
             here
             below
             ,
             as
             to
             give
             themselves
             up
             intirely
             and
             continually
             unto
             Heavenly
             Meditation
             ,
             unto
             a
             blessed
             Advancement
             of
             all
             Grace
             ,
             and
             a
             near
             approach
             unto
             Glory
             .
             
             And
             I
             would
             hope
             it
             was
             so
             with
             many
             of
             them
             in
             ancient
             times
             ,
             who
             renounced
             the
             World
             ,
             with
             all
             Circumstances
             of
             Relations
             ,
             State
             ,
             Inheritances
             ,
             and
             betook
             themselves
             unto
             Retirement
             in
             Wildernesses
             ,
             to
             abide
             alwayes
             in
             Divine
             Contemplation
             .
             But
             afterwards
             when
             Multitudes
             whose
             minds
             were
             not
             so
             prepared
             ,
             by
             a
             real
             growth
             in
             all
             Grace
             and
             Mortification
             unto
             the
             World
             ,
             as
             they
             were
             ,
             betook
             themselves
             under
             the
             same
             pretences
             unto
             a
             
               Monastical
               Retirement
            
             ;
             the
             Devil
             ,
             the
             World
             ,
             sensual
             Lusts
             ,
             Superstition
             ,
             and
             all
             manner
             of
             Evils
             pursued
             them
             ,
             found
             them
             out
             ,
             possessed
             them
             ,
             unto
             the
             unspeakable
             dammage
             and
             Scandal
             of
             Religion
             .
          
           
             This
             therefore
             is
             not
             that
             which
             I
             invite
             the
             
               common
               sort
               of
               Believers
            
             unto
             .
             Let
             them
             that
             are
             able
             and
             free
             ,
             receive
             it
             .
             The
             Generality
             of
             Christians
             have
             Lawful
             Callings
             ,
             Employments
             and
             Businesses
             ,
             which
             ordinarily
             they
             ought
             to
             abide
             in
             .
             That
             they
             also
             may
             live
             unto
             God
             in
             their
             Occasions
             ,
             they
             may
             do
             well
             to
             consider
             Two
             things
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Industry
             in
             mens
             Callings
             is
             a
             thing
             in
             it self
             very
             Commendable
             .
             If
             in
             nothing
             else
             ,
             it
             hath
             an
             Advantage
             herein
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             a
             means
             to
             preserve
             men
             from
             
               those
               Excesses
               in
               Lust
               and
               Ryot
               ,
            
             which
             otherwise
             they
             are
             apt
             to
             run
             into
             .
             And
             if
             you
             consider
             the
             two
             sorts
             of
             men
             ,
             whereinto
             the
             Generality
             of
             Mankind
             are
             Distributed
             ,
             namely
             of
             them
             
               who
               are
               industrious
               in
               their
               Affairs
               ,
            
             and
             those
             
               who
               spend
               their
               time
               so
               far
               as
               they
               are
               able
               in
               Idleness
               and
               Pleasure
            
             ;
             the
             former
             sort
             are
             far
             more
             amiable
             and
             desireable
             .
             Howbeit
             it
             is
             capable
             of
             being
             greatly
             abused
             .
             Earthly-mindedness
             ,
             Covetousness
             ,
             devouring
             things
             holy
             as
             to
             Times
             and
             Seasons
             of
             Duty
             ,
             Uselesness
             ,
             and
             
             the
             like
             pernicious
             Vices
             do
             invade
             and
             possess
             the
             Minds
             of
             men
             .
             There
             is
             no
             
               Lawful
               Calling
            
             that
             doth
             absolutely
             exclude
             this
             Grace
             of
             being
             Spiritualy-minded
             in
             them
             that
             are
             ingaged
             in
             it
             ,
             nor
             any
             that
             doth
             include
             it
             .
             Men
             may
             be
             in
             the
             
               meanest
               of
               Lawful
               Callings
            
             and
             be
             so
             ,
             and
             men
             may
             be
             in
             the
             
               best
               and
               highest
            
             and
             not
             be
             so
             .
             Consider
             the
             Calling
             of
             the
             Ministry
             :
             The
             Work
             and
             Duty
             of
             it
             calls
             on
             those
             that
             are
             employed
             in
             it
             ,
             to
             have
             their
             Minds
             and
             Thoughts
             conversant
             about
             spiritual
             and
             heavenly
             things
             .
             They
             are
             to
             study
             about
             them
             ,
             to
             meditate
             on
             them
             ,
             to
             
               commit
               them
               unto
               Memory
            
             ,
             to
             speak
             them
             out
             unto
             others
             .
             It
             will
             be
             said
             ,
             Surely
             such
             men
             must
             needs
             be
             Spiritually-minded
             .
             If
             they
             go
             no
             further
             than
             what
             is
             mentioned
             ,
             I
             say
             they
             must
             needs
             be
             so
             ,
             as
             Printers
             must
             needs
             be
             Learned
             ,
             who
             are
             continually
             conversant
             about
             Letters
             .
             A
             man
             may
             with
             great
             Industry
             ingage
             himself
             in
             these
             things
             ,
             and
             yet
             his
             mind
             be
             most
             remote
             from
             being
             Spiritual
             .
             The
             Event
             doth
             declare
             that
             it
             may
             be
             so
             ,
             and
             the
             Reasons
             of
             it
             are
             manifest
             .
             It
             requires
             as
             much
             ,
             if
             not
             more
             Watchfulness
             ,
             more
             Care
             ,
             more
             Humility
             ,
             for
             a
             Minister
             to
             be
             Spiritually
             minded
             in
             the
             Discharge
             of
             his
             Calling
             ,
             than
             to
             any
             sort
             of
             men
             in
             theirs
             :
             And
             that
             ,
             as
             for
             other
             Reasons
             ,
             so
             because
             the
             commonness
             of
             the
             exercise
             of
             such
             Thoughts
             ,
             with
             their
             design
             upon
             others
             in
             their
             expression
             ,
             will
             take
             off
             their
             Power
             and
             Efficacy
             .
             And
             he
             will
             have
             little
             benefit
             by
             his
             own
             Ministy
             ,
             who
             endeavours
             not
             in
             the
             first
             place
             an
             Experience
             in
             his
             own
             heart
             of
             the
             Power
             of
             the
             Truths
             which
             he
             doth
             teach
             unto
             others
             .
             And
             there
             is
             Evidently
             as
             great
             a
             failing
             herein
             among
             us
             ,
             as
             among
             any
             other
             sort
             of
             Christians
             ,
             as
             every
             occasion
             of
             Tryal
             doth
             Demonstrate
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             Although
             Industry
             in
             any
             honest
             Calling
             be
             allowable
             ,
             yet
             unless
             men
             labour
             to
             be
             Spiritually-minded
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             that
             Industry
             ,
             they
             have
             neither
             Life
             nor
             Peace
             .
             Hereunto
             all
             the
             things
             before
             mentioned
             ,
             are
             necessary
             ;
             I
             know
             not
             how
             any
             of
             them
             can
             be
             abated
             ,
             yea
             more
             is
             required
             than
             is
             expressed
             in
             them
             .
             If
             you
             burn
             this
             Roll
             ,
             another
             must
             be
             written
             ,
             and
             many
             like
             things
             must
             be
             added
             unto
             it
             .
             And
             the
             Objection
             from
             the
             expence
             of
             Time
             in
             the
             Observance
             of
             them
             ,
             is
             of
             no
             force
             .
             For
             a
             man
             may
             do
             as
             much
             work
             whil'st
             he
             is
             Spiritually
             minded
             ,
             as
             whil'st
             he
             is
             Carnal
             .
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             will
             no
             more
             hinder
             you
             in
             your
             Callings
             than
             those
             that
             are
             vain
             and
             earthly
             ,
             which
             all
             sorts
             of
             men
             can
             find
             leisure
             for
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             their
             Employments
             .
             If
             you
             have
             filled
             a
             Vessel
             with
             Chaff
             ,
             yet
             you
             may
             pour
             into
             it
             a
             great
             deal
             of
             water
             ,
             which
             will
             be
             contained
             in
             the
             same
             space
             and
             Vessel
             .
             And
             if
             it
             be
             necessary
             that
             you
             should
             take
             in
             much
             of
             the
             Chaff
             of
             the
             world
             into
             your
             minds
             ,
             yet
             are
             they
             capable
             of
             such
             
               measures
               of
               Grace
            
             as
             shall
             preserve
             them
             sincere
             unto
             God.
             
          
           
             Fifthly
             ,
             This
             frame
             will
             never
             be
             preserved
             ,
             nor
             the
             Duties
             mentioned
             be
             ever
             performed
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             ,
             unless
             we
             
               dedicate
               some
               part
               of
               our
               Time
               peculiarly
               unto
               them
               .
            
             I
             speak
             unto
             them
             only
             concerning
             whom
             I
             suppose
             that
             they
             do
             daily
             
               set
               apart
               some
               portion
               of
               Time
            
             unto
             holy
             duties
             ,
             as
             Prayer
             and
             Reading
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             and
             they
             find
             by
             experience
             that
             it
             succeeds
             well
             with
             them
             .
             For
             the
             most
             part
             if
             they
             lose
             their
             Seasons
             ,
             they
             lose
             their
             Duties
             .
             For
             some
             have
             complained
             ,
             that
             the
             urgency
             of
             Business
             ,
             and
             multiplicity
             of
             Occasions
             
             driving
             them
             at
             first
             from
             the
             
               fixed
               time
            
             of
             their
             Duties
             ,
             hath
             brought
             them
             into
             a
             course
             of
             neglecting
             Duty
             it self
             .
             Wherefore
             it
             is
             our
             wisdom
             to
             
               set
               apart
            
             constantly
             some
             part
             of
             our
             time
             ,
             unto
             the
             exercise
             of
             our
             thoughts
             about
             spiritual
             things
             in
             the
             way
             of
             Meditation
             .
             And
             I
             shall
             close
             this
             discourse
             with
             some
             Directions
             in
             this
             particular
             unto
             them
             who
             complain
             of
             their
             disability
             for
             the
             discharge
             of
             this
             duty
             .
          
           
             (
             1.
             )
             Choose
             and
             separate
             a
             
               fit
               time
               or
               Season
            
             ,
             a
             time
             of
             freedom
             from
             other
             Occasions
             and
             diversions
             .
             And
             because
             it
             is
             our
             duty
             to
             
               redeem
               time
            
             with
             respect
             unto
             holy
             Duties
             ,
             such
             a
             season
             may
             be
             the
             more
             useful
             ,
             the
             more
             the
             
               purchase
               of
               it
            
             stands
             us
             in
             .
             We
             are
             not
             at
             any
             Time
             to
             serve
             God
             with
             what
             
               costs
               us
               nought
            
             ,
             nor
             with
             
               any
               Time
            
             that
             comes
             within
             the
             same
             Rule
             .
             If
             we
             will
             allow
             only
             the
             
               Refuse
               of
               our
               Time
            
             unto
             this
             duty
             ,
             when
             we
             have
             nothing
             else
             to
             do
             ,
             and
             it
             may
             be
             through
             weariness
             of
             Occasions
             are
             
               fit
               for
               nothing
               else
            
             ,
             we
             are
             not
             to
             expect
             any
             great
             success
             in
             it
             .
             This
             is
             one
             pregnant
             reason
             why
             men
             are
             so
             cold
             and
             formal
             ,
             so
             lifeless
             in
             spiritual
             duties
             ,
             namely
             ,
             the
             Times
             and
             Seasons
             which
             they
             allot
             unto
             them
             .
             When
             the
             Body
             is
             wearied
             with
             the
             labour
             and
             occasions
             of
             the
             day
             ,
             and
             it
             may
             be
             the
             mind
             in
             its
             natural
             faculties
             indisposed
             ,
             even
             by
             the
             means
             of
             necessary
             refreshment
             ,
             men
             think
             themselves
             meet
             to
             
               Treat
               with
               God
            
             about
             the
             great
             concernments
             of
             his
             Glory
             ,
             and
             their
             own
             Souls
             .
             This
             is
             that
             which
             God
             condemneth
             by
             the
             Prophet
             ,
             Mal.
             1.8
             .
             
               And
               if
               you
               offer
               the
               blind
               for
               Sacrifice
               is
               it
               not
               evil
               ?
               and
               if
               you
               offer
               the
               lame
               and
               sick
               is
               it
               not
               evil
               ?
               offer
               it
               now
               unto
               thy
               Governour
               will
               he
               be
               
               pleased
               with
               thee
               ,
               or
               accept
               thy
               person
               ?
            
             Both
             the
             Law
             of
             Nature
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Laws
             of
             holy
             Institutions
             ,
             do
             require
             that
             we
             should
             serve
             
               God
               with
               the
               best
               that
               we
               have
               ,
            
             as
             all
             the
             
               fat
               of
               the
               Inwards
               was
               to
               be
               offered
               in
               Sacrifice
               .
            
             And
             shall
             we
             think
             to
             offer
             that
             Time
             unto
             God
             ,
             wherein
             we
             are
             unmeet
             to
             appear
             before
             an
             earthly
             Ruler
             ?
             Yet
             such
             in
             my
             account
             are
             the
             Seasons
             ,
             especially
             the
             
               evening
               seasons
            
             ,
             that
             most
             men
             choose
             for
             the
             duties
             of
             their
             holy
             Worship
             .
             And
             you
             may
             do
             well
             to
             consider
             that
             beyond
             the
             day
             and
             time
             which
             he
             hath
             taken
             unto
             himself
             by
             an
             Everlasting
             Law
             ,
             how
             little
             of
             the
             Choice
             of
             your
             time
             you
             have
             offered
             unto
             God
             as
             a
             Free-will-offering
             ,
             that
             you
             may
             be
             excited
             to
             future
             diligence
             .
             If
             therefore
             you
             seriously
             intend
             this
             Duty
             ,
             choose
             the
             Seasons
             for
             it
             wherein
             you
             are
             most
             fit
             ,
             when
             even
             the
             
               natural
               vigour
               of
               your
               spirits
            
             is
             most
             free
             and
             active
             .
             Possibly
             some
             will
             say
             ,
             this
             may
             be
             such
             a
             time
             as
             when
             the
             occasions
             of
             the
             world
             do
             call
             most
             earnestly
             for
             your
             attendance
             unto
             them
             .
             I
             say
             that
             is
             the
             Season
             I
             would
             recommend
             .
             And
             if
             you
             can
             conquer
             our
             minds
             to
             
               redeem
               it
            
             for
             God
             at
             that
             rate
             ,
             your
             endeavours
             in
             it
             will
             be
             prosperous
             .
             However
             ,
             trust
             not
             to
             times
             that
             will
             offer
             themselves
             .
             Take
             them
             not
             up
             at
             hazard
             .
             Let
             the
             time
             it self
             be
             a
             
               free-will
               Offering
            
             to
             God
             ,
             taken
             from
             the
             Top
             of
             the
             heap
             ,
             or
             the
             Choicest
             part
             of
             your
             useful
             Time.
             
          
           
             (
             2.
             )
             
               Preparation
               of
               Mind
               unto
               a
               due
               Reverence
               of
               God
               and
               spiritual
               things
               ,
               is
               required
               previously
               hereunto
               .
            
             When
             we
             go
             about
             this
             duty
             ,
             if
             we
             rush
             into
             thoughts
             of
             heavenly
             things
             without
             a
             due
             reverential
             preparation
             ,
             we
             shall
             quickly
             find
             ourselves
             
             at
             a
             loss
             .
             See
             the
             Rule
             ,
             Eccles.
             5.1
             ,
             2.
             
             
               Grace
               to
               serve
               God
               with
               reverence
               and
               Godly
               fear
               ,
            
             is
             required
             in
             all
             things
             wherein
             we
             have
             to
             do
             with
             him
             ,
             as
             in
             this
             duty
             we
             have
             in
             an
             immediate
             and
             especial
             manner
             .
             Endeavour
             therefore
             in
             the
             first
             place
             to
             get
             your
             hearts
             
               deeply
               affected
               with
               an
               awful
               reverence
               of
               God
               ,
            
             and
             an
             holy
             regard
             unto
             the
             heavenly
             nature
             of
             the
             things
             you
             would
             meditate
             upon
             .
             Hereby
             your
             Minds
             will
             be
             composed
             ,
             and
             the
             roots
             of
             other
             thoughts
             ,
             be
             they
             vain
             or
             earthly
             ,
             which
             are
             apt
             to
             arise
             and
             divert
             you
             from
             this
             duty
             ,
             will
             be
             cast
             out
             .
             The
             principles
             of
             these
             contrary
             Thoughts
             are
             like
             Jacob
             and
             Esau
             ,
             they
             struggle
             in
             the
             same
             womb
             ,
             and
             often-times
             Esau
             will
             come
             first
             forth
             ,
             and
             for
             a
             while
             seem
             to
             carry
             the
             Birth-right
             .
             If
             various
             thoughts
             do
             conflict
             in
             our
             Minds
             ,
             some
             for
             this
             world
             ,
             and
             some
             for
             another
             ,
             those
             for
             this
             world
             may
             carry
             it
             for
             a
             season
             .
             But
             where
             a
             due
             Reverence
             of
             God
             hath
             cast
             out
             the
             
               Bond-woman
               and
               her
               Children
            
             ,
             the
             workings
             of
             the
             Flesh
             in
             its
             vain
             Thoughts
             and
             Imaginations
             ,
             the
             Mind
             will
             be
             at
             liberty
             to
             exercise
             it self
             on
             spiritual
             things
             .
          
           
             (
             3.
             )
             
               Earnest
               Desires
               after
               a
               renewed
               sence
               and
               relish
               of
               Spiritual
               things
            
             are
             required
             hereunto
             .
             If
             we
             ingage
             into
             this
             duty
             meerly
             on
             a
             conviction
             of
             the
             necessity
             of
             it
             ,
             or
             set
             our selves
             about
             it
             because
             we
             think
             we
             ought
             to
             do
             so
             ,
             and
             it
             will
             not
             be
             well
             done
             utterly
             to
             neglect
             it
             ,
             we
             may
             not
             expect
             to
             be
             successeful
             in
             it
             :
             But
             when
             the
             Soul
             hath
             at
             any
             time
             
               tasted
               that
               the
               Lord
               is
               gracious
               ,
            
             when
             its
             Meditations
             on
             him
             
               have
               been
               sweet
            
             ,
             when
             Spiritual
             things
             have
             had
             a
             Savour
             and
             Relish
             in
             the
             mind
             and
             Affections
             ,
             and
             hereon
             it
             comes
             unto
             this
             
             duty
             with
             earnest
             desires
             to
             have
             the
             like
             tastes
             ,
             the
             like
             experience
             ,
             yea
             to
             have
             them
             encreased
             ;
             then
             is
             it
             in
             the
             way
             of
             an
             hopeful
             progress
             .
             And
             this
             also
             will
             make
             us
             persevere
             in
             our
             endeavours
             to
             go
             through
             with
             what
             we
             undertake
             ;
             namely
             ,
             when
             we
             do
             know
             by
             former
             Experience
             what
             is
             to
             be
             attained
             in
             it
             ,
             if
             we
             dig
             and
             search
             for
             it
             as
             Treasure
             .
          
           
             If
             you
             shall
             think
             that
             the
             right
             discharge
             of
             this
             duty
             may
             be
             
               otherwise
               attained
            
             ;
             if
             you
             suppose
             that
             it
             
               deserves
               not
            
             all
             this
             Cost
             and
             charge
             about
             it
             ;
             Judge
             by
             what
             is
             past
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             not
             adviseable
             to
             give
             it
             over
             and
             let
             it
             alone
             .
             As
             good
             lye
             quietly
             on
             the
             ground
             ,
             as
             continually
             attempt
             to
             rise
             ,
             and
             never
             once
             effect
             it
             .
             Remember
             how
             many
             successeless
             attempts
             you
             have
             made
             upon
             it
             ,
             and
             all
             have
             come
             to
             nothing
             ,
             or
             that
             which
             is
             as
             bad
             as
             nothing
             .
             I
             cannot
             say
             that
             in
             this
             way
             you
             shall
             alwayes
             succeed
             ;
             But
             I
             fear
             you
             will
             never
             have
             success
             in
             this
             duty
             ,
             without
             such
             things
             as
             are
             of
             the
             same
             nature
             and
             use
             with
             it
             .
          
           
             When
             after
             this
             Preparation
             ,
             you
             find
             your selves
             yet
             perplexed
             and
             entangled
             ,
             not
             able
             comfortably
             to
             persist
             in
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             ,
             unto
             your
             Refreshment
             ,
             take
             these
             two
             Directions
             for
             your
             Relief
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             
               Cry
               and
               Sigh
               to
               God
               for
               Help
               and
               Relief
               .
            
             Bewail
             the
             darkness
             ,
             weakness
             and
             instability
             of
             your
             Minds
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             groan
             within
             your selves
             for
             Deliverance
             .
             And
             if
             your
             
               designed
               Medi●●…ions
            
             do
             issue
             only
             in
             a
             renewed
             gracious
             sense
             of
             your
             own
             Weakness
             and
             Insufficiency
             ,
             with
             Application
             unto
             God
             for
             Supplyes
             of
             Strength
             ,
             they
             are
             by
             no
             
             means
             
               lost
               as
               unto
               a
               Spiritual
               account
               .
            
             The
             thoughts
             of
             Hezekiah
             in
             his
             Meditations
             did
             not
             seem
             to
             have
             any
             great
             Order
             or
             consistency
             ,
             when
             he
             so
             exprest
             them
             ;
             
               Like
               a
               Crane
               or
               a
               Swallow
               so
               did
               I
               chatter
               ;
               I
               did
               mourn
               as
               a
               Dove
               :
               Mine
               eyes
               failed
               with
               looking
               upwards
               ;
               O
               Lord
               ,
               I
               am
               oppressed
               ,
               undertake
               for
               me
            
             ;
             Isa.
             38.14
             .
             When
             the
             Soul
             labours
             sincerely
             for
             Communion
             with
             God
             ,
             but
             sinks
             into
             
               broken
               confused
               thoughts
            
             under
             the
             weight
             of
             its
             own
             weakness
             ,
             yet
             if
             he
             looks
             to
             God
             for
             relief
             ,
             his
             
               chattering
               and
               Mourning
            
             will
             be
             accepted
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             profitable
             unto
             himself
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Supply
             
               the
               Brokenness
               of
               your
               Thoughts
               with
               Ejaculatory
               Prayers
               ,
            
             according
             as
             either
             the
             Matter
             of
             them
             ,
             or
             your
             defect
             in
             the
             Management
             of
             them
             doth
             require
             .
             So
             was
             it
             with
             Hezekiah
             in
             the
             Instance
             before
             mentioned
             ;
             where
             his
             own
             Meditations
             were
             
               weak
               and
               broken
            
             ,
             he
             cryes
             out
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             them
             ,
             
               O
               Lord
               ,
               I
               am
               oppressed
               ,
               undertake
               for
               me
               .
            
             And
             Meditation
             is
             properly
             
               a
               Mixture
               of
               Spiritual
               Apprehension
               of
               God
               and
               heavenly
               things
               ,
               in
               the
               Thoughts
               and
               Conceptions
               of
               the
               Mind
               ,
               with
               Desires
               and
               Supplications
               thereon
               .
            
          
           
             
               It
               is
               good
               and
               profitable
               to
               have
               some
               special
               designed
               Subject
               of
               Meditation
               in
               our
               Thoughts
               .
            
             I
             have
             at
             large
             declared
             before
             what
             things
             are
             the
             
               proper
               Objects
            
             of
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             them
             that
             are
             Spiritually-minded
             .
             But
             they
             may
             be
             more
             peculiarly
             considered
             as
             the
             matter
             of
             designed
             Meditation
             .
             And
             they
             may
             be
             taken
             out
             of
             some
             especial
             
               spiritual
               Experience
            
             that
             we
             have
             lately
             had
             ,
             or
             some
             Warnings
             we
             have
             received
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             something
             wherewith
             we
             have
             been
             
               peculiarly
               affected
            
             in
             the
             Reading
             
             or
             Preaching
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             or
             what
             we
             find
             the
             
               present
               posture
            
             and
             Frame
             of
             our
             Minds
             and
             Souls
             to
             require
             ;
             or
             that
             which
             supplyes
             all
             most
             frequently
             ,
             
               the
               Person
               and
               Grace
               of
               our
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ.
            
             If
             any
             thing
             of
             this
             nature
             be
             peculiarly
             designed
             ,
             
               antecedently
               unto
               this
               Duty
            
             ,
             and
             a
             Season
             be
             sought
             for
             it
             with
             respect
             thereunto
             ,
             the
             Mind
             will
             be
             fixed
             and
             kept
             from
             wandering
             after
             variety
             of
             Subjects
             ,
             wherein
             it
             is
             apt
             to
             lose
             it self
             ,
             and
             brings
             nothing
             to
             Perfection
             .
          
           
             Lastly
             ,
             Be
             not
             discouraged
             with
             an
             Apprehension
             ,
             that
             all
             that
             you
             can
             attain
             unto
             in
             the
             discharge
             of
             this
             
               duty
               is
               so
               little
               ,
               so
               contemptible
               ,
               as
               that
               it
               is
               to
               no
               purpose
               to
               persist
               in
               it
               .
               Nor
               be
               wearied
               with
               the
               difficulties
               you
               meet
               withal
               in
               its
               performance
               .
            
             You
             have
             to
             do
             with
             him
             only
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             who
             will
             not
             break
             the
             bruised
             Reed
             ,
             nor
             quench
             the
             smoaking
             Flax
             ;
             whose
             will
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             none
             should
             
               despise
               the
               day
               of
               small
               things
               .
            
             And
             if
             there
             be
             in
             this
             Duty
             a
             
               ready
               Mind
            
             ,
             it
             is
             accepted
             according
             to
             what
             a
             man
             hath
             ,
             and
             not
             according
             to
             what
             he
             hath
             not
             .
             He
             that
             can
             bring
             into
             this
             Treasure
             only
             
               the
               Mites
               of
               broken
               Desires
               and
               Ejaculatory
               Prayers
               ,
            
             so
             they
             be
             his
             best
             ,
             shall
             not
             come
             behind
             them
             who
             cast
             into
             it
             out
             of
             their
             greater
             abundance
             in
             Ability
             and
             Skill
             .
             To
             faint
             and
             give
             out
             because
             we
             cannot
             arise
             unto
             such
             a
             height
             as
             we
             aim
             at
             ,
             is
             a
             fruit
             of
             Pride
             and
             Unbelief
             .
             He
             who
             finds
             himself
             to
             gain
             nothing
             by
             continual
             Endeavours
             after
             holy
             fixed
             Meditations
             ,
             but
             only
             a
             
               living
               active
               sense
               of
               his
               own
               Vileness
            
             and
             Unworthiness
             ,
             is
             a
             sufficient
             gainer
             by
             all
             his
             Pains
             ,
             Cost
             and
             Charge
             .
             But
             ordinarily
             it
             shall
             not
             be
             so
             ;
             Constancy
             in
             the
             Duty
             will
             give
             
             Ability
             for
             it
             .
             Those
             who
             conscientiously
             abide
             in
             its
             Performance
             ,
             shall
             increase
             in
             Light
             ,
             Wisdom
             and
             Experience
             ,
             untill
             they
             are
             able
             to
             manage
             it
             with
             great
             Success
             .
             These
             few
             plain
             Directions
             may
             possibly
             be
             of
             some
             use
             unto
             the
             weaker
             sort
             of
             Christians
             ,
             when
             they
             find
             a
             disability
             in
             themselves
             unto
             the
             discharge
             of
             this
             Duty
             ,
             wherein
             those
             who
             are
             Spiritually
             minded
             ought
             to
             be
             peculiarly
             exercised
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           PART
           II.
           
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XI
             .
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 Seat
                 of
                 Spiritual-Mindedness
                 in
                 the
                 Affections
                 .
                 The
                 Nature
                 and
                 use
                 of
                 them
                 .
                 The
                 Ways
                 and
                 Means
                 used
                 by
                 God
                 himself
                 ,
                 to
                 call
                 the
                 Affections
                 of
                 Men
                 from
                 the
                 World.
                 
              
            
          
           
             IN
             the
             Account
             given
             at
             the
             entrance
             of
             this
             Discourse
             ,
             of
             what
             it
             is
             to
             be
             
               Spiritually
               Minded
            
             ,
             it
             was
             reduced
             unto
             there
             Heads
             .
          
           
             The
             First
             ,
             was
             the
             
               Habitual
               Frame
               ,
               Disposition
               ,
               and
               Inclination
               of
               the
               Mind
               in
               its
               Affections
               .
            
          
           
             The
             Second
             ,
             was
             the
             
               Usual
               Exercise
               of
               the
               Mind
               in
               its
               Thoughts
               ,
               Meditations
               ,
               and
               Desires
               about
               Heavenly
               Things
               .
            
          
           
             Whereunto
             ,
             Thirdly
             was
             added
             ,
             the
             
               Complacency
               of
               Mind
               in
               that
               Relish
               and
               Savour
               which
               it
               finds
               in
               Spiritual
               Things
               ,
            
             so
             thought
             and
             meditated
             on
             .
          
           
             The
             Second
             of
             these
             hath
             hitherto
             alone
             been
             spoken
             unto
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             leads
             the
             way
             unto
             the
             others
             ,
             and
             gives
             the
             most
             
               sensible
               Evidence
            
             of
             the
             state
             enquired
             after
             .
             Therein
             consists
             the
             Stream
             ,
             which
             rising
             in
             the
             Fountain
             of
             our
             Affections
             ,
             runs
             into
             a
             Holy
             Rest
             and
             Complacency
             of
             Mind
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             and
             last
             I
             shall
             now
             handle
             together
             ,
             and
             therein
             comprehend
             the
             Account
             of
             what
             it
             is
             to
             be
             
               Spiritually
               Minded
            
             .
          
           
             
               Spiritual
               Affections
               ,
               whereby
               the
               Soul
               adhears
               unto
               Spiritual
               Things
               ,
               taking
               in
               such
               a
               Savour
               and
               Relish
               of
               them
               ,
               as
               wherein
               it
               
               finds
               Rest
               and
               Satisfaction
               ,
               is
               the
               peculiar
               Spring
               and
               Substance
               of
               our
               being
               Spiritually
               Minded
               .
            
             This
             is
             that
             which
             I
             shall
             now
             further
             explain
             and
             confirm
             .
          
           
             The
             great
             contest
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             is
             about
             the
             Affections
             of
             the
             poor
             Worm
             ,
             which
             we
             call
             Man.
             That
             the
             World
             should
             contend
             for
             them
             ,
             is
             no
             wonder
             .
             It
             is
             the
             best
             that
             it
             can
             pretend
             unto
             .
             All
             things
             here
             below
             ,
             are
             capable
             of
             no
             higher
             Ambition
             ,
             than
             to
             be
             
               possessed
               of
               the
               Affections
               of
               Men.
            
             And
             as
             they
             ●y
             under
             the
             Curse
             ,
             it
             can
             do
             us
             no
             greater
             Mischief
             ,
             than
             ●y
             ●
             prevailing
             in
             this
             Design
             .
             But
             that
             the
             
               Holy
               God
            
             should
             as
             it
             were
             ingage
             in
             the
             Contest
             ,
             and
             strive
             for
             the
             Affections
             of
             Man
             ,
             is
             an
             effect
             of
             
               Infinite
               Condiscention
            
             and
             Grace
             .
             This
             he
             doth
             expresly
             ;
             
               My
               Son
            
             sayeth
             he
             ,
             
               give
               me
               thy
               Heart
            
             ,
             Prov.
             23.26
             .
             It
             is
             our
             Affections
             he
             asketh
             for
             ,
             and
             comparatively
             nothing
             else
             ;
             to
             be
             sure
             he
             will
             accept
             of
             nothing
             from
             us
             without
             them
             .
             The
             most
             fat
             and
             costly
             Sacrifice
             will
             not
             be
             accepted
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             without
             a
             Heart
             .
             All
             the
             wayes
             and
             methods
             of
             the
             Dispensation
             of
             his
             Will
             ,
             by
             his
             Word
             ,
             all
             the
             Designs
             of
             his
             effectual
             Grace
             ,
             are
             suited
             unto
             ,
             and
             prepared
             for
             this
             end
             ,
             namely
             ,
             to
             recover
             the
             Affections
             of
             man
             unto
             himself
             .
             So
             he
             expresseth
             himself
             concerning
             his
             Word
             .
             Deut.
             10.12
             .
             
               And
               now
            
             Israel
             ,
             
               What
               doth
               the
               Lord
               thy
               God
               require
               of
               thee
               ,
               but
               to
               Fear
               the
               Lord
               thy
               God
               ,
               to
               walk
               in
               all
               his
               Wayes
               ,
               and
               to
               Love
               ,
               and
               to
               Serve
               the
               Lord
               thy
               God
               ,
               with
               all
               thy
               Heart
               ,
               and
               with
               all
               thy
               Soul.
            
             And
             as
             unto
             the
             Word
             of
             his
             Grace
             ,
             he
             declares
             it
             unto
             the
             same
             purpose
             ,
             Deut.
             30.6
             .
             
               And
               the
               Lord
               thy
               God
               will
               Circumcise
               thy
               Heart
               ,
               and
               the
               Heart
               of
               thy
               Seed
               ;
               to
               Love
               the
               Lord
               thy
               God
               with
               all
               thy
               Heart
               ,
               and
               with
               all
               thy
               Soul.
               
            
          
           
             And
             on
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             all
             the
             Artifices
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             all
             the
             Paint
             it
             puts
             on
             its
             Face
             ,
             all
             the
             great
             Promises
             it
             makes
             ,
             all
             the
             
               false
               Appearances
            
             ,
             and
             Attires
             it
             cloaths
             it self
             withal
             by
             the
             help
             of
             Satan
             ,
             have
             no
             other
             end
             but
             ,
             to
             
               draw
               ,
               and
               keep
               the
               Affections
               of
               Men
               unto
               it self
               .
            
             And
             if
             the
             World
             be
             preferred
             before
             God
             ,
             in
             this
             address
             which
             is
             made
             unto
             us
             ,
             for
             our
             Affections
             ,
             we
             shall
             justly
             perish
             with
             the
             World
             unto
             
             Eternity
             ;
             and
             be
             rejected
             by
             him
             whom
             we
             have
             rejected
             ,
             Prov.
             1.24
             ,
             25
             ,
             31.
             
          
           
             Our
             Affections
             are
             upon
             the
             Matter
             our
             all
             .
             They
             are
             all
             we
             have
             to
             give
             or
             bestow
             ;
             the
             only
             Power
             of
             our
             Souls
             ,
             whereby
             ,
             if
             we
             may
             give
             away
             our selves
             from
             our selves
             ,
             and
             become
             anothers
             .
             Other
             Faculties
             of
             our
             Souls
             ,
             even
             the
             most
             noble
             of
             them
             ,
             are
             suited
             to
             receive
             in
             unto
             our
             own
             advantage
             ;
             by
             our
             Affections
             we
             can
             give
             away
             
               what
               we
               are
               ,
               and
               have
               .
            
             Hereby
             ,
             we
             give
             our
             Hearts
             unto
             God
             ,
             as
             he
             requireth
             .
             Wherefore
             unto
             him
             we
             give
             our
             Affections
             ,
             unto
             whom
             we
             give
             our
             All
             ,
             our selves
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             we
             have
             ;
             and
             to
             whom
             we
             give
             them
             not
             ,
             what
             ever
             we
             give
             ,
             upon
             the
             matter
             ,
             we
             give
             nothing
             at
             all
             .
          
           
             In
             what
             we
             do
             unto
             ,
             or
             for
             others
             ;
             whatsoever
             is
             good
             ,
             valuable
             ,
             or
             praise-worthy
             in
             it
             ,
             procceds
             from
             the
             Affections
             wherewith
             we
             do
             it
             .
             To
             do
             any
             thing
             for
             others
             without
             an
             
               animating
               Affection
            
             ,
             is
             but
             a
             contempt
             of
             them
             ,
             for
             we
             Judge
             them
             really
             unworthy
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             do
             any
             thing
             for
             them
             :
             To
             give
             to
             the
             Poor
             upon
             their
             importunity
             ,
             without
             Pity
             or
             Compassion
             ;
             To
             supply
             the
             wants
             of
             Saints
             without
             Love
             ,
             and
             Kindnesss
             ,
             with
             other
             actings
             and
             Duties
             of
             the
             like
             Nature
             ,
             are
             things
             of
             no
             value
             ,
             things
             that
             recommend
             us
             neither
             unto
             God
             nor
             men
             .
             It
             is
             so
             in
             general
             with
             God
             and
             the
             World.
             Whatsoever
             we
             do
             in
             the
             Service
             of
             God
             ,
             whatever
             duty
             we
             perform
             on
             his
             Command
             ,
             whatever
             we
             undergo
             ,
             or
             suffer
             for
             his
             Name-Sake
             ,
             if
             it
             proceed
             not
             from
             the
             cleaving
             of
             our
             Souls
             unto
             him
             by
             our
             Affections
             ,
             it
             is
             dispised
             by
             him
             ,
             he
             owns
             us
             not
             .
             
               As
               if
               a
               Man
               would
               give
               all
               the
               Substance
               of
               his
               House
               for
               Love
               ,
               it
               would
               utterly
               be
               coutemned
               ,
               Cant.
            
             5.
             
             It
             is
             not
             to
             be
             bought
             nor
             purchased
             with
             Riches
             ;
             So
             if
             a
             man
             would
             give
             to
             God
             all
             the
             
               Substance
               of
               his
               House
            
             without
             Love
             ,
             it
             would
             in
             like
             manner
             be
             dispised
             .
             And
             however
             ,
             on
             the
             other
             hand
             ,
             we
             may
             be
             diligent
             ,
             industrous
             ,
             and
             sedulous
             in
             and
             about
             the
             things
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             yet
             ,
             if
             it
             have
             not
             our
             Affections
             ,
             we
             are
             not
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             we
             belong
             not
             unto
             it
             .
             
               They
               are
               the
               
               Seat
               of
               all
               Sincerity
               ,
            
             which
             is
             the
             Jewel
             of
             divine
             and
             humane
             Conversation
             ,
             the
             Life
             and
             Soul
             of
             every
             thing
             that
             is
             good
             and
             praise-worthy
             ,
             whatever
             Men
             pretend
             ,
             as
             their
             Affections
             are
             ,
             so
             are
             they
             .
             Hypocrisy
             is
             a
             deceitful
             Interposition
             of
             the
             Mind
             ,
             on
             various
             Reasons
             and
             Pretences
             ,
             between
             Mens
             Affections
             and
             their
             Profession
             ,
             whereby
             a
             Man
             appears
             to
             be
             what
             he
             is
             not
             .
             Sincerity
             is
             the
             open
             avowment
             of
             the
             Reality
             of
             Mens
             Affections
             ,
             which
             renders
             them
             good
             and
             useful
             .
          
           
             Affections
             are
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             as
             the
             
               Helm
               in
               the
               Ship
            
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             laid
             hold
             on
             by
             a
             Skilful
             Hand
             ,
             he
             turneth
             the
             whole
             Vessel
             which
             way
             he
             pleaseth
             .
             If
             God
             hath
             the
             Powerful
             
               Hand
               of
               his
               Grace
               upon
               our
               Affections
               ,
            
             he
             turns
             our
             Souls
             unto
             a
             compliance
             with
             his
             Institutions
             ,
             Instructions
             ,
             in
             Mercy
             ,
             Aff●ctions
             ,
             Tryals
             ,
             all
             sorts
             of
             Providences
             ,
             and
             holds
             them
             firm
             against
             all
             Winds
             and
             Storms
             of
             Temptations
             ,
             that
             they
             shall
             not
             hurry
             them
             on
             pernitious
             Dangers
             .
             Such
             a
             Soul
             alone
             is
             tractable
             and
             pliable
             unto
             all
             Intimations
             of
             Gods
             Will.
             
          
           
             All
             others
             are
             stubborn
             and
             obstinate
             ,
             stout
             Hearted
             and
             far
             from
             Righteousness
             .
             And
             when
             the
             World
             hath
             the
             Hand
             on
             our
             Affections
             ,
             it
             turns
             the
             Mind
             ,
             with
             the
             whole
             Industry
             of
             the
             Soul
             unto
             its
             Interest
             and
             Concerns
             .
             And
             it
             is
             vain
             to
             contend
             with
             any
             thing
             that
             hath
             the
             
               Power
               of
               our
               Affections
            
             in
             its
             disposal
             ,
             it
             will
             prevail
             at
             last
             .
          
           
             On
             all
             these
             Considerations
             ,
             it
             is
             of
             the
             highest
             importance
             to
             consider
             a
             right
             how
             things
             are
             stated
             in
             our
             Affections
             ,
             and
             what
             is
             the
             prevailing
             bent
             of
             them
             .
             
               Iron
               sharpneth
               Iron
               ,
               so
               a
               Man
               sharpeneth
               the
               Countenance
               of
               his
               Friend
               ,
            
             sayeth
             the
             wise
             Man
             ,
             Prov.
             27.17
             .
             Every
             man
             hath
             his
             Edge
             ,
             which
             may
             be
             sharpened
             by
             outward
             helps
             and
             advantages
             .
             The
             predominant
             Inclination
             of
             a
             Mans
             Affections
             ,
             is
             his
             Edge
             .
             According
             as
             that
             is
             set
             ,
             so
             he
             cutteth
             and
             works
             ;
             that
             way
             ,
             he
             is
             sharp
             and
             keen
             ,
             but
             blunt
             unto
             all
             other
             things
             .
          
           
           
             Now
             because
             it
             must
             be
             ,
             that
             our
             affections
             are
             either
             Spiritual
             or
             Earthly
             in
             a
             Prevailing
             degree
             ,
             that
             either
             God
             hath
             our
             hearts
             ,
             or
             the
             World
             ;
             that
             our
             edge
             is
             towards
             Heaven
             ,
             or
             towards
             
               things
               here
               below
            
             :
             before
             I
             came
             to
             give
             an
             account
             of
             the
             Nature
             and
             Opperations
             of
             Spiritual
             Affections
             ,
             I
             shall
             consider
             and
             propose
             some
             of
             those
             
               Arguments
               and
               Motives
            
             which
             God
             is
             pleased
             to
             make
             use
             of
             ,
             to
             call
             off
             our
             Affections
             from
             the
             desireable
             things
             of
             this
             World
             ;
             For
             as
             they
             are
             wightly
             and
             cogent
             ,
             such
             as
             cannot
             be
             neglected
             without
             the
             greatest
             contempt
             of
             Divine
             Wisdom
             and
             Goodness
             ;
             So
             they
             serve
             to
             press
             and
             enforce
             those
             arguments
             and
             motives
             ,
             that
             are
             proposed
             unto
             us
             to
             set
             our
             
               Affections
               on
               things
               that
               are
               above
               ,
            
             which
             is
             to
             be
             Spiritually
             minded
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             He
             hath
             in
             all
             manner
             of
             Instances
             powred
             
               Contempt
               on
               the
               things
               of
               this
               World
               ,
            
             in
             comparison
             of
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             .
             All
             things
             here
             below
             were
             at
             first
             made
             beautiful
             and
             in
             order
             ;
             and
             were
             declared
             by
             God
             himself
             to
             be
             
               exceeding
               good
            
             ;
             and
             that
             not
             only
             in
             their
             being
             and
             nature
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             use
             whereunto
             they
             were
             designed
             .
             They
             were
             then
             desireable
             unto
             men
             ,
             and
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             them
             would
             have
             bin
             a
             blessing
             without
             danger
             of
             Temptation
             .
             For
             they
             were
             the
             
               Ordinance
               of
               God
               to
               lead
               us
            
             unto
             the
             knowledge
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             love
             unto
             him
             .
             But
             since
             the
             entrance
             of
             sin
             ,
             weherby
             the
             
               World
               fel
               under
               the
               Curse
            
             ,
             &
             into
             the
             power
             of
             Satan
             ,
             the
             things
             of
             it
             in
             his
             managment
             are
             become
             effectual
             means
             to
             draw
             off
             the
             heart
             and
             the
             Affections
             from
             God.
             For
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             World
             and
             the
             things
             of
             it
             as
             sum'd
             up
             by
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             1
             Joh.
             2.15
             ,
             16
             ,
             that
             alone
             strive
             for
             our
             Affections
             to
             be
             the
             Object
             of
             them
             .
             Sin
             and
             Sathan
             do
             but
             
               woe
               for
               the
               World
            
             to
             take
             them
             off
             from
             God.
             By
             them
             doth
             the
             God
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             
               Blind
               the
               Eyes
               of
               them
               that
               believe
               not
               ,
            
             and
             the
             principle
             way
             whereby
             he
             worketh
             in
             them
             ,
             is
             by
             promises
             of
             satisfaction
             unto
             all
             the
             lusts
             of
             the
             minds
             of
             men
             with
             a
             proposall
             of
             whatever
             is
             dreadful
             and
             terrible
             in
             the
             want
             of
             them
             .
             Being
             now
             in
             this
             State
             and
             condition
             ,
             and
             
             used
             unto
             this
             end
             ,
             through
             the
             
               Craft
               of
               Sathan
            
             ,
             and
             the
             
               folly
               of
               the
               minds
               of
               men
            
             :
             God
             hath
             shewed
             by
             various
             Instances
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             all
             vain
             ,
             empty
             ,
             unsatisfactory
             ,
             and
             every
             way
             to
             be
             dispised
             in
             comparison
             of
             things
             Eternal
             .
          
           
             First
             .
             He
             did
             it
             most
             eminently
             and
             signally
             in
             the
             
               Life
               ,
               Death
               ,
               and
               Cross
               of
               Christ.
            
             What
             can
             be
             seen
             or
             found
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             after
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             hath
             spent
             his
             Life
             in
             it
             ,
             not
             having
             where
             to
             lay
             his
             Head
             ;
             and
             after
             he
             went
             out
             of
             it
             on
             the
             Cross.
             Had
             there
             bin
             ought
             of
             real
             worth
             in
             things
             here
             below
             ;
             certainly
             he
             had
             enjoyed
             ,
             if
             not
             Crowns
             and
             Empires
             which
             where
             all
             in
             his
             Power
             ,
             yet
             such
             Goods
             and
             Posessions
             as
             men
             of
             sober
             reasonings
             ,
             and
             moderate
             affeons
             do
             esteem
             a
             competency
             .
             But
             things
             were
             quite
             otherwise
             disposed
             ,
             To
             manifest
             that
             there
             is
             nothing
             of
             value
             ,
             or
             use
             in
             these
             things
             ,
             but
             only
             to
             support
             nature
             unto
             the
             performance
             of
             service
             unto
             God
             ,
             wherein
             they
             are
             serviceable
             unto
             eternity
             :
             He
             never
             attained
             ,
             he
             never
             enjoyed
             more
             then
             
               dayly
               supplies
               of
               Bread
            
             out
             of
             the
             Stores
             of
             Providence
             ,
             and
             which
             alone
             he
             hath
             Instructed
             us
             to
             Pray
             for
             ,
             Math.
             8.20
             .
             In
             his
             Cross
             the
             World
             proclaimed
             all
             its
             good
             qualities
             and
             all
             is
             Powers
             ,
             and
             hath
             given
             unto
             them
             that
             believe
             ,
             its
             naked
             Face
             to
             view
             and
             contemplate
             .
             Nor
             is
             it
             now
             one
             jot
             more
             comely
             ,
             than
             it
             was
             when
             it
             had
             gotten
             Christ
             on
             the
             Cross.
             Hence
             is
             that
             inference
             and
             Conclusion
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ;
             Gal.
             6.14
             .
             
               But
               God
               forbid
               that
               I
               should
               glory
               ,
               save
               in
               the
               Cross
               of
               our
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               whereby
               the
               World
               is
               Crucifyed
               unto
               me
               ,
               and
               I
               unto
               the
               World.
            
             Since
             I
             have
             believed
             ,
             since
             I
             have
             had
             a
             Sense
             of
             the
             Power
             and
             Vertue
             of
             the
             Cross
             of
             Christ
             ,
             I
             have
             done
             with
             all
             things
             in
             this
             World
             ;
             it
             is
             a
             dead
             thing
             unto
             me
             ,
             nor
             have
             I
             any
             affection
             for
             it
             .
             This
             is
             that
             which
             made
             the
             difference
             between
             the
             Promises
             of
             the
             Old
             Covenant
             and
             the
             New.
             For
             they
             were
             many
             of
             them
             about
             temporal
             things
             ,
             the
             good
             things
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             and
             this
             Life
             .
             Those
             of
             the
             New
             ,
             are
             mostly
             of
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Eternal
             .
             God
             would
             not
             call
             off
             the
             Church
             wholly
             from
             a
             regard
             unto
             these
             things
             ,
             
             until
             he
             had
             given
             a
             Demonstration
             of
             their
             Emptiness
             ,
             Vanity
             ,
             and
             Insufficiency
             in
             the
             Cross
             of
             Christ.
             2
             Cor.
             4.16
             ,
             17
             ,
             18.
             
          
           
             Whither
             so
             fast
             my
             Friend
             ?
             
               What
               meaneth
               this
               rising
               so
               early
               ,
               and
               going
               to
               Bed
               late
               ,
               eating
               the
               Bread
               of
               Carefulness
            
             ?
             Why
             this
             Diligence
             ,
             why
             these
             Contrivances
             ,
             why
             these
             savings
             and
             hoardings
             of
             Riches
             ,
             and
             Wealth
             ?
             To
             what
             end
             is
             all
             this
             Care
             and
             Councel
             ?
             Alas
             ,
             saith
             one
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             get
             that
             
               which
               is
               enough
               in
               and
               of
               this
               World
               ,
            
             for
             me
             and
             my
             Children
             ,
             to
             prefer
             them
             ,
             to
             raise
             an
             Estate
             for
             them
             ,
             which
             if
             not
             so
             great
             as
             others
             ,
             may
             yet
             be
             a
             Competency
             ,
             to
             give
             them
             some
             satisfaction
             in
             their
             Lives
             ,
             and
             some
             Reputation
             in
             the
             World.
             Fair
             Pretences
             ,
             neither
             shall
             I
             ever
             discourage
             any
             from
             the
             exercise
             of
             Industy
             in
             their
             Lawful
             Callings
             .
             But
             yet
             I
             know
             ,
             that
             with
             many
             ,
             this
             is
             but
             a
             pretence
             and
             covering
             for
             a
             shameful
             Engagement
             of
             their
             Affections
             unto
             the
             World.
             Wherefore
             ,
             in
             all
             these
             things
             ,
             be
             perswaded
             sometimes
             to
             have
             an
             Eye
             to
             
               Jesus
               ,
               the
               Author
               and
               Finisher
               of
               our
               Faith
            
             ;
             behold
             ,
             how
             he
             is
             set
             before
             us
             in
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             poor
             ,
             despised
             ,
             reproached
             ,
             persecuted
             ,
             nailed
             to
             the
             Cross
             ,
             and
             all
             by
             this
             World.
             Whatever
             be
             your
             Designs
             and
             Aims
             ,
             let
             his
             Cross
             continually
             interpose
             between
             your
             Affections
             and
             this
             World.
             If
             you
             are
             Believers
             ,
             your
             hopes
             are
             within
             a
             few
             dayes
             to
             be
             with
             him
             for
             evermore
             .
             Unto
             him
             you
             must
             give
             an
             Account
             of
             your selves
             ,
             and
             what
             you
             have
             done
             in
             this
             World
             :
             will
             it
             be
             accepted
             with
             him
             to
             declare
             what
             you
             have
             saved
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             what
             you
             have
             gained
             ,
             what
             you
             have
             preserved
             ,
             and
             embrac'd
             your selves
             in
             ,
             and
             what
             you
             have
             left
             behind
             you
             ?
             was
             this
             any
             part
             of
             his
             Imployment
             and
             Business
             in
             this
             World
             ;
             hath
             he
             left
             us
             an
             Example
             for
             any
             such
             Course
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             no
             man
             can
             set
             his
             Affections
             on
             things
             here
             below
             ,
             who
             hath
             any
             regard
             unto
             the
             pattern
             of
             Christ
             ,
             or
             is
             any
             measure
             influenced
             with
             the
             Power
             and
             Efficacy
             of
             his
             Cross.
             
               My
               Love
               is
               Crucifyed
            
             ,
             said
             an
             
             Holy
             Martyr
             of
             old
             ;
             he
             whom
             his
             Soul
             Loved
             was
             so
             ,
             and
             in
             him
             his
             Love
             unto
             all
             things
             here
             below
             .
             Do
             you
             therefore
             find
             your
             Affections
             ready
             to
             be
             engag'd
             unto
             ,
             or
             too
             much
             intangled
             with
             the
             things
             of
             this
             World
             ;
             are
             your
             Desires
             of
             encreasing
             them
             ,
             your
             hopes
             of
             keeping
             them
             ,
             your
             Fears
             of
             loosing
             them
             ,
             your
             Love
             unto
             them
             ,
             and
             Delight
             in
             them
             ,
             operative
             in
             your
             Minds
             ,
             possessing
             your
             Thoughts
             ,
             and
             influencing
             your
             Conversations
             .
             Turn
             aside
             a
             little
             ,
             and
             by
             Faith
             contemplate
             the
             Life
             and
             Death
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ;
             a
             blessed
             Glass
             will
             it
             be
             ,
             where
             you
             may
             see
             what
             contemptible
             things
             they
             are
             which
             you
             perplex
             your selves
             about
             .
             Oh!
             that
             any
             of
             us
             should
             love
             or
             esteem
             the
             things
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             the
             Power
             ,
             Riches
             ,
             Goods
             or
             Reputation
             of
             it
             ,
             who
             have
             had
             a
             Spiritual
             view
             of
             them
             in
             the
             Cross
             of
             Christ.
             
          
           
             It
             may
             be
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             said
             that
             the
             Circumstances
             mentioned
             ,
             were
             
               necessary
               unto
               the
               Lord
               Christ
            
             ,
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             especial
             Work
             he
             had
             to
             do
             ,
             as
             the
             Saviour
             and
             Redeemer
             ,
             of
             the
             Church
             .
             And
             therefore
             it
             doth
             not
             thence
             follow
             ,
             that
             we
             ought
             to
             be
             poor
             ,
             and
             want
             all
             things
             as
             he
             did
             .
             I
             confess
             it
             doth
             not
             ;
             and
             therefore
             ,
             do
             all
             along
             make
             an
             allowance
             for
             honest
             Industry
             in
             our
             Callings
             .
             But
             this
             follows
             unavoidably
             hereon
             ;
             that
             what
             he
             did
             forego
             and
             trample
             on
             ,
             for
             our
             Sake
             ;
             that
             ought
             not
             to
             be
             the
             Object
             of
             our
             Affections
             ,
             nor
             can
             such
             Affections
             prevaile
             in
             us
             ,
             if
             he
             Dwell
             in
             our
             Hearts
             by
             Faith.
             
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             He
             hath
             done
             the
             same
             
               in
               his
               Dealings
               with
               the
               Apostles
               ,
            
             and
             generally
             with
             all
             that
             have
             been
             most
             dear
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             instrumental
             unto
             the
             Interest
             of
             his
             Glory
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             especially
             since
             Life
             and
             Immortality
             were
             brought
             to
             Light
             by
             the
             Gospel
             .
             He
             had
             great
             work
             to
             do
             by
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             and
             that
             of
             the
             greatest
             use
             unto
             his
             Interest
             and
             Kingdom
             .
             The
             laying
             of
             the
             Foundations
             of
             the
             glorious
             Kingdom
             of
             Christ
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             was
             committed
             unto
             
             them
             .
             Who
             would
             not
             think
             that
             he
             should
             provide
             for
             them
             ,
             if
             not
             
               Principalities
               or
               Popedoms
            
             ,
             yet
             at
             least
             ,
             Arch-Bishopricks
             ,
             and
             Bishopricks
             ,
             with
             other
             good
             Ecclesiastical
             Dignities
             and
             Preferments
             ?
             Hereby
             ,
             might
             they
             have
             been
             made
             meet
             
               to
               converse
               with
               Princes
            
             ,
             and
             had
             been
             freed
             from
             the
             Contempt
             of
             the
             Vulgar
             :
             But
             
               Infinite
               Wisdom
            
             did
             otherwise
             dispose
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             their
             Concerns
             in
             this
             World.
             For
             ,
             as
             God
             was
             pleased
             to
             exercise
             them
             with
             the
             common
             Afflictions
             and
             Calamities
             of
             this
             Life
             ;
             which
             he
             makes
             use
             of
             ,
             to
             take
             off
             the
             Sweetness
             of
             
               present
               Enjoyments
            
             ;
             so
             they
             lived
             and
             died
             in
             a
             Condition
             of
             Poverty
             ,
             Distress
             ,
             Persecution
             ,
             and
             Reproach
             .
             God
             set
             them
             forth
             as
             Examples
             as
             unto
             other
             ends
             ,
             namely
             of
             
               Light
               ,
               Grace
               ,
               Zeal
            
             ,
             and
             Holiness
             in
             their
             Lives
             ,
             so
             to
             manifest
             ,
             of
             how
             little
             Concernment
             unto
             our
             own
             Blessedness
             ,
             or
             an
             Interest
             in
             his
             Love
             ,
             
               is
               the
               abundance
               of
               all
               things
               here
               below
            
             ;
             as
             also
             ,
             that
             the
             want
             of
             them
             all
             may
             consist
             with
             the
             highest
             Participation
             of
             his
             Love
             and
             Favour
             .
             1
             Cor.
             4.9.11
             ,
             12
             ,
             13.
             
             
               For
               I
               think
               that
               God
               hath
               set
               forth
               us
               the
               Apostles
               Last
               ,
               as
               it
               were
               appointed
               to
               Death
               .
               For
               we
               are
               made
               a
               Spectacle
               unto
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               unto
               Angels
               ,
               and
               to
               Men.
               Even
               unto
               this
               present
               Hour
               ,
               we
               both
               hunger
               and
               thirst
               ,
               and
               are
               naked
               ,
               and
               are
               buffetted
               ,
               and
               have
               no
               certain
               Dwelling-Place
               ;
               and
               labour
               working
               with
               our
               own
               hands
               ;
               being
               reviled
               ,
               we
               bless
               ;
               being
               persecuted
               ,
               we
               suffer
               it
               ;
               being
               defamed
               ,
               we
               intreat
               ;
               we
               are
               made
               as
               the
               Filth
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               are
               the
               off-scouring
               of
               all
               things
               unto
               this
               Day
               .
            
             And
             if
             the
             Consideration
             thereof
             be
             not
             of
             weight
             with
             others
             ,
             undoubtedly
             ,
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             so
             with
             them
             who
             are
             called
             to
             Preach
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             are
             the
             
               Successors
               to
               the
               Apostles
            
             .
             There
             can
             be
             nothing
             more
             
               uncouth
               ,
               absurd
            
             ,
             and
             shameful
             ,
             nothing
             more
             opposite
             unto
             the
             Intimation
             of
             the
             Wisdom
             and
             
               Will
               of
               God
            
             in
             his
             dealings
             with
             those
             first
             and
             
               most
               honourable
               Dispensers
               of
               it
            
             ,
             than
             for
             such
             Persons
             to
             seek
             and
             follow
             greedily
             after
             secular
             Advantages
             ,
             in
             
               worldly
               Powers
               ,
               Riches
               ,
               Wealth
               ,
               and
               Honour
               .
            
             Hence
             there
             hath
             been
             in
             former
             Ages
             ,
             and
             Endeavour
             to
             seperate
             such
             Persons
             as
             
             were
             by
             any
             means
             dedicated
             unto
             the
             
               Ministry
               of
               the
               Gospel
            
             ,
             from
             all
             
               Secular
               Dignities
            
             and
             Revenues
             .
             Yea
             ,
             some
             maintained
             ,
             that
             they
             were
             to
             enjoy
             nothing
             of
             their
             own
             ,
             but
             were
             to
             live
             on
             Alms
             ,
             or
             
               the
               free
               Contributions
               of
               the
               People
               .
            
             But
             this
             was
             quickly
             Condemned
             as
             Heresy
             in
             Wickliff
             and
             others
             .
             Yet
             another
             sort
             set
             up
             ,
             that
             would
             pretend
             thereunto
             ,
             as
             unto
             themselves
             ,
             though
             they
             would
             not
             obliege
             all
             others
             unto
             the
             same
             Rule
             .
             This
             produced
             some
             
               Swarms
               of
               begging
               Fryars
            
             ,
             whom
             they
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             who
             were
             in
             Possession
             of
             Wealth
             and
             Power
             ,
             thought
             meet
             to
             laugh
             at
             and
             let
             alone
             ;
             of
             late
             Years
             ,
             this
             
               Contest
               is
               at
               an
               End.
            
             The
             Clergy
             have
             happily
             gotten
             the
             Victory
             ,
             and
             esteem
             all
             due
             unto
             them
             ,
             that
             they
             can
             by
             any
             ways
             obtain
             ;
             nor
             is
             there
             any
             greater
             Crime
             ,
             than
             for
             a
             Man
             to
             be
             otherwise
             minded
             .
             But
             these
             things
             are
             not
             our
             present
             Concernment
             .
             
               From
               the
               Beginning
               it
               was
               not
               so
               .
            
             And
             it
             is
             well
             if
             in
             such
             a
             way
             ,
             Men
             are
             able
             to
             maintaine
             the
             Frame
             of
             Mind
             enquired
             after
             ,
             which
             is
             Life
             and
             Peace
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             God
             continues
             to
             cast
             Contempt
             on
             these
             things
             ,
             by
             giving
             always
             incomparably
             the
             
               greatest
               Portion
            
             of
             them
             unto
             the
             vilest
             Men
             ,
             and
             his
             own
             avowed
             Enemies
             .
             This
             was
             a
             Temptation
             under
             the
             
               Old
               Covenant
            
             ,
             but
             is
             highly
             instructive
             under
             the
             New.
             None
             will
             Judge
             those
             things
             to
             be
             of
             
               real
               Value
            
             ,
             which
             
               a
               Wise
               Man
               casts
               out
               dayly
               unto
               Swine
               ,
               making
               little
               or
               no
               use
               of
               them
               in
               his
               Family
               .
            
             Those
             
               Monsters
               of
               Men
               ,
               Nero
            
             ,
             and
             Heliogabalus
             had
             more
             Interest
             in
             ,
             and
             more
             Power
             over
             the
             things
             in
             this
             VVorld
             ,
             than
             ever
             had
             the
             best
             of
             Men.
             
               Such
               Villans
               in
               Nature
               ,
               so
               pernitius
               unto
               humane
               Society
               ,
            
             that
             their
             
               not
               Being
            
             was
             the
             Interest
             of
             Mankind
             ;
             but
             yet
             more
             of
             the
             VVorld
             poured
             on
             them
             ,
             then
             they
             knew
             either
             how
             to
             
               Enjoy
               ,
               Possess
               ,
               Vse
            
             ,
             or
             Abuse
             .
             Look
             on
             all
             the
             principal
             
               Treasures
               and
               Powers
               of
               this
               World
               ,
            
             as
             in
             the
             Hand
             of
             one
             of
             these
             Monsters
             ,
             and
             there
             disposed
             of
             by
             
               Divine
               Providence
            
             ,
             and
             you
             may
             see
             at
             what
             rate
             God
             values
             them
             .
          
           
           
             At
             this
             Day
             ,
             the
             greatest
             ,
             most
             noble
             ,
             wealthy
             and
             Fruitful
             Parts
             of
             the
             Earth
             ,
             are
             given
             unto
             the
             
               Great
               Turk
            
             ,
             with
             some
             other
             
               Eastern
               Potentates
            
             ,
             either
             
               Mahumetans
               or
               Pagans
            
             ,
             who
             are
             prepared
             for
             
               Eternal
               Destruction
            
             .
             And
             if
             we
             look
             nearer
             home
             ,
             we
             may
             see
             in
             whose
             Hands
             is
             the
             Power
             of
             
               the
               Chiefest
               Nations
               of
               Europe
            
             ,
             and
             unto
             what
             end
             it
             is
             used
             .
             The
             utmost
             of
             what
             some
             
               Christian
               Professors
            
             among
             our selves
             are
             intent
             and
             designing
             upon
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             would
             render
             them
             wondrous
             happy
             in
             their
             own
             Apprehensions
             ,
             put
             Hundreds
             of
             them
             together
             ,
             and
             it
             would
             not
             answer
             the
             VVast
             made
             by
             the
             forementioned
             Beasts
             every
             Day
             .
          
           
             Doth
             not
             God
             proclaime
             herein
             ,
             that
             the
             things
             of
             this
             World
             are
             not
             to
             be
             valued
             or
             esteemed
             ?
             if
             they
             were
             so
             ,
             and
             had
             a
             
               real
               worth
               in
               themselves
            
             ,
             would
             the
             Holy
             and
             Righteous
             God
             make
             such
             a
             Distribution
             of
             them
             .
             The
             most
             of
             those
             whom
             he
             Loves
             ,
             who
             enjoy
             his
             Favour
             ,
             not
             only
             comparatively
             have
             the
             meanest
             Share
             of
             them
             ,
             but
             are
             exercised
             with
             all
             the
             Evils
             that
             the
             Destitution
             and
             want
             of
             them
             can
             be
             accompanied
             withal
             ?
             His
             
               open
               and
               avowed
               Enemies
            
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             ,
             
               have
               more
               than
               they
               know
               what
               to
               do
               withal
               .
            
             VVho
             would
             set
             his
             Heart
             and
             Affections
             on
             those
             things
             which
             God
             poureth
             into
             the
             
               Bosomes
               of
               the
               vilest
               Men
            
             ,
             to
             be
             a
             Snare
             unto
             them
             here
             ,
             and
             an
             Aggravation
             
               of
               their
               Condemnation
               for
               ever
            
             ;
             It
             seems
             ,
             
               you
               may
               go
               and
               take
               the
               World
               ,
            
             and
             
               take
               the
               Curse
               ,
               Death
            
             and
             
               Hell
               along
               with
               it
            
             ,
             and
             what
             will
             it
             
               profit
               a
               Man
               to
               gain
               the
               whole
               World
               and
               loose
               his
               own
               Soul.
            
             VVhat
             can
             any
             Man
             do
             on
             the
             Consideration
             hereof
             ,
             who
             will
             not
             forego
             all
             his
             Hopes
             and
             Expectations
             from
             God
             ,
             but
             retreat
             unto
             the
             Faith
             of
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Eternal
             ,
             as
             containing
             an
             Excellency
             in
             them
             incomparably
             above
             all
             that
             may
             be
             enjoyed
             here
             below
             .
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             He
             doth
             continue
             to
             give
             perpetual
             Instances
             of
             their
             uncertainty
             and
             unsatisfactoriness
             in
             the
             utter
             Disappointment
             of
             Men
             that
             have
             had
             Expectations
             from
             them
             .
             
             The
             wayes
             hereof
             are
             various
             ,
             and
             the
             Instances
             so
             multiplyed
             ,
             as
             that
             most
             men
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             unless
             they
             are
             like
             the
             Fool
             in
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             who
             had
             his
             Soul
             take
             its
             ease
             for
             many
             Years
             ,
             because
             his
             Barns
             were
             full
             ,
             live
             in
             perpetual
             Fears
             and
             Apprehensions
             ,
             that
             they
             shall
             speedily
             loose
             whatever
             they
             enjoy
             ;
             or
             are
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             a
             stupid
             Security
             .
             But
             as
             unto
             this
             Consideration
             of
             them
             ,
             there
             is
             such
             an
             Account
             given
             by
             the
             Wiseman
             ,
             as
             unto
             which
             nothing
             can
             be
             added
             ,
             or
             which
             no
             Reason
             or
             Experience
             is
             able
             to
             contradict
             ,
             Eccl.
             12.
             
             By
             these
             and
             the
             like
             ways
             doth
             God
             
               cast
               contempt
               on
               all
               things
               here
               below
            
             ;
             discouerng
             the
             Folly
             and
             Falseness
             of
             the
             Promises
             which
             the
             World
             makes
             use
             of
             to
             allure
             our
             Affections
             unto
             it self
             .
             This
             therefore
             is
             to
             be
             laid
             as
             the
             Foundation
             in
             all
             our
             Considerations
             ,
             unto
             what
             or
             whom
             we
             shall
             cleave
             by
             our
             Affections
             ,
             that
             God
             hath
             not
             only
             declared
             the
             Insufficiency
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             to
             give
             us
             that
             Rest
             and
             Happiness
             which
             we
             seek
             after
             ,
             but
             also
             poured
             Contempt
             upon
             them
             ,
             in
             his
             Holy
             ,
             Wise
             Disposal
             of
             them
             in
             the
             World.
             
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             God
             hath
             added
             unto
             their
             Vanity
             ,
             by
             shortning
             the
             Lives
             of
             Men
             ,
             reducing
             their
             Continuance
             in
             this
             world
             unto
             so
             short
             and
             uncertain
             a
             Season
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             impossible
             they
             should
             take
             any
             solid
             Satisfaction
             in
             what
             they
             enjoy
             here
             below
             .
             So
             it
             is
             expressed
             by
             the
             
               Psalmist
               .
               Behold
               thou
               hast
               made
               my
               Dayes
               as
               an
               handbreadth
               ,
               and
               my
               Age
               is
               nothing
               before
               these
               .
            
             Hence
             he
             draws
             two
             Conclusions
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             That
             
               every
               Man
               at
               his
               best
               Estate
               ,
               is
               but
               vanity
               .
            
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             That
             every
             
               Man
               walks
               in
               a
               vain
               shew
               ;
               surely
               they
               are
               disquieted
               in
               vain
               ,
               he
               heapeth
               up
               Riches
               ,
               and
               knoweth
               not
               who
               shall
               gather
               them
               .
            
             Psal.
             39.5
             ,
             6.
             
             The
             uncertainty
             and
             shortness
             of
             the
             Lives
             of
             Men
             ,
             render
             all
             their
             Endeavours
             and
             Contrivances
             about
             Earthly
             things
             ,
             both
             vain
             and
             foolish
             .
             When
             Men
             lived
             eight
             or
             nine
             hundred
             Years
             ,
             they
             had
             opportunity
             to
             suck
             out
             all
             the
             Sweetness
             
             that
             was
             in
             Creature
             Comforts
             ,
             to
             make
             large
             Provisions
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             long
             Projections
             about
             them
             .
             But
             when
             they
             had
             so
             ,
             they
             all
             issued
             in
             that
             Violence
             ,
             Oppression
             ,
             and
             Wickedness
             ,
             which
             brought
             the
             
               Flood
               on
               the
               World
               of
               Ungodly
               Men.
            
             And
             it
             still
             so
             abides
             ,
             the
             more
             of
             ,
             and
             the
             longer
             men
             enjoy
             these
             things
             ,
             the
             more
             without
             the
             Soveraign
             Preservative
             of
             Grace
             ,
             will
             they
             abound
             in
             Sin
             ,
             and
             Provocations
             of
             God.
             But
             God
             hath
             reduced
             the
             Life
             of
             Man
             unto
             the
             small
             pittance
             of
             
               seventy
               Years
            
             ;
             casting
             what
             may
             fall
             out
             of
             a
             longer
             continuance
             into
             Travel
             and
             Sorrow
             .
             Besides
             ,
             that
             Space
             is
             shortned
             with
             the
             most
             ,
             by
             various
             and
             innumerable
             Incidencies
             and
             Occasions
             .
             Wherefore
             in
             these
             
               seventy
               Years
            
             ,
             consider
             how
             long
             it
             is
             before
             men
             begin
             to
             have
             a
             tast
             or
             gust
             of
             the
             things
             of
             this
             Life
             ;
             how
             many
             things
             fall
             in
             cross
             ,
             to
             make
             us
             weary
             of
             them
             before
             the
             end
             of
             our
             Days
             ,
             how
             few
             among
             us
             ,
             
               not
               one
               of
               a
               thousand
               ,
               attain
               that
               Age
               ,
            
             what
             is
             the
             uncertainty
             of
             all
             men
             living
             ,
             as
             to
             the
             continuance
             of
             their
             Lives
             unto
             the
             next
             Day
             ▪
             and
             we
             shall
             see
             that
             the
             holy
             ,
             wise
             God
             ,
             hath
             left
             no
             such
             Season
             for
             their
             enjoyment
             ,
             as
             might
             put
             a
             value
             upon
             them
             .
             And
             when
             on
             the
             other
             hand
             it
             is
             remembered
             ,
             that
             this
             Man
             who
             is
             of
             such
             short
             continuance
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             is
             yet
             made
             for
             Eternity
             ,
             
               Eternal
               Blessedness
            
             or
             Misery
             ,
             which
             State
             depends
             wholly
             on
             his
             Interest
             on
             things
             above
             ,
             and
             setting
             his
             Affections
             on
             them
             ,
             they
             must
             forfeit
             all
             their
             reason
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             bid
             Defiance
             unto
             the
             Grace
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             give
             them
             up
             unto
             things
             below
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             .
             God
             hath
             openly
             and
             fully
             declared
             the
             
               Danger
               that
               is
               in
               these
               things
               ,
            
             as
             unto
             their
             Enjoyment
             and
             Use
             ;
             and
             what
             Multitudes
             of
             Souls
             miscarry
             ,
             by
             an
             inordinate
             adherence
             unto
             them
             .
             For
             they
             are
             the
             matter
             of
             those
             Temptations
             ,
             whereby
             the
             Souls
             of
             Men
             are
             ruined
             for
             ever
             ;
             the
             Fuel
             that
             supplys
             the
             Fire
             of
             their
             Lusts
             until
             they
             are
             consumed
             by
             it
             .
          
           
             Men
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             Spiritual
             Convictions
             ,
             fall
             not
             
             into
             Sin
             ,
             fail
             not
             eternally
             ,
             but
             by
             means
             of
             Temptation
             ;
             That
             is
             the
             
               mire
               wherein
               this
               Rush
               doth
               grow
               .
            
             For
             others
             who
             live
             and
             die
             in
             the
             madness
             and
             wildness
             of
             Nature
             ,
             without
             any
             restraint
             in
             their
             Minds
             from
             the
             Power
             of
             Convictions
             ,
             they
             need
             no
             external
             Temptations
             ,
             but
             only
             Opportunities
             to
             exert
             their
             Lusts.
             But
             for
             those
             who
             by
             any
             means
             are
             
               convinced
               of
               Sin
               ,
               Righteousness
               and
               Judgement
               ,
            
             so
             as
             to
             design
             the
             ordering
             of
             their
             Lives
             ,
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             Sense
             they
             have
             of
             them
             ,
             they
             fall
             not
             into
             
               actual
               Sin
            
             ,
             but
             upon
             Temptations
             .
             That
             ,
             whatever
             it
             be
             ,
             
               which
               causeth
               ,
               occasioneth
            
             ,
             and
             prevaileth
             on
             a
             
               convinced
               Person
            
             ,
             unto
             Sin
             ,
             that
             is
             Temptation
             .
             Wherefore
             this
             is
             the
             great
             means
             of
             the
             Ruine
             of
             the
             
               Souls
               of
               men
            
             .
          
           
             Now
             ,
             though
             there
             are
             many
             Principles
             of
             Temptation
             ,
             many
             Causes
             that
             actually
             concur
             unto
             its
             Efficacy
             ,
             as
             
               Sin
               ,
               Satan
               ,
               and
               other
               Men
               ,
            
             yet
             the
             
               Matter
               of
               almost
               all
               ruinous
               Temptations
               is
               taken
               out
               of
               this
               World
               ,
               and
               the
               things
               of
               it
               .
            
             Thence
             doth
             Satan
             take
             all
             his
             Darts
             :
             Thence
             do
             evil
             Men
             derive
             all
             the
             ways
             and
             means
             whereby
             they
             corrupt
             others
             ,
             and
             from
             thence
             is
             all
             the
             fewel
             of
             Sin
             ,
             and
             Lust
             taken
             .
             And
             which
             adds
             unto
             this
             evil
             ,
             all
             that
             is
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             contributes
             its
             utmost
             thereunto
             .
             
               All
               that
               is
               in
               the
               World
               ,
               is
               the
               Lust
               of
               the
               Flesh
               ,
               the
               Lust
               of
               the
               Eyes
               ,
               and
               the
               Pride
               of
               Life
               .
            
             1
             Joh.
             2.16
             .
             It
             is
             not
             a
             direct
             formal
             annumeration
             of
             the
             things
             that
             are
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             nor
             a
             Distribution
             of
             them
             under
             several
             Heads
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             so
             of
             the
             principal
             Lusts
             of
             the
             Minds
             ,
             of
             Men
             ,
             whereunto
             all
             the
             things
             in
             the
             World
             are
             subservient
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             not
             only
             the
             Matter
             of
             all
             Temptations
             is
             taken
             out
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             but
             every
             thing
             that
             is
             in
             the
             World
             is
             apt
             &
             fit
             to
             abused
             unto
             that
             end
             .
             For
             it
             were
             easy
             to
             shew
             that
             there
             is
             nothing
             desirable
             or
             valuable
             in
             this
             whole
             world
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             reducible
             unto
             a
             Subserviency
             unto
             one
             or
             other
             of
             These
             Lusts
             ,
             and
             is
             applicable
             unto
             the
             Interest
             and
             Service
             of
             Temptations
             and
             Sins
             .
          
           
             When
             men
             hear
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             hey
             tare
             apt
             to
             say
             ,
             
               let
               
               the
               Dream
               be
               unto
               them
               that
               are
               openly
               wicked
               ,
               and
               the
               Interpretation
               of
               it
               unto
               them
               that
               are
               profligate
               in
               Sin.
            
             Unto
             unclean
             Persons
             ,
             Drunkards
             ,
             Oppressors
             ,
             proud
             ambitious
             Persons
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             it
             is
             so
             ;
             but
             as
             unto
             them
             ,
             they
             use
             the
             things
             of
             this
             World
             with
             a
             due
             moderation
             ,
             
               so
               as
               they
               are
               no
               Snare
               unto
               them
               .
            
             But
             to
             own
             they
             are
             used
             unto
             what
             end
             soever
             ,
             if
             the
             Affections
             of
             men
             are
             set
             upon
             them
             ,
             one
             way
             or
             other
             ,
             there
             is
             nothing
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             but
             is
             thus
             a
             Snare
             and
             Temptation
             .
             However
             we
             should
             be
             very
             crreful
             
               how
               we
               adhere
               unto
               ,
               or
               under
               value
               that
               which
               is
               the
               cause
               and
               means
               of
               the
               ruine
               of
               multitudes
               of
               Souls
               .
            
             By
             the
             warnings
             given
             us
             hereof
             ,
             doth
             God
             design
             ,
             as
             unto
             the
             use
             of
             means
             ,
             to
             teach
             us
             the
             vanity
             and
             danger
             of
             fixing
             our
             Affections
             on
             things
             below
             .
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             Things
             are
             so
             ordered
             in
             the
             holy
             wise
             Dispensation
             of
             Gods
             Providence
             ,
             that
             it
             requires
             
               much
               Spiritual
               Wisdom
               to
               distinguish
               between
               the
               use
               and
               the
               abuse
               of
               these
               things
               ,
            
             between
             a
             lawful
             care
             about
             them
             ,
             and
             an
             inordinate
             cleaving
             unto
             them
             .
             Few
             distinguish
             aright
             here
             ,
             and
             therefore
             in
             these
             things
             will
             many
             find
             their
             great
             mistake
             at
             the
             last
             Day
             .
             The
             Disappointments
             that
             they
             will
             fall
             under
             ,
             as
             to
             what
             concerns
             their
             earthly
             enjoyments
             and
             the
             use
             of
             them
             ,
             wherewith
             they
             were
             intrusted
             ,
             see
             Mat.
             25.34
             .
             to
             the
             end
             of
             the
             Chapter
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             granted
             that
             there
             is
             a
             lawful
             use
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             a
             lawful
             Care
             and
             Industry
             about
             them
             .
             So
             it
             is
             also
             acknowledged
             ,
             it
             cannot
             be
             denied
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             an
             abuse
             of
             them
             springing
             from
             an
             inordinate
             Love
             ,
             and
             cleaving
             unto
             them
             .
             But
             here
             men
             deceive
             themselves
             ,
             taking
             their
             Measures
             by
             the
             most
             crooked
             uncertain
             Rules
             .
             Some
             make
             their
             own
             Inclinations
             the
             Rule
             and
             measure
             of
             what
             is
             so
             lawful
             and
             allowable
             ,
             some
             the
             Examples
             of
             others
             ;
             some
             the
             Course
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             some
             their
             own
             real
             or
             pretended
             necessities
             .
             
             They
             confess
             that
             there
             is
             an
             inordinate
             love
             of
             those
             things
             and
             an
             abuse
             of
             them
             ,
             in
             excesses
             of
             various
             sorts
             ,
             which
             
               the
               Scripture
               plainly
               affirms
            
             ,
             and
             which
             
               Experience
               gives
               open
               Testimony
               unto
            
             .
             But
             as
             unto
             their
             State
             and
             Circumstances
             ,
             their
             Care
             ,
             Love
             and
             Industry
             are
             all
             allowable
             .
             That
             which
             influenceth
             all
             these
             Persons
             ,
             is
             Self-Love
             ,
             which
             inveterate
             corrupt
             Affections
             ,
             and
             false
             Reasonings
             do
             make
             an
             Application
             of
             unto
             these
             Occasions
             .
          
           
             Hence
             we
             have
             men
             approving
             of
             themselves
             as
             just
             Stewards
             of
             their
             Enjoyments
             ,
             whil'st
             others
             judge
             them
             
               hard
               ,
               covetous
               ,
               earthly-minded
            
             ;
             no
             way
             laying
             out
             what
             they
             are
             intrusted
             withal
             unto
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             any
             due
             Proportion
             .
             Others
             also
             think
             not
             amiss
             of
             themselves
             in
             this
             kind
             ,
             who
             live
             in
             palpable
             excesses
             ,
             either
             of
             
               Pride
               of
               Life
            
             ,
             or
             Sensual
             Pleasures
             ,
             vain
             Apparel
             and
             the
             like
             .
             So
             in
             particular
             ,
             most
             men
             in
             their
             Feastings
             and
             Entertainments
             ,
             walk
             in
             direct
             Contempt
             of
             the
             Rules
             which
             our
             Saviour
             gives
             in
             that
             case
             ;
             Luk.
             14.12.13.14
             .
             and
             yet
             approve
             themselves
             therein
             .
          
           
             But
             what
             if
             any
             of
             us
             should
             be
             
               mistaken
               in
               our
               Rule
               and
               Application
               of
               it
            
             unto
             our
             Conditions
             ?
             Men
             at
             Sea
             may
             have
             a
             fair
             Gale
             of
             Wind
             wherewith
             they
             may
             sail
             freely
             and
             smoothly
             for
             a
             Season
             ,
             and
             yet
             insteed
             of
             being
             brought
             into
             a
             Port
             ,
             be
             cast
             by
             it
             at
             last
             on
             
               destructive
               Shelves
            
             or
             Rocks
             .
          
           
             And
             what
             if
             that
             which
             we
             esteem
             
               allowable
               Love
               ,
               Care
               and
               Industry
               ,
            
             should
             prove
             to
             be
             the
             Fruit
             of
             earthly
             Affections
             ,
             inordinate
             and
             predominant
             in
             us
             ;
             what
             if
             we
             miss
             in
             our
             measures
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             we
             approve
             of
             in
             our selves
             ,
             
               should
               be
               disapproved
               of
               God
               ;
               we
               are
               cast
               for
               ever
               ,
               we
               belong
               unto
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               with
               the
               World
               we
               shall
               perish
               .
            
          
           
             It
             may
             be
             said
             ,
             that
             if
             it
             be
             so
             difficult
             to
             distinguish
             between
             these
             things
             ,
             namely
             the
             
               lawful
               use
               of
               things
               here
               below
               ,
            
             and
             their
             abuse
             ,
             the
             allowable
             Industry
             about
             them
             ,
             and
             the
             inordinate
             Love
             of
             them
             ,
             on
             the
             Knowledge
             whereof
             our
             Eternal
             Conditions
             depends
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             but
             men
             
             must
             spend
             their
             time
             in
             solicitous
             anxiety
             of
             Mind
             ,
             as
             not
             knowing
             when
             they
             have
             aright
             discharged
             their
             Duty
             .
          
           
             Ans.
             (
             1
             )
             I
             press
             these
             things
             at
             present
             no
             further
             ,
             but
             only
             to
             shew
             
               how
               dangerous
               a
               thing
               it
               is
               for
               any
               to
               encline
               in
               his
               Affections
               unto
               the
               Things
               of
               this
               World
               ,
            
             wherein
             an
             excess
             is
             ruinous
             ,
             and
             hardly
             discoverable
             .
             Surely
             ,
             no
             Wise-man
             will
             venture
             freely
             and
             frequently
             unto
             the
             edge
             of
             such
             a
             Precipice
             .
             He
             will
             be
             jealous
             of
             his
             Measures
             ,
             lest
             they
             will
             not
             hold
             by
             the
             
               Rule
               of
               the
               Word
            
             .
             And
             a
             due
             Sense
             hereof
             is
             the
             best
             preservative
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             from
             cleaving
             inordinately
             unto
             these
             things
             below
             .
             And
             when
             God
             in
             any
             Instance
             ,
             by
             Afflictions
             ,
             or
             otherwise
             ,
             shews
             unto
             Believers
             their
             
               Transgression
               herein
            
             ,
             and
             how
             they
             have
             exceeded
             ,
             Job
             .
             38.8
             ,
             9.
             it
             makes
             them
             careful
             for
             the
             future
             .
             They
             will
             now
             or
             never
             be
             diligent
             ,
             that
             they
             fall
             not
             under
             that
             peremptory
             Rule
             .
             1
             Joh.
             2.14
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             Where
             the
             Soul
             is
             upright
             and
             sincere
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             need
             in
             this
             case
             of
             any
             more
             Solicitousness
             or
             
               Anxiety
               of
               Mind
            
             ,
             than
             there
             is
             unto
             or
             about
             other
             Duties
             .
             But
             when
             it
             is
             byased
             and
             acted
             by
             self-Love
             ,
             and
             its
             more
             strong
             Inclinations
             unto
             things
             present
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             men
             should
             enjoy
             Solid
             Peace
             ,
             or
             be
             freed
             from
             severe
             reflexions
             on
             them
             by
             their
             own
             Consciences
             ,
             in
             such
             Seasons
             wherein
             they
             are
             
               awakened
               unto
               their
               Duty
               ,
               and
               the
               Consideration
               of
               their
               State
            
             ;
             nor
             have
             I
             any
             thing
             to
             tender
             for
             their
             Relief
             .
             With
             others
             it
             is
             not
             so
             ,
             and
             therefore
             I
             shall
             so
             far
             digress
             in
             this
             place
             ,
             as
             to
             give
             some
             directions
             unto
             those
             who
             in
             sincerity
             would
             be
             satisfyed
             in
             this
             
               lawful
               use
               and
               enjoyment
               of
               earthly
               things
            
             ;
             so
             as
             not
             to
             adhere
             unto
             them
             with
             inordinate
             Affections
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             Remember
             always
             that
             you
             are
             not
             Proprietors
             ,
             nor
             
               absolute
               Possessors
               of
               these
               things
            
             ,
             but
             only
             Stewards
             of
             them
             .
             With
             respect
             unto
             men
             ,
             you
             are
             or
             may
             be
             
               just
               Proprietors
            
             of
             what
             you
             enjoy
             ,
             with
             Respect
             unto
             him
             who
             is
             the
             
               great
               
               Possessor
               of
               Heaven
               and
               Earth
               ,
            
             you
             are
             but
             Stewards
             .
             This
             Stewardship
             we
             are
             to
             give
             an
             account
             of
             ,
             as
             we
             are
             taught
             in
             the
             Parable
             ,
             Luk.
             16.1
             ,
             2.
             
             This
             rule
             always
             attended
             unto
             ,
             will
             be
             
               a
               Blessed
               Guide
               in
               all
               Instancss
               and
               Occasions
               of
               Duty
               .
            
          
           
             But
             if
             a
             man
             be
             left
             in
             Trust
             with
             Houses
             and
             large
             Possessions
             ,
             as
             a
             Steward
             for
             the
             right
             Lord
             ,
             Owner
             ,
             and
             Proprietor
             of
             them
             ,
             if
             he
             fall
             into
             a
             pleasing
             Dream
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             all
             his
             own
             ,
             and
             use
             them
             accordingly
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             a
             woful
             Surprisal
             unto
             him
             ,
             when
             he
             shall
             be
             called
             to
             account
             for
             all
             he
             hath
             received
             and
             laid
             out
             ,
             whether
             he
             will
             or
             no.
             And
             when
             indeed
             he
             hath
             nothing
             to
             pay
             .
             It
             will
             scarce
             be
             otherwise
             with
             them
             at
             the
             great
             Day
             ,
             who
             forget
             the
             trust
             which
             is
             committed
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             suppose
             they
             may
             do
             what
             they
             will
             ,
             with
             what
             they
             call
             their
             own
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             There
             is
             nothing
             in
             the
             ways
             
               of
               getting
               ,
               enjoying
               or
               using
               of
               these
               things
               ,
            
             but
             giveth
             its
             own
             Evidence
             unto
             Spiritual
             Wisdom
             ,
             
               whether
               it
               be
               within
               the
               bounds
               of
               Duty
               or
               no.
            
             Men
             are
             not
             lightly
             deceived
             herein
             ,
             but
             when
             they
             are
             evidently
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             corrupt
             Affections
             ,
             or
             will
             not
             at
             all
             attend
             unto
             themselves
             and
             the
             Language
             of
             their
             own
             Consciences
             .
             It
             is
             a
             mans
             own
             Fault
             alone
             ,
             if
             he
             know
             not
             wherein
             he
             doth
             exceed
             .
          
           
             A
             due
             Examination
             of
             our selves
             in
             the
             Sight
             of
             God
             ,
             with
             respect
             unto
             these
             things
             ,
             the
             Frame
             and
             Actings
             of
             our
             Minds
             in
             them
             ,
             will
             greatly
             give
             check
             unto
             our
             corrupt
             Inclinations
             ,
             and
             discover
             the
             Folly
             of
             those
             Reasonings
             ,
             whereby
             we
             deceive
             our selves
             into
             the
             Love
             of
             Earthly
             things
             ;
             or
             justify
             our selves
             therein
             ,
             and
             bring
             to
             Light
             the
             Secret
             Principle
             of
             Self-Love
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Root
             of
             all
             this
             evil
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             If
             you
             would
             be
             able
             to
             make
             a
             right
             Judgement
             in
             this
             Case
             ,
             be
             sure
             that
             you
             have
             another
             Object
             for
             your
             Affections
             ,
             which
             hath
             a
             predominant
             Interest
             in
             your
             
             Minds
             ,
             and
             which
             will
             Evidence
             it self
             so
             to
             have
             on
             all
             Occasions
             .
             Let
             a
             Man
             be
             never
             so
             observant
             of
             himself
             ,
             as
             unto
             all
             Outward
             Dutys
             required
             to
             him
             ,
             with
             respect
             unto
             these
             earthly
             things
             ;
             let
             him
             be
             liberal
             in
             the
             Disposal
             of
             them
             on
             all
             Occasions
             ,
             let
             him
             be
             watchful
             against
             all
             Intemperance
             and
             Excesses
             in
             the
             use
             of
             them
             ;
             yet
             if
             he
             hath
             not
             
               another
               Object
            
             for
             his
             Affections
             ,
             which
             hath
             a
             prevailing
             Influence
             upon
             them
             ,
             if
             they
             are
             not
             
               set
               upon
               the
               Things
               that
               are
               above
               ,
            
             one
             way
             or
             other
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             World
             that
             hath
             the
             Possession
             of
             his
             Heart
             .
             For
             the
             Affections
             of
             our
             Minds
             will
             ,
             and
             must
             be
             placed
             in
             chief
             ,
             on
             things
             below
             ,
             or
             things
             above
             ;
             there
             will
             be
             a
             predominant
             Love
             in
             us
             ;
             and
             therefore
             ,
             although
             all
             our
             Actions
             should
             testify
             another
             Frame
             ,
             yet
             if
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             things
             of
             God
             be
             not
             the
             
               Principal
               Object
            
             of
             our
             Affections
             ,
             by
             one
             way
             or
             other
             ,
             unto
             the
             World
             we
             do
             belong
             ;
             this
             is
             that
             which
             is
             taught
             us
             so
             expresly
             by
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             Luk.
             16.9
             ,
             10
             ,
             11
             ,
             12
             ,
             13.
             
             
               And
               I
               say
               unto
               you
               ,
               make
               to
               your selves
               Friends
               of
               the
               Mammon
               of
               Unrighteousness
               ,
               that
               when
               you
               fail
               ,
               they
               may
               receive
               you
               into
               everlasting
               Habitations
               .
               He
               that
               is
               faithful
               in
               that
               which
               is
               least
               ,
               is
               faithful
               also
               in
               much
               :
               and
               he
               that
               is
               unjust
               in
               the
               least
               ,
               is
               unjust
               also
               in
               much
               .
               If
               therefore
               you
               have
               not
               been
               faithful
               in
               the
               unrighteous
               Mammon
               ,
               Who
               will
               commit
               to
               your
               trust
               the
               true
               Riches
               ?
               And
               if
               ye
               have
               not
               been
               faithful
               in
               that
               which
               is
               anothert
               Mans
               ,
               who
               shall
               give
               you
               that
               which
               is
               your
               own
               ?
               No
               Servant
               can
               serve
               two
               Masters
               ;
               for
               either
               he
               will
               hate
               the
               one
               ,
               and
               love
               the
               other
               ;
               or
               else
               he
               will
               hold
               to
               the
               one
               ,
               and
               despise
               the
               other
               ;
               ye
               cannot
               serve
               God
               and
               Mammon
               .
            
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             Labour
             continually
             for
             the
             
               Mortification
               of
               your
               Affections
            
             unto
             the
             things
             of
             this
             World.
             They
             are
             in
             the
             State
             of
             corrupted
             Nature
             ,
             set
             and
             fixed
             on
             them
             ,
             nor
             will
             any
             Reasonings
             or
             Considerations
             effectually
             divert
             them
             ,
             or
             take
             them
             off
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             ,
             unless
             they
             are
             mortifyed
             unto
             them
             by
             the
             Cross
             of
             Christ.
             Whatever
             Change
             be
             otherwise
             wrought
             in
             them
             ▪
             it
             will
             be
             of
             no
             Advantage
             unto
             us
             .
             It
             is
             Mortification
             alone
             ,
             that
             will
             take
             them
             off
             from
             
             earthly
             things
             unto
             the
             Glory
             of
             God.
             Hence
             the
             Apostle
             having
             given
             us
             that
             Charge
             ,
             
               Set
               your
               Affections
               on
               things
               above
               ,
               and
               not
               on
               things
               below
               on
               the
               Earth
               ,
            
             Col.
             3.2
             .
             Adds
             this
             ,
             as
             the
             only
             way
             and
             means
             whereby
             we
             may
             do
             so
             ,
             
               Mortify
               therefore
               your
               Members
               that
               are
               on
               the
               Earth
               .
            
             v.
             5.
             
             Let
             no
             man
             think
             that
             his
             Affections
             will
             fall
             off
             from
             earthly
             things
             of
             their
             own
             accord
             .
             The
             keenness
             and
             sharpness
             of
             them
             ,
             in
             many
             things
             ,
             may
             be
             abated
             by
             the
             decay
             of
             their
             natural
             Powers
             in
             Age
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             .
             They
             may
             be
             mated
             by
             frequent
             Disappointments
             ,
             by
             Sicknesses
             ,
             Pains
             and
             Afflictions
             ,
             as
             we
             shall
             see
             immediately
             ;
             or
             they
             may
             be
             willing
             unto
             a
             Distribution
             of
             earthly
             Enjoyments
             ,
             to
             have
             the
             Reputation
             of
             it
             ,
             wherein
             they
             still
             cleave
             unto
             the
             World
             ,
             but
             under
             another
             shape
             and
             appearance
             .
             They
             may
             be
             startled
             by
             Convictions
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             do
             many
             things
             gladly
             ,
             that
             belong
             unto
             another
             Frame
             .
             But
             or
             one
             pretence
             or
             other
             ,
             under
             one
             appearance
             or
             other
             ,
             they
             will
             for
             ever
             adhere
             and
             cleave
             unto
             earthly
             things
             ,
             unless
             they
             are
             mortified
             unto
             them
             ,
             through
             Faith
             in
             the
             Blood
             and
             Cross
             of
             Christ.
             Gal.
             6.14
             .
             VVhatever
             thoughts
             you
             may
             have
             of
             your selves
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             unless
             you
             have
             the
             Experience
             of
             a
             work
             of
             Mortification
             on
             your
             Affections
             ,
             you
             can
             have
             no
             refreshing
             ground
             of
             Assurance
             ,
             that
             you
             are
             in
             any
             thing
             Spiritually-Minded
             .
          
           
             Fifthly
             ,
             In
             all
             Instances
             of
             Duty
             belonging
             unto
             your
             Stewardship
             of
             earthly
             things
             ,
             attend
             diligently
             unto
             the
             Rule
             of
             the
             Word
             :
             without
             this
             ,
             the
             Grace
             exhorted
             unto
             ,
             may
             be
             abused
             .
             So
             of
             old
             ,
             under
             a
             pretence
             of
             a
             relinquishment
             
               of
               the
               things
               of
               this
               World
               ,
            
             because
             of
             the
             danger
             in
             adhering
             unto
             them
             ,
             their
             own
             ,
             Superstition
             ,
             and
             the
             Craft
             of
             other
             men
             prevailed
             with
             many
             ,
             to
             part
             with
             all
             they
             had
             unto
             the
             Service
             of
             others
             ,
             not
             better
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             not
             so
             good
             as
             themselves
             .
             This
             Evil
             wholly
             arose
             from
             want
             of
             
               attendance
               unto
               the
               Rule
               of
               Truth
               ,
            
             which
             gives
             no
             such
             Direction
             in
             ordinary
             Cases
             .
             But
             there
             is
             not
             much
             seen
             in
             these
             days
             ,
             of
             
             an
             Excess
             in
             that
             kind
             .
             But
             on
             the
             other
             hand
             ,
             in
             all
             Instances
             of
             Duties
             of
             this
             nature
             ,
             most
             mens
             Minds
             are
             habitually
             influenced
             with
             Pretences
             ,
             Reasonings
             ,
             and
             Considerations
             ,
             that
             turn
             the
             Scales
             as
             unto
             what
             they
             ought
             to
             do
             in
             proportion
             in
             this
             Duty
             ,
             on
             the
             side
             of
             the
             World.
             If
             you
             would
             be
             safe
             ,
             you
             must
             in
             all
             Instances
             of
             Duty
             ,
             as
             in
             works
             of
             Charity
             ,
             Piety
             ,
             and
             Compassion
             ,
             give
             Authority
             in
             and
             over
             your
             Souls
             ,
             unto
             the
             Rule
             of
             the
             Word
             .
             Let
             neither
             Self
             nor
             Unbelief
             ,
             nor
             the
             Custom
             and
             Example
             of
             others
             be
             heard
             to
             speak
             ;
             but
             let
             the
             
               Rule
               alone
            
             be
             attended
             unto
             ,
             and
             to
             what
             that
             speaks
             ,
             yeild
             ,
             Obedience
             .
          
           
             Unless
             these
             things
             are
             found
             in
             us
             ,
             none
             of
             us
             ,
             no
             man
             living
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             not
             so
             with
             him
             ,
             can
             have
             any
             
               refreshing
               Evidence
            
             or
             Assurance
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             not
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             an
             inordinate
             ,
             yea
             ,
             and
             predominant
             Love
             unto
             this
             World.
             
          
           
             And
             indeed
             to
             add
             a
             little
             further
             on
             the
             Occasion
             of
             this
             Digression
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             sad
             thing
             to
             have
             this
             Exception
             made
             against
             the
             
               State
               of
               any
               Man
            
             ,
             on
             just
             Grounds
             ;
             
               yea
               ,
               but
               he
               loves
               the
               World.
            
             He
             is
             sober
             and
             industrious
             ,
             he
             is
             constant
             in
             Dutys
             of
             Religion
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             an
             earnest
             Preacher
             of
             them
             ,
             a
             man
             of
             sound
             Principles
             ,
             and
             blameless
             as
             unto
             the
             Excesses
             of
             Life
             ;
             
               but
               he
               loves
               the
               World.
            
             The
             Question
             is
             ,
             how
             doth
             this
             appear
             ?
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             what
             you
             say
             ,
             is
             but
             one
             of
             those
             evil
             Surmises
             which
             all
             things
             are
             filled
             withal
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             I
             speak
             it
             not
             at
             all
             to
             give
             countenance
             unto
             the
             rash
             Judging
             of
             others
             ,
             which
             none
             are
             more
             prone
             unto
             ,
             than
             those
             ,
             who
             one
             way
             or
             other
             are
             eminently
             guilty
             themselves
             .
             But
             I
             would
             have
             every
             man
             judge
             himself
             ,
             that
             we
             be
             none
             of
             us
             Condemned
             of
             the
             Lord.
             It
             notwithstanding
             the
             things
             mentioned
             ,
             any
             of
             us
             do
             center
             in
             Self
             ,
             which
             is
             supplyed
             and
             filled
             with
             the
             World
             ,
             if
             we
             preffer
             Self
             above
             all
             other
             things
             ,
             do
             aim
             at
             the
             
               Satisfaction
               of
               Self
            
             in
             what
             we
             do
             well
             or
             ill
             ,
             are
             useless
             unto
             the
             only
             Good
             and
             Blessed
             
             Ends
             of
             these
             earthly
             things
             ,
             in
             supplying
             the
             wants
             of
             others
             ,
             according
             unto
             the
             Proportions
             wherewith
             we
             are
             intrusted
             ;
             it
             is
             to
             be
             feared
             ,
             that
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             the
             things
             that
             are
             in
             it
             ,
             have
             the
             Principal
             Interest
             in
             our
             Affections
             .
          
           
             And
             the
             danger
             is
             yet
             greater
             with
             them
             who
             divert
             on
             the
             other
             Extream
             .
             Such
             are
             they
             ,
             who
             in
             
               Pride
               of
               Life
               ,
               Vanity
               in
               Apparrel
               ,
               Excess
               in
               Drinking
               ,
               pampering
               the
               Flesh
               every
               day
               ,
            
             tread
             close
             on
             the
             heels
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             if
             they
             do
             not
             also
             fully
             keep
             Company
             with
             it
             .
             Altogether
             in
             vain
             is
             it
             for
             such
             Persons
             to
             countenance
             themselves
             with
             an
             Appearance
             of
             other
             Graces
             in
             them
             ,
             or
             the
             sedulous
             Performance
             of
             other
             Dutys
             .
             This
             one
             Rule
             will
             eternally
             prevail
             against
             them
             ;
             
               If
               any
               man
               love
               the
               World
               ,
               the
               Love
               of
               the
               Father
               is
               not
               in
               him
               .
            
             And
             by
             the
             way
             ,
             let
             men
             take
             heed
             how
             they
             walk
             in
             any
             Instance
             against
             the
             known
             Judgement
             and
             Practise
             of
             the
             wiser
             ,
             or
             more
             experienced
             sort
             of
             Christians
             ,
             to
             their
             Regret
             and
             Sorrow
             ,
             if
             not
             unto
             their
             Offence
             and
             Scandal
             ,
             or
             in
             any
             way
             whereunto
             they
             win
             the
             Consent
             of
             their
             own
             Light
             and
             Conscience
             ,
             by
             such
             Reasonings
             and
             Considerations
             ,
             as
             will
             not
             hold
             weight
             in
             the
             Ballance
             of
             the
             Sanctuary
             .
             Yet
             thus
             ,
             and
             no
             otherwise
             is
             it
             with
             all
             them
             ,
             who
             under
             a
             Profession
             of
             Religion
             ,
             do
             indulge
             ,
             unto
             any
             Excesses
             wherein
             they
             are
             conformed
             unto
             the
             World.
             
          
           
             Fifthly
             ,
             God
             makes
             a
             Hedge
             against
             the
             Excess
             of
             the
             Affections
             of
             men
             ,
             rational
             and
             any
             way
             enlightned
             ,
             unto
             the
             things
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             by
             suffering
             the
             Generality
             of
             men
             to
             
               carry
               the
               use
               of
               them
            
             ,
             and
             to
             
               be
               carried
               by
               the
               abuse
               of
               them
               ,
            
             into
             Actings
             so
             filthy
             ,
             so
             abominable
             ,
             so
             ridiculous
             as
             Reason
             it self
             cannot
             but
             abhor
             .
             Men
             by
             them
             transform
             themselves
             into
             Beasts
             and
             Monsters
             ,
             as
             might
             be
             manifested
             by
             all
             sorts
             of
             Instances
             ;
             hence
             the
             Wise-man
             prayed
             against
             Riches
             ,
             lest
             he
             should
             not
             be
             able
             to
             manage
             the
             Temptations
             wherewith
             they
             are
             accompanied
             ;
             Prov.
             30.8.9
             .
          
           
           
             Lastly
             ,
             to
             close
             this
             matter
             ,
             and
             to
             shew
             us
             what
             we
             are
             to
             expect
             ,
             in
             case
             we
             set
             our
             Affections
             on
             things
             here
             below
             ,
             and
             they
             have
             thereby
             a
             predominant
             Interest
             in
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             God
             hath
             positively
             determined
             and
             declared
             ,
             that
             if
             it
             be
             so
             ,
             he
             will
             have
             nothing
             to
             do
             with
             us
             ,
             nor
             will
             accept
             of
             those
             Affections
             which
             we
             pretend
             we
             can
             ,
             and
             do
             spare
             for
             him
             ,
             and
             Spiritual
             things
             .
             If
             we
             abstain
             from
             open
             Sins
             ,
             if
             we
             abhor
             the
             Lewdness
             and
             Uncleanness
             of
             men
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             if
             we
             are
             constant
             in
             religious
             Dutys
             ,
             and
             give
             our selves
             ,
             up
             to
             walk
             after
             the
             
               most
               strict
               sort
               in
               Religion
            
             ,
             like
             Paul
             in
             his
             Pharisaism
             ,
             may
             we
             not
             ,
             will
             some
             say
             or
             think
             ,
             find
             acceptance
             with
             God
             ,
             though
             our
             Hearts
             cleave
             inordinately
             unto
             the
             things
             of
             this
             VVorld
             ?
             I
             say
             ,
             God
             hath
             preremptorily
             determined
             the
             contrary
             ;
             and
             if
             other
             Arguments
             will
             not
             prevail
             with
             us
             ,
             he
             leaves
             us
             at
             last
             unto
             this
             ,
             
               Go
               love
               the
               World
               and
               the
               things
               of
               it
               ,
               but
               know
               assuredly
               ?
               you
               do
               it
               unto
               the
               eternal
               Loss
               of
               your
               Souls
               .
            
             1
             Joh.
             2.15
             .
             Jam.
             4.
             
             These
             few
             Instances
             have
             I
             given
             of
             the
             Arguments
             and
             Motives
             whereby
             God
             is
             pleased
             to
             deter
             us
             from
             fixing
             
               our
               Affections
               on
               things
               here
               below
               .
            
             And
             they
             are
             most
             of
             them
             such
             only
             ,
             as
             he
             maketh
             use
             of
             in
             the
             Administation
             of
             his
             Providence
             .
             There
             are
             two
             other
             Heads
             of
             things
             ,
             that
             offer
             themselves
             unto
             our
             Consideration
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             The
             
               Ways
               ,
               Means
               ,
               Arguings
            
             ,
             and
             Enticements
             which
             the
             VVorld
             makes
             use
             of
             ,
             to
             draw
             ,
             keep
             ,
             and
             secure
             the
             Affections
             of
             Men
             unto
             it self
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             The
             
               Secret
               ,
               Powerful
               Efficacy
               of
               Grace
               ,
            
             in
             taking
             off
             the
             Heart
             from
             these
             things
             ,
             turning
             and
             drawing
             it
             unto
             God
             ,
             with
             the
             Arguments
             and
             Motives
             that
             the
             holy
             Spirit
             maketh
             use
             of
             ,
             in
             and
             by
             the
             VVord
             unto
             this
             End
             ;
             and
             wherein
             we
             must
             shew
             what
             is
             the
             Act
             of
             conquering
             Grace
             ,
             wherein
             the
             Heart
             is
             finally
             prevailed
             on
             ,
             to
             choose
             and
             adhere
             unto
             God
             in
             Love
             immutable
             .
             But
             these
             things
             cannot
             be
             handled
             in
             any
             measure
             ,
             according
             to
             their
             nature
             and
             importance
             ,
             without
             such
             length
             of
             Discourse
             ,
             as
             I
             cannot
             
             not
             here
             divert
             unto
             .
             I
             shall
             therefore
             proceed
             unto
             that
             which
             is
             the
             proper
             and
             peculiar
             Subject
             before
             us
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XII
             .
          
           
             
               
                 What
                 is
                 required
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 unto
                 our
                 Affections
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 be
                 Spiritual
                 .
                 A
                 threefold
                 work
                 on
                 the
                 Affections
                 described
                 .
              
            
          
           
             TO
             declare
             the
             Interest
             of
             our
             Affections
             in
             this
             Frame
             of
             being
             Spiritually-Minded
             ,
             and
             what
             they
             contribute
             thereunto
             ,
             I
             shall
             do
             these
             three
             things
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             Declare
             
               what
               is
               required
               hereunto
               ,
               that
               our
               Affections
               may
               be
               Spiritual
               ,
            
             wherein
             lyes
             the
             Foundation
             of
             the
             whole
             Duty
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             What
             are
             their
             Actings
             when
             they
             are
             so
             Spiritual
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             What
             are
             the
             means
             whereby
             they
             may
             be
             kept
             and
             preserved
             in
             that
             Frame
             ,
             with
             sundry
             other
             things
             of
             the
             like
             nature
             How
             our
             Affections
             are
             concerned
             in
             ,
             or
             do
             belong
             unto
             the
             Frame
             of
             Mind
             enquired
             after
             ,
             hath
             been
             before
             declared
             .
             Without
             Spiritual
             Affections
             ,
             we
             cannot
             be
             Spiritually-Minded
             .
             And
             that
             they
             may
             be
             of
             this
             use
             ,
             three
             things
             are
             required
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             Their
             Principle
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             Their
             Object
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             The
             way
             and
             manner
             of
             their
             Application
             unto
             their
             proper
             Object
             ,
             by
             Vertue
             of
             that
             Principle
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             As
             unto
             the
             Principle
             acting
             in
             them
             ,
             that
             our
             Affections
             may
             be
             Spiritual
             ,
             and
             the
             Spring
             of
             our
             being
             Spiritually-Minded
             ,
             
             it
             is
             required
             that
             they
             be
             
               changed
               ,
               renewed
               ,
               and
               in-laid
               with
               Grace
               ,
               Spiritual
               and
               Supernatural
               .
            
             To
             clear
             the
             Sense
             hereof
             ,
             we
             must
             a
             little
             consider
             ,
             what
             is
             their
             State
             
               by
               Nature
            
             ,
             and
             then
             ,
             by
             what
             means
             they
             may
             be
             wrought
             upon
             ,
             as
             unto
             a
             Change
             ,
             or
             a
             Renovation
             .
             For
             they
             are
             like
             unto
             some
             things
             ,
             which
             in
             themselves
             ,
             and
             their
             own
             Nature
             ,
             are
             poisonous
             ;
             but
             being
             corrected
             ,
             and
             receiving
             a
             due
             Temperament
             ,
             from
             a
             mixture
             of
             other
             Ingredients
             ,
             become
             Medicinal
             ,
             and
             of
             excellent
             Use.
             
          
           
             First
             ,
             By
             nature
             ,
             our
             Affections
             all
             of
             them
             are
             depraved
             and
             corrupted
             .
             Nothing
             in
             the
             whole
             Nature
             of
             Man
             ,
             no
             Power
             or
             Faculty
             of
             the
             Soul
             is
             fallen
             under
             greater
             Disorder
             and
             Depravation
             by
             the
             Entrance
             of
             Sin
             ,
             than
             our
             Affections
             are
             .
             In
             and
             by
             them
             is
             the
             Heart
             wholly
             gone
             and
             turned
             off
             from
             God
             ,
             Tit.
             3.3
             .
             It
             were
             a
             long
             work
             to
             set
             forth
             this
             Depravation
             of
             our
             Affections
             ,
             nor
             doth
             it
             belong
             unto
             our
             present
             Design
             .
             Some
             few
             things
             I
             shall
             briefly
             observe
             concerning
             it
             ,
             to
             make
             way
             unto
             what
             is
             proposed
             concerning
             their
             Change.
             
          
           
             First
             ,
             This
             is
             the
             only
             Corruption
             and
             Depravation
             of
             our
             Nature
             ,
             by
             the
             Fall
             evident
             in
             and
             unto
             Reason
             ,
             or
             the
             Light
             of
             Nature
             it self
             .
             Those
             who
             were
             wise
             among
             the
             Heathen
             ,
             both
             saw
             it
             and
             complained
             of
             it
             .
             They
             found
             a
             weakness
             in
             the
             Mind
             ,
             but
             saw
             nothing
             of
             its
             darkness
             and
             depravation
             ,
             
               as
               unto
               things
               Spiritual
            
             .
             But
             they
             were
             sensible
             enough
             of
             this
             Disorder
             and
             Tumult
             of
             the
             Affections
             in
             things
             moral
             ,
             which
             renders
             the
             Minds
             of
             men
             like
             a
             troubled
             Sea
             ,
             whose
             Waters
             cast
             up
             Mire
             and
             Dirt.
             This
             greatly
             aggravates
             the
             neglect
             of
             them
             who
             are
             not
             sensible
             of
             it
             in
             themselves
             ,
             seeing
             it
             is
             discernable
             in
             the
             Light
             of
             Nature
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             They
             are
             as
             depraved
             ,
             the
             Seat
             and
             Subject
             of
             all
             Lusts
             ,
             both
             of
             the
             Flesh
             and
             of
             the
             Spirit
             .
             Yea
             ,
             Lust
             or
             evil
             Concupiscence
             is
             nothing
             but
             the
             irregular
             Motion
             and
             Acting
             of
             our
             Affections
             ,
             as
             depraved
             ,
             defiled
             ,
             corrupted
             ,
             
             Rom.
             7.9
             .
             Hence
             ,
             no
             one
             Sin
             can
             be
             mortifyed
             without
             a
             Change
             wrought
             in
             the
             Affections
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             They
             are
             the
             Spring
             ,
             Root
             ,
             and
             Cause
             of
             all
             actual
             Sin
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             Mat.
             15.9
             .
             The
             evil
             Heart
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             is
             the
             corrupt
             Affections
             of
             it
             ,
             with
             the
             Imaginations
             of
             the
             Mind
             whereby
             they
             are
             excited
             and
             acted
             .
             Gen.
             6.5
             .
             These
             are
             they
             ,
             which
             at
             this
             time
             fill
             the
             whole
             World
             with
             Wickedness
             ,
             Darkness
             ,
             Confusion
             and
             Terror
             .
             And
             we
             may
             learn
             what
             is
             their
             Force
             and
             Efficacy
             from
             these
             Effects
             .
             So
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             Plague
             is
             most
             evident
             ,
             when
             we
             see
             thousands
             dying
             of
             it
             every
             week
             .
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             They
             are
             the
             way
             and
             means
             whereby
             the
             Soul
             applies
             it self
             unto
             all
             sinful
             Objects
             and
             Actings
             .
             Hence
             are
             they
             called
             our
             Members
             ,
             our
             earthly
             Members
             ;
             because
             ,
             as
             the
             Body
             applies
             it self
             unto
             its
             Operations
             by
             its
             Members
             ,
             So
             doth
             the
             Soul
             apply
             it self
             unto
             what
             belongs
             unto
             it
             ,
             by
             its
             Affections
             .
             Rom.
             6.13
             .
             Col.
             3.5
             .
          
           
             Fifthly
             ,
             They
             will
             not
             be
             under
             the
             Conduct
             of
             the
             Mind
             ,
             its
             Light
             ,
             or
             Convictions
             .
             
               Rebellion
               against
               the
               Light
               of
               the
               Mind
               ,
            
             is
             the
             very
             form
             whereby
             their
             Corruption
             acts
             it self
             ,
             Job
             .
             24.13
             .
             Let
             the
             Apprehensions
             of
             the
             Mind
             ,
             and
             its
             Notions
             of
             Good
             and
             Evil
             be
             what
             they
             will
             ,
             they
             reject
             them
             ,
             and
             lead
             the
             Soul
             in
             pursuit
             of
             their
             Inclinations
             .
             Hence
             ,
             no
             natural
             Man
             whatsoever
             ,
             doth
             in
             any
             measure
             answer
             the
             Light
             of
             his
             Mind
             ,
             or
             the
             Convictions
             of
             his
             Understanding
             ;
             but
             he
             sees
             and
             approves
             of
             better
             things
             following
             those
             that
             are
             worse
             .
             And
             there
             is
             no
             greater
             Spiritual
             Judgement
             ,
             than
             for
             men
             to
             be
             given
             up
             unto
             ,
             themselves
             ,
             and
             their
             own
             evil
             Affections
             ,
             Rom.
             1.26
             .
          
           
             Many
             other
             Instances
             might
             be
             given
             of
             the
             greatness
             of
             that
             Depravation
             which
             our
             
               Affections
               are
               fallen
               under
               by
               Sin
            
             ;
             these
             may
             suffice
             as
             unto
             our
             present
             purpose
             .
          
           
           
             In
             general
             ,
             this
             Depravation
             of
             our
             Affections
             by
             nature
             ,
             may
             be
             reduced
             unto
             two
             Heads
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             An
             utter
             
               Aversation
               from
               God
               and
               all
               Spiritual
               things
               .
            
             In
             this
             lyes
             the
             Spring
             of
             all
             that
             
               Dislike
               of
               God
               and
               his
               Ways
               ,
            
             that
             the
             Hearts
             of
             Men
             are
             filled
             withal
             .
             Yea
             ,
             they
             do
             not
             only
             produce
             an
             
               Aversation
               from
               them
            
             ,
             and
             
               Dislike
               of
               them
            
             ,
             but
             they
             fill
             the
             Mind
             with
             an
             
               Enmity
               against
               them
            
             .
             Therefore
             ,
             
               Men
               say
               in
               their
               Hearts
               unto
               God
               ,
               Depart
               from
               us
               ,
               for
               we
               desire
               not
               the
               Knowledge
               of
               thy
               Ways
               ;
               What
               is
               the
               Almighty
               that
               we
               should
               serve
               him
               ?
               Or
               what
               profit
               should
               we
               have
               if
               we
               Pray
               unto
               him
            
             ?
             Job
             .
             21.14
             ,
             15.
             see
             Rom.
             1.28
             .
             Chap.
             8.
             7
             ,
             8.
             
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             An
             
               inordinate
               cleaving
               unto
               things
               vain
               ,
               earthly
               ,
            
             and
             sensual
             ;
             causing
             the
             Soul
             to
             engage
             into
             the
             pursuit
             of
             them
             ,
             as
             the
             Horse
             rushes
             into
             the
             Battle
             .
          
           
             Whil'st
             our
             Affections
             are
             in
             this
             State
             and
             Condition
             ,
             we
             are
             far
             enough
             from
             being
             Spiritually-Minded
             ,
             nor
             is
             it
             possible
             to
             engage
             them
             into
             an
             Adherence
             unto
             ,
             or
             Delight
             in
             
               Spiritual
               things
            
             .
          
           
             In
             this
             State
             ,
             they
             may
             be
             two
             ways
             wrought
             upon
             ,
             and
             yet
             not
             so
             renewed
             ,
             as
             to
             be
             serviceable
             unto
             this
             End.
             
          
           
             First
             ,
             There
             may
             be
             various
             
               temporary
               Impressions
            
             made
             on
             them
             ,
             sometimes
             there
             is
             so
             by
             the
             
               Preaching
               of
               the
               Word
            
             .
             Hereon
             Men
             may
             hear
             it
             with
             joy
             ,
             and
             do
             many
             things
             gladly
             .
             Sometimes
             it
             is
             so
             by
             
               Judgements
               ,
               Dangers
               ,
               Sicknesses
               ,
               Apprehensions
               of
               the
               approach
               of
               Death
               ,
            
             Psal.
             34
             ,
             78.35
             ,
             37.
             
             These
             things
             take
             men
             off
             for
             a
             season
             from
             their
             greedy
             Delight
             in
             earthly
             things
             ,
             and
             the
             pursuit
             of
             the
             Interest
             of
             Lust
             in
             making
             
               Provision
               for
               the
               Flesh.
            
             On
             many
             other
             Occasions
             ,
             by
             great
             variety
             of
             Causes
             ,
             there
             may
             be
             
               temporary
               Impressions
            
             made
             on
             the
             Affections
             ,
             that
             shall
             seem
             for
             a
             season
             ,
             to
             have
             turned
             the
             stream
             of
             them
             .
             And
             thereon
             we
             have
             many
             ,
             who
             every
             day
             will
             be
             wholly
             as
             it
             were
             for
             God
             ,
             resolved
             to
             forsake
             Sin
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Pleasures
             of
             it
             ;
             but
             the
             
             next
             return
             unto
             all
             their
             former
             Excesses
             .
             For
             this
             is
             the
             Effect
             of
             those
             Impressions
             ,
             that
             whereas
             Men
             ordinarily
             are
             predominantly
             acted
             by
             
               Love
               ,
               Desire
            
             ,
             and
             Delight
             ,
             which
             lead
             them
             to
             act
             according
             unto
             the
             true
             natural
             Principles
             of
             the
             Soul
             :
             now
             they
             are
             for
             a
             Season
             acted
             by
             Fear
             ,
             and
             Dread
             ,
             which
             put
             a
             kind
             of
             Force
             on
             all
             their
             Inclinations
             .
             Hereon
             they
             have
             other
             thoughts
             of
             Good
             and
             Evil
             ,
             of
             
               Things
               Eternal
            
             and
             Tmporal
             ,
             of
             God
             and
             their
             
               own
               Duty
            
             for
             a
             season
             .
             And
             hereon
             ,
             some
             of
             them
             may
             ,
             and
             do
             perswade
             themselves
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             a
             Change
             in
             their
             Hearts
             and
             Affections
             ,
             which
             there
             is
             not
             ;
             like
             a
             Man
             who
             perswades
             himself
             that
             he
             hath
             
               lost
               his
               Ague
               ,
               because
               his
               present
               Fit
               is
               over
               .
            
             The
             next
             trial
             of
             Temptation
             carries
             them
             away
             again
             
               unto
               the
               World
               and
               Sin.
            
             
          
           
             There
             are
             sometimes
             sudden
             Impressions
             made
             on
             
               Spiritual
               Affections
            
             ,
             which
             are
             always
             of
             great
             Advantage
             to
             the
             Soul
             ,
             renewing
             its
             Engagements
             unto
             God
             and
             Duty
             .
             So
             was
             it
             with
             Jacob
             ,
             Gen.
             28.16
             ,
             17
             ,
             18
             ,
             19
             ,
             20.
             
             So
             is
             it
             often
             with
             Believers
             in
             
               hearing
               the
               Word
            
             ,
             and
             other
             Occasions
             .
             On
             all
             of
             them
             they
             
               renew
               their
               cleavings
               unto
               God
               with
               Love
               and
               Delight
               .
            
             But
             the
             Effect
             of
             these
             Impressions
             on
             
               unrenewed
               Affections
            
             ,
             are
             neither
             Spiritual
             nor
             durable
             .
             Yea
             ,
             for
             the
             most
             part
             ,
             they
             are
             but
             Checks
             given
             in
             the
             Providence
             of
             God
             ,
             unto
             the
             raging
             of
             their
             Lusts.
             Psal.
             9.20
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             They
             are
             liable
             unto
             
               an
               habitual
               Change.
            
             This
             the
             Experience
             of
             all
             Ages
             gives
             Testimony
             to
             .
             There
             may
             be
             an
             
               habitual
               Change
               wrought
               in
               the
               Passions
               and
               Affections
               of
               the
               Mind
               ,
            
             as
             unto
             the
             inordinate
             and
             violent
             pursuit
             of
             their
             Inclinations
             ,
             without
             any
             
               gracious
               Renovation
               of
               them
               .
               Education
               ,
               Philosophy
               ,
            
             or
             
               Reason
               ,
               long
               Afflictions
               ,
               Spiritual
               Light
               and
               Gifts
            
             have
             wrought
             this
             Change.
             So
             Saul
             upon
             his
             Call
             to
             be
             King
             ,
             became
             
               another
               Man.
            
             Hereby
             ,
             Persons
             naturally
             passionate
             and
             furious
             have
             been
             made
             sedate
             and
             moderate
             ;
             and
             those
             who
             have
             been
             sensual
             ,
             have
             become
             temperate
             ;
             yea
             ,
             
               and
               haters
               of
               Religion
            
             ,
             to
             be
             
               Professors
               of
               it
            
             .
             All
             these
             
             things
             ,
             and
             many
             more
             of
             the
             like
             nature
             have
             proceeded
             from
             a
             Change
             wrought
             upon
             the
             Affections
             only
             ;
             whil'st
             the
             Mind
             ,
             Will
             and
             Conscience
             have
             been
             totally
             unsanctified
             .
          
           
             By
             this
             Change
             ,
             where
             it
             is
             alone
             ,
             no
             man
             ever
             became
             Spiritually-Minded
             .
             For
             whereas
             there
             are
             two
             parts
             of
             the
             
               Depravation
               of
               our
               Affections
            
             ,
             that
             whereby
             they
             are
             
               turned
               off
               from
               God
            
             ,
             and
             that
             whereby
             they
             
               inordinately
               cleave
               unto
               other
               things
            
             ;
             their
             Change
             principally
             ,
             if
             not
             only
             ,
             respects
             the
             latter
             .
             They
             are
             brought
             into
             some
             Order
             with
             respect
             unto
             present
             things
             .
             The
             Mind
             is
             not
             continually
             tossed
             up
             and
             down
             by
             them
             ,
             as
             the
             
               Waves
               of
               the
               Sea
            
             ,
             that
             are
             troubled
             and
             cast
             up
             mire
             and
             dirt
             .
             They
             do
             not
             carry
             those
             in
             whom
             they
             are
             into
             vitious
             sensual
             Actions
             ,
             but
             they
             allow
             them
             to
             make
             Vertue
             in
             
               Moderation
               ,
               Sobriety
               ,
               Temperance
               ,
               Fidelity
               ,
            
             and
             Usefulness
             in
             several
             Ways
             ,
             to
             be
             their
             Design
             .
             And
             it
             is
             admirable
             to
             think
             what
             Degrees
             of
             Eminency
             in
             all
             sorts
             of
             
               Moral
               Vertues
            
             upon
             this
             one
             Principle
             of
             moderating
             the
             Affections
             ,
             even
             many
             among
             the
             Heathens
             attained
             unto
             .
             But
             as
             unto
             their
             
               Aversation
               from
               God
            
             and
             
               Spiritual
               things
            
             ,
             in
             the
             true
             
               Spiritual
               Notion
            
             of
             them
             ,
             they
             are
             not
             cured
             by
             this
             Change.
             At
             least
             this
             Change
             may
             be
             ,
             and
             yet
             this
             latter
             not
             be
             wrought
             .
          
           
             Again
             ,
             This
             Alteration
             doth
             but
             
               turn
               the
               Course
               or
               Stream
               of
               Mens
               Affections
               ,
            
             it
             doth
             not
             change
             the
             Nature
             of
             them
             .
             They
             are
             the
             same
             in
             their
             Spring
             and
             Fountain
             ,
             as
             ever
             they
             were
             ,
             only
             they
             are
             
               habituated
               unto
               another
               Course
            
             than
             what
             of
             themselves
             they
             are
             inclined
             unto
             .
             You
             may
             take
             a
             
               young
               Whelp
            
             of
             the
             most
             fierce
             and
             savage
             Creatures
             ,
             as
             of
             a
             Tygar
             ,
             or
             a
             Wolf
             ,
             and
             by
             custom
             or
             usage
             ,
             make
             it
             as
             tame
             and
             harmless
             as
             any
             
               domestick
               Creature
            
             ,
             a
             Dog
             or
             the
             like
             .
             But
             although
             it
             may
             be
             turned
             unto
             quite
             another
             way
             or
             course
             of
             acting
             ,
             than
             what
             it
             was
             of
             it self
             enclined
             unto
             ,
             yet
             its
             nature
             is
             not
             changed
             .
             And
             therefore
             ,
             frequently
             on
             Occasion
             ,
             Opportunity
             ,
             or
             Provocation
             it
             will
             fall
             into
             its
             own
             
             savage
             Inclination
             .
             And
             having
             tasted
             of
             the
             Blood
             of
             Creatures
             ,
             it
             will
             never
             be
             reclaimed
             .
             So
             is
             it
             with
             the
             
               depraved
               Affections
            
             of
             men
             with
             respect
             unto
             their
             Change
             ;
             their
             
               streams
               are
               turned
            
             ,
             they
             are
             habituated
             unto
             a
             new
             Course
             ,
             their
             Nature
             is
             not
             altered
             ,
             at
             least
             not
             from
             rational
             unto
             Spiritual
             ,
             from
             earthly
             unto
             heavenly
             .
             Yet
             this
             is
             that
             which
             was
             most
             beautiful
             and
             desirable
             in
             nature
             ,
             the
             Glory
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             utmost
             of
             its
             Attainments
             .
             He
             who
             has
             by
             any
             means
             
               proceeded
               unto
               such
               a
               moderation
               of
               his
               Affections
               ,
            
             as
             to
             render
             him
             kind
             ,
             benign
             ,
             patient
             ,
             useful
             ,
             preferring
             publick
             Good
             before
             private
             ,
             inordinate
             ,
             and
             temporate
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             
               will
               rise
               up
               in
               Judgement
               against
               those
               ,
               who
               professing
               themselves
               to
               be
               under
               the
               Conduct
               of
               the
               Light
               of
               Grace
               ,
               do
               yet
               by
               being
               morose
               ,
               angry
               ,
               selfish
               ,
               wordly
               ,
               manifest
               that
               their
               Affections
               are
               not
               subdued
               by
               the
               Power
               of
               that
               Grace
               .
            
             Wherefore
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             Spiritually-minded
             ,
             there
             is
             yet
             another
             work
             upon
             our
             Affections
             required
             ,
             which
             is
             their
             
               internal
               Renovation
            
             ,
             whereby
             not
             only
             the
             
               Course
               of
               their
               Actings
            
             is
             changed
             ,
             but
             their
             Nature
             is
             altered
             ,
             and
             Spiritually
             renewed
             .
             I
             intend
             that
             which
             is
             expressed
             in
             that
             great
             Evangelical
             Promise
             ,
             Isai.
             17.6
             ,
             7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9.
             
             
               The
               Wolf
               shall
               dwell
               with
               the
               Lamb
               ,
               the
               Leopard
               shall
               lye
               down
               with
               the
               Kid
               ,
               and
               the
               Calf
               and
               the
               young
               Lion
               and
               the
               Fatlings
               together
               ,
               and
               a
               little
               Child
               shall
               lead
               them
               ,
               and
               the
               Cow
               and
               the
               Bear
               shall
               feed
               ,
               their
               young
               ones
               shall
               lye
               down
               together
               ,
               and
               the
               Lion
               shall
               eat
               Straw
               like
               the
               Ox
               ,
               and
               the
               sucking
               Child
               shall
               play
               on
               the
               hole
               of
               the
               Asp
               ,
               and
               the
               weaned
               Child
               shall
               put
               his
               Hand
               on
               the
               Cockatrice
               Den.
               They
               shall
               not
               hurt
               nor
               destroy
               in
               all
               my
               holy
               Mountain
               .
            
             A
             Change
             and
             Alteration
             is
             promised
             in
             the
             Natures
             ,
             Principles
             ,
             and
             first
             Inclinations
             of
             the
             worst
             and
             most
             Savage
             Sinners
             ,
             who
             pass
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             Gospel
             Grace
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             that
             which
             is
             required
             of
             us
             in
             a
             way
             of
             Duty
             ,
             Ephes.
             4.13
             .
             
               And
               be
               ye
               renewed
               in
               the
               Spirit
               of
               your
               Minds
               .
            
             There
             is
             a
             Renovation
             of
             the
             Mind
             it self
             ,
             by
             the
             Communication
             
             of
             Spiritual
             Saving
             Light
             and
             Understanding
             thereunto
             ,
             whereof
             I
             have
             treated
             elsewhere
             at
             large
             ,
             see
             Rom.
             12.2
             .
             Ephes.
             1.17
             ,
             18.
             
             But
             the
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Mind
             ,
             that
             whereby
             it
             is
             enlivened
             ,
             lead
             and
             disposed
             unto
             its
             Actings
             ,
             that
             is
             to
             be
             renewed
             also
             .
             The
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Mind
             is
             in
             this
             Place
             opposed
             unto
             the
             Old
             Man
             ,
             which
             is
             corrupt
             according
             to
             deceitful
             Lust
             ,
             or
             depraved
             Affections
             ,
             v.
             22.
             
             These
             therefore
             are
             that
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Mind
             which
             encline
             ,
             bend
             ,
             and
             lead
             it
             to
             act
             suitably
             unto
             its
             Inclinations
             ,
             which
             is
             to
             be
             renewed
             .
             And
             when
             our
             Affections
             are
             enclined
             by
             the
             saving
             Grace
             of
             the
             holy
             Spirit
             ,
             then
             are
             they
             renewed
             ,
             and
             not
             else
             .
             No
             other
             Change
             will
             give
             them
             a
             Spiritual
             Renovation
             .
             Hereby
             those
             things
             which
             are
             only
             
               natural
               Affections
            
             in
             themselves
             ,
             in
             them
             that
             believe
             ,
             become
             Fruits
             of
             the
             Spirit
             .
             Gal.
             5.22
             .
             
               The
               Fruit
               of
               the
               Spirit
               is
               Love
               ,
               Joy
               ,
               Peace
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             They
             continue
             the
             same
             as
             they
             were
             in
             their
             
               Essence
               ,
               Substance
            
             ,
             and
             
               natural
               Powers
            
             ,
             but
             are
             changed
             in
             their
             
               Properties
               ,
               Qualities
               ,
               Inclinations
            
             ,
             when
             ever
             a
             new
             Nature
             is
             given
             unto
             them
             .
             So
             the
             
               Waters
               at
               Marah
            
             were
             the
             same
             Waters
             still
             ,
             before
             and
             after
             their
             Cure.
             But
             of
             themselves
             ,
             and
             in
             their
             own
             nature
             ,
             they
             were
             bitter
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             the
             People
             could
             not
             drink
             them
             ;
             in
             the
             casting
             of
             a
             Tree
             into
             them
             ,
             they
             were
             made
             sweet
             and
             useful
             ,
             Exod.
             15.25
             ,
             26.
             
             So
             was
             it
             with
             the
             
               Waters
               of
               Jerico
            
             ,
             which
             were
             cured
             by
             casting
             Salt
             into
             them
             ,
             2
             King.
             19
             ,
             20
             ,
             21.
             
             Our
             Affections
             continue
             the
             same
             as
             they
             were
             on
             their
             
               Nature
               and
               Essence
            
             ,
             but
             they
             are
             so
             cured
             by
             Grace
             ,
             as
             that
             their
             
               Properties
               ,
               Qualities
            
             ,
             and
             Inclinations
             are
             all
             cleansed
             or
             renewed
             .
             The
             
               Tree
               or
               Salt
            
             that
             is
             cast
             into
             these
             Waters
             whereby
             the
             Cure
             is
             wrought
             ,
             is
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             above
             all
             ,
             proceeding
             from
             Faith
             in
             him
             by
             Christ
             Jesus
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XIII
             .
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 Work
                 of
                 the
                 Renovation
                 of
                 our
                 Affections
                 .
                 How
                 differenced
                 from
                 any
                 other
                 Impression
                 on
                 ,
                 or
                 Change
                 wrought
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 it
                 is
                 Evidenced
                 so
                 to
                 be
                 .
                 The
                 first
                 Instance
                 in
                 the
                 Universality
                 accompanying
                 of
                 Affections
                 Spiritually
                 renewed
                 .
                 The
                 Order
                 of
                 the
                 Exercise
                 of
                 our
                 Affections
                 with
                 Respect
                 unto
                 their
                 Objects
                 .
              
            
          
           
             THat
             which
             is
             our
             Concernment
             herein
             ,
             is
             to
             enquire
             of
             what
             Nature
             
               that
               Work
               is
               which
               hath
               been
               on
               our
               own
               Affections
               ,
               or
               in
               them
               ,
            
             and
             how
             it
             differs
             from
             those
             ,
             which
             whatever
             they
             do
             or
             effect
             ,
             yet
             will
             not
             render
             us
             nor
             themselves
             Spiritual
             .
          
           
             And
             we
             ought
             to
             use
             the
             best
             of
             our
             Diligence
             herein
             ;
             because
             the
             great
             means
             whereby
             Multitudes
             delude
             and
             deceive
             their
             own
             Souls
             ,
             perswading
             themselves
             that
             there
             has
             been
             an
             effectual
             Work
             of
             the
             Grace
             of
             the
             Gospel
             in
             them
             ,
             is
             the
             Change
             that
             they
             find
             in
             their
             Affections
             which
             may
             be
             on
             many
             Occasions
             ,
             without
             any
             Spiritual
             Renovation
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             As
             unto
             the
             temporary
             and
             
               Occasional
               Impressions
            
             in
             the
             Affections
             before
             mentioned
             ,
             whether
             from
             the
             Word
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             divine
             warning
             by
             Afflictions
             or
             Mercies
             ,
             they
             are
             common
             to
             all
             sorts
             of
             Persons
             .
             Some
             there
             are
             ,
             whose
             
               Consciences
               are
               seared
               with
               a
               hot
               Iron
               ,
            
             1
             Tim.
             4.2
             .
             who
             thereon
             being
             past
             feeling
             (
             sensless
             of
             all
             Calls
             ,
             Warnings
             ,
             and
             
             rebukes
             )
             
               do
               give
               themselves
               over
               unto
               Lasciviousness
               ,
               to
               work
               all
               uncleanness
               with
               Greediness
               ,
            
             Eph.
             4.19
             .
             Such
             Persons
             having
             hardned
             themselves
             in
             a
             long
             Course
             of
             Sin
             ,
             and
             being
             given
             up
             unto
             a
             
               Reprobate
               Mind
            
             ,
             or
             
               Vile
               Affections
            
             in
             a
             way
             of
             Judgment
             ,
             have
             it
             may
             be
             no
             such
             Impressions
             on
             their
             Affections
             on
             any
             Occasion
             ,
             as
             to
             move
             them
             with
             a
             sense
             of
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Eternal
             .
             They
             may
             be
             terrified
             with
             Danger
             ,
             sudden
             Judgments
             ,
             and
             other
             Revelations
             of
             the
             Wrath
             of
             God
             from
             Heaven
             against
             the
             Ungodliness
             of
             Men
             ;
             but
             they
             are
             not
             drawn
             to
             take
             shelter
             in
             thoughts
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             .
             Nothing
             but
             Hell
             will
             awaken
             them
             unto
             a
             due
             Consideration
             of
             themselves
             and
             things
             Eternal
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             otherwise
             with
             the
             generality
             of
             Men
             who
             are
             not
             profligate
             and
             impudent
             in
             Sinning
             .
             For
             although
             they
             are
             in
             a
             natural
             Condition
             ,
             and
             a
             course
             of
             Sin
             ,
             in
             the
             neglect
             of
             known
             Duties
             ,
             yet
             by
             one
             meanes
             or
             other
             ,
             most
             frequently
             ,
             by
             the
             preaching
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             their
             
               Affections
               are
               stirred
               towards
               Heavenly
               Things
               .
            
          
           
             Sometimes
             they
             are
             afraid
             ,
             sometimes
             they
             have
             hopes
             and
             desires
             about
             them
             .
             These
             put
             them
             on
             Resolutions
             ,
             and
             some
             temporary
             Endeavours
             
               to
               change
               their
               Lives
            
             ,
             to
             abstain
             from
             Sin
             ,
             and
             to
             perform
             holy
             Duties
             .
             But
             as
             the
             Prophet
             complains
             ,
             
               their
               Goodness
               is
               as
               the
               morning
               Cloud
               ,
               and
               as
               the
               early
               Dew
               ,
               so
               passeth
               it
               away
               .
            
             Yet
             by
             means
             hereof
             ,
             do
             many
             poor
             ignorant
             Souls
             deceive
             themselves
             ,
             and
             cry
             Peace
             ,
             Peace
             ,
             when
             there
             is
             no
             Peace
             .
             And
             they
             will
             sometimes
             so
             express
             how
             they
             are
             affected
             with
             Complaints
             of
             themselves
             as
             unto
             their
             long
             neglect
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             that
             others
             may
             entertain
             good
             hopes
             concerning
             them
             ;
             but
             all
             comes
             to
             nothing
             in
             the
             Tryal
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             no
             difficulty
             unto
             
               Spiritual
               Light
            
             to
             distinguish
             between
             these
             
               occasional
               Impressions
            
             on
             the
             Affections
             ,
             and
             that
             Spiritual
             Renovation
             of
             them
             which
             we
             enquire
             after
             .
             This
             alone
             is
             sufficient
             to
             do
             it
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             all
             of
             them
             
             temporary
             and
             evanid
             .
             
               They
               abide
               for
               a
               while
               only
               ,
            
             as
             our
             Saviour
             speaks
             ,
             and
             every
             Occasion
             defeats
             all
             their
             Efficacy
             .
             They
             may
             be
             frequently
             renewed
             ,
             but
             they
             never
             abide
             .
             Some
             of
             them
             immediately
             pass
             away
             ,
             and
             are
             utterly
             lost
             between
             the
             place
             where
             they
             hear
             the
             Word
             and
             their
             own
             habitations
             ;
             and
             in
             vain
             shall
             they
             enquire
             after
             them
             again
             ,
             they
             are
             gone
             for
             ever
             .
             Some
             have
             a
             larger
             Continuance
             ,
             endure
             longer
             in
             the
             Mind
             ,
             and
             produce
             some
             outward
             Effects
             ;
             None
             of
             them
             will
             hold
             any
             Tryal
             ,
             or
             Shock
             of
             Temptation
             .
          
           
             Yet
             I
             have
             somewhat
             to
             say
             unto
             those
             who
             have
             such
             
               Impressions
               on
               their
               Affections
            
             ,
             and
             warning
             by
             them
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             
               Despise
               them
               not
            
             ,
             for
             God
             is
             in
             them
             .
             Although
             he
             may
             not
             be
             in
             them
             in
             a
             
               way
               of
               Saving
               Grace
            
             ,
             yet
             he
             is
             in
             them
             in
             that
             which
             may
             be
             preparatory
             thereto
             .
             They
             are
             not
             common
             humane
             accidents
             ,
             but
             especial
             Divine
             Warnings
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             
               Labour
               to
               retain
               them
               ,
               or
            
             a
             Sence
             of
             them
             upon
             your
             Hearts
             and
             Consciences
             .
             You
             have
             got
             nothing
             by
             loosing
             so
             many
             of
             them
             already
             .
             And
             if
             you
             proceed
             in
             their
             neglect
             ,
             after
             a
             while
             you
             will
             hear
             of
             them
             no
             more
             .
          
           
             (
             3
             )
             
               Put
               no
               more
               in
               them
               than
               belongs
               unto
               them
               .
            
             Do
             not
             presently
             conclude
             that
             your
             State
             is
             good
             ,
             because
             you
             have
             been
             affected
             at
             the
             hearing
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             or
             under
             a
             sickness
             ,
             or
             in
             a
             danger
             .
             Hereon
             many
             think
             that
             now
             all
             is
             well
             with
             them
             ,
             wherewith
             they
             please
             themselves
             ,
             untill
             they
             are
             wholly
             immersed
             in
             their
             former
             security
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             .
             We
             may
             consider
             the
             Difference
             that
             is
             between
             the
             
               Habitual
               Change
            
             of
             the
             Affections
             before
             described
             ,
             &
             that
             
               Renovation
               by
               Grace
            
             which
             renders
             them
             Spiritual
             .
             And
             this
             is
             of
             great
             Concernment
             unto
             us
             all
             to
             enquire
             into
             it
             with
             Diligence
             .
             Multitudes
             are
             herein
             deceived
             ,
             and
             that
             unto
             their
             Ruine
             .
             For
             they
             resolve
             their
             present
             Peace
             into
             ,
             and
             
             build
             their
             hopes
             of
             Eternal
             Life
             on
             such
             a
             Change
             in
             themselves
             ,
             as
             will
             not
             abide
             the
             Tryal
             .
             This
             Difference
             therefore
             is
             to
             be
             examined
             by
             Scripture
             Light
             ,
             and
             the
             Experience
             of
             them
             that
             do
             believe
             .
             And
          
           
             1.
             
             There
             is
             a
             
               double
               Universality
            
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             
               Spiritual
               Renovation
               of
               our
               Affections
            
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             That
             which
             is
             subjective
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             Affections
             themselves
             .
             And
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             That
             which
             is
             Objective
             with
             respect
             unto
             Spiritual
             things
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             Sanctification
             extends
             it self
             unto
             the
             
               whole
               Spirit
               ,
               Soul
               and
               Body
               ,
            
             1
             Thes.
             5.23
             .
             When
             we
             say
             that
             we
             are
             
               Sanctifyed
               in
               part
            
             only
             ,
             we
             do
             not
             say
             that
             any
             Part
             ,
             Power
             or
             Faculty
             of
             the
             Soul
             is
             unsanctifyed
             ,
             but
             only
             that
             the
             work
             is
             not
             absolutely
             perfect
             in
             any
             of
             them
             .
             All
             Sin
             may
             retain
             Power
             in
             some
             one
             Affection
             ,
             as
             
               Anger
               ,
               fear
            
             ,
             or
             Love
             as
             unto
             actual
             Irruptions
             and
             Effects
             more
             than
             in
             all
             the
             rest
             .
             As
             one
             Affection
             may
             be
             more
             eminently
             Sanctifyed
             in
             some
             than
             in
             others
             .
             For
             it
             may
             have
             advantages
             unto
             this
             End
             from
             
               Mens
               natural
               Tempers
            
             ,
             and
             various
             outward
             Circumstances
             .
             Hence
             some
             find
             little
             Difficulty
             in
             the
             
               Mortification
               of
               all
               other
               Lusts
            
             or
             corruptions
             ,
             in
             Comparison
             of
             what
             they
             meet
             withal
             in
             some
             one
             
               inordinate
               Affection
            
             or
             Corruption
             .
             This
             it
             may
             be
             David
             had
             regard
             unto
             ,
             Psal.
             18.23
             .
             I
             have
             known
             Persons
             shining
             examplarily
             in
             all
             other
             Graces
             ,
             who
             have
             been
             scarce
             free
             from
             giving
             great
             Scandal
             by
             the
             excess
             of
             their
             Passions
             and
             easy
             Provocations
             thereunto
             .
             And
             yet
             they
             have
             known
             that
             the
             setting
             themselves
             unto
             the
             sincere
             vigorous
             Mortification
             of
             that
             disorder
             ,
             is
             the
             most
             eminent
             Pledg
             of
             their
             Sincerity
             in
             other
             things
             .
             For
             the
             Tryal
             of
             our self
             denyal
             lyes
             in
             the
             things
             that
             our
             natural
             Inclinations
             lye
             strongest
             towards
             .
             Howbeit
             as
             was
             said
             ,
             
               there
               is
               no
               Affection
               where
               there
               is
               this
               Work
               of
               Renovation
               ,
            
             but
             it
             is
             sanctifyed
             and
             renewed
             ;
             none
             of
             them
             is
             left
             absolutely
             unto
             the
             Service
             
             of
             Sin
             and
             Satan
             ,
             And
             therefore
             whereas
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             advantages
             mentioned
             ,
             Sin
             doth
             greatly
             contend
             to
             use
             some
             of
             them
             unto
             its
             Interest
             and
             Service
             in
             a
             peculiar
             manner
             ,
             yet
             are
             they
             inabled
             unto
             ,
             &
             made
             meet
             for
             
               gracious
               Actings
            
             ,
             and
             do
             in
             their
             proper
             Seasons
             ,
             put
             forth
             themselves
             accordingly
             .
             There
             is
             no
             Affection
             of
             the
             Mind
             from
             whence
             the
             Soul
             and
             Conscience
             hath
             received
             the
             greatest
             Dammage
             ,
             that
             was
             as
             it
             were
             the
             
               Field
               wherein
               the
               Contest
               is
               managed
               between
               Sin
               and
               Grace
               ,
            
             but
             hath
             its
             Spiritual
             Use
             and
             Exercise
             ,
             when
             the
             Mind
             is
             renewed
             .
          
           
             There
             are
             some
             so
             inordinately
             subject
             to
             Anger
             and
             passion
             therein
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             were
             absolutely
             under
             the
             Power
             and
             Dominion
             of
             it
             ;
             yet
             do
             they
             also
             know
             how
             to
             be
             angry
             ,
             and
             sin
             not
             in
             being
             angry
             at
             Sin
             in
             themselves
             and
             others
             .
             
               Yea
               what
               Indignation
               ,
               yea
               what
               Revenge
               ,
            
             2
             Cor.
             7.7
             .
             Yea
             ,
             God
             is
             pleased
             sometimes
             to
             leave
             somewhat
             more
             than
             ordinary
             of
             the
             Power
             of
             Corruption
             in
             one
             Affection
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             be
             an
             Occasion
             of
             the
             Continual
             Exercise
             of
             Grace
             in
             the
             other
             Affections
             .
             Yet
             are
             they
             all
             sanctifyed
             in
             their
             Degree
             ,
             that
             which
             is
             relieved
             as
             well
             as
             that
             which
             doth
             relieve
             .
             And
             therefore
             as
             the
             remainder
             of
             Sin
             in
             them
             that
             believe
             is
             
               called
               the
               old
               Man
               ,
               which
               is
               to
               be
               crucifyed
               in
               all
               the
               Members
               of
               it
               ,
            
             because
             of
             its
             adherence
             unto
             the
             whole
             Person
             in
             all
             its
             Powers
             and
             Faculties
             ;
             So
             the
             Grace
             implanted
             in
             our
             natures
             ,
             
               is
               called
               the
               New
               Man
            
             ,
             there
             being
             nothing
             in
             us
             that
             is
             not
             seasoned
             and
             affected
             with
             it
             .
             As
             nothing
             in
             our
             Natures
             
               escaped
               the
               taint
               of
               Sin
            
             ,
             so
             ,
             nothing
             in
             our
             Natures
             
               is
               accepted
               from
               the
               Renovation
               that
               is
               by
               Grace
               .
            
             He
             in
             whom
             any
             one
             Affection
             is
             utrerly
             unrenewed
             ,
             hath
             no
             one
             graciously
             renewed
             in
             him
             .
             Let
             men
             take
             heed
             how
             they
             indulge
             to
             any
             
               depraved
               Affection
            
             ,
             for
             it
             will
             be
             an
             unavoidable
             Impeachment
             of
             their
             Sincerity
             .
             Think
             ,
             not
             to
             say
             with
             
               Naaman
               ,
               God
               be
               merciful
               unto
               me
               in
               this
               thing
               ,
               in
               all
               others
               I
               will
               be
               for
               him
               .
            
          
           
           
             He
             require
             the
             whole
             Heart
             ,
             and
             will
             have
             it
             or
             more
             .
             The
             chief
             work
             of
             a
             Christian
             is
             to
             make
             
               all
               his
               Affections
            
             in
             all
             their
             Operations
             subservient
             unto
             the
             
               Life
               of
               God
               ,
               Rom.
            
             6.17
             .
             And
             he
             who
             is
             wise
             will
             keep
             a
             continual
             Watch
             over
             those
             wherein
             he
             finds
             the
             greatest
             Reluctancy
             thereunto
             .
             And
             every
             Affection
             is
             originally
             sanctifyed
             according
             unto
             the
             use
             it
             is
             to
             be
             of
             ,
             in
             the
             Life
             of
             Holiness
             and
             Obedience
             .
          
           
             
               To
               be
               intire
               for
               God
            
             ,
             to
             follow
             him
             wholly
             ,
             to
             cleave
             unto
             him
             with
             purpose
             of
             Heart
             ,
             to
             have
             the
             Heart
             circumcis'd
             to
             love
             him
             ,
             is
             to
             have
             all
             our
             Affections
             renewed
             and
             sanctifyed
             ,
             without
             which
             we
             can
             do
             none
             of
             them
             .
             When
             it
             is
             otherwise
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             double
             Heart
             ,
             an
             Heart
             and
             a
             Heart
             which
             he
             abhors
             ,
             
               Their
               Heart
               is
               divided
               ,
               now
               shall
               they
               be
               found
               faulty
               ,
            
             Hosea
             10.2
             .
          
           
             So
             it
             is
             in
             the
             other
             Change
             mentioned
             .
             What
             ever
             is
             or
             may
             be
             wrought
             upon
             our
             Affections
             when
             they
             are
             not
             Spiritually
             renewed
             ;
             
               That
               very
               change
               as
               unto
               the
               Degree
               of
               it
               ,
               is
               not
               universal
            
             ;
             it
             doth
             not
             affect
             the
             whole
             Mind
             in
             all
             its
             Powers
             and
             Affections
             ,
             until
             a
             vital
             prevailing
             Principle
             and
             habit
             of
             Grace
             is
             implanted
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             Sin
             will
             not
             only
             radically
             adhere
             unto
             all
             the
             Faculties
             ,
             Powers
             and
             Affections
             but
             it
             will
             under
             any
             Change
             that
             may
             befall
             them
             refer
             the
             Rule
             and
             Dominion
             in
             some
             of
             them
             unto
             it self
             .
             So
             was
             it
             with
             the
             
               young
               Man
            
             that
             came
             unto
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             to
             know
             what
             he
             should
             do
             to
             obtain
             Eternal
             Life
             ,
             Mark.
             10.17
             ,
             18
             ,
             19
             ,
             20
             ,
             21
             ,
             22.
             
          
           
             Thus
             there
             are
             many
             who
             in
             other
             things
             are
             reduced
             unto
             
               Moderation
               ,
               Sobriety
               and
               Temperance
            
             yet
             there
             remaineth
             in
             them
             the
             
               Love
               of
               Mony
            
             in
             a
             predominant
             Degree
             ,
             which
             to
             them
             
               is
               the
               Root
               of
               all
               evil
               ,
            
             as
             the
             Apostle
             Speaks
             ,
             some
             seem
             to
             be
             Religious
             ,
             but
             they
             bridle
             not
             their
             Tongues
             through
             Anger
             ,
             Envy
             ,
             Hatred
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             ,
             their
             Religion
             is
             in
             vain
             .
          
           
           
             The
             most
             of
             Men
             in
             their
             several
             ways
             of
             Profession
             ,
             pretend
             not
             only
             unto
             Religion
             ,
             but
             unto
             zeal
             in
             it
             ,
             yet
             set
             no
             Bounds
             unto
             their
             Affections
             unto
             earthly
             Enjoyments
             .
             Some
             of
             old
             who
             had
             most
             eminently
             in
             all
             other
             things
             subdued
             their
             Passions
             and
             Affections
             ,
             were
             the
             greatest
             Enemies
             unto
             ,
             and
             Persecutors
             of
             the
             Gospel
             .
          
           
             Some
             who
             seem
             to
             have
             had
             a
             mighty
             Change
             wrought
             in
             them
             by
             a
             
               Superstitious
               Devotion
            
             ,
             do
             yet
             walk
             in
             the
             
               Spirit
               of
               Cain
            
             towards
             all
             the
             Disciples
             of
             Christ
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             with
             the
             principal
             Devotionists
             in
             the
             
               Church
               of
               Rome
            
             ;
             and
             elsewhere
             we
             may
             see
             some
             go
             soberly
             about
             the
             Persecution
             and
             Destruction
             of
             other
             Christians
             .
             Some
             will
             cherish
             one
             
               Secret
               Lust
            
             or
             other
             ,
             which
             they
             cannot
             but
             know
             to
             be
             pernitious
             unto
             their
             Souls
             .
             Some
             love
             the
             Praise
             ,
             of
             Men
             ,
             which
             will
             never
             permit
             them
             to
             be
             truely
             Spiritually
             Minded
             ;
             so
             our
             Saviour
             testifyeth
             of
             some
             ,
             that
             they
             could
             
               not
               believe
               ,
               because
               they
               loved
               the
               Praise
               of
               Men.
            
             This
             was
             the
             known
             Vice
             of
             all
             the
             antient
             Philosophers
             .
             They
             had
             many
             of
             them
             on
             the
             Principles
             of
             Reason
             ,
             and
             by
             severe
             Exercise
             subdued
             their
             Affections
             unto
             great
             Moderation
             about
             Temporary
             things
             .
             But
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             were
             all
             of
             them
             Slaves
             to
             
               vain
               glory
            
             ,
             and
             the
             praise
             of
             men
             ,
             untill
             by
             the
             publick
             Observation
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             some
             Contradictions
             in
             their
             Lives
             unto
             their
             Pretences
             unto
             Virtue
             ,
             they
             lost
             that
             also
             among
             wise
             and
             considerative
             Men.
             And
             generally
             if
             men
             ,
             
               not
               Spiritually
               renewed
            
             ,
             were
             able
             to
             search
             themselves
             ,
             they
             would
             find
             that
             some
             of
             their
             Affections
             are
             so
             far
             from
             having
             any
             change
             wrought
             in
             them
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             are
             a
             quiet
             Habitation
             for
             Sin
             ,
             where
             it
             exerciseth
             its
             Rule
             and
             Dominion
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             .
             There
             is
             an
             Universality
             that
             is
             
               Objective
               in
               Spiritual
               things
            
             ,
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             Renovation
             of
             our
             Affections
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             Affections
             Spiritually
             renewed
             do
             fix
             themselves
             upon
             ,
             and
             cleave
             unto
             all
             
               all
               Spiritual
               things
            
             in
             their
             proper
             places
             ,
             and
             unto
             their
             proper
             Ends.
             For
             the
             Ground
             and
             
             Reason
             of
             our
             adherence
             unto
             any
             one
             of
             them
             ,
             are
             the
             same
             with
             respect
             unto
             them
             all
             .
             That
             is
             their
             Relation
             unto
             God
             in
             Christ.
             Wherefore
             when
             our
             Affections
             are
             renewed
             ,
             we
             make
             no
             
               choice
               in
               Spiritual
               things
            
             ,
             cleaving
             unto
             some
             ,
             and
             refusing
             others
             ,
             making
             use
             of
             Naamans
             restraint
             ,
             but
             our
             adherence
             is
             the
             same
             unto
             them
             all
             in
             their
             proper
             places
             and
             Degrees
             .
             And
             if
             by
             reason
             of
             Darkness
             and
             Ignorance
             ,
             we
             know
             not
             any
             of
             them
             to
             be
             from
             God
             ,
             as
             for
             Instance
             ,
             the
             Observation
             of
             the
             Lords
             Day
             ,
             it
             is
             of
             unspeakable
             Disadvantages
             unto
             us
             .
             An
             equal
             respect
             is
             required
             in
             us
             unto
             all
             Gods
             Commands
             .
             Yet
             there
             are
             various
             Distinctions
             in
             Spiritual
             things
             .
             And
             thereon
             a
             man
             may
             ,
             and
             ought
             to
             value
             one
             above
             another
             ,
             as
             unto
             the
             Degrees
             of
             his
             Love
             and
             Esteem
             ,
             although
             they
             are
             to
             be
             sincere
             with
             respect
             unto
             them
             all
             .
          
           
             First
             .
             God
             himself
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             as
             revealed
             in
             and
             by
             Christ
             ,
             is
             in
             the
             first
             and
             chiefest
             place
             the
             proper
             and
             adequate
             Object
             of
             our
             Affections
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             renewed
             .
             He
             is
             so
             for
             himself
             ,
             or
             his
             own
             Sake
             alone
             .
             This
             is
             the
             Spring
             ,
             the
             Center
             ,
             and
             chief
             Object
             of
             our
             Love.
             He
             that
             loves
             not
             God
             for
             himself
             ,
             
               that
               is
               ,
               for
               what
               he
               is
               in
               himself
               ,
            
             and
             what
             from
             himself
             alone
             ,
             
               he
               is
               ,
               and
               will
               be
               unto
               us
               in
               Christ
               ,
            
             which
             Considerations
             are
             inseperable
             ,
             he
             hath
             no
             true
             Affection
             for
             any
             Spiritual
             thing
             whatever
             .
             And
             not
             a
             few
             do
             here
             deceive
             themselves
             ,
             or
             are
             deceived
             ,
             which
             should
             make
             us
             the
             more
             strict
             and
             diligent
             in
             the
             Examination
             of
             our selves
             .
             They
             suppose
             that
             they
             love
             Heaven
             and
             
               Heavenly
               things
            
             ,
             and
             the
             Duties
             of
             Divine
             Worships
             ,
             which
             Perswasion
             maybe
             fall
             them
             on
             many
             Grounds
             and
             Occasions
             ,
             which
             will
             not
             endure
             the
             Tryal
             .
             But
             as
             unto
             
               God
               himself
            
             ,
             they
             can
             give
             no
             Evidence
             that
             they
             have
             any
             Love
             to
             him
             ,
             either
             on
             the
             account
             of
             the
             
               Glorious
               Excellencies
               of
               his
               Nature
            
             ,
             with
             their
             natural
             Relation
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             Dependance
             on
             him
             ,
             nor
             on
             the
             account
             of
             the
             
               Manifestation
               of
               himself
               in
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             the
             Exercise
             of
             his
             Grace
             therein
             .
             But
             whatever
             be
             pretended
             ,
             
             there
             is
             no
             Love
             unto
             God
             ,
             whereof
             these
             things
             are
             not
             the
             formal
             Reason
             ,
             that
             proceed
             not
             from
             these
             Springs
             .
             And
             because
             that
             all
             men
             pretend
             that
             they
             
               love
               God
            
             ,
             and
             defie
             them
             that
             think
             them
             so
             vile
             as
             not
             so
             to
             do
             ,
             though
             they
             live
             in
             open
             Enmity
             against
             him
             ,
             and
             hatred
             of
             him
             ,
             it
             becomes
             us
             strictly
             to
             examine
             our selves
             on
             what
             grounds
             we
             pretend
             so
             to
             do
             .
             It
             is
             because
             indeed
             we
             see
             an
             Excellency
             ,
             a
             Beauty
             ,
             a
             desirableness
             in
             the
             glorious
             properties
             of
             his
             Nature
             ,
             such
             as
             our
             Souls
             are
             refreshed
             and
             satisfyed
             with
             the
             thoughts
             of
             by
             Faith
             ,
             and
             in
             whose
             Enjoyment
             our
             Blessedness
             will
             consist
             ,
             so
             that
             we
             alwayes
             
               rejoyce
               at
               the
               Remembrance
               of
               his
               Holyness
            
             ;
             It
             is
             our
             great
             Joy
             and
             Satisfaction
             that
             God
             is
             what
             he
             is
             ;
             is
             it
             from
             the
             glorious
             Manifestation
             that
             he
             hath
             made
             of
             himself
             and
             all
             his
             Holy
             Excellencies
             in
             Christ
             ,
             with
             the
             communication
             of
             himself
             unto
             us
             in
             and
             by
             him
             ?
             If
             it
             be
             so
             indeed
             ,
             then
             is
             our
             Lord
             generous
             and
             gracious
             ,
             from
             the
             Renovation
             of
             our
             Affections
             But
             if
             we
             say
             we
             love
             God
             ,
             yet
             truely
             know
             not
             why
             ,
             or
             upon
             Principles
             of
             Education
             ,
             and
             because
             it
             is
             esteemed
             the
             highth
             of
             Wickedness
             to
             do
             otherwise
             ,
             we
             shall
             be
             at
             a
             Loss
             when
             we
             are
             called
             unto
             our
             Tryal
             .
             This
             is
             the
             first
             object
             of
             our
             Affections
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             .
             In
             other
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             
               renewed
               Affections
            
             do
             cleave
             unto
             them
             according
             as
             
               God
               is
               in
               them
            
             .
             God
             alone
             is
             loved
             for
             himself
             ,
             all
             other
             things
             for
             him
             ,
             in
             the
             measure
             and
             Degree
             of
             his
             presence
             in
             them
             .
             This
             alone
             gives
             them
             preheminence
             in
             renewed
             Affections
             ;
             for
             Instance
             ,
             God
             is
             in
             Christ
             ,
             in
             the
             humane
             nature
             of
             the
             man
             Christ
             Jesus
             ,
             in
             a
             way
             and
             manner
             ,
             singular
             ,
             
               in
               concern
               a
               like
               ,
               incomprehensible
               ,
            
             so
             as
             he
             is
             in
             the
             same
             kind
             in
             nothing
             else
             .
             Therefore
             is
             the
             
               Lord
               Christ
            
             even
             as
             unto
             his
             humane
             Nature
             ,
             the
             Object
             of
             our
             Love
             and
             Affections
             in
             such
             a
             way
             and
             Degree
             ,
             as
             no
             other
             thing
             ,
             Spiritual
             or
             Eternal
             but
             God
             himself
             is
             or
             ought
             to
             be
             ;
             all
             other
             Spiritual
             things
             become
             so
             from
             
             the
             Presence
             of
             God
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             from
             the
             
               Degree
               of
               that
               Presence
            
             have
             they
             their
             Nature
             and
             Use.
             Accordingly
             are
             they
             ,
             or
             ought
             to
             be
             the
             Object
             of
             our
             Affections
             ,
             as
             unto
             the
             degree
             of
             their
             Exercise
             .
             Evidence
             of
             the
             Presence
             of
             God
             in
             things
             and
             Persons
             ,
             are
             the
             only
             attractives
             of
             renewed
             Affections
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             In
             those
             things
             which
             seem
             to
             
               stand
               in
               an
               equality
            
             as
             unto
             what
             is
             of
             God
             in
             them
             ,
             yet
             on
             some
             especial
             Occasions
             and
             Reasons
             ,
             our
             Love
             may
             go
             forth
             eminently
             unto
             one
             more
             than
             another
             .
             Some
             
               particular
               Truth
            
             ,
             with
             the
             Grace
             communicated
             by
             it
             ,
             may
             have
             been
             the
             means
             of
             our
             Conversion
             unto
             God
             ,
             of
             our
             Edification
             in
             an
             especial
             manner
             ,
             of
             our
             Consolation
             in
             Distress
             ;
             it
             cannot
             be
             ,
             but
             that
             the
             Mind
             will
             have
             a
             peculiar
             respect
             unto
             ,
             and
             valuation
             of
             such
             Truths
             ,
             and
             the
             Grace
             administred
             by
             them
             .
             And
             so
             it
             is
             as
             unto
             Duties
             .
             We
             may
             have
             found
             such
             a
             lively
             Intercourse
             and
             Communion
             with
             God
             in
             some
             of
             them
             ,
             as
             may
             give
             us
             a
             peculiar
             Delight
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             But
             notwithstanding
             these
             Differences
             ,
             Affections
             Spiritually
             renewed
             ,
             do
             cleave
             unto
             all
             Spiritual
             Things
             ,
             as
             such
             .
             For
             the
             true
             formal
             Reason
             of
             their
             so
             doing
             ,
             is
             the
             same
             in
             them
             all
             ,
             namely
             
               God
               in
               them
            
             ;
             only
             they
             have
             several
             ways
             of
             acting
             themselves
             towards
             them
             ,
             whereof
             I
             shall
             give
             one
             Instance
             .
          
           
             Our
             Saviour
             distributes
             
               Spiritual
               things
            
             into
             
               those
               that
               are
               Heavenly
               ,
               and
               those
               that
               are
               Earthly
               ,
            
             that
             is
             comparatively
             so
             ,
             Joh.
             3.12
             .
             
               If
               I
               have
               told
               you
               earthly
               things
               ,
               and
               you
               believe
               not
               ;
               how
               shall
               ye
               believe
               if
               I
               tell
               you
               of
               Heavenly
               Things
               .
            
          
           
             The
             Heavenly
             Things
             ,
             are
             the
             deep
             and
             misterious
             Councels
             of
             the
             Will
             of
             God.
             These
             ,
             renewed
             Affections
             cleave
             unto
             with
             
               Holy
               Admiration
            
             and
             satisfactory
             Submission
             ,
             captivating
             the
             Understanding
             unto
             what
             it
             cannot
             comprehend
             .
             So
             the
             Apostle
             declares
             it
             ,
             Rom.
             11.33
             ,
             34
             ,
             35
             ,
             36.
             
             
               O
               the
               depth
               of
               the
               Riches
               both
               of
               the
               Wisdom
               and
               Knowledge
               of
               God!
               How
               unsearcheable
               are
               his
               Judgments
               ,
               and
               his
               Ways
               past
               finding
               
               out
               !
               for
               who
               hath
               known
               the
               Mind
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               or
               who
               hath
               been
               his
               Councellor
               ?
               Or
               who
               hath
               first
               given
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               it
               shall
               be
               recompenced
               to
               him
               again
               ?
               For
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               through
               him
               ,
               and
               to
               him
               are
               all
               things
               ,
               to
               whom
               be
               Glory
               for
               ever
               ,
               Amen
               .
            
             What
             the
             Mind
             cannot
             comprehend
             ,
             the
             Heart
             doth
             admire
             and
             adore
             ,
             delighting
             in
             God
             ,
             and
             giving
             Glory
             unto
             him
             in
             all
             .
          
           
             The
             Earthly
             Things
             intended
             by
             our
             Saviour
             in
             that
             place
             ,
             is
             the
             
               Work
               of
               God
               upon
               the
               Souls
               of
               Men
               in
               their
               Regeneration
               ,
            
             wrought
             here
             in
             the
             Earth
             .
             Towards
             these
             the
             Affections
             act
             themselves
             with
             Delight
             ,
             and
             with
             great
             Thanksgiving
             .
             The
             Experience
             of
             the
             Grace
             of
             God
             in
             and
             upon
             Believers
             is
             sweet
             unto
             their
             Souls
             .
             But
             one
             way
             or
             other
             they
             cleave
             unto
             them
             all
             ,
             they
             have
             not
             a
             prevailing
             Aversation
             unto
             any
             of
             them
             .
             They
             have
             a
             regard
             unto
             all
             Gods
             Precepts
             ,
             a
             delight
             in
             all
             his
             Councels
             ,
             a
             Love
             to
             himself
             and
             all
             his
             Ways
             .
          
           
             Whatever
             other
             Change
             is
             wrought
             on
             the
             Affections
             ,
             if
             they
             be
             not
             Spiritually
             renewed
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             so
             with
             them
             .
             For
             as
             they
             do
             not
             cleave
             unto
             any
             Spiritual
             Things
             ,
             in
             their
             own
             true
             proper
             nature
             ,
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             because
             of
             the
             Evidences
             of
             the
             Presence
             of
             God
             in
             them
             ,
             so
             there
             are
             alwayes
             some
             of
             them
             ,
             whereunto
             those
             whose
             Affections
             are
             not
             renewed
             ,
             do
             maintain
             an
             Aversation
             and
             an
             Enmity
             .
             And
             although
             this
             Frame
             doth
             not
             instantly
             discover
             it self
             ,
             yet
             it
             will
             do
             so
             upon
             any
             especial
             Tryal
             .
             So
             was
             it
             with
             the
             
               Hearers
               of
               our
               Saviour
            
             ,
             Joh.
             6.
             
             There
             was
             a
             great
             Impression
             made
             on
             their
             Affections
             ,
             by
             what
             he
             taught
             them
             
               concerning
               the
               Bread
               of
               God
            
             ,
             that
             came
             down
             from
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             gave
             Life
             unto
             the
             World.
             For
             they
             cryed
             thereon
             ,
             
               Lord
               evermore
               give
               us
               of
               this
               Bread
               ,
            
             v.
             34.
             
             But
             when
             the
             Mystery
             of
             it
             was
             further
             explained
             unto
             them
             ,
             they
             liked
             it
             not
             ,
             but
             cryed
             ,
             
               This
               is
               a
               hard
               Saying
               ,
               who
               can
               bear
               it
               ,
            
             v.
             60
             ;
             and
             thereon
             fell
             off
             both
             from
             him
             and
             his
             Doctrine
             ,
             although
             they
             had
             followed
             him
             so
             long
             as
             to
             be
             esteemed
             his
             Disciples
             ,
             v.
             66.
             
          
           
           
             I
             say
             therefore
             whensoever
             Mens
             Affections
             are
             not
             renewed
             ,
             whatever
             other
             Change
             may
             have
             been
             wrought
             upon
             them
             ,
             as
             they
             have
             no
             true
             delight
             in
             any
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             or
             truths
             ,
             for
             themselves
             and
             in
             their
             own
             Nature
             ,
             so
             there
             are
             some
             Instances
             ,
             wherein
             they
             will
             maintain
             
               their
               natural
               Enmity
               and
               Aversation
               unto
               them
               .
            
             This
             is
             the
             first
             difference
             between
             Affections
             Spiritually
             renewed
             ,
             and
             those
             which
             from
             any
             other
             Causes
             may
             have
             some
             kind
             of
             Change
             wrought
             in
             them
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XIIII
             .
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 second
                 Difference
                 between
                 Affections
                 Spiritually
                 renewed
                 and
                 those
                 who
                 have
                 been
                 only
                 Changed
                 by
                 Light
                 and
                 Conviction
                 .
                 Grounds
                 and
                 Reasons
                 of
                 Mens
                 Delight
                 in
                 Duties
                 of
                 Divine
                 Worship
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 their
                 Diligence
                 in
                 their
                 Performance
                 whose
                 Minds
                 are
                 not
                 Spiritually
                 Minded
                 .
              
            
          
           
             THe
             second
             Difference
             lyeth
             herein
             ,
             That
             
               there
               may
               be
               a
               Change
               in
               the
               Affections
               ,
               wherein
               Men
               may
               have
               Delight
               in
               the
               Duties
               of
               Religious
               Worship
               ,
               and
               Diligence
               in
               their
               Observance
               ;
               but
               it
               is
               the
               Spiritual
               Revovation
               of
               the
               Affections
               that
               gives
               Delight
               in
               God
               through
               Christ
               ,
               in
               any
               Duty
               of
               Religious
               Worship
               whatever
               .
            
          
           
             Where
             the
             truth
             of
             the
             Gospel
             is
             known
             and
             publickly
             Professed
             ;
             there
             is
             great
             variety
             in
             the
             Minds
             ,
             Wayes
             ,
             and
             Practices
             of
             Men
             about
             the
             Duties
             of
             Religious
             Worship
             .
             Many
             are
             profane
             in
             their
             Minds
             and
             Lives
             ,
             who
             ,
             
               practically
               at
               least
            
             ,
             despise
             ,
             or
             wholly
             neglect
             the
             Observance
             of
             them
             .
             These
             are
             stout
             hearted
             ,
             and
             far
             from
             Righteousness
             ,
             Tit.
             1.16
             .
             Some
             attend
             unto
             them
             formally
             and
             Coursorily
             ,
             from
             the
             Principles
             of
             their
             Education
             ,
             and
             it
             may
             be
             out
             of
             some
             Convictions
             they
             have
             of
             their
             necessity
             .
             But
             many
             there
             are
             who
             in
             the
             
               Way
               they
               choose
            
             and
             are
             pleased
             withal
             ,
             are
             diligent
             in
             their
             Observance
             ,
             and
             that
             with
             great
             Delight
             ,
             who
             yet
             give
             no
             Evidence
             of
             the
             Spiritual
             Renovation
             of
             
             their
             Minds
             .
             Yea
             ,
             the
             way
             whereby
             some
             express
             their
             Devotion
             in
             them
             ,
             being
             Superstitious
             and
             Idolatrous
             ,
             is
             inconsistent
             with
             that
             or
             any
             other
             Saving
             Grace
             .
             This
             therefore
             we
             must
             diligently
             enquire
             into
             ,
             or
             search
             into
             the
             
               grounds
               and
               reasons
               of
               Mens
               delight
               in
               Divine
               Worship
               ,
            
             according
             unto
             their
             Convictions
             of
             the
             way
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             yet
             continue
             in
             their
             Minds
             altogether
             unrenewed
             .
             And
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             Men
             may
             be
             greatly
             affected
             with
             the
             
               Outward
               Part
               of
               Divine
               Worship
            
             ,
             and
             the
             manner
             of
             the
             performance
             thereof
             ,
             who
             have
             no
             delight
             in
             what
             is
             internal
             ,
             real
             ,
             and
             Spiritual
             therein
             ,
             Joh.
             5.35
             .
             
               He
               was
               a
               burning
               and
               a
               shining
               Light
               ;
               and
               ye
               were
               willing
               for
               a
               season
               to
               rejoyce
               in
               this
               Light.
            
             So
             ,
             many
             were
             delighted
             in
             the
             preaching
             of
             Ezekiel
             because
             of
             his
             Eloquence
             and
             Elegancy
             of
             his
             
               Parables
               ,
               Chap.
            
             33.31
             ,
             32.
             
             This
             gave
             them
             both
             delight
             and
             diligence
             in
             hearing
             ,
             whereon
             they
             call
             themselves
             the
             People
             of
             God
             ,
             though
             they
             continued
             to
             live
             in
             Sin
             ;
             
               their
               Hearts
               went
               after
               Covetousness
            
             .
             The
             same
             may
             befall
             many
             at
             present
             ,
             with
             reference
             unto
             the
             
               Spiritual
               Gifts
            
             of
             those
             by
             whom
             the
             Word
             is
             dispensed
             .
             I
             deny
             not
             but
             that
             Men
             may
             be
             more
             delighted
             ,
             more
             satisfyed
             with
             the
             Gifts
             ,
             the
             Preaching
             of
             one
             than
             another
             ,
             and
             yet
             be
             sincere
             in
             their
             delight
             in
             the
             Dispensation
             of
             the
             Word
             ;
             for
             they
             may
             find
             more
             
               Spiritual
               Advantage
               thereby
            
             ,
             than
             by
             the
             Gifts
             of
             others
             ,
             and
             things
             so
             prepared
             as
             to
             be
             suited
             unto
             their
             Edification
             more
             than
             elsewhere
             .
             But
             that
             which
             at
             present
             we
             insist
             on
             ,
             hath
             respect
             only
             unto
             some
             outward
             Circumstances
             pleasing
             the
             Minds
             of
             men
             ,
             2
             Tim.
             2.3
             ,
             4.
             
          
           
             This
             was
             principally
             evident
             under
             the
             Old
             Testament
             ,
             whil'st
             they
             had
             carnal
             Ordinances
             and
             a
             worldly
             Sanctuary
             .
             Oft
             times
             under
             that
             Dispensation
             the
             People
             were
             given
             up
             unto
             all
             sorts
             of
             
               Idolatry
               and
               Superstition
            
             .
             And
             when
             they
             were
             not
             so
             ,
             yet
             were
             the
             Body
             of
             them
             carnal
             and
             unholy
             ,
             as
             is
             evident
             from
             the
             whole
             tract
             of
             Gods
             dealings
             with
             them
             by
             his
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             in
             his
             Providences
             .
             
             Yet
             had
             they
             great
             delight
             in
             the
             Outward
             Solemnities
             of
             their
             Worship
             ,
             placing
             all
             their
             trust
             of
             Acceptance
             with
             God
             therein
             .
             They
             who
             did
             truely
             and
             really
             believe
             ,
             looked
             ,
             through
             them
             all
             unto
             Christ
             ,
             whom
             they
             did
             foresignify
             ;
             without
             which
             ,
             the
             things
             were
             a
             Yoke
             unto
             them
             ,
             and
             a
             Burthen
             almost
             insupportable
             ,
             Act.
             15.
             
             But
             those
             who
             were
             Carnal
             ,
             delighted
             in
             the
             things
             themselves
             ,
             and
             for
             their
             Sakes
             
               rejected
               him
            
             who
             was
             the
             Life
             and
             Substance
             of
             them
             all
             .
             And
             this
             proved
             the
             great
             means
             of
             the
             Apostacy
             of
             the
             Christian
             Church
             also
             .
             For
             to
             maintain
             some
             Appearance
             of
             Spiritual
             Affections
             ,
             men
             introduced
             Carnal
             Incitations
             of
             them
             ,
             into
             
               Evangelical
               Worship
            
             ;
             such
             as
             
               singing
               with
               Musick
               and
               pompous
               Ceremonies
               .
            
             For
             they
             find
             such
             things
             needful
             to
             reconcile
             the
             Worship
             of
             God
             unto
             their
             Minds
             and
             Affections
             ;
             and
             through
             them
             they
             appear
             to
             have
             great
             delight
             therein
             .
             Could
             some
             men
             but
             in
             their
             thoughts
             seperate
             Divine
             Service
             ,
             from
             
               that
               Outward
               Order
               ,
               those
               Methods
               of
               Variety
               ,
               Shew
               ,
            
             and
             Melody
             ,
             wherewith
             they
             are
             affected
             ,
             they
             would
             have
             no
             Delight
             in
             it
             ,
             but
             look
             upon
             it
             as
             a
             thing
             that
             must
             be
             endured
             .
             How
             can
             it
             be
             otherwise
             conceived
             of
             among
             the
             Papists
             :
             they
             will
             with
             much
             earnestness
             ,
             many
             Evidences
             of
             Devotion
             ,
             sometimes
             with
             difficulty
             and
             danger
             repair
             unto
             their
             Solemn
             Worship
             .
             And
             yet
             when
             they
             are
             present
             ,
             understand
             not
             one
             Word
             whereby
             their
             Minds
             might
             be
             excited
             unto
             the
             real
             actings
             of
             Faith
             ,
             Love
             ,
             and
             Delight
             in
             God.
             Only
             Order
             ,
             Ceremony
             ,
             Musick
             ,
             and
             other
             Incentives
             of
             
               Carnal
               Affections
            
             ,
             make
             great
             Impression
             on
             them
             Affections
             Spiritually
             renewed
             are
             not
             concerned
             in
             these
             things
             .
             Yea
             ,
             if
             those
             in
             whom
             they
             are
             ,
             should
             be
             engag'd
             in
             the
             use
             of
             them
             they
             would
             find
             them
             means
             of
             
               diverting
               their
               Minds
            
             from
             the
             proper
             work
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             rather
             than
             an
             advantage
             therein
             .
             It
             will
             appear
             so
             unto
             themselves
             ,
             unless
             they
             are
             content
             to
             loose
             their
             Spiritual
             Affections
             ,
             acting
             themselves
             
             in
             Faith
             and
             Love
             ,
             embracing
             in
             their
             stead
             a
             Carnal
             
               Imaginary
               Devotion
            
             .
             Hence
             ,
             two
             Persons
             may
             at
             the
             same
             time
             attend
             unto
             the
             same
             Ordinances
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             with
             
               equal
               delight
            
             on
             very
             
               distinct
               Principles
            
             ;
             as
             if
             two
             men
             should
             come
             into
             the
             same
             Garden
             planted
             and
             adorned
             with
             all
             variety
             of
             Herbs
             and
             Flowers
             ;
             one
             ignorant
             of
             the
             nature
             of
             them
             ,
             the
             other
             a
             skilful
             Herbalist
             .
             Both
             may
             be
             equally
             delighted
             ,
             the
             one
             with
             the
             colours
             and
             smell
             of
             the
             Flowers
             ,
             the
             other
             with
             the
             consideration
             of
             their
             various
             natures
             ,
             their
             uses
             in
             Pyhsical
             Remedies
             ,
             or
             the
             like
             .
             So
             it
             may
             be
             in
             the
             hearing
             of
             the
             Word
             .
             For
             Instance
             ,
             one
             may
             be
             delighted
             with
             the
             outward
             Administration
             ,
             another
             with
             its
             Spiritual
             Efficacy
             at
             the
             same
             time
             .
             Hence
             Austin
             tells
             us
             ,
             that
             singing
             in
             the
             Church
             was
             laid
             aside
             by
             
               Athanasius
               at
               Alexandria
            
             ;
             not
             the
             Peoples
             singing
             of
             Psalms
             ,
             but
             a
             kind
             of
             singing
             in
             the
             reading
             of
             the
             Scripture
             and
             some
             Offices
             of
             Worship
             which
             began
             then
             to
             be
             introduced
             in
             the
             Church
             .
             And
             the
             reason
             he
             gave
             why
             he
             did
             it
             was
             ,
             that
             the
             modulation
             of
             the
             Voice
             and
             
               musical
               Iune
            
             ,
             might
             not
             divert
             the
             Minds
             of
             men
             from
             that
             Spiritual
             Affection
             which
             is
             required
             of
             them
             in
             Sacred
             Duties
             .
             What
             there
             is
             of
             
               real
               Order
            
             in
             the
             Worship
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             there
             is
             that
             Order
             which
             is
             an
             Effect
             of
             Divine
             Wisdom
             ,
             it
             is
             suited
             and
             useful
             unto
             Spiritual
             Affections
             ,
             because
             proceeding
             from
             the
             same
             Spirit
             ,
             whereby
             they
             are
             internally
             renewed
             .
             
               Beholding
               your
               Order
               ,
               Col.
            
             2.5
             .
             Every
             thing
             of
             Gods
             Appointment
             is
             both
             helpful
             and
             delightful
             unto
             them
             .
             None
             can
             say
             with
             higher
             raptures
             of
             Admiration
             ,
             How
             amiable
             are
             thy
             Tabernacles
             O
             Lord
             !
             Psal.
             84.1
             ,
             2.
             then
             they
             whose
             Affections
             are
             renewed
             .
             Yet
             is
             not
             their
             Delight
             terminated
             on
             them
             ,
             as
             we
             shall
             see
             immediately
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             
               Men
               may
               be
               delighted
               in
               the
               Performance
               of
               Outward
               Duties
               of
               Divine
               Worship
               ,
               because
               in
               them
               they
               comply
               with
               ,
               and
               give
               some
               kind
               of
               Satisfaction
               unto
               their
               Convictions
               .
            
             When
             Conscience
             is
             awakened
             unto
             a
             Sense
             of
             the
             necessities
             
             of
             such
             Duties
             ,
             namely
             of
             those
             wherein
             Divine
             Worship
             doth
             consist
             ,
             it
             will
             give
             the
             Mind
             no
             rest
             or
             peace
             in
             the
             neglect
             of
             them
             .
             Let
             them
             be
             attended
             unto
             in
             the
             Seasons
             which
             Light
             ,
             Conviction
             ,
             and
             Custome
             call
             for
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             so
             far
             satisfyed
             ,
             as
             that
             the
             Mind
             shall
             find
             
               present
               Ease
               and
               Refreshment
            
             in
             it
             .
             And
             when
             the
             Soul
             is
             wonted
             unto
             this
             Relief
             ,
             it
             will
             not
             only
             be
             diligent
             in
             the
             performance
             of
             such
             Duties
             ,
             it
             will
             not
             only
             not
             omit
             them
             ,
             but
             it
             will
             delight
             in
             them
             ,
             as
             those
             which
             bring
             them
             in
             great
             Advantage
             .
             Hence
             many
             will
             not
             
               omit
               the
               Duty
               of
               Prayer
               every
               Morning
               ,
            
             who
             upon
             the
             matter
             are
             resolv'd
             to
             live
             in
             Sin
             all
             the
             day
             long
             .
             And
             there
             are
             but
             few
             who
             sedulously
             endeavour
             to
             
               live
               and
               walk
            
             in
             the
             frame
             of
             their
             Hearts
             and
             Ways
             answerable
             unto
             their
             own
             Prayers
             ;
             yet
             all
             that
             is
             in
             our
             Prayers
             beyond
             our
             Endeavours
             to
             answer
             it
             in
             a
             conformity
             of
             Heart
             and
             Life
             ,
             is
             but
             the
             Exercise
             of
             Gifts
             in
             answer
             to
             Convictions
             .
             Others
             find
             them
             an
             allay
             of
             Troubles
             in
             them
             ,
             like
             that
             which
             sick
             Persons
             may
             find
             by
             drinking
             cold
             Water
             in
             a
             Feaver
             ,
             whose
             Flames
             are
             asswaged
             for
             a
             season
             by
             it
             .
             They
             make
             them
             as
             an
             Antidote
             against
             the
             Poison
             and
             Sting
             of
             Sin
             ,
             which
             alayeth
             its
             rage
             ,
             but
             cannot
             expel
             its
             Venome
             .
          
           
             Or
             these
             Duties
             are
             unto
             them
             ,
             like
             the
             
               Sacifices
               for
               Sin
               under
               the
               Law.
            
             They
             gave
             a
             guilty
             Person
             present
             Ease
             .
             But
             as
             the
             Apostle
             speaks
             ,
             they
             made
             not
             men
             perfect
             .
             They
             took
             not
             away
             utterly
             a
             
               Conscience
               condemning
               for
               Sin.
            
             Presently
             on
             the
             first
             Omission
             of
             Duty
             ,
             a
             sense
             of
             Sin
             again
             returned
             on
             them
             and
             that
             not
             only
             as
             the
             Fact
             ,
             but
             as
             the
             Person
             himself
             was
             condemned
             by
             the
             Law.
             Then
             were
             the
             Sacrifices
             to
             be
             repeated
             for
             a
             renewed
             Propitiation
             .
             This
             gave
             that
             
               Carnal
               People
            
             such
             delight
             and
             satisfaction
             in
             those
             Sacrifices
             ,
             that
             they
             trusted
             unto
             them
             for
             Righteousness
             ,
             Life
             and
             Salvation
             .
             So
             it
             is
             with
             Persons
             who
             are
             constant
             in
             Spiritual
             Duties
             meerly
             from
             Conviction
             .
             The
             performance
             of
             those
             Duties
             gives
             them
             a
             
               present
               Relief
            
             and
             Ease
             ,
             
             though
             it
             heal
             not
             their
             Wound
             ,
             it
             asswageth
             their
             pain
             ,
             and
             dispelleth
             their
             present
             Fears
             .
             Hence
             are
             they
             frequent
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             that
             oft
             times
             ,
             not
             without
             delight
             ;
             because
             they
             find
             ease
             thereby
             .
             And
             their
             Condition
             is
             somewhat
             dangerous
             ,
             who
             upon
             the
             sense
             of
             the
             guilt
             of
             any
             Sin
             ,
             do
             betake
             themselves
             for
             relief
             unto
             their
             Prayers
             ;
             which
             having
             discharged
             ,
             they
             are
             much
             at
             ease
             in
             their
             Minds
             and
             Consciences
             ,
             although
             they
             have
             obtained
             no
             real
             sense
             of
             the
             Pardon
             of
             Sin
             ,
             nor
             any
             strength
             against
             it
             .
          
           
             It
             will
             be
             said
             ,
             Do
             not
             all
             men
             ,
             the
             best
             of
             men
             ,
             perform
             all
             
               Spiritual
               Duties
               out
               of
               a
               Conviction
               of
               their
               Necessity
            
             ?
             do
             they
             not
             know
             it
             would
             be
             their
             Sin
             to
             omit
             them
             ,
             and
             so
             find
             Satisfaction
             in
             their
             Minds
             upon
             their
             performance
             ;
             I
             say
             they
             do
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             one
             thing
             to
             perform
             a
             Duty
             out
             of
             conviction
             of
             a
             necessity
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             Gods
             Ordinance
             ,
             which
             Conviction
             respects
             only
             the
             Duty
             it self
             ;
             another
             thing
             to
             perform
             it
             ,
             to
             give
             satisfaction
             unto
             Convictions
             of
             other
             Sins
             ,
             or
             to
             quiet
             Conscience
             under
             its
             trouble
             about
             them
             ,
             which
             latter
             we
             speak
             unto
             .
             This
             begins
             and
             ends
             in
             self
             ,
             self-Satisfaction
             is
             the
             sole
             Design
             of
             it
             .
             By
             it
             men
             aim
             at
             some
             Rest
             and
             Quietness
             in
             their
             own
             Minds
             ,
             which
             otherwise
             they
             cannot
             attain
             .
             But
             in
             the
             performance
             of
             Duties
             in
             Faith
             ,
             from
             a
             Conviction
             of
             their
             necessity
             as
             Gods
             Ordinance
             ,
             and
             their
             Use
             in
             the
             way
             of
             his
             Grace
             ,
             the
             Soul
             begins
             and
             ends
             in
             God.
             It
             seeks
             no
             Satisfaction
             in
             them
             ,
             nor
             finds
             it
             
               from
               them
            
             ,
             but
             in
             and
             from
             God
             alone
             
               by
               them
            
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             The
             principal
             reason
             why
             Men
             whose
             Affections
             are
             only
             changed
             ,
             not
             Spiritually
             renewed
             ,
             do
             delight
             in
             holy
             Duties
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             is
             ,
             because
             
               they
               place
               their
               Righteousness
               before
               God
               in
               them
               ,
            
             whereon
             they
             hope
             to
             be
             accepted
             with
             him
             .
             They
             know
             not
             ,
             they
             seek
             not
             after
             any
             other
             Righteousness
             but
             what
             is
             of
             their
             own
             working
             out
             .
             Whatever
             Notions
             they
             may
             have
             of
             the
             
               Righteousness
               of
               Faith
            
             ,
             of
             the
             
               Righteousness
               of
               Christ
            
             ,
             that
             which
             they
             
             practically
             trust
             unto
             ,
             is
             their
             own
             ;
             and
             it
             discovers
             it self
             so
             to
             be
             in
             their
             own
             Consciences
             on
             every
             Tryal
             that
             befalls
             them
             .
             Yea
             ,
             when
             they
             cry
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             pretend
             unto
             Faith
             in
             Christ
             ,
             they
             quickly
             make
             it
             evident
             that
             their
             principal
             trust
             is
             resolved
             into
             themselves
             .
             Now
             in
             all
             that
             they
             can
             plead
             in
             a
             way
             of
             Duties
             or
             Obedience
             ,
             nothing
             carrieth
             a
             fairer
             pretence
             unto
             a
             Righteousness
             ,
             than
             what
             they
             
               do
               in
               the
               Worship
               of
               God
               ,
            
             and
             the
             Exercise
             of
             the
             Acts
             of
             Religion
             towards
             him
             .
             This
             is
             that
             which
             he
             
               expects
               at
               their
               hands
            
             ,
             what
             
               is
               due
               unto
               him
            
             ,
             in
             the
             Light
             of
             their
             Consciences
             ;
             the
             best
             that
             they
             can
             do
             to
             please
             him
             ,
             which
             therefore
             they
             must
             put
             their
             trust
             in
             or
             nothing
             .
             They
             secretly
             suppose
             not
             only
             that
             there
             is
             a
             Righteousness
             in
             these
             things
             which
             will
             
               answer
               for
               it self
            
             ,
             but
             such
             also
             as
             will
             make
             Compensation
             in
             some
             measure
             for
             their
             Sins
             ;
             and
             therefore
             whereas
             they
             cannot
             but
             frequently
             fall
             into
             Sin
             ,
             they
             relieve
             themselves
             from
             the
             reflection
             of
             their
             Consciences
             by
             a
             
               Multiplication
               of
               Duties
            
             ,
             and
             Renewed
             Diligence
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             inconceivable
             what
             Delight
             and
             Satisfaction
             men
             will
             take
             in
             any
             thing
             that
             seems
             to
             contribute
             so
             much
             unto
             a
             
               Righteousness
               of
               their
               own
            
             .
             For
             it
             is
             suitable
             unto
             ,
             and
             pleaseth
             all
             the
             Principles
             of
             Nature
             as
             corrupt
             ,
             after
             it
             is
             brought
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             a
             Conviction
             concerning
             
               Sin
               ,
               Righteousness
            
             and
             Judgement
             .
          
           
             This
             made
             the
             Jews
             of
             old
             so
             pertinaciously
             adhere
             unto
             the
             Ceremonies
             and
             Sacrifices
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             and
             to
             prefer
             them
             above
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             Righteousness
             thereof
             ,
             Rom.
             10.3
             ,
             4.
             
             They
             looked
             and
             sought
             for
             Righteousness
             by
             them
             .
             Those
             who
             for
             many
             Generations
             were
             kept
             up
             with
             great
             difficulty
             unto
             any
             
               tolerable
               Observance
            
             of
             them
             ,
             when
             they
             had
             learned
             to
             place
             
               all
               their
               hopes
               of
               a
               Righteousness
               in
               them
               ,
            
             would
             ,
             and
             did
             adhere
             unto
             them
             ,
             unto
             their
             temporal
             and
             eternal
             Ruine
             .
             Rom.
             9
             ,
             31
             ,
             32
             ,
             33.
             
             And
             when
             men
             were
             perswaded
             that
             Righteousness
             
             was
             to
             be
             attained
             by
             Works
             of
             Munificence
             and
             supposed
             Charity
             ,
             in
             the
             dedication
             of
             their
             Substance
             unto
             the
             
               Use
               of
               the
               Church
            
             ;
             they
             who
             otherwise
             were
             covetous
             ,
             and
             greedy
             ,
             and
             oppressing
             ,
             would
             
               lavish
               Gold
               out
               of
               the
               Bag
               ,
            
             and
             give
             up
             their
             whole
             Patrimony
             with
             all
             their
             ill
             gotten
             Goods
             to
             attain
             it
             ,
             so
             powerfull
             an
             Influence
             hath
             the
             Desire
             of
             self
             Righteousness
             upon
             the
             Minds
             of
             Men.
             It
             is
             the
             best
             Fortification
             of
             the
             Soul
             against
             Christ
             and
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             the
             last
             Reserve
             whereby
             it
             maintains
             the
             Interest
             of
             self
             against
             the
             Grace
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             Hence
             I
             say
             ,
             those
             that
             place
             their
             Righteousness
             ,
             or
             that
             which
             is
             the
             principal
             Part
             of
             it
             ,
             in
             the
             
               Duties
               of
               Religious
               Worship
            
             ,
             will
             not
             only
             be
             diligent
             in
             them
             ,
             but
             oft
             times
             abound
             in
             a
             Multiplication
             of
             them
             .
             Especially
             will
             they
             do
             so
             ,
             if
             they
             may
             be
             performed
             in
             such
             a
             way
             and
             manner
             ,
             as
             pleaseth
             their
             Affections
             with
             a
             shew
             of
             
               Humility
               and
               Devotion
            
             ,
             requiring
             nothing
             of
             the
             Exercise
             of
             Faith
             ,
             or
             sincere
             Divine
             Love
             therein
             .
             So
             is
             it
             with
             many
             in
             all
             kinds
             of
             Religion
             ,
             whether
             the
             way
             of
             their
             Worship
             be
             true
             or
             false
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             appointed
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             rejected
             by
             him
             .
             And
             the
             declaration
             hereof
             is
             the
             subject
             of
             the
             Discourse
             of
             the
             Prophet
             ,
             Isaiah
             ,
             1.11
             ,
             12
             ,
             13
             ,
             14
             ,
             15
             ,
             16
             ,
             17
             ,
             18
             ,
             19.
             
             Also
             ,
             Mich.
             6.7
             ,
             8.
             
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             The
             
               Reputation
               of
               Devotion
               in
               Religious
               Duties
               ,
            
             may
             insensibly
             affect
             the
             unrenewed
             Minds
             of
             Men
             with
             great
             diligence
             and
             delight
             in
             their
             performance
             .
             However
             Men
             are
             divided
             in
             their
             Apprehension
             and
             Practice
             about
             Religion
             ;
             however
             different
             from
             ,
             and
             contrary
             unto
             each
             other
             ,
             their
             
               ways
               of
               Divine
               Worship
            
             are
             ;
             Yet
             it
             is
             amongst
             all
             sorts
             of
             men
             ,
             yea
             ,
             in
             the
             secret
             thoughts
             of
             them
             who
             outwardly
             contemn
             these
             things
             ,
             a
             
               matter
               of
               Reputation
            
             to
             be
             devout
             ,
             to
             be
             diligent
             ,
             to
             be
             strict
             in
             and
             about
             those
             Duties
             of
             Religion
             ,
             which
             according
             to
             their
             own
             Light
             and
             Perswasion
             they
             judge
             incumbent
             on
             them
             .
             This
             greatly
             affects
             the
             Minds
             of
             Men
             ,
             whil'st
             Pride
             is
             secretly
             predominant
             
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             they
             love
             the
             
               Praise
               of
               Men
               more
               than
               the
               Praise
               of
               God.
               
            
          
           
             Especially
             ,
             will
             this
             Consideration
             prevail
             on
             them
             ,
             when
             they
             suppose
             that
             the
             
               Credit
               and
               Honour
               of
               the
               way
               which
               they
               profess
               ,
            
             in
             competition
             with
             others
             ,
             depends
             much
             on
             their
             Reputation
             as
             to
             their
             strictness
             ,
             in
             Duties
             of
             Devotion
             .
             For
             then
             ,
             will
             they
             not
             only
             be
             diligent
             in
             themselves
             ,
             but
             zealous
             in
             drawing
             others
             unto
             the
             same
             Observances
             .
             These
             two
             Principles
             their
             own
             Reputation
             ,
             and
             that
             of
             their
             Sect
             ,
             constituted
             the
             Life
             and
             Soul
             of
             Pharisaism
             of
             old
             .
             According
             as
             the
             Minds
             of
             men
             are
             influenced
             with
             these
             Apprehensions
             ,
             so
             will
             a
             love
             unto
             ,
             and
             a
             delight
             in
             those
             Duties
             whereby
             their
             Reputation
             is
             attained
             ,
             thrive
             and
             grow
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             I
             am
             far
             from
             apprehending
             that
             any
             Men
             are
             ,
             (
             at
             least
             I
             speak
             not
             of
             them
             who
             are
             )
             such
             
               vile
               Hypocrites
            
             ,
             as
             to
             do
             all
             that
             they
             do
             in
             Religion
             to
             be
             
               seen
               and
               praised
               of
               Men
            
             ,
             being
             influenced
             in
             all
             publick
             Duties
             thereby
             ,
             which
             some
             among
             the
             Pharisees
             were
             given
             up
             unto
             .
             But
             I
             speak
             of
             them
             who
             being
             under
             the
             Convictions
             and
             Motives
             before
             mentioned
             ,
             do
             also
             yet
             give
             admittance
             unto
             this
             
               corrupt
               end
               of
               desire
               of
               Reputation
               ,
            
             or
             the
             Praise
             of
             Men.
             For
             every
             such
             end
             being
             admitted
             and
             prevalent
             in
             the
             Mind
             ,
             will
             universally
             influence
             the
             Affections
             unto
             a
             delight
             in
             those
             Duties
             ,
             whereby
             that
             end
             may
             be
             attained
             ,
             until
             the
             Person
             with
             whom
             it
             is
             so
             ,
             be
             habituated
             unto
             them
             with
             great
             Satisfaction
             .
          
           
             Fifthly
             ,
             I
             should
             in
             the
             last
             place
             insist
             on
             Superstition
             .
             As
             this
             is
             an
             undue
             Fear
             of
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             ,
             Will
             ,
             and
             Opperations
             ,
             built
             on
             false
             Notions
             and
             Apprehensions
             of
             them
             ,
             it
             may
             befall
             the
             Minds
             of
             Men
             in
             all
             
               Religions
               ,
               true
               and
               false
            
             .
             It
             is
             an
             
               Internal
               Vice
               of
               the
               Mind
            
             .
             As
             it
             respects
             the
             
               outward
               Way
               and
               Means
               of
               Religious
               Service
               ,
            
             and
             consists
             in
             the
             devout
             Performance
             of
             such
             Duties
             ,
             as
             God
             indeed
             accepts
             
             not
             ,
             but
             forbids
             ;
             so
             it
             belongs
             only
             to
             Religion
             as
             it
             is
             false
             and
             corrupt
             .
             How
             in
             both
             respects
             it
             will
             engage
             the
             Minds
             of
             Men
             into
             the
             performance
             of
             Religious
             Duties
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             most
             part
             with
             the
             most
             scrupulous
             diligence
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             with
             prodigious
             attempts
             to
             exceed
             the
             measures
             of
             humane
             Nature
             in
             what
             they
             do
             design
             ,
             is
             too
             long
             a
             work
             here
             to
             be
             declared
             .
             It
             may
             suffice
             to
             have
             mentioned
             it
             among
             the
             Causes
             and
             Reasons
             why
             men
             whose
             Affections
             are
             not
             Spiritually
             renewed
             ,
             may
             yet
             greatly
             delight
             in
             the
             diligent
             performance
             of
             the
             Outward
             Duties
             of
             Religion
             .
             Our
             design
             in
             these
             things
             is
             the
             discovery
             of
             the
             true
             nature
             of
             this
             Grace
             and
             Duty
             of
             being
             Spiritually-Minded
             .
             Hereunto
             we
             have
             declared
             that
             it
             is
             necessary
             that
             our
             Affections
             be
             
               Spiritually
               ,
               and
               Supernaturally
               renewed
            
             .
             And
             because
             there
             may
             be
             a
             great
             Change
             wrought
             on
             the
             Affections
             of
             Men
             ,
             with
             respect
             unto
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             where
             there
             is
             nothing
             of
             this
             
               Supernatural
               Renovation
            
             ;
             our
             present
             enquiry
             is
             ,
             what
             are
             the
             Differences
             that
             are
             between
             the
             actings
             of
             the
             Affections
             ,
             of
             the
             one
             sort
             and
             of
             the
             other
             ;
             whether
             
               Spiritually
               renewed
            
             ,
             or
             
               Occasionally
               changed
            
             .
             And
             wherein
             the
             great
             Exercise
             of
             them
             consists
             in
             the
             Duties
             of
             Religious
             Worship
             ;
             I
             have
             declared
             what
             are
             the
             grounds
             and
             reasons
             ,
             whence
             Men
             of
             
               unrenewed
               Minds
            
             do
             delight
             oft
             times
             in
             the
             
               Duties
               of
               Divine
               Worship
            
             ,
             and
             are
             diligent
             in
             the
             performance
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             From
             these
             and
             the
             like
             Considerations
             it
             may
             be
             made
             manifest
             that
             the
             greatest
             part
             of
             the
             Devotion
             that
             is
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             doth
             not
             spring
             from
             the
             Spiritual
             Renovation
             of
             of
             the
             Minds
             of
             Men
             ,
             without
             which
             it
             is
             not
             accepted
             with
             God.
             That
             which
             remains
             to
             give
             in
             Instance
             ,
             farther
             Evidence
             unto
             the
             Discovery
             we
             are
             in
             the
             pursuit
             of
             ,
             is
             what
             are
             the
             
               grounds
               and
               reasons
            
             whereon
             those
             whose
             Minds
             and
             Affections
             are
             Spiritually
             renewed
             ,
             do
             delight
             in
             the
             Institutions
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ;
             and
             attend
             unto
             their
             Observance
             with
             great
             heed
             and
             diligence
             .
             
             And
             because
             this
             is
             an
             Enquiry
             of
             great
             Importance
             ,
             and
             is
             of
             great
             use
             to
             be
             stated
             in
             other
             cases
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             that
             before
             us
             ;
             I
             shall
             treat
             of
             it
             by
             it self
             in
             the
             ensuing
             Chapter
             ,
             that
             the
             Reader
             may
             the
             more
             distinctly
             comprehend
             it
             ,
             both
             in
             the
             Nature
             of
             the
             
               Doctrine
               concerning
               it
            
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             place
             it
             holds
             in
             our
             present
             Discourse
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XV.
             
          
           
             
               
                 Delight
                 of
                 Believers
                 in
                 the
                 Holy
                 ,
                 Institutions
                 of
                 Divine
                 Worship
                 .
                 The
                 Grounds
                 and
                 Reasons
                 thereof
                 .
                 The
                 Evidence
                 of
                 being
                 Spiritually-Minded
                 thereby
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             THat
             all
             
               true
               Believers
            
             whose
             Minds
             are
             Spiritually
             renewed
             have
             a
             singular
             Delight
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             Institutions
             and
             Ordinances
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             is
             fully
             evident
             both
             in
             the
             Examples
             of
             the
             Saints
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             and
             their
             own
             Experience
             ,
             which
             they
             will
             never
             forego
             .
             For
             this
             hath
             been
             the
             greatest
             Cause
             of
             their
             suffering
             Persecution
             ;
             and
             Martydom
             it self
             in
             all
             Ages
             .
             of
             the
             
               Primitive
               Christians
            
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             the
             Pagan
             ▪
             Emperours
             ,
             or
             the
             
               Witnesses
               for
               Christ
            
             under
             the
             
               Antichristian
               Apostacy
            
             ,
             would
             ,
             or
             could
             have
             omitted
             the
             Observance
             If
             them
             (
             according
             to
             the
             Advice
             and
             practice
             of
             the
             Gnosticks
             )
             they
             might
             have
             escaped
             the
             rage
             of
             their
             Adversaries
             .
             But
             they
             
               loved
               not
               their
               Lives
            
             ,
             in
             comparison
             unto
             that
             delight
             which
             they
             had
             in
             the
             Observance
             of
             the
             Commands
             of
             Christ
             ,
             as
             unto
             the
             Duties
             of
             Evangelical
             Worship
             .
             David
             gives
             us
             frequently
             an
             Instance
             hereof
             in
             himself
             ,
             Psal.
             42.1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4.
             
             
               As
               the
               Hart
               panteth
               after
               the
               Water-Brooks
               ,
               so
               panteth
               my
               Soul
               after
               thee
               ,
               O
               God.
               My
               Soul
               thirsteth
               for
               God
               ,
               for
               the
               living
               God
               :
               When
               shall
               I
               come
               and
               appear
               before
               God.
               My
               tears
               have
               been
               my
               Meat
               day
               and
               night
               ,
               while
               they
               continually
               say
               unto
               me
               ,
               Where
               is
               thy
               God
               ?
               When
               I
               remember
               these
               things
               ,
               I
               pour
               out
               my
               Soul
               in
               me
               ;
               for
               I
               had
               gone
               with
               the
               
               multitude
               ,
               I
               went
               with
               them
               to
               the
               House
               of
               God
               ;
               with
               the
               voice
               of
               Joy
               and
               Praise
               ,
               with
               a
               multitude
               that
               kept
               Holy-Day
               .
            
             Psal.
             63.1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5.
             
             
               O
               God
               ,
               thou
               art
               my
               God
               ,
               early
               will
               I
               seek
               thee
               ,
               my
               Soul
               thirsteth
               for
               thee
               ,
               my
               Flesh
               longeth
               for
               thee
               in
               a
               dry
               and
               thirsty
               Land
               ,
               where
               no
               Water
               is
               :
               To
               see
               thy
               Power
               and
               thy
               Glory
               ,
               so
               as
               I
               have
               seen
               thee
               in
               thy
               Sanctuary
               .
               Because
               thy
               Loving
               Kindness
               is
               better
               than
               Life
               :
               my
               Lips
               shall
               praise
               thee
               .
               Thus
               will
               I
               bless
               thee
               while
               I
               live
               .
               I
               will
               lift
               up
               my
               hands
               in
               thy
               Name
               .
               My
               Soul
               shall
               be
               satisfyed
               as
               with
               Marrow
               and
               Fatness
               ,
               and
               my
               Mouth
               shall
               praise
               thee
               with
               joyful
               Lips.
            
             Psal.
             84.1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4.
             
             
               How
               amiable
               are
               thy
               Tabernacles
               ,
               O
               Lord
               of
               Hosts
               !
               My
               Soul
               longeth
               ,
               yea
               even
               fainteth
               for
               the
               Courts
               of
               the
               Lord
               :
               my
               Heart
               cryeth
               out
               for
               the
               Living
               God.
               Yea
               ,
               the
               Sparrow
               hath
               found
               an
               house
               ,
               and
               the
               Swallow
               a
               Nest
               for
               her self
               ,
               where
               she
               may
               lay
               her
               Young
               ,
               even
               thy
               Alters
               ,
               O
               Lord
               of
               Hosts
               ,
               my
               King
               and
               my
               God.
               Blessed
               are
               they
               that
               dwell
               in
               thy
               House
               :
               they
               will
               be
               still
               praising
               thee
               .
               Selah
               .
            
          
           
             But
             a
             
               greater
               than
               David
               is
               here
            
             .
             Our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             himself
             ,
             did
             upon
             all
             Occasions
             declare
             his
             Delight
             in
             ,
             and
             Zeal
             for
             all
             the
             Ordinances
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             which
             was
             then
             in
             force
             by
             Vertue
             of
             Divine
             Institution
             and
             Command
             For
             although
             he
             severely
             reproved
             and
             rejected
             ,
             whatever
             men
             had
             added
             thereunto
             under
             the
             Pretence
             of
             a
             
               Supererogating
               Strictness
            
             or
             outward
             Order
             ,
             laying
             it
             all
             under
             that
             dreadful
             Sentence
             ;
             
               Every
               Plant
               which
               my
               Heavenly
               Father
               hath
               not
               Planted
               shall
               be
               plucked
               up
               ,
            
             and
             so
             cast
             into
             the
             Fire
             ;
             yet
             as
             unto
             what
             was
             of
             
               Divine
               Appoinment
            
             ,
             his
             delight
             therein
             was
             singular
             ,
             and
             exemplary
             unto
             all
             his
             Disciples
             .
             With
             respect
             hereunto
             was
             it
             said
             of
             him
             ,
             
               that
               the
               Zeale
               of
               God's
               House
               had
               eaten
               him
               up
               ,
            
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             Affliction
             which
             he
             had
             in
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             to
             see
             the
             Worship
             of
             it
             neglected
             ,
             polluted
             ,
             and
             despised
             .
             This
             caused
             him
             to
             
               cleanse
               the
               Temple
            
             ,
             the
             Seat
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             from
             the
             Pollutors
             and
             Pollutions
             of
             it
             ,
             not
             long
             before
             his
             Sufferings
             ,
             in
             the
             Face
             and
             unto
             the
             high
             provocation
             of
             all
             his
             Adversaries
             .
             So
             with
             
             earnest
             desire
             he
             longed
             for
             the
             Celebration
             of
             his
             last
             Passeover
             .
             Luk.
             22.15
             .
             
               With
               desire
               have
               I
               desired
               to
               eat
               this
               Passeover
               with
               you
               before
               I
               suffer
               .
            
             And
             it
             is
             a
             sufficient
             Evidence
             of
             the
             Frame
             of
             Spirit
             and
             Practice
             of
             his
             Disciples
             afterwards
             .
             In
             reference
             to
             the
             Duties
             of
             
               Evangelical
               Worship
            
             by
             his
             Appointment
             ;
             that
             the
             Apostle
             gives
             it
             as
             an
             assured
             Token
             of
             an
             unsound
             Condition
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             tendeth
             to
             final
             cursed
             Apostacy
             ,
             when
             any
             
               fall
               into
               a
               neglect
               of
               them
               ,
            
             Heb.
             10.25
             ,
             26
             ,
             27.
             
          
           
             These
             things
             are
             manifest
             and
             unquestionable
             .
             But
             our
             present
             enquiry
             is
             only
             ,
             
               what
               it
               is
            
             which
             Believers
             do
             so
             delight
             in
             ,
             in
             the
             Ordinances
             and
             Institutions
             of
             Divine
             Gospel
             Worship
             ,
             and
             what
             it
             is
             that
             ingageth
             their
             Hearts
             and
             Minds
             into
             a
             diligent
             Observance
             of
             them
             ;
             as
             also
             how
             ,
             and
             wherein
             they
             do
             exercise
             their
             Love
             and
             Delight
             .
             And
             I
             say
             in
             general
             ,
             that
             their
             Delight
             in
             all
             Ordinances
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             as
             is
             evident
             in
             the
             Testimonies
             before
             produced
             ,
             is
             
               in
               Christ
               himself
               ,
               or
               God
               in
               Christ.
            
             This
             alone
             is
             that
             which
             they
             seek
             after
             ,
             cleave
             unto
             ,
             and
             are
             satisfyed
             withall
             .
             They
             make
             use
             of
             the
             Streams
             ,
             but
             only
             as
             means
             of
             Communication
             from
             the
             Spring
             .
             When
             men
             are
             really
             
               renewed
               in
               the
               Spirit
               of
               their
               Minds
            
             it
             is
             so
             .
             Their
             regard
             unto
             Ordinances
             and
             Duties
             of
             divine
             Worship
             ,
             is
             as
             they
             are
             appointed
             of
             God
             a
             Blessed
             means
             of
             
               Communion
               and
               Intercourse
            
             between
             himself
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             their
             Souls
             .
             By
             them
             doth
             Christ
             
               Communicate
               of
               his
               Love
               and
               Grace
            
             unto
             us
             ;
             in
             and
             by
             them
             do
             we
             
               act
               Faith
               and
               Love
               on
               him
               .
            
             It
             is
             the
             Treasure
             hid
             in
             the
             Field
             ,
             which
             when
             a
             
               man
               hath
               found
               ,
               he
               purchaseth
               the
               whole
               Field
            
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             that
             he
             may
             enjoy
             the
             Treasure
             which
             is
             hid
             therein
             ,
             Mat.
             13.14
             .
             This
             
               Field
               is
               the
               Gospel
            
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Ordinances
             of
             it
             .
             This
             men
             do
             purchase
             sometimes
             at
             a
             dear
             rate
             ,
             even
             with
             the
             loss
             of
             all
             they
             enjoy
             .
             But
             yet
             if
             they
             obtain
             nothing
             but
             the
             Field
             ,
             they
             will
             have
             little
             cause
             to
             rejoyce
             in
             their
             bargain
             .
             It
             is
             
               Christ
               the
               Treasure
               alone
               ,
               that
               Pearl
               of
               Price
            
             that
             will
             eternally
             inrich
             
             the
             Soul.
             The
             Field
             is
             to
             be
             used
             only
             ,
             as
             to
             find
             and
             dig
             up
             the
             Treasure
             that
             is
             in
             it
             .
             It
             is
             I
             say
             Christ
             alone
             that
             in
             the
             preaching
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             renewed
             Affections
             do
             cleave
             unto
             as
             the
             
               Treasure
               ▪
            
             and
             unto
             all
             other
             things
             ,
             according
             as
             their
             Relation
             is
             unto
             him
             ,
             or
             they
             have
             a
             participation
             of
             him
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             in
             all
             Duties
             of
             Religion
             ,
             in
             all
             Ordinances
             of
             Worship
             ,
             their
             Enquiry
             is
             after
             him
             whom
             their
             Souls
             do
             love
             ,
             Cant.
             1.7
             .
          
           
             But
             yet
             we
             must
             treat
             more
             particularly
             and
             distinctly
             of
             these
             things
             .
             Those
             whose
             Affections
             are
             Spiritually
             renewed
             ,
             
               do
               love
               ,
               adhere
            
             unto
             ,
             and
             
               delight
               in
               Ordinances
               of
               Divine
               Service
               ,
               and
               Duties
               of
               Worship
            
             ;
             on
             the
             grounds
             and
             reasons
             ensuing
             .
          
           
             First
             .
             In
             general
             they
             do
             so
             ,
             as
             they
             find
             Faith
             ,
             and
             Love
             ,
             and
             Delight
             in
             God
             through
             Christ
             ,
             excited
             and
             acted
             in
             and
             by
             them
             .
             This
             is
             their
             first
             and
             immediate
             End
             in
             their
             Institution
             .
             It
             is
             a
             pernicious
             mistake
             to
             suppose
             that
             any
             
               external
               Duties
               of
               Worship
            
             ,
             as
             hearing
             the
             Word
             ,
             Prayer
             ,
             or
             the
             Sacraments
             ,
             are
             appointed
             for
             themselves
             ,
             or
             accepted
             for
             themselves
             .
          
           
             Such
             thoughts
             the
             
               Jews
               of
               Old
            
             had
             concerning
             
               their
               Sacrifices
            
             ;
             namely
             ,
             that
             they
             were
             appointed
             for
             their
             
               own
               Sakes
            
             ,
             and
             were
             acceptable
             Service
             unto
             God
             ,
             meerly
             on
             their
             own
             Account
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             God
             to
             deliver
             them
             from
             this
             pernicious
             Mistake
             ,
             affirms
             ofttimes
             ,
             that
             he
             never
             appointed
             them
             at
             all
             ;
             that
             is
             for
             any
             such
             End
             ,
             Jer.
             7.22
             ,
             23.
             
             Isa.
             1.12
             ,
             13
             ,
             14
             ,
             &c.
             And
             now
             under
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             Sundry
             things
             destructive
             to
             the
             Souls
             of
             men
             ,
             have
             proceeded
             from
             such
             a
             Supposition
             .
             Some
             hereon
             have
             alwayes
             satisfyed
             and
             contented
             themselves
             with
             the
             
               external
               Observance
               of
               them
            
             ,
             without
             desiring
             or
             endeavouring
             any
             holy
             communion
             with
             God
             in
             them
             ,
             or
             by
             them
             .
             This
             constitutes
             the
             State
             and
             Condition
             mentioned
             ,
             Rev.
             3.1
             .
             And
             by
             following
             this
             tract
             ,
             the
             generality
             of
             Christians
             do
             wander
             out
             of
             the
             Way
             ;
             they
             cannot
             leave
             them
             ,
             nor
             do
             know
             how
             to
             
             use
             them
             unto
             their
             Advantage
             until
             they
             come
             wholly
             unto
             that
             woful
             State
             ,
             Isai.
             29.13
             .
             And
             some
             to
             establish
             this
             Deceit
             ,
             have
             taught
             that
             there
             is
             much
             more
             in
             the
             
               Outward
               Work
               of
               these
               Duties
            
             ,
             than
             ever
             God
             put
             into
             them
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             are
             sanctifyed
             meerly
             by
             Vertue
             of
             the
             
               Work
               wrought
            
             .
          
           
             But
             all
             the
             Duties
             of
             the
             Second
             Commandment
             as
             are
             all
             Instituted
             Ordinances
             of
             Worship
             ,
             are
             but
             means
             to
             express
             and
             exercise
             those
             of
             the
             First
             ,
             as
             
               Faith
               ,
               Love
            
             ,
             Fear
             ,
             Trust
             and
             Delight
             in
             God.
             The
             end
             of
             them
             all
             is
             that
             through
             them
             ,
             and
             by
             them
             ,
             we
             may
             act
             those
             Graces
             on
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             Where
             this
             is
             not
             attended
             unto
             ,
             when
             the
             Souls
             of
             Men
             do
             not
             apply
             themselves
             unto
             this
             Exercise
             of
             Grace
             in
             them
             ,
             let
             them
             be
             never
             so
             Solemn
             as
             to
             their
             Outward
             Performance
             ,
             be
             attended
             unto
             with
             Diligence
             ,
             be
             performed
             with
             earnestness
             and
             delight
             ,
             they
             are
             neither
             acceptable
             unto
             God
             ,
             nor
             beneficial
             unto
             themselves
             ,
             Isai.
             1.11
             .
             This
             therefore
             is
             the
             first
             general
             Spring
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             Believers
             ,
             of
             them
             whose
             Affections
             are
             
               Spiritually
               renewed
            
             ,
             unto
             the
             
               Ordinances
               of
               Divine
               Worship
            
             ,
             and
             their
             delight
             in
             them
             .
             They
             have
             Experience
             that
             in
             and
             by
             them
             ,
             their
             
               Faith
               and
               Love
            
             are
             excited
             unto
             a
             gracious
             Exercise
             of
             themselves
             on
             God
             in
             Christ.
             And
             when
             they
             find
             it
             otherwise
             with
             them
             ,
             they
             can
             have
             no
             rest
             in
             their
             Souls
             .
             For
             this
             end
             are
             they
             ordained
             ,
             sanctifyed
             and
             blessed
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             therefore
             ,
             are
             effectual
             means
             of
             it
             ,
             when
             their
             Efficacy
             is
             not
             defeated
             by
             Unbelief
             .
          
           
             And
             those
             who
             have
             no
             Experience
             hereof
             in
             their
             attendance
             unto
             them
             ,
             do
             as
             hath
             been
             said
             ,
             fall
             into
             pernitious
             Extreams
             .
             Some
             continue
             their
             Observance
             with
             little
             regard
             unto
             God
             ,
             in
             
               Cursed
               Formality
            
             .
             So
             they
             make
             them
             a
             means
             of
             their
             ruine
             by
             Countenancing
             of
             them
             in
             their
             Security
             .
          
           
             Others
             utterly
             reject
             them
             ,
             at
             least
             the
             most
             Solemn
             of
             
             them
             ,
             and
             therein
             both
             the
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             Grace
             and
             Authority
             of
             God
             by
             whom
             they
             are
             appointed
             .
             Because
             through
             the
             Power
             of
             their
             own
             Unbelief
             they
             find
             nothing
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             This
             being
             the
             immediate
             end
             of
             all
             Divine
             Institutions
             ,
             this
             being
             the
             only
             way
             whereby
             we
             may
             give
             Glory
             unto
             God
             in
             their
             Observance
             ,
             which
             is
             
               their
               ultimate
               End
            
             in
             this
             World
             ;
             &
             this
             being
             the
             Design
             in
             general
             of
             Believers
             in
             that
             Obedience
             they
             yield
             unto
             the
             Lord
             Christ
             in
             their
             diligent
             Observation
             of
             them
             ;
             We
             may
             consider
             how
             ,
             in
             what
             way
             ,
             and
             by
             what
             meanes
             those
             whose
             Affections
             are
             Spiritually
             renewed
             ,
             do
             and
             ought
             to
             apply
             their
             Minds
             and
             Souls
             unto
             their
             Observance
             .
             And
             we
             may
             consider
             herein
             :
             first
             ,
             What
             they
             do
             design
             ;
             and
             then
             what
             they
             endeavour
             to
             be
             found
             in
             the
             Exercise
             and
             
               Practice
               of
            
             ,
             in
             their
             use
             and
             Enjoyment
             .
          
           
             First
             .
             They
             come
             unto
             them
             with
             this
             
               Desire
               ,
               Design
               ,
               and
               Expectation
               ,
            
             namely
             ,
             to
             be
             enabled
             ,
             directed
             and
             excited
             by
             them
             ,
             unto
             the
             
               Exercise
               of
               Divine
               Faith
               and
               Love.
            
             VVhen
             it
             is
             not
             so
             with
             any
             ,
             where
             there
             is
             not
             this
             Design
             ,
             they
             do
             in
             various
             degrees
             take
             the
             Name
             of
             God
             in
             vain
             ,
             in
             their
             Observance
             .
             These
             are
             
               Approximationes
               Dei
            
             ,
             The
             ways
             of
             drawing
             nigh
             unto
             God
             as
             they
             are
             every
             where
             called
             in
             Scripture
             .
             To
             suppose
             that
             a
             drawing
             nigh
             unto
             God
             may
             consist
             meerly
             in
             the
             
               Outward
               Performance
            
             of
             Duty
             .
             VVhatever
             be
             its
             Solemnity
             ,
             is
             to
             reject
             all
             due
             Reverence
             of
             him
             .
             Forasmuch
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             
               as
               this
               People
               draw
               near
               me
            
             with
             their
             Mouth
             ,
             and
             with
             their
             
               Lips
               do
               honour
               me
            
             ,
             but
             have
             removed
             their
             Hearts
             
               far
               from
               me
            
             ,
             therefore
             I
             will
             proceed
             against
             them
             ,
             Isaiah
             29.13
             .
             The
             Mouth
             and
             Lips
             are
             put
             by
             
               a
               Synechdoche
            
             ,
             for
             all
             the
             means
             of
             outward
             worship
             and
             honour
             .
             These
             men
             may
             use
             ,
             diligently
             attend
             unto
             ,
             whil'st
             
               their
               Hearts
               are
               far
               from
               God
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             when
             they
             do
             not
             draw
             nigh
             to
             him
             by
             Faith
             and
             Love.
             But
             all
             this
             VVorship
             is
             rejected
             of
             God
             with
             the
             highest
             Tokens
             of
             his
             displeasure
             and
             Indignation
             against
             it
             .
          
           
           
             First
             .
             Our
             Souls
             then
             have
             no
             way
             of
             approach
             unto
             God
             in
             Duties
             of
             VVorship
             ,
             
               but
               by
               Faith
            
             ;
             no
             way
             of
             adherance
             or
             cleaving
             unto
             him
             ,
             
               but
               by
               Love
            
             ;
             no
             way
             of
             abiding
             in
             him
             ,
             but
             by
             
               Fear
               ,
               Reverence
               ,
               and
               Delight
               .
            
             When
             ever
             these
             are
             not
             in
             
               Excercise
               ,
               Outward
               Duties
            
             of
             Worship
             are
             so
             far
             from
             being
             a
             meanes
             of
             such
             an
             
               Approach
               unto
               him
            
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             set
             us
             at
             a
             
               greater
               Distance
            
             from
             him
             ,
             than
             we
             were
             before
             ,
             at
             least
             are
             utterly
             useless
             and
             fruitless
             unto
             us
             .
             So
             indeed
             they
             are
             unto
             the
             most
             who
             come
             unto
             them
             ,
             
               they
               know
               not
               why
            
             ,
             and
             behave
             themselves
             under
             them
             ,
             
               they
               care
               not
               how
            
             :
             Nor
             is
             there
             any
             evil
             in
             the
             Hearts
             and
             ways
             of
             Men
             whereof
             God
             complaineth
             more
             in
             his
             Word
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             is
             accompanied
             with
             the
             highest
             Contempt
             of
             him
             .
             And
             because
             these
             Ordinances
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             are
             means
             which
             the
             VVisdom
             and
             Grace
             of
             God
             hath
             appointed
             unto
             this
             end
             ,
             namely
             ,
             the
             Exercise
             and
             Increase
             of
             Divine
             Faith
             and
             Love
             ,
             and
             therefore
             doth
             Sanctify
             and
             Bless
             them
             thereunto
             .
             I
             do
             not
             believe
             that
             they
             have
             
               any
               Delight
               in
               the
               Exercise
               of
               these
               Graces
               ,
            
             nor
             do
             design
             growth
             in
             them
             ,
             by
             whom
             these
             great
             meanes
             of
             them
             are
             despised
             or
             neglected
             .
          
           
             And
             although
             I
             have
             seen
             those
             Vallies
             of
             
               publick
               Worship
               forsaken
            
             ,
             either
             on
             Pretences
             of
             
               higher
               Attainments
               in
               Faith
            
             ,
             Light
             and
             Love
             ,
             than
             to
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             them
             any
             more
             ,
             or
             on
             a
             
               Foolish
               Opinion
            
             ,
             that
             they
             cease
             upon
             the
             
               Dispensation
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             ,
             which
             is
             given
             unto
             us
             to
             make
             them
             useful
             and
             effectual
             ,
             or
             on
             some
             Provocations
             that
             have
             been
             given
             unto
             some
             Men
             ,
             or
             which
             they
             have
             taken
             unto
             themselves
             ,
             which
             they
             have
             thought
             they
             could
             revenge
             by
             a
             neglect
             of
             Publick
             Administrations
             ,
             or
             through
             Slavish
             Peace
             and
             Negligence
             in
             times
             of
             Difficulty
             ,
             as
             is
             the
             manner
             of
             some
             ,
             who
             forsake
             the
             Assemblies
             of
             the
             Saints
             ,
             Heb.
             16.25
             .
             Yet
             ,
             I
             never
             saw
             but
             it
             issued
             in
             a
             great
             decay
             ,
             if
             not
             in
             an
             
               utter
               loss
               of
            
             all
             exercise
             of
             
               Faith
               and
               Love
            
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             in
             open
             Profaneness
             .
             For
             such
             Persons
             Contemn
             ,
             the
             way
             and
             
             meanes
             which
             God
             in
             his
             infinite
             Wisdom
             and
             Goodness
             hath
             appointed
             for
             their
             Exercise
             and
             Increase
             ;
             and
             this
             shall
             not
             prosper
             .
             VVe
             may
             therefore
             do
             well
             to
             consider
             ,
             that
             the
             principal
             way
             whereby
             we
             may
             
               Sanctify
               the
               Name
               of
               God
            
             ,
             in
             all
             Duties
             of
             his
             VVorship
             ,
             and
             obtain
             the
             Benefit
             of
             them
             to
             our
             own
             Souls
             ;
             is
             by
             a
             Conscientious
             Approach
             unto
             them
             with
             an
             holy
             
               Desire
               and
               Design
            
             to
             be
             found
             in
             the
             Exercise
             of
             Faith
             and
             Love
             on
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             helped
             and
             guided
             therein
             by
             them
             .
          
           
             To
             be
             under
             an
             Efficacious
             Influence
             from
             this
             Design
             ,
             is
             the
             best
             Preparation
             for
             any
             Duty
             .
             So
             David
             expresseth
             his
             Delight
             in
             the
             VVorship
             of
             God.
             
               How
               amiable
               are
               thy
               Tabernacles
               ,
               O
               Lord
               of
               Hosts
               !
               My
               Soul
               longeth
               ;
               yea
               ,
               even
               fainteth
               for
               the
               Courts
               of
               the
               Lord
               :
               my
               Heart
               and
               my
               Flesh
               cryeth
               out
               for
               the
               Living
               God
               ,
            
             Psal.
             84.1
             ,
             2.
             
             He
             longed
             for
             the
             Tabernacle
             ,
             and
             the
             Courts
             of
             it
             ,
             but
             it
             was
             the
             Enjoyment
             of
             God
             himself
             ,
             the
             Living
             God
             that
             he
             desired
             and
             sought
             after
             .
             This
             was
             that
             which
             made
             him
             so
             servent
             in
             his
             Desires
             after
             those
             Ordinances
             of
             God.
             So
             he
             expresseth
             it
             ,
             Psal.
             63.2
             .
             
               To
               see
               thy
               Power
               and
               thy
               Glory
               ,
               so
               as
               I
               have
               seen
               thee
               in
               the
               Sanctuary
               .
               David
            
             had
             had
             great
             Communion
             with
             ,
             and
             Delight
             in
             God
             by
             
               Faith
               and
               Love
            
             in
             the
             Solemn
             Duties
             of
             his
             VVorship
             .
             And
             this
             was
             that
             which
             inflam'd
             him
             with
             Desires
             after
             renewed
             Opportunities
             unto
             the
             same
             End.
             
          
           
             Secondly
             .
             This
             Design
             is
             not
             
               general
               ,
               unactive
               ,
               useless
            
             and
             sloathful
             .
             But
             such
             Persons
             
               diligently
               endeavour
            
             in
             the
             use
             of
             these
             Ordinances
             ,
             and
             attendance
             unto
             them
             ,
             to
             be
             found
             in
             the
             
               Exercise
               of
               these
               Graces
            
             .
             They
             have
             not
             only
             an
             
               Antecedent
               Design
            
             to
             be
             so
             ,
             but
             a
             diligent
             actual
             Endeavour
             after
             it
             ,
             not
             suffering
             their
             Minds
             by
             any
             thing
             to
             be
             diverted
             from
             the
             pursuit
             of
             that
             Design
             ,
             Ecc.
             5.1
             .
             Whatever
             is
             not
             quickned
             and
             enlivened
             hereby
             ;
             they
             esteem
             utterly
             lost
             .
             Neither
             
               Outward
               Administrations
            
             ,
             nor
             Order
             will
             give
             
             them
             Satisfaction
             when
             these
             things
             are
             wanting
             in
             themselves
             .
             Without
             the
             
               Internal
               Actings
               of
               the
               Life
               of
               Faith
               ,
            
             external
             Administrations
             of
             Ordinances
             of
             Worship
             ,
             are
             but
             dead
             things
             .
             Nor
             ,
             can
             any
             Believer
             obtain
             real
             Satisfaction
             in
             them
             ,
             or
             Refreshment
             by
             them
             ,
             without
             an
             
               Inward
               Experience
            
             of
             Faith
             and
             Love
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             by
             them
             .
             And
             it
             is
             that
             ,
             which
             if
             we
             are
             wise
             ,
             we
             shall
             continually
             attend
             unto
             the
             Consideration
             of
             .
             A
             watchful
             Christian
             will
             be
             careful
             lest
             he
             loose
             any
             one
             Duty
             ,
             by
             taking
             up
             the
             Carcase
             of
             it
             .
             And
             the
             danger
             of
             so
             doing
             ,
             is
             not
             small
             .
             
               Our
               Affections
            
             are
             renewed
             but
             in
             part
             .
             And
             as
             they
             are
             still
             liable
             to
             be
             diverted
             ,
             and
             seduced
             from
             
               Spirituality
               in
               Duty
            
             ,
             even
             by
             things
             earthly
             and
             carnal
             ,
             through
             the
             Corruption
             that
             remaineth
             in
             them
             ;
             So
             there
             is
             a
             
               Disposition
               abiding
            
             in
             them
             ,
             to
             be
             pleased
             with
             those
             
               external
               things
               in
               Religious
               Duties
            
             ,
             which
             others
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             shewed
             before
             ,
             who
             are
             no
             way
             
               graciously
               renewed
            
             do
             satisfy
             themselves
             withal
             .
             The
             
               Grace
               and
               Oratory
            
             of
             the
             Speaker
             in
             preaching
             of
             the
             Word
             ;
             especially
             in
             these
             days
             wherein
             the
             
               Foppery
               of
               fine
               Language
            
             ,
             even
             in
             Sacred
             things
             ,
             is
             so
             much
             extolled
             ;
             the
             
               Order
               and
               Circumstances
            
             of
             other
             Duties
             ,
             with
             Inclination
             and
             Love
             
               unto
               a
               Party
            
             ,
             are
             apt
             to
             insinuate
             themselves
             with
             great
             Complacency
             into
             our
             Affections
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             they
             are
             unrenewed
             .
             And
             these
             things
             discover
             the
             true
             Grounds
             whence
             it
             is
             that
             the
             Ordinances
             of
             Divine
             VVorship
             are
             so
             useless
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             to
             many
             who
             seem
             to
             attend
             unto
             them
             with
             Diligence
             .
             They
             may
             be
             referred
             unto
             these
             three
             Heads
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             They
             do
             not
             come
             unto
             them
             ,
             as
             the
             meanes
             appointed
             of
             God
             
               for
               the
               Exercise
               of
               Faith
               and
               Love
               unto
               Christ
               ,
            
             so
             as
             to
             make
             it
             their
             Design
             in
             their
             Approaches
             to
             them
             ,
             without
             which
             ,
             all
             that
             is
             spoken
             of
             Advantage
             in
             and
             by
             other
             Duties
             ,
             is
             utterly
             lost
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             They
             do
             not
             in
             and
             under
             them
             labour
             to
             
               stir
               up
               Faith
               and
               Love
            
             unto
             their
             due
             Exercise
             .
          
           
           
             (
             3
             )
             They
             suffer
             their
             Minds
             to
             be
             diverted
             from
             the
             Exercise
             of
             these
             Graces
             ,
             partly
             by
             occasional
             Temptations
             ,
             partly
             by
             attendance
             unto
             what
             is
             
               Outward
               only
            
             in
             the
             Ordinances
             themselves
             .
          
           
             Spiritual
             Affections
             find
             no
             place
             of
             Rest
             in
             any
             of
             these
             things
             ;
             such
             Proposals
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             of
             his
             VVill
             ,
             and
             their
             own
             Duty
             ,
             as
             may
             draw
             out
             their
             Faith
             ,
             Love
             ,
             Godly
             Fear
             and
             Delight
             into
             their
             due
             Exercise
             ,
             is
             that
             which
             they
             enquire
             after
             ,
             and
             acquiesce
             in
             .
          
           
             Two
             things
             alone
             doth
             Faith
             regard
             in
             all
             Duties
             of
             Worship
             as
             unto
             the
             Outward
             Administration
             of
             it
             .
             The
             one
             absolutely
             ,
             the
             other
             comparatively
             ;
             both
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             End
             mentioned
             ,
             or
             the
             Exercise
             ,
             Growth
             ,
             and
             Encrease
             of
             Grace
             in
             us
             .
             The
             first
             is
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             of
             Divine
             Appointment
             .
             Where
             their
             Original
             and
             Observance
             is
             resolved
             into
             Divine
             Authority
             ,
             there
             and
             there
             alone
             will
             they
             have
             a
             Divine
             Efficacy
             .
             In
             all
             these
             things
             ,
             Faith
             hath
             regard
             to
             nothing
             but
             Divine
             Precepts
             and
             Promises
             .
             Whatever
             hath
             regard
             to
             any
             thing
             else
             ,
             is
             not
             Faith
             ,
             but
             Fancy
             .
             And
             therefore
             these
             uncommanded
             Duties
             in
             Religion
             ,
             which
             so
             abound
             in
             the
             
               Papal
               Church
            
             ,
             as
             that
             if
             not
             the
             whole
             ,
             yet
             all
             the
             principal
             Parts
             of
             their
             Worship
             consist
             in
             them
             ,
             are
             such
             as
             in
             whose
             Discharge
             it
             is
             impossible
             Faith
             should
             be
             in
             a
             due
             Exercise
             .
             That
             which
             it
             hath
             
               comparative
               respect
               unto
            
             ,
             is
             the
             
               Spiritual
               Gifts
            
             of
             them
             unto
             whom
             the
             Administration
             of
             the
             Ordinances
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             in
             the
             publick
             Worship
             of
             the
             Church
             is
             committed
             .
             With
             respect
             unto
             them
             ,
             Believers
             may
             have
             more
             Delight
             and
             Satisfaction
             in
             the
             Ministry
             of
             one
             than
             of
             another
             ,
             as
             was
             touched
             before
             .
             But
             this
             is
             not
             because
             one
             is
             more
             learned
             than
             another
             ,
             or
             more
             Elegant
             than
             another
             ,
             hath
             more
             
               ability
               of
               Speech
            
             than
             another
             ,
             or
             fervency
             in
             utterance
             than
             another
             ,
             is
             more
             fervent
             or
             earnest
             in
             his
             Delivery
             ;
             but
             because
             they
             find
             the
             
               Gifts
               of
               one
            
             more
             suited
             ,
             and
             more
             
               Effectual
               to
               stir
               up
               Faith
               and
               Love
            
             unto
             an
             holy
             Exercise
             in
             their
             
             Minds
             and
             Hearts
             ,
             then
             what
             they
             find
             in
             some
             others
             .
             Hence
             they
             have
             a
             peculiar
             value
             for
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             the
             
               Ministry
               of
               such
               Persons
            
             ,
             especially
             when
             they
             can
             enjoy
             it
             in
             due
             Order
             ,
             and
             without
             the
             Offence
             of
             others
             .
             And
             Ministers
             that
             are
             wise
             ,
             will
             in
             Holy
             Administrations
             neglect
             all
             other
             tings
             ,
             and
             attend
             unto
             this
             alone
             ,
             how
             they
             may
             be
             
               helpful
               unto
               the
               Faith
               ,
               and
               Love
               ,
               and
               Joy
               of
               Believers
               ,
            
             so
             far
             as
             they
             are
             the
             Object
             of
             their
             Ministry
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             the
             first
             reason
             and
             ground
             whereon
             
               Affections
               Spiritually-Renewed
            
             ,
             cleave
             unto
             Ordinances
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             with
             Delight
             and
             Satisfaction
             ;
             namely
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             the
             means
             appointed
             and
             Blessed
             of
             God
             ,
             for
             the
             Exercise
             and
             Increase
             of
             Faith
             and
             Love
             ,
             with
             an
             Experience
             of
             their
             Efficacy
             unto
             that
             End.
             
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             The
             Second
             is
             ,
             
               Because
               they
               are
               the
               meanes
               of
               the
               Communication
               of
               a
               Sense
               of
               Divine
               Love
               ,
               and
               Supplies
               of
               Divine
               Grace
               unto
               the
               Souls
               of
               them
               that
               do
               believe
               .
            
             So
             far
             as
             our
             Affections
             are
             renewed
             ,
             this
             is
             the
             most
             principal
             attractive
             to
             cleave
             unto
             them
             with
             
               Delight
               and
               Complacency
            
             .
          
           
             They
             are
             ,
             as
             was
             observed
             before
             ,
             the
             ways
             of
             our
             approaching
             unto
             God.
             Now
             we
             do
             not
             draw
             nigh
             to
             God
             ,
             as
             himself
             speaks
             ,
             as
             a
             
               dry
               Hearth
               ,
               or
               a
               barren
               Wilderness
               ,
            
             where
             no
             Refreshment
             is
             to
             be
             obtained
             .
             To
             make
             a
             Pretence
             of
             
               Coming
               unto
               God
            
             ,
             and
             not
             with
             Expectation
             of
             receiving
             good
             and
             great
             things
             from
             him
             ,
             is
             to
             despise
             God
             himself
             ,
             to
             overthrow
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             Duty
             ,
             and
             deprive
             our
             own
             Souls
             of
             all
             Benefit
             thereby
             .
             And
             want
             hereof
             ,
             is
             that
             which
             renders
             the
             worship
             of
             the
             most
             ,
             useless
             and
             fruitless
             unto
             themselves
             .
             VVe
             are
             alwayes
             to
             
               come
               unto
               God
            
             ,
             as
             unto
             an
             Eternal
             Spring
             of
             Goodness
             ,
             Grace
             ,
             and
             Mercy
             ,
             of
             all
             that
             our
             Souls
             do
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             ,
             of
             all
             we
             can
             desire
             in
             order
             unto
             our
             Everlasting
             Blessedness
             ,
             and
             all
             these
             things
             ,
             as
             unto
             Believers
             ,
             may
             be
             reduced
             unto
             the
             two
             Heads
             before
             mentioned
             .
          
           
           
             First
             ,
             They
             come
             for
             a
             
               Communication
               of
               a
               Sense
               of
               his
               Love
               in
               Jesus
               Christ.
            
             Hence
             doth
             all
             our
             
               Peace
               ,
               Consolation
            
             ,
             and
             Joy
             ,
             all
             our
             Encouragement
             to
             do
             ,
             and
             suffer
             according
             to
             the
             VVill
             of
             God
             ,
             all
             our
             Supportments
             under
             our
             Sufferings
             ,
             solely
             depend
             ;
             In
             these
             things
             do
             our
             Souls
             live
             ;
             and
             without
             them
             we
             are
             of
             all
             Men
             the
             most
             miserable
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             who
             is
             the
             immediate
             efficient
             Cause
             of
             all
             these
             things
             in
             us
             .
             
               He
               sheds
               abroad
               the
               Love
               of
               God
               in
               our
               Hearts
               ,
            
             Rom.
             5.5
             .
             He
             
               witnesseth
               our
               Adoption
            
             unto
             us
             ,
             Chap.
             8.15
             ,
             16.
             
             And
             thereby
             an
             Intrest
             in
             the
             Love
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             in
             God
             as
             he
             is
             Love.
             But
             the
             
               Outward
               Way
            
             and
             means
             whereby
             he
             communicates
             these
             things
             unto
             us
             ,
             and
             effects
             them
             in
             us
             ,
             is
             by
             the
             
               Dispensation
               of
               the
               Gospel
            
             ,
             or
             the
             Preaching
             of
             it
             ordinarily
             .
             He
             doth
             the
             same
             work
             also
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             oft-times
             in
             other
             Holy
             Administrations
             .
             For
             this
             end
             ,
             for
             a
             Participation
             of
             this
             Grace
             ,
             of
             these
             Mercies
             ,
             do
             Believers
             come
             unto
             God
             by
             them
             .
             They
             use
             them
             as
             meanes
             to
             draw
             
               Water
               from
               the
               Wells
               of
               Salvation
               ,
            
             and
             to
             receive
             in
             that
             Spiritual
             Sense
             of
             Divine
             Love
             ,
             which
             God
             by
             them
             will
             communicate
             .
          
           
             So
             Christ
             ,
             by
             his
             VVord
             ,
             
               knocks
               at
               the
               Door
               of
               the
               Heart
               ,
            
             if
             it
             be
             opened
             by
             Faith
             ,
             
               he
               cometh
               in
               and
               Suppeth
               with
               men
               ,
            
             giving
             them
             a
             gracious
             Refreshment
             ,
             by
             the
             Testimony
             of
             his
             own
             Love
             ,
             and
             the
             Love
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             Rev.
             3.20
             .
             Joh.
             14.23
             .
             This
             Believers
             look
             for
             in
             ,
             and
             this
             they
             do
             in
             various
             measures
             receive
             by
             the
             Ordinances
             of
             Divine
             VVorship
             .
             And
             although
             some
             through
             their
             Fears
             and
             Temptations
             ,
             are
             not
             sensible
             hereof
             ,
             yet
             do
             they
             secretly
             receive
             these
             blessed
             gracious
             Supplies
             whereby
             their
             Souls
             are
             held
             in
             Life
             ,
             without
             which
             they
             would
             pine
             away
             and
             perish
             .
             So
             he
             dealeth
             with
             them
             ,
             Cant.
             4.5
             ,
             6.
             
             These
             are
             the
             Gardens
             and
             Galleries
             of
             Christ
             wherein
             he
             
               gives
               us
               of
               his
               Love
            
             ,
             Cant.
             7.12
             .
             Those
             who
             are
             humble
             and
             sincere
             ,
             know
             how
             often
             
             their
             Souls
             have
             been
             refreshed
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             how
             long
             sometimes
             the
             Impressions
             they
             have
             received
             of
             Divine
             Grace
             and
             Love
             have
             continued
             with
             them
             unto
             their
             unspeakable
             Consolation
             .
             They
             remember
             what
             they
             have
             received
             in
             the
             Opening
             and
             Application
             of
             
               the
               exceeding
               great
               and
               pretious
               Promises
               ,
            
             that
             are
             given
             unto
             them
             ,
             whereby
             they
             are
             gradually
             more
             and
             more
             made
             
               Partakers
               of
               the
               Divine
               Nature
            
             ;
             how
             many
             a
             time
             they
             have
             received
             Light
             in
             Darkness
             ,
             Refreshment
             under
             Despondencies
             ,
             Relief
             in
             their
             Conflicts
             ,
             with
             dangers
             and
             temptations
             ,
             in
             and
             by
             them
             .
             For
             this
             Cause
             do
             Affections
             that
             are
             Spiritually
             renewed
             cleave
             unto
             them
             .
             VVho
             can
             but
             love
             and
             delight
             in
             that
             which
             he
             hath
             found
             by
             experience
             ,
             to
             be
             the
             way
             and
             means
             of
             Communicating
             unto
             him
             the
             most
             
               invaluable
               Mercy
            
             ,
             the
             most
             inestimable
             Benefit
             ,
             whereof
             in
             this
             Life
             he
             can
             be
             made
             partaker
             ?
             He
             who
             hath
             found
             an
             
               hidden
               Treasure
            
             ,
             although
             he
             should
             at
             once
             take
             away
             the
             whole
             of
             it
             ;
             yet
             will
             esteem
             the
             place
             where
             he
             found
             it
             .
             But
             if
             it
             be
             of
             that
             nature
             ,
             that
             no
             more
             can
             be
             found
             or
             taken
             of
             it
             at
             once
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             sufficient
             for
             the
             present
             Occasion
             ,
             yet
             is
             so
             full
             and
             boundless
             ,
             as
             that
             whenever
             he
             comes
             again
             to
             seek
             for
             it
             ,
             he
             shall
             be
             sure
             to
             obtain
             present
             Supply
             ,
             he
             will
             alwayes
             value
             it
             ,
             and
             constantly
             apply
             himself
             unto
             it
             .
             And
             such
             is
             the
             Treasure
             of
             Grace
             and
             divine
             Love
             ,
             that
             is
             in
             the
             Ordinances
             of
             divine
             VVorship
             .
          
           
             If
             we
             are
             Strangers
             unto
             these
             things
             ,
             if
             we
             have
             never
             received
             
               Efficatious
               Intimations
               of
               Divine
               Love
            
             unto
             our
             Souls
             ,
             in
             and
             by
             the
             Duties
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             we
             cannot
             love
             them
             and
             delight
             in
             them
             as
             we
             ought
             .
             VVhat
             do
             men
             come
             to
             hear
             the
             VVord
             of
             God
             for
             ?
             What
             do
             they
             pray
             for
             ?
             VVhat
             do
             they
             expect
             to
             receive
             from
             him
             ?
             Do
             they
             come
             unto
             God
             as
             the
             
               Eternal
               Fountain
               of
               Living
               Waters
            
             ?
             as
             the
             God
             of
             all
             Grace
             ,
             Peace
             ,
             and
             Consolation
             ?
             Or
             do
             they
             come
             unto
             his
             VVorship
             without
             any
             Design
             as
             unto
             a
             dry
             
             and
             empty
             shew
             ?
             Do
             they
             fight
             uncertainly
             with
             these
             things
             as
             men
             beating
             the
             Air
             ?
             or
             do
             they
             think
             they
             bring
             something
             unto
             God
             ,
             but
             receive
             nothing
             from
             him
             ?
             that
             the
             best
             of
             their
             Business
             is
             to
             please
             him
             in
             doing
             what
             he
             commands
             ,
             but
             to
             receive
             any
             thing
             from
             him
             they
             expect
             not
             ,
             nor
             do
             ever
             examine
             themselves
             whether
             they
             have
             done
             so
             or
             no
             ?
             It
             is
             not
             for
             Persons
             who
             
               walk
               in
               such
            
             wayes
             ,
             ever
             to
             attain
             a
             due
             Delight
             in
             the
             Ordinances
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             .
          
           
             Believers
             have
             other
             Designs
             herein
             ,
             and
             among
             the
             rest
             ,
             this
             in
             the
             First
             place
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             
               a
               fresh
               made
               Partakers
               of
               Refreshing
               Comforting
               Pledges
               of
               the
               Love
               of
               God
               in
               Christ
            
             ;
             and
             thereby
             of
             their
             Adoption
             ,
             of
             the
             Pardon
             of
             their
             Sins
             ,
             and
             acceptance
             of
             their
             Persons
             .
             According
             as
             they
             meet
             with
             these
             things
             ,
             in
             the
             Duties
             of
             Holy
             Worship
             ,
             publick
             ,
             or
             private
             ,
             so
             will
             they
             love
             ,
             value
             ,
             and
             adhere
             unto
             them
             .
             Some
             Men
             are
             full
             of
             
               other
               Thoughts
            
             and
             Affections
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             these
             things
             are
             not
             their
             principal
             Design
             or
             Desire
             ,
             or
             are
             contented
             with
             that
             measure
             of
             them
             which
             they
             suppose
             themselves
             to
             have
             attained
             ;
             or
             at
             least
             are
             not
             sensible
             of
             the
             need
             they
             stand
             in
             ,
             to
             have
             fresh
             Communications
             of
             them
             made
             unto
             their
             Souls
             ;
             supposing
             that
             they
             can
             do
             well
             enough
             without
             a
             renewed
             Sense
             of
             Divine
             Love
             every
             Day
             ;
             some
             are
             so
             Ignorant
             of
             what
             they
             ought
             to
             design
             ,
             to
             look
             after
             ,
             in
             the
             Duties
             of
             Gospel
             Worship
             ,
             as
             that
             it
             is
             impossible
             they
             should
             have
             any
             real
             Design
             in
             them
             .
             Many
             of
             the
             better
             sort
             of
             Professors
             are
             too
             negligent
             in
             this
             matter
             .
             They
             do
             not
             long
             and
             pant
             in
             the
             Inward
             man
             ,
             after
             renewed
             Pledges
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             ;
             They
             do
             not
             consider
             how
             much
             need
             they
             have
             of
             them
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             encouraged
             and
             strengthened
             unto
             all
             other
             Duties
             of
             Obedience
             ;
             they
             do
             not
             prepare
             their
             Minds
             for
             their
             Reception
             of
             them
             ,
             nor
             come
             with
             Expectation
             of
             their
             Communication
             unto
             them
             ;
             they
             do
             not
             rightly
             
             fix
             their
             Faith
             on
             this
             Truth
             ,
             namely
             ,
             that
             these
             Holy
             Administrations
             and
             Duties
             ,
             are
             appointed
             of
             God
             in
             the
             first
             place
             ,
             as
             the
             wayes
             and
             meanes
             of
             conveying
             his
             Love
             and
             a
             Sense
             of
             it
             unto
             our
             Souls
             .
             From
             hence
             springs
             all
             that
             Luke-warmness
             ,
             Coldness
             ,
             and
             Indifferency
             in
             and
             unto
             the
             Duties
             of
             holy
             Worship
             ,
             that
             are
             growing
             among
             us
             .
             For
             if
             Men
             have
             lost
             the
             
               Principal
               Design
            
             of
             Faith
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             dis-esteem
             the
             
               chiefest
               Benefit
            
             which
             is
             to
             be
             obtained
             by
             them
             ,
             whence
             should
             Zeal
             for
             them
             ,
             delight
             in
             them
             ,
             or
             diligence
             in
             attendance
             unto
             them
             arise
             ?
             Let
             not
             any
             please
             themselves
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             such
             decayes
             ;
             they
             are
             Indications
             of
             their
             Inward
             Frame
             ,
             and
             those
             infallible
             .
             Such
             Persons
             will
             grow
             
               cold
               ,
               careless
               ,
               and
               negligent
               ,
            
             as
             unto
             the
             Duties
             of
             publick
             Worship
             ,
             they
             will
             put
             themselves
             neither
             to
             Charge
             nor
             Trouble
             about
             them
             ;
             every
             Occasion
             of
             Life
             diverts
             them
             ,
             and
             finds
             ready
             Entertainment
             in
             their
             Minds
             ;
             And
             when
             they
             do
             attend
             upon
             them
             ,
             it
             is
             with
             great
             Indifferency
             and
             Unconcernedness
             .
             Yet
             would
             they
             have
             it
             thought
             ,
             that
             all
             is
             still
             well
             within
             ,
             as
             ever
             it
             was
             ;
             they
             have
             as
             good
             a
             respect
             unto
             Religion
             as
             any
             .
             But
             these
             things
             openly
             discover
             an
             ulcerous
             Disease
             in
             the
             very
             Souls
             of
             Men
             ,
             as
             evidently
             as
             if
             it
             were
             written
             on
             their
             Foreheads
             ;
             what
             ever
             they
             pretend
             unto
             the
             contrary
             ,
             they
             are
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             
               woful
               Decayes
            
             from
             all
             due
             regard
             unto
             Spiritual
             and
             Eternal
             Things
             .
             And
             I
             would
             avoid
             the
             Society
             of
             such
             Persons
             ,
             as
             those
             who
             carry
             an
             infectious
             Disease
             about
             them
             ,
             unless
             it
             were
             to
             help
             on
             their
             Cure.
             
          
           
             But
             herein
             it
             is
             
               that
               Affections
               Spiritually
               renewed
            
             do
             manifest
             themselves
             .
             When
             we
             do
             delight
             in
             ,
             and
             value
             the
             Duties
             of
             Gods
             Worship
             ,
             because
             we
             find
             by
             Experience
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             ,
             and
             have
             been
             unto
             us
             
               meanes
               of
               communicating
               a
               Sense
               and
               renewed
               Pledges
               of
               the
               Love
               of
               God
               in
               Christ
               ,
            
             with
             all
             the
             Benefits
             and
             Priviledges
             which
             depend
             thereon
             ;
             then
             are
             our
             Affections
             renewed
             in
             and
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             .
          
           
             
               Secondly
               .
               They
               come
               for
               Supplies
               of
               Internal
               ,
               Sanctifying
               ,
               
               strengthning
            
             Grace
             .
             This
             is
             the
             second
             great
             Design
             of
             Believers
             in
             their
             Approaches
             unto
             God
             in
             his
             VVorship
             .
             The
             want
             hereof
             as
             unto
             Measures
             and
             Degrees
             they
             find
             in
             themselves
             ,
             and
             are
             sensible
             of
             it
             .
             Yea
             ,
             therein
             lyes
             the
             great
             Burden
             of
             the
             Souls
             of
             Believers
             in
             this
             VVorld
             .
             All
             that
             we
             do
             in
             the
             Life
             of
             God
             ,
             may
             be
             referred
             unto
             two
             Heads
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             The
             
               Observance
               of
               all
               Duties
               of
               Obedience
               .
            
             And
             ,
          
           
             
               Secondly
               ,
               The
               Conflict
               with
               ,
               and
               Conquest
               over
               Temptations
               .
            
             About
             these
             things
             ,
             are
             we
             continually
             exercised
             .
             Hence
             the
             great
             thing
             which
             we
             desire
             ,
             labour
             for
             ,
             and
             pant
             after
             ,
             is
             Spiritual
             Strength
             and
             Ability
             for
             the
             Discharge
             of
             our selves
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             with
             respect
             unto
             these
             things
             .
             This
             is
             that
             which
             every
             true
             Believer
             groaneth
             after
             in
             the
             inward
             Man
             ,
             and
             which
             he
             preferreth
             infinitely
             above
             all
             Earthly
             Things
             .
             So
             he
             may
             have
             
               Grace
               sufficient
            
             in
             any
             competent
             measure
             for
             these
             ends
             ,
             let
             what
             will
             befal
             him
             ,
             he
             desireth
             no
             more
             in
             this
             VVorld
             .
             God
             in
             Christ
             is
             the
             only
             Fountain
             of
             all
             this
             Grace
             .
             There
             is
             not
             one
             Drachm
             of
             it
             to
             be
             obtained
             but
             from
             him
             alone
             .
             And
             as
             he
             doth
             communicate
             it
             unto
             us
             of
             his
             own
             Soveraign
             Goodness
             and
             Pleasure
             ,
             so
             the
             ordinary
             way
             and
             meanes
             whereby
             he
             will
             do
             it
             ,
             are
             the
             
               Duties
               of
               his
               Worship
            
             ,
             Isaiah
             40.28
             ,
             29
             ,
             30
             ,
             31.
             
             
               Hast
               thou
               not
               known
               ?
               Hast
               thou
               not
               heard
               that
               the
               Everlasting
               God
               ,
               the
               Lord
               ,
               the
               Creator
               of
               the
               Ends
               of
               the
               Earth
               fainteth
               not
               ,
               neither
               is
               weary
               ?
               There
               is
               no
               searching
               of
               his
               Understanding
               .
               He
               giveth
               Power
               to
               the
               faint
               ,
               and
               to
               them
               that
               have
               no
               Might
               he
               increaseth
               Strength
               .
               Even
               the
               Youths
               shall
               faint
               and
               be
               weary
               ,
               and
               the
               Young
               Men
               shall
               utterly
               fail
               .
               But
               they
               that
               wait
               upon
               the
               Lord
               shall
               renew
               their
               Strength
               :
               they
               shall
               mount
               up
               with
               Wings
               as
               Eagles
               ,
               they
               shall
               run
               and
               not
               be
               weary
               ,
               they
               shall
               walk
               ,
               and
               not
               faint
               .
            
          
           
             All
             Grace
             and
             Spiritual
             Strength
             is
             originally
             seated
             in
             the
             nature
             of
             God
             ,
             v.
             28.
             
             But
             what
             relief
             can
             that
             afford
             unto
             us
             who
             are
             weak
             ,
             feeble
             ,
             fainting
             .
             He
             will
             act
             suitably
             unto
             
             his
             nature
             ,
             in
             the
             Communication
             of
             this
             Grace
             and
             Power
             ,
             v.
             29.
             
             But
             how
             shall
             we
             have
             an
             Interest
             in
             this
             Grace
             ,
             in
             these
             Opperations
             :
             wait
             on
             him
             in
             the
             Ordinances
             of
             his
             Worship
             ,
             v.
             31.
             
             The
             Word
             as
             Preached
             ,
             is
             the
             Food
             of
             our
             Souls
             whereby
             God
             administreth
             Growth
             and
             Strength
             unto
             them
             ,
             Joh.
             17.17
             .
             —
             1
             Pet.
             2.23
             .
             
               Desire
               ,
               sayeth
               he
               the
               sincere
               Milk
               of
               the
               Word
               ,
               that
               ye
               may
               grow
               thereby
               .
            
             But
             what
             Encouragement
             have
             we
             thereunto
             ,
             
               if
               so
               be
            
             ,
             sayeth
             he
             ,
             
               you
               have
               tasted
               that
               the
               Lord
               is
               gracious
               .
            
             If
             in
             and
             by
             the
             Dispensation
             of
             this
             Word
             ,
             you
             have
             had
             Experience
             of
             the
             Grace
             ,
             the
             Goodness
             ,
             the
             Kindness
             of
             God
             unto
             your
             Souls
             ,
             you
             cannot
             but
             desire
             it
             and
             delight
             in
             it
             .
             And
             otherwise
             ,
             you
             will
             not
             do
             so
             .
             When
             men
             have
             fate
             some
             good
             while
             under
             the
             Dispensation
             of
             the
             VVord
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             other
             Ordinances
             ,
             without
             tasting
             in
             them
             and
             by
             them
             ,
             that
             the
             Lord
             is
             gracious
             ,
             they
             will
             grow
             weary
             of
             it
             and
             them
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             Prayer
             is
             the
             way
             of
             his
             Appointment
             for
             the
             Application
             of
             our
             Souls
             unto
             him
             ,
             to
             obtain
             a
             Participation
             of
             all
             needful
             Grace
             ,
             which
             therefore
             he
             hath
             proposed
             unto
             us
             in
             the
             Promises
             of
             the
             Covenant
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             know
             what
             to
             ask
             ,
             and
             how
             to
             plead
             for
             it
             .
             In
             the
             Sacraments
             the
             same
             Promises
             are
             seal'd
             unto
             us
             ,
             and
             the
             Grace
             represented
             in
             them
             effectually
             exhibited
             .
             Meditation
             confirms
             our
             Souls
             in
             the
             Exercise
             of
             Faith
             about
             it
             ,
             and
             is
             the
             especial
             Opening
             of
             the
             Heart
             unto
             the
             Reception
             of
             it
             .
             By
             these
             meanes
             I
             say
             ,
             doth
             God
             communicate
             all
             Supplies
             of
             renewing
             ,
             strengthening
             ,
             and
             sanctifying
             Grace
             unto
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             live
             unto
             him
             in
             all
             
               Holy
               Obedience
            
             ,
             and
             be
             able
             to
             get
             the
             
               Victory
               over
               our
               Temptations
            
             .
             Under
             this
             Apprehension
             do
             Believers
             approach
             unto
             God
             in
             the
             Ordinances
             of
             his
             Worship
             .
             They
             come
             unto
             them
             as
             the
             meanes
             of
             Gods
             Communication
             unto
             their
             Souls
             .
             Hence
             they
             cleave
             unto
             them
             with
             Delight
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             their
             Affections
             are
             renewed
             .
             So
             the
             Spouse
             testifyeth
             of
             her self
             ;
             I
             sate
             down
             under
             his
             Shadow
             with
             great
             Delight
             ,
             Cant
             ,
             2.3
             .
             In
             these
             Ordinances
             
             is
             the
             protecting
             refreshing
             Presence
             of
             Christ.
             This
             she
             
               rested
               in
               with
               great
               Delight
            
             .
          
           
             As
             
               they
               come
               unto
               them
               with
               these
               Designs
               and
               Expectations
               ,
               so
               they
               have
               Experience
               of
               the
               Spiritual
               Benefits
               and
               Advantages
               which
               they
               receive
               by
               them
               ,
            
             which
             more
             and
             more
             engageth
             them
             unto
             them
             in
             their
             Affections
             and
             Delights
             .
             All
             these
             things
             ,
             those
             who
             have
             a
             Change
             wrought
             in
             their
             Affections
             ,
             but
             not
             a
             Spiritual
             Renovation
             ,
             are
             Strangers
             unto
             .
             They
             neither
             have
             the
             Design
             before
             mentioned
             in
             coming
             to
             them
             ,
             nor
             the
             Experience
             of
             this
             Efficacy
             now
             proposed
             in
             their
             Attendance
             on
             them
             .
             But
             these
             Benefits
             are
             great
             ;
             as
             for
             Instance
             ,
             when
             Men
             find
             the
             worth
             and
             Effect
             of
             the
             
               Word
               Preached
            
             on
             their
             Souls
             in
             its
             enlightning
             ,
             refreshing
             ,
             strengthening
             ,
             transforming
             Power
             ;
             when
             they
             find
             their
             Hearts
             warmed
             ,
             their
             Graces
             excited
             and
             strengthened
             ,
             the
             
               Love
               of
               God
            
             improved
             ,
             their
             
               Disponding
               Spirits
            
             under
             Trials
             and
             Temptations
             relieved
             ,
             their
             whole
             Souls
             gradually
             more
             and
             more
             Conformed
             unto
             Christ
             :
             when
             they
             find
             themselves
             by
             it
             extricated
             out
             of
             Snares
             ,
             Doubts
             ,
             Fears
             ,
             Temptations
             ,
             and
             brought
             unto
             Satisfaction
             and
             Rest
             ,
             they
             cannot
             but
             delight
             in
             the
             Dispensation
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             rejoyce
             in
             it
             as
             the
             
               Food
               of
               their
               Souls
            
             .
             And
             it
             is
             a
             great
             Hinderance
             unto
             the
             Encrease
             of
             Spiritual
             Life
             ,
             and
             Obstruction
             unto
             Fruitfulness
             ,
             Thrnkfulness
             ,
             and
             Consolation
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             negligent
             in
             our
             Meditation
             about
             the
             Benefits
             that
             we
             receive
             by
             the
             Word
             ,
             and
             the
             Advantages
             which
             we
             have
             thereby
             .
             For
             whil'st
             it
             is
             so
             with
             us
             ,
             we
             can
             neither
             
               value
               the
               Grace
               of
               God
            
             ,
             in
             granting
             us
             this
             Inestimable
             Priviledge
             ,
             nor
             perform
             any
             Duty
             with
             respect
             unto
             it
             ,
             in
             a
             right
             manner
             .
             This
             renders
             it
             an
             especial
             Object
             of
             our
             Affections
             as
             Spiritually
             renewed
             .
             That
             Secret
             Love
             unto
             ,
             and
             Heavenly
             Delight
             in
             the
             Statutes
             and
             Testimonies
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             David
             expresseth
             ,
             Psal
             119.
             arose
             from
             the
             Spiritual
             Benefit
             and
             Advantage
             which
             he
             received
             by
             them
             ,
             as
             he
             constantly
             declares
             .
             And
             the
             sole
             Reason
             on
             the
             other
             hand
             ,
             
             why
             men
             grow
             so
             
               careless
               ,
               negligent
               ,
               and
               cold
            
             in
             their
             Attendance
             unto
             the
             Preaching
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             is
             because
             they
             have
             no
             Experience
             of
             any
             Spiritual
             Benefit
             ,
             or
             Advantage
             by
             it
             .
             They
             have
             been
             brought
             unto
             it
             by
             one
             means
             or
             another
             ,
             mostly
             by
             conviction
             of
             their
             Duty
             .
             Their
             Minds
             have
             been
             variously
             affected
             with
             it
             ,
             unto
             a
             Joy
             in
             the
             hearing
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             readiness
             unto
             sundry
             Duties
             Of
             Obedience
             .
             But
             after
             a
             while
             ,
             when
             a
             sense
             of
             those
             
               Temporary
               Impressions
            
             is
             worn
             off
             ,
             finding
             no
             real
             
               Spiritual
               Benefit
            
             by
             it
             ,
             they
             loose
             all
             delight
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             become
             very
             indifferent
             as
             unto
             its
             Enjoyment
             .
             The
             Frame
             which
             such
             Persons
             at
             length
             arrive
             unto
             is
             described
             ,
             Mal.
             1.13
             .
             and
             3.14
             .
             And
             none
             can
             give
             any
             greater
             Evidence
             of
             the
             Decay
             of
             all
             manner
             of
             Grace
             in
             them
             ,
             or
             of
             their
             being
             destitute
             of
             all
             Saving-Grace
             ,
             than
             when
             they
             apostatize
             from
             some
             degree
             of
             Zeal
             for
             ,
             and
             Delight
             in
             the
             Dispensation
             of
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             ,
             with
             such
             a
             cursed
             Indifferency
             ,
             as
             many
             are
             overtaken
             withal
             .
             It
             cannot
             be
             otherwise
             .
             For
             seeing
             this
             is
             a
             way
             and
             means
             of
             the
             
               Exercise
               of
               all
               Grace
            
             ,
             it
             will
             not
             be
             neglected
             ,
             but
             where
             there
             is
             a
             
               Decay
               of
               all
               Grace
            
             ;
             however
             Men
             may
             please
             themselves
             with
             other
             Pretences
             .
             And
             when
             they
             are
             thus
             ensnared
             ,
             every
             foolish
             Prejudice
             ,
             every
             Provocation
             ,
             every
             wanton
             Opinion
             and
             Imagination
             will
             confirm
             them
             in
             ,
             and
             increase
             their
             
               gradual
               Backsliding
            
             .
          
           
             And
             as
             it
             is
             with
             Believers
             ,
             as
             unto
             the
             hearing
             of
             the
             
               Word
               in
               general
            
             ,
             so
             it
             is
             as
             unto
             the
             
               Degrees
               of
               Advantage
            
             which
             they
             find
             by
             it
             .
             VVhen
             Men
             have
             enjoyed
             the
             Dispensation
             of
             the
             Word
             in
             a
             peculiar
             manner
             ,
             Spiritual
             and
             Effectual
             ,
             if
             they
             can
             be
             content
             to
             forego
             it
             ,
             for
             that
             which
             is
             more
             
               cold
               and
               lifeless
            
             ,
             provided
             it
             possesseth
             the
             same
             time
             ,
             and
             outward
             Form
             with
             the
             other
             ,
             it
             is
             no
             great
             Evidence
             that
             their
             Souls
             do
             prosper
             .
             It
             is
             therefore
             those
             alone
             ,
             who
             having
             a
             sense
             of
             the
             Efficacy
             of
             the
             Word
             on
             their
             Souls
             and
             Consciences
             unto
             all
             the
             holy
             Ends
             of
             it
             ,
             who
             cleave
             unto
             it
             with
             Spiritual
             Love
             and
             Delight
             .
             They
             continually
             
             remember
             what
             holy
             Impressions
             it
             hath
             made
             on
             them
             ,
             what
             Engagements
             it
             hath
             brought
             their
             Souls
             into
             ,
             what
             encouragements
             unto
             Faith
             and
             Obedience
             it
             hath
             furnished
             them
             withal
             ,
             and
             long
             after
             renewed
             Sense
             of
             its
             Enjoyments
             .
             When
             we
             do
             not
             find
             in
             our selves
             this
             Foundation
             of
             Spiritual
             delight
             in
             the
             Dispensation
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             we
             can
             have
             no
             great
             Evidence
             that
             our
             Affections
             are
             renewed
             .
          
           
             So
             also
             it
             is
             in
             the
             Duties
             of
             
               Prayer
               and
               Meditation
            
             .
             VVhen
             the
             Soul
             of
             a
             Believer
             hath
             had
             Experience
             of
             the
             Communion
             which
             it
             hath
             had
             with
             God
             in
             them
             ,
             or
             either
             of
             them
             ;
             of
             the
             Spiritual
             Refreshment
             which
             it
             hath
             had
             from
             them
             ,
             of
             the
             Benefits
             and
             Mercies
             which
             are
             obtained
             by
             them
             ,
             in
             recovery
             from
             Temptations
             ,
             Snares
             ,
             Despondencies
             ,
             in
             Victory
             over
             Sin
             and
             Sathan
             ,
             in
             Spiritual
             Impressions
             ,
             working
             it
             unto
             an
             holy
             watchful
             Frame
             ,
             which
             hath
             abode
             with
             it
             in
             other
             VVayes
             and
             Occasions
             ,
             with
             the
             like
             Advantages
             wherewith
             fervent
             and
             
               Effectual
               Prayer
            
             ,
             and
             sincere
             
               Heavenly
               Meditation
            
             are
             accompanied
             ,
             it
             cannot
             but
             have
             Love
             unto
             them
             ,
             and
             Delight
             in
             them
             ;
             But
             if
             indeed
             we
             have
             no
             Experience
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             if
             we
             find
             not
             these
             Advantages
             in
             and
             by
             these
             Duties
             ;
             they
             cannot
             but
             be
             a
             Burden
             unto
             us
             ,
             nor
             do
             serve
             unto
             any
             other
             End
             but
             to
             satisfie
             Convictions
             .
             He
             who
             had
             the
             benefit
             of
             a
             serene
             and
             wholsome
             Air
             ,
             in
             a
             recovery
             from
             many
             Diseases
             and
             Distempers
             ,
             with
             the
             Preservation
             of
             his
             Health
             so
             obtained
             ,
             will
             love
             it
             and
             prize
             it
             ,
             and
             so
             will
             he
             these
             Duties
             ,
             who
             hath
             been
             Partaker
             of
             any
             of
             these
             Saving
             Mercies
             and
             Priviledges
             wherewith
             they
             are
             accompanied
             .
             Some
             have
             been
             delivered
             from
             the
             
               worst
               of
               Temptations
            
             ,
             and
             the
             nearest
             Approach
             of
             their
             Prevalency
             (
             as
             to
             destroy
             themselves
             )
             by
             a
             sudden
             Remembrance
             of
             the
             Frame
             of
             their
             Souls
             ,
             and
             the
             Intimations
             of
             Gods
             Love
             ,
             in
             such
             or
             such
             a
             
             Prayer
             ,
             at
             such
             a
             time
             .
             Some
             have
             had
             the
             same
             Deliverance
             from
             
               Temptations
               unto
               Sin
            
             ,
             when
             they
             have
             been
             carried
             away
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             their
             Corruptions
             ,
             and
             all
             Circumstances
             have
             concurr'd
             under
             the
             Apprehensions
             of
             it
             ,
             a
             
               Sudden
               Thought
            
             of
             such
             a
             Prayer
             or
             Meditation
             with
             the
             Engagement
             they
             made
             of
             themselves
             therein
             unto
             God
             ,
             hath
             caused
             all
             the
             weapons
             of
             Sin
             to
             fall
             out
             of
             its
             hands
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Beauties
             of
             its
             Allurements
             to
             disappear
             .
          
           
             When
             others
             have
             been
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             such
             Dispondencies
             and
             Disconsolations
             ,
             as
             that
             no
             present
             tenders
             of
             Relief
             can
             approach
             unto
             them
             ,
             they
             have
             been
             suddenly
             raised
             and
             refreshed
             by
             the
             Remembrance
             of
             the
             intimate
             Love
             and
             Kindness
             between
             Christ
             and
             their
             Souls
             ,
             that
             hath
             evidenced
             it self
             in
             former
             Duties
             .
             Multitudes
             in
             Feares
             ,
             Distresses
             and
             Temptations
             ,
             have
             found
             Relief
             unto
             their
             Spirits
             ,
             and
             Encouragement
             unto
             their
             Faith
             in
             the
             Remembrance
             of
             the
             Returnes
             they
             have
             had
             unto
             former
             Supplications
             in
             the
             like
             Distresses
             .
             These
             are
             Grounds
             of
             Spiritual
             Delight
             in
             these
             Duties
             .
          
           
             Heartless
             ,
             Lifeless
             ,
             wordy
             Prayer
             ,
             the
             Fruit
             of
             Convictions
             and
             Gifts
             ,
             or
             of
             Custom
             and
             outward
             Occasions
             however
             multiplyed
             ,
             and
             whatever
             Devotion
             they
             seem
             to
             be
             accompanied
             withal
             ,
             will
             never
             ingage
             Spiritual
             Affections
             unto
             them
             .
             When
             these
             things
             are
             absent
             ,
             when
             the
             Soul
             hath
             not
             Experience
             of
             them
             ,
             Prayer
             is
             but
             a
             lifeless
             Form
             ,
             a
             dead
             Carcase
             ,
             which
             it
             would
             be
             a
             torment
             unto
             a
             Soul
             Spiritually
             alive
             to
             be
             tied
             unto
             .
             There
             may
             be
             a
             Season
             indeed
             ,
             when
             God
             will
             seem
             to
             hide
             himself
             from
             Believers
             in
             their
             Prayers
             ,
             so
             as
             they
             shall
             neither
             find
             that
             Life
             in
             themselves
             which
             they
             have
             done
             formerly
             ,
             nor
             be
             sensible
             of
             any
             gracious
             Communications
             from
             him
             ,
             but
             this
             is
             done
             only
             for
             a
             time
             ,
             and
             principally
             to
             stir
             them
             up
             unto
             that
             Fervency
             and
             Preseverance
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             as
             may
             recover
             
             them
             into
             their
             former
             ,
             or
             a
             better
             Estate
             than
             yet
             they
             have
             attained
             unto
             .
             The
             like
             may
             be
             said
             concerning
             all
             other
             Duties
             of
             Religion
             ,
             or
             Ordinances
             of
             
               Divine
               Worship
            
             .
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             Believers
             whose
             Affections
             are
             Spiritually
             renewed
             do
             delight
             greatly
             in
             the
             duties
             of
             
               Divine
               Worship
               ,
               because
               they
               are
               the
               great
               instituted
               way
               whereby
               they
               may
               give
               Glory
               unto
               God.
            
             This
             is
             the
             first
             and
             principal
             End
             of
             all
             
               Duties
               of
               Religion
            
             as
             they
             respect
             divine
             Appointment
             ,
             namely
             ,
             to
             
               ascribe
               and
               give
               unto
               God
               the
               Glory
               that
               is
               his
               due
               .
            
             For
             in
             them
             all
             ,
             Acknowledgement
             is
             made
             of
             all
             the
             glorious
             Excellencies
             of
             the
             divine
             Nature
             ,
             our
             dependance
             on
             him
             ,
             and
             relation
             unto
             him
             .
             And
             this
             is
             that
             which
             in
             the
             
               first
               place
            
             ,
             Believers
             design
             in
             all
             the
             Duties
             of
             divine
             Worship
             .
             And
             the
             Pattern
             set
             us
             by
             our
             Blessed
             Saviour
             in
             the
             
               Prayer
               he
               taught
               his
               Disciples
            
             directs
             us
             thereunto
             .
             All
             the
             first
             Requests
             of
             it
             concern
             immediately
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             Advancement
             thereof
             .
             For
             therein
             also
             all
             the
             Blessedness
             and
             Safety
             of
             the
             Church
             is
             included
             .
             Those
             who
             fail
             in
             this
             design
             ,
             do
             err
             in
             all
             that
             they
             do
             ,
             they
             never
             tend
             unto
             the
             mark
             proposed
             unto
             them
             .
             But
             this
             is
             that
             which
             principally
             animates
             the
             Souls
             of
             them
             that
             believe
             in
             all
             their
             Duties
             ;
             this
             their
             universal
             Relation
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             Love
             in
             that
             Relation
             makes
             necessary
             .
             Wherefore
             that
             way
             and
             means
             whereby
             they
             may
             directly
             and
             solemnly
             ascribe
             and
             give
             Glory
             unto
             God
             ,
             is
             pretious
             and
             delightful
             unto
             them
             .
             And
             such
             are
             all
             the
             duties
             of
             divine
             Worship
             .
             These
             are
             some
             of
             the
             things
             wherein
             the
             respect
             of
             Affections
             
               Spiritually
               renewed
            
             ,
             unto
             Ordinances
             and
             Duties
             of
             divine
             Worship
             ,
             doth
             differ
             from
             the
             Actings
             of
             Affections
             towards
             the
             same
             Object
             which
             are
             not
             so
             santifyed
             and
             renewed
             .
          
           
             There
             are
             yet
             other
             things
             accompanied
             with
             the
             
               same
               Evidence
            
             of
             the
             difference
             between
             Affections
             Spiritually
             renewed
             ,
             and
             those
             which
             have
             only
             a
             
               general
               Change
            
             
             wrought
             in
             them
             ,
             by
             Convictions
             and
             some
             outward
             Occasions
             ,
             which
             must
             in
             one
             or
             two
             Instances
             more
             be
             insisted
             on
             ,
             with
             the
             Consideration
             of
             such
             Cases
             as
             derive
             from
             them
             .
             For
             my
             design
             herein
             ,
             is
             not
             only
             to
             declare
             when
             our
             Minds
             are
             
               Spiritually
               renewed
            
             ,
             but
             also
             what
             is
             the
             nature
             and
             operation
             of
             our
             Affections
             ,
             whereby
             we
             are
             constituted
             and
             denominated
             ,
             Spiritually-Minded
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Subject
             of
             our
             whole
             Enquiry
             .
             Herein
             then
             we
             shall
             proceed
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XVI
             .
          
           
             
               
                 Assimulation
                 unto
                 things
                 Heavenly
                 and
                 Spiritual
                 in
                 Affections
                 Spiritually
                 renewed
                 .
                 This
                 Assimulation
                 the
                 Work
                 of
                 Faith.
                 How
                 ,
                 and
                 whereby
                 .
                 Reasons
                 of
                 the
                 want
                 of
                 Growth
                 in
                 our
                 Spiritual
                 Affections
                 ,
                 as
                 unto
                 this
                 Assimulation
                 .
              
            
          
           
             WHen
             Affections
             are
             
               Spiritually
               renewed
            
             ,
             in
             their
             Exercise
             ,
             or
             fixing
             of
             themselves
             on
             Spiritual
             things
             ;
             
               There
               is
               an
               Assimulation
               wrought
               in
               them
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               whole
               Soul
               unto
               those
               Spiritual
               and
               Heavenly
               things
               by
               Faith.
            
             But
             when
             there
             is
             a
             Change
             in
             them
             only
             ,
             from
             other
             Causes
             and
             Occasions
             ,
             and
             not
             from
             Renewing
             Grace
             ,
             there
             is
             an
             
               Assimulation
               effected
               of
               Spiritual
               and
               Heavenly
               Things
               unto
               themselves
               ,
               unto
               those
               Affections
               ,
               by
               Imagination
               .
            
          
           
             This
             must
             somewhat
             at
             large
             be
             spoken
             unto
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             gives
             the
             most
             eminent
             Distinction
             between
             the
             Frames
             of
             Mind
             ,
             whose
             difference
             we
             enquire
             into
             .
             And
             to
             that
             end
             we
             shall
             cast
             our
             consideration
             of
             it
             into
             the
             ensuing
             Observations
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             
               Affections
               Spiritually
               renewed
               are
               in
               all
               their
               Actings
               ,
               in
               their
               whole
               Exercise
               ,
               under
               the
               Guidance
               and
               Conduct
               of
               Faith.
            
             It
             is
             Faith
             which
             in
             its
             Spiritual
             Light
             ,
             hath
             the
             leading
             of
             the
             Soul
             in
             the
             whole
             Life
             of
             God
             ;
             we
             live
             here
             by
             Faith
             ,
             as
             we
             shall
             do
             hereafter
             by
             Light.
             If
             our
             Affections
             
             deviate
             or
             decline
             in
             the
             least
             from
             the
             
               Guidance
               of
               the
               Faith
            
             ,
             they
             degenerate
             from
             their
             Spirituality
             ,
             and
             give
             up
             themselves
             unto
             the
             Service
             of
             Superstition
             .
             Next
             unto
             
               corrupt
               secular
            
             Interest
             in
             the
             management
             of
             crafty
             selfish
             Seducers
             ,
             this
             hath
             been
             the
             great
             in-let
             of
             all
             Superstition
             and
             false
             Worship
             into
             the
             World.
             
               Blind
               Affection
            
             groping
             in
             the
             dark
             after
             
               Spiritual
               Things
            
             ,
             having
             not
             the
             Saving
             Light
             of
             Faith
             to
             conduct
             them
             ;
             have
             seduced
             the
             Minds
             of
             Men
             into
             all
             manner
             of
             Superstitions
             ,
             Imaginations
             ,
             and
             Practices
             ,
             continuing
             to
             do
             so
             at
             this
             day
             .
             And
             wherever
             they
             will
             lead
             the
             way
             ,
             when
             Faith
             goeth
             not
             before
             them
             to
             discover
             both
             way
             and
             end
             ,
             they
             that
             lead
             ,
             and
             the
             Mind
             that
             is
             led
             ,
             must
             fall
             into
             one
             Snare
             and
             Pit
             or
             another
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             Affections
             that
             are
             
               Spiritually
               renewed
            
             ,
             move
             not
             ,
             act
             not
             ,
             but
             as
             Faith
             discovers
             their
             Object
             ,
             and
             directs
             them
             unto
             it
             .
             It
             is
             Faith
             that
             works
             by
             Love
             ,
             we
             can
             
               love
               nothing
               sincerely
            
             with
             divine
             Love
             ,
             but
             
               what
               we
               believe
               Savingly
            
             with
             Divine
             Faith.
             Let
             our
             Affections
             unto
             any
             Spiritual
             Things
             be
             never
             so
             vehement
             ,
             if
             they
             spring
             not
             from
             Faith
             ,
             if
             they
             are
             not
             guided
             by
             it
             ,
             they
             are
             neither
             accepted
             with
             God
             ,
             nor
             will
             promote
             the
             Interest
             of
             Spirituality
             and
             Holiness
             in
             our
             own
             Souls
             .
             Heb.
             11.6
             .
             Mat.
             6.22
             ,
             23.
             
             And
             this
             is
             the
             reason
             whence
             we
             oft
             times
             see
             great
             and
             plausible
             Appearances
             of
             Spiritual
             Affections
             ,
             which
             yet
             endure
             
               only
               for
               a
               Season
            
             .
             They
             have
             been
             awakened
             ,
             excited
             ,
             acted
             by
             one
             means
             or
             another
             outward
             or
             inward
             ;
             but
             not
             having
             the
             Light
             of
             Faith
             to
             guide
             them
             unto
             their
             proper
             Object
             ,
             they
             either
             wither
             and
             dye
             ,
             as
             unto
             any
             appearing
             of
             Spiritual
             Motions
             ▪
             or
             else
             keep
             the
             Mind
             
               tossed
               up
               and
               down
            
             in
             perpetual
             disquietment
             ,
             without
             rest
             or
             Peace
             .
             
               The
               foolish
               Man
               wearieth
               himself
               ,
               because
               he
               cannot
               find
               the
               way
               to
               the
               City
               .
            
             So
             was
             it
             with
             them
             who
             on
             the
             account
             of
             their
             Attendance
             unto
             
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             Christ
             ,
             are
             called
             his
             Disciples
             ,
             Joh.
             6.
             
             Having
             preached
             unto
             them
             about
             the
             
               Bread
               which
               came
               down
               from
               Heaven
               ,
            
             and
             giveth
             Life
             unto
             them
             that
             feed
             ,
             they
             were
             greatly
             affected
             with
             it
             ,
             and
             cryed
             out
             ,
             
               Lord
               ,
               evermore
               ,
               give
               us
               of
               this
               Bread
               ,
               v.
            
             34.
             
             But
             when
             he
             proceeded
             to
             declare
             the
             Mystery
             of
             it
             ,
             they
             having
             not
             Faith
             to
             discern
             and
             apprehend
             it
             ,
             their
             Affections
             immediately
             decayed
             ,
             and
             they
             forsook
             both
             him
             and
             his
             Doctrine
             ,
             vers
             .
             66.
             
          
           
             We
             may
             consider
             one
             especial
             Instance
             of
             this
             nature
             .
             Persons
             every
             day
             fall
             under
             great
             and
             
               effectual
               Convictions
               of
               Sin
            
             ,
             and
             of
             their
             danger
             or
             certain
             Misery
             thereby
             .
             This
             stirs
             up
             and
             acts
             all
             their
             Affections
             ,
             especially
             their
             
               Fears
               ,
               Hopes
               ,
               Desires
               ,
               Sorrow
               ,
               Self-Revenge
               ,
            
             according
             as
             their
             Condition
             calls
             for
             them
             .
             Hence
             sometimes
             they
             grow
             restless
             in
             their
             Complaints
             ,
             and
             turn
             themselves
             every
             way
             for
             relief
             ,
             like
             men
             that
             are
             out
             of
             the
             way
             ,
             and
             bewildred
             in
             the
             night
             .
             But
             in
             this
             State
             and
             Condition
             tell
             them
             of
             the
             only
             
               proper
               way
               and
               means
            
             of
             their
             Relief
             ,
             which
             ,
             let
             the
             World
             say
             what
             it
             will
             ,
             is
             
               Christ
               and
               his
               Righteousness
               alone
            
             ,
             with
             the
             Grace
             of
             God
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             they
             quickly
             discover
             that
             they
             are
             strange
             things
             unto
             them
             ,
             such
             as
             they
             do
             not
             understand
             ,
             nor
             indeed
             approve
             .
             They
             cannot
             see
             them
             ,
             they
             cannot
             discern
             them
             ,
             nor
             any
             Beauty
             in
             them
             for
             which
             they
             should
             be
             desired
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             after
             their
             Affections
             have
             been
             tossed
             up
             and
             down
             for
             a
             season
             ,
             under
             the
             Power
             and
             Torment
             of
             this
             Conviction
             ,
             they
             come
             unto
             one
             or
             other
             of
             these
             Issues
             with
             them
             .
             For
             either
             they
             utterly
             decay
             ,
             and
             the
             Mind
             looseth
             all
             sense
             of
             any
             Impressions
             from
             them
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             they
             wonder
             in
             themselves
             ,
             whence
             they
             were
             so
             foolish
             as
             to
             be
             tossed
             and
             troubled
             with
             such
             
               melancholy
               Fancies
            
             ,
             and
             so
             commonly
             prove
             as
             bad
             a
             sort
             of
             Men
             as
             live
             upon
             the
             Earth
             ;
             or
             they
             take
             up
             in
             a
             formal
             legal
             Profession
             wherein
             they
             never
             attain
             to
             be
             Spiritually-Minded
             .
             This
             
             is
             the
             best
             end
             that
             our
             Affections
             towards
             Spiritual
             things
             not
             guided
             by
             the
             Light
             of
             Faith
             ,
             do
             come
             unto
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             
               Faith
               hath
               a
               clear
               prospect
               into
               ,
               and
               Apprehension
               of
               Spiritual
               things
               ,
               as
               they
               are
               in
               themselves
               ,
               and
               in
               their
               own
               nature
               .
            
             It
             is
             true
             ,
             the
             Light
             of
             it
             cannot
             
               fully
               comprehend
            
             the
             nature
             of
             all
             those
             things
             which
             are
             the
             Objects
             of
             its
             Affections
             ,
             For
             they
             are
             infinite
             and
             incomprehensible
             ,
             such
             as
             are
             the
             Nature
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             Person
             of
             Christ
             ;
             and
             some
             of
             them
             ,
             as
             future
             Glory
             ,
             are
             not
             yet
             clearly
             revealed
             :
             But
             it
             discerns
             them
             all
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             they
             may
             in
             themselves
             ,
             and
             not
             in
             any
             corrupt
             Representation
             ,
             or
             Imagination
             of
             them
             ,
             be
             the
             Object
             of
             our
             Affections
             .
             They
             are
             as
             the
             Apostle
             speaks
             ,
             
               Spiritually
               discerned
            
             ,
             1
             Cor.
             2.14
             .
             which
             is
             the
             reason
             why
             the
             natural
             man
             cannot
             receive
             them
             ,
             namely
             ,
             because
             he
             hath
             not
             Ability
             Spiritually
             to
             discern
             them
             .
             And
             this
             is
             the
             principal
             end
             of
             the
             Renovation
             of
             our
             Minds
             ,
             the
             principal
             quality
             and
             effect
             of
             Faith
             ,
             namely
             ,
             the
             Communication
             unto
             our
             Minds
             ,
             and
             the
             acting
             in
             us
             ,
             of
             a
             Spiritual
             Saving
             Light
             ,
             whereby
             we
             may
             see
             and
             discern
             Spiritual
             things
             as
             they
             are
             in
             their
             own
             Nature
             ,
             Kind
             ,
             and
             proper
             Use
             ,
             see
             Ephes.
             1.17
             ,
             18
             ,
             19.
             
             
               That
               the
               God
               of
               our
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               the
               Father
               of
               Glory
               ,
               may
               give
               unto
               you
               the
               Spirit
               of
               Wisdom
               and
               Revelation
               in
               the
               Knowledge
               of
               him
               .
               The
               Eyes
               of
               your
               Understanding
               being
               enlightned
               :
               that
               ye
               know
               what
               is
               the
               hope
               of
               his
               Calling
               ,
               and
               what
               the
               Riches
               of
               the
               Glory
               of
               his
               Inheritance
               in
               the
               Saints
               ,
               and
               what
               is
               the
               exceeding
               Greatness
               of
               his
               Power
               to
               us-ward
               who
               believe
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               working
               of
               his
               mighty
               Power
               .
            
             2
             Cor.
             4.6
             .
             
               God
               shines
               in
               our
               Hearts
               ,
               to
               give
               the
               Light
               of
               the
               Knowledge
               of
               his
               Glory
               in
               the
               Face
               of
               Jesus
               Christ.
            
             The
             End
             God
             designes
             ,
             is
             to
             draw
             our
             Hearts
             and
             Affections
             unto
             himself
             .
             And
             unto
             this
             end
             ,
             he
             gives
             unto
             us
             a
             glorious
             internal
             Light
             ,
             whereby
             we
             may
             be
             enabled
             to
             discern
             the
             true
             nature
             of
             the
             things
             that
             we
             are
             to
             cleave
             unto
             with
             Love
             and
             Delight
             .
             Without
             this
             we
             have
             nothing
             
             but
             
               false
               Images
            
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             in
             our
             Minds
             :
             not
             alwayes
             as
             unto
             the
             Truth
             or
             Doctrine
             concerning
             them
             ,
             but
             as
             unto
             their
             Reality
             ,
             Power
             and
             Efficacy
             .
             This
             is
             one
             of
             the
             principal
             Effects
             of
             Faith
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             the
             principal
             part
             of
             the
             Renovation
             of
             our
             Minds
             ,
             namely
             ,
             to
             discover
             in
             the
             Soul
             and
             represent
             unto
             the
             Affections
             things
             
               Spiritual
               and
               Heavenly
            
             ,
             in
             their
             Nature
             ,
             Beauty
             ,
             and
             genuine
             Excellency
             .
             This
             attracts
             them
             if
             they
             are
             Spiritually
             renewed
             and
             causeth
             them
             to
             cleave
             with
             Delight
             unto
             what
             is
             so
             proposed
             unto
             them
             .
             He
             that
             believes
             in
             Christ
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             ,
             who
             thereon
             discovers
             the
             
               Excellency
               of
               his
               Person
            
             ,
             and
             the
             Glory
             of
             his
             Mediation
             ,
             will
             both
             love
             him
             ,
             and
             on
             his
             Believing
             
               rejoyce
               with
               Joy
               unspeakable
               ,
               and
               full
               of
               Glory
               .
            
             So
             is
             ,
             it
             in
             all
             other
             Instances
             ;
             the
             more
             steady
             is
             our
             view
             by
             Faith
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             the
             more
             firm
             and
             constant
             will
             our
             Affections
             be
             in
             cleaving
             unto
             them
             .
             And
             wherever
             the
             Mind
             is
             darkned
             about
             them
             ,
             by
             Temptation
             or
             Seduction
             from
             the
             Truth
             ,
             there
             the
             Affections
             will
             be
             quickly
             weakned
             and
             impaired
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             
               Affections
               thus
               lead
               unto
               ,
               and
               fixed
               on
               Spiritual
               and
               Heavenly
               things
               under
               the
               Light
               and
               Conduct
               of
               Faith
               ,
               are
               more
               and
               more
               renewed
               ,
               or
               made
               in
               themselves
               more
               Spiritual
               and
               Heavenly
               .
            
             They
             are
             in
             their
             cleaving
             unto
             them
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             them
             ,
             
               continually
               changed
               and
               Assimulated
            
             unto
             the
             things
             themselves
             :
             becomming
             more
             and
             more
             to
             be
             what
             they
             are
             namely
             ,
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             .
          
           
             This
             Transformation
             is
             wrought
             by
             Faith
             ,
             and
             is
             one
             of
             the
             most
             excellent
             Faculties
             and
             Operations
             ,
             see
             2
             Cor.
             3.18
             .
             And
             the
             meanes
             whereby
             it
             works
             herein
             ,
             are
             our
             Affections
             .
             In
             them
             as
             we
             are
             Carnal
             ,
             we
             are
             conformed
             unto
             this
             World
             ;
             and
             by
             them
             as
             Sanctifyed
             ,
             
               are
               we
               transformed
               in
               the
               renewing
               of
               our
               Minds
               ,
            
             Rom.
             12.2
             .
             And
             this
             Transformation
             is
             the
             Introduction
             of
             a
             
               new
               Form
               or
               Nature
            
             into
             our
             Souls
             ,
             diverse
             from
             that
             wherewith
             we
             were
             
             before
             endued
             .
             So
             is
             it
             described
             ,
             Isaiah
             11.6
             ,
             7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9.
             
             A
             Spiritual
             Nature
             they
             were
             changed
             into
             .
             And
             it
             is
             twofold
             .
          
           
             
               First
               ,
               Original
            
             and
             Radical
             as
             to
             the
             Substance
             or
             Essence
             of
             it
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Effect
             of
             the
             first
             Act
             of
             Divine
             Grace
             upon
             our
             Souls
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             made
             
               new
               Creatures
            
             .
             Herein
             our
             Affections
             are
             passive
             ,
             they
             do
             not
             
               transform
               us
            
             ,
             but
             are
             transformed
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             Gradual
             as
             unto
             its
             Increase
             ;
             and
             therein
             Faith
             works
             in
             and
             by
             the
             Affections
             .
          
           
             Whenever
             the
             Affections
             do
             cleave
             intensely
             unto
             any
             Object
             ,
             they
             receive
             an
             Impression
             from
             it
             ,
             as
             the
             Wax
             doth
             from
             the
             Seal
             when
             applyed
             unto
             it
             ,
             which
             changeth
             them
             into
             its
             own
             likeness
             .
             So
             the
             Apostle
             affirms
             of
             sensual
             unclean
             Persons
             ;
             they
             
               have
               Eyes
               full
               of
               Adultery
            
             ,
             2
             Pet.
             2.14
             .
             Their
             Affections
             are
             so
             wholly
             possessed
             and
             filled
             with
             their
             lustful
             Objects
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             have
             brought
             forth
             their
             own
             likeness
             upon
             their
             Imaginations
             .
             That
             blots
             out
             all
             others
             ,
             and
             leaves
             them
             no
             Inclinations
             but
             what
             they
             stir
             up
             in
             them
             .
             When
             men
             are
             filled
             with
             the
             
               Love
               of
               this
               World
            
             ,
             which
             carries
             along
             with
             it
             all
             their
             other
             Affections
             ,
             their
             Hopes
             ,
             Fears
             ,
             and
             Desires
             ,
             unto
             a
             constant
             Exercise
             about
             the
             same
             Object
             ,
             they
             become
             Earthly-Minded
             .
             Their
             Minds
             are
             so
             changed
             into
             
               the
               Image
               of
               the
               things
            
             themselves
             ,
             by
             the
             effectual
             working
             of
             the
             corrupt
             Principles
             of
             Sin
             ,
             Self-Love
             and
             Lust
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             were
             made
             up
             of
             the
             Earth
             ,
             and
             therefore
             have
             no
             Savour
             of
             any
             thing
             else
             .
          
           
             In
             like
             manner
             when
             by
             Faith
             men
             come
             to
             embrace
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             through
             the
             effectual
             Working
             of
             a
             Principle
             of
             Spiritual
             Life
             and
             Grace
             in
             them
             ,
             they
             are
             every
             day
             more
             and
             more
             made
             Heavenly
             .
             The
             Inward
             Man
             
               is
               renewed
               day
               by
               Day
            
             .
             Love
             is
             more
             sincere
             and
             ardent
             ,
             Delight
             is
             more
             ravishing
             and
             sensible
             ,
             Desires
             are
             more
             inlarged
             and
             intense
             ,
             and
             by
             all
             a
             Tast
             and
             Relish
             of
             
             Heavenly
             things
             is
             heightned
             into
             refreshing
             Experience
             see
             Rom.
             5.2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             This
             is
             the
             way
             whereby
             one
             Grace
             is
             added
             unto
             another
             ,
             2
             Pet.
             1.5
             ,
             6.
             in
             Degrees
             .
             Great
             is
             the
             Assimulation
             between
             renewed
             Affections
             and
             their
             Spiritual
             Objects
             ,
             that
             by
             this
             means
             may
             be
             attained
             .
          
           
             The
             Mind
             hereby
             becomes
             the
             
               Temple
               of
               God
            
             wherein
             he
             dwells
             by
             the
             Spirit
             ;
             Christ
             also
             dwelleth
             in
             Believers
             ,
             and
             they
             in
             him
             .
             
               God
               is
               Love
            
             ,
             and
             he
             that
             
               dwelleth
               in
               Love
               ,
               dwelleth
               in
               God
               ,
               and
               God
               in
               him
               ,
            
             1
             John
             4.16
             .
          
           
             Love
             in
             its
             proper
             Exercise
             ,
             gives
             a
             mutual
             Inhabitation
             unto
             God
             and
             Believers
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             he
             whose
             Affections
             are
             set
             upon
             Heavenly
             things
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             ,
             will
             be
             Heavenly-Minded
             .
             And
             in
             the
             due
             Exercise
             of
             them
             ,
             will
             that
             Heavenly
             Mindedness
             be
             encreased
             .
             The
             Transformation
             and
             Assimulation
             that
             is
             wrought
             ,
             is
             not
             in
             the
             Object
             or
             
               Spiritual
               things
            
             themselves
             ,
             they
             are
             not
             changed
             neither
             in
             themselves
             ,
             nor
             in
             the
             Representation
             made
             of
             them
             unto
             our
             Minds
             ;
             But
             the
             Change
             is
             in
             our
             Affections
             which
             are
             made
             like
             unto
             them
             .
          
           
             Two
             Cases
             deriving
             from
             this
             Principle
             and
             Consideration
             ,
             may
             be
             here
             spoken
             unto
             ,
             and
             shall
             be
             so
             ;
             the
             first
             in
             this
             ,
             and
             the
             other
             in
             the
             following
             Chapter
             .
             The
             one
             is
             concerning
             the
             
               Slowness
               and
               Imperceptibility
            
             of
             the
             Growth
             of
             our
             Affections
             in
             their
             Assimulation
             unto
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             with
             the
             Causes
             and
             Reasons
             of
             it
             .
             The
             other
             is
             ,
             the
             Decays
             that
             frequently
             befall
             Men
             in
             their
             Affections
             unto
             Spiritual
             things
             instead
             of
             growing
             and
             thriving
             in
             them
             ,
             with
             the
             Reasons
             and
             Causes
             thereof
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             This
             Progress
             and
             Growth
             of
             our
             Affections
             into
             Spirituality
             and
             Heavenliness
             ,
             into
             Conformity
             unto
             the
             things
             they
             are
             set
             upon
             ,
             is
             oft-times
             very
             
               slow
               ,
               and
               some
               times
               imperceptible
               .
            
             Yea
             ,
             for
             the
             most
             part
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             hard
             
             thing
             to
             find
             it
             Satisfactorily
             in
             our selves
             or
             others
             .
             Our
             Affections
             stand
             like
             
               Shrubs
               in
               the
               Wilderness
            
             ,
             which
             see
             not
             when
             good
             cometh
             ,
             and
             are
             not
             like
             Plants
             in
             a
             Garden
             enclosed
             ,
             which
             is
             watered
             every
             day
             .
             But
             it
             is
             not
             so
             without
             our
             Folly
             and
             our
             Sin.
             
          
           
             The
             Folly
             that
             keeps
             many
             in
             this
             Condition
             ,
             consists
             herein
             ;
             
               The
               generality
               of
               Christians
               are
               contented
               with
               their
               present
               measures
               ,
               and
               design
               little
               more
               ,
               than
               not
               to
               lose
               the
               ground
               they
               have
               gained
               .
            
             And
             a
             
               pernitious
               Folly
            
             it
             is
             that
             both
             ruines
             the
             Glory
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             deprives
             the
             Souls
             of
             Men
             ,
             of
             Peace
             and
             Consolation
             .
             But
             so
             it
             is
             ,
             Men
             have
             some
             grounds
             of
             Perswasion
             ,
             or
             
               at
               least
            
             they
             hope
             ,
             and
             suppose
             they
             have
             such
             grounds
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             passed
             
               from
               Death
               unto
               Life
            
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             in
             a
             State
             of
             Grace
             and
             Acceptance
             with
             God.
             This
             State
             they
             will
             endeavour
             to
             preserve
             by
             a
             diligent
             Performance
             of
             the
             Dutys
             it
             requireth
             ,
             and
             the
             avoidance
             of
             such
             Sins
             ,
             whereby
             they
             might
             make
             a
             forfeiture
             of
             it
             .
             But
             as
             for
             earnest
             watchful
             Endeavours
             and
             Diligence
             
               to
               thrive
               in
               this
               State
            
             ,
             to
             grow
             in
             Grace
             ,
             to
             be
             changed
             from
             Glory
             to
             Glory
             into
             the
             Image
             of
             Christ
             ,
             to
             press
             forwards
             towards
             the
             mark
             of
             the
             High-Calling
             ,
             and
             after
             Perfection
             to
             lay
             hold
             upon
             Eternal
             Life
             ,
             to
             be
             more
             holy
             ,
             more
             humble
             ,
             more
             righteous
             ,
             more
             Spiritually-minded
             ,
             to
             have
             their
             Affections
             more
             and
             more
             transformed
             into
             the
             likeness
             of
             things
             above
             ;
             they
             are
             but
             few
             ,
             that
             sincerely
             and
             diligently
             apply
             themselves
             unto
             it
             ,
             or
             unto
             the
             means
             of
             these
             things
             .
             The
             Measures
             which
             they
             have
             attain'd
             unto
             ,
             give
             Satisfaction
             unto
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             Reputation
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             Professours
             ,
             and
             some
             so
             speak
             Peace
             unto
             their
             own
             Souls
             .
             To
             be
             more
             holy
             and
             heavenly
             ,
             to
             have
             their
             Affections
             more
             taken
             up
             with
             the
             things
             above
             ,
             they
             suppose
             somewhat
             inconsistent
             with
             their
             present
             Occasions
             and
             Affairs
             .
             By
             this
             means
             hath
             Religion
             lost
             much
             of
             its
             Glory
             ,
             and
             the
             Souls
             of
             Men
             
             have
             been
             deprived
             of
             the
             principal
             Advantages
             of
             it
             in
             this
             World.
             
          
           
             Such
             Persons
             are
             like
             unto
             men
             who
             live
             in
             a
             Country
             whereni
             they
             are
             not
             only
             
               pressed
               with
               Poverty
            
             ,
             and
             all
             sorts
             of
             Misery
             ;
             but
             are
             also
             obnoxious
             unto
             grievous
             Punishments
             ,
             and
             Death
             it self
             ,
             if
             they
             are
             taken
             in
             it
             .
             In
             this
             Condition
             they
             are
             told
             and
             assured
             of
             another
             Country
             ,
             wherein
             so
             soon
             as
             they
             are
             arrived
             ,
             they
             shall
             be
             freed
             from
             all
             
               Fear
               of
               danger
               of
               Punishment
            
             ,
             and
             if
             they
             pass
             further
             into
             it
             ,
             they
             shall
             meet
             with
             Riches
             ,
             Plenty
             and
             a
             fair
             Inheritance
             provided
             for
             them
             .
             Hereon
             they
             betake
             themselves
             unto
             their
             Voyage
             to
             obtain
             an
             entrance
             into
             it
             ,
             and
             Possession
             of
             it
             .
             But
             no
             sooner
             do
             they
             come
             within
             the
             Borders
             ,
             and
             so
             are
             free
             from
             Danger
             ,
             or
             fear
             of
             Punishment
             and
             Death
             ,
             but
             they
             sit
             down
             and
             will
             go
             no
             further
             ,
             to
             enjoy
             the
             
               good
               things
               of
               the
               Country
            
             whereunto
             they
             are
             come
             .
             And
             it
             falls
             out
             with
             many
             of
             them
             ,
             that
             through
             their
             Sloath
             ,
             Negligence
             ,
             and
             Ignorance
             ,
             they
             take
             up
             
               short
               of
               the
               true
               Bounds
            
             and
             Limits
             of
             the
             Country
             of
             Liberty
             and
             Peace
             which
             they
             aimed
             at
             ,
             whereby
             Danger
             and
             Death
             surprize
             them
             unawares
             .
             This
             ruine
             could
             not
             have
             befallen
             them
             ,
             had
             they
             industriously
             endeavoured
             to
             enter
             into
             the
             
               heart
               of
               the
               Country
            
             ,
             and
             have
             possessed
             the
             good
             things
             thereof
             .
             At
             best
             ,
             being
             only
             in
             the
             Borders
             ,
             they
             lead
             a
             poor
             Life
             all
             their
             dayes
             ,
             exposed
             to
             wants
             and
             danger
             .
          
           
             So
             it
             is
             in
             this
             case
             .
             Men
             falling
             under
             the
             
               Power
               of
               Convictions
            
             ,
             and
             those
             restless
             Fears
             wherewith
             they
             are
             accompanied
             ,
             will
             stir
             up
             themselves
             ,
             and
             enquire
             how
             they
             may
             
               fly
               from
               the
               Wrath
               to
               come
               ,
            
             how
             they
             may
             be
             delivered
             from
             the
             State
             of
             Sin
             ,
             and
             the
             Eternal
             Misery
             which
             will
             ensue
             thereon
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             Gospel
             not
             only
             
               Mercy
               and
               Pardon
            
             are
             proposed
             unto
             them
             on
             their
             believing
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             first
             entrance
             into
             the
             Heavenly
             Country
             ;
             But
             Peace
             ,
             and
             Joy
             ,
             and
             
               Spiritual
               Strength
            
             upon
             their
             Admission
             into
             it
             ,
             and
             a
             progress
             made
             
             in
             it
             by
             Faith
             and
             Obedience
             .
             But
             many
             when
             they
             have
             attain'd
             so
             far
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             have
             
               some
               hopes
               of
               Pardon
               and
               Freedom
               from
               the
               Curse
               ,
            
             so
             as
             to
             deliver
             them
             from
             their
             tormenting
             Fears
             ,
             will
             endeavour
             to
             preserve
             those
             hopes
             ,
             and
             keep
             that
             State
             ;
             but
             will
             not
             pass
             on
             to
             a
             full
             Enjoyment
             of
             the
             
               precious
               things
               of
               the
               Gospel
            
             ,
             by
             Growth
             in
             Grace
             and
             Spiritual
             Affections
             .
             But
             how
             many
             of
             them
             fall
             under
             woful
             Mistakes
             .
             For
             supposing
             themselves
             to
             be
             in
             a
             Gospel
             State
             ,
             it
             proves
             in
             the
             Issue
             ,
             that
             they
             never
             entred
             into
             it
             .
             They
             were
             not
             it
             may
             be
             
               far
               from
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               Heaven
               ,
            
             in
             the
             same
             Sense
             as
             it
             was
             spoken
             of
             him
             who
             never
             came
             thither
             .
             There
             is
             no
             way
             to
             secure
             an
             Interest
             in
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             as
             to
             Pardon
             and
             Mercy
             ,
             Safety
             and
             Deliverance
             ,
             but
             by
             a
             Growth
             in
             Grace
             ,
             Holiness
             ,
             and
             Spirituality
             ,
             which
             gives
             an
             entrance
             into
             the
             choicest
             Mercies
             and
             Priviledges
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             This
             
               Folly
               of
               Men
            
             in
             
               taking
               up
               with
               their
               Measures
            
             ,
             endeavouring
             only
             to
             maintain
             that
             State
             and
             Condition
             which
             they
             hope
             they
             have
             attained
             ,
             is
             the
             great
             reason
             why
             their
             Affections
             do
             not
             dayly
             grow
             up
             into
             Spirituality
             ,
             through
             an
             Assimulation
             unto
             Heavenly
             things
             .
             And
             a
             Folly
             it
             is
             ,
             attended
             with
             innumerable
             Aggravations
             .
             As
             for
             Instance
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             It
             is
             contrary
             and
             destructive
             unto
             the
             
               genuine
               and
               principal
               Property
               of
               Gospel
               Grace
               .
            
             For
             it
             is
             every
             where
             compared
             by
             our
             Saviour
             unto
             things
             which
             from
             
               small
               Seeds
               and
               Beginings
            
             ,
             do
             grow
             up
             by
             a
             continual
             Increase
             unto
             large
             measures
             ,
             as
             to
             a
             
               grain
               of
               Mustard
               Seed
            
             ,
             a
             
               little
               leaven
            
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             .
          
           
             That
             Grace
             in
             whose
             nature
             it
             is
             not
             to
             thrive
             and
             grow
             ,
             may
             Justly
             be
             suspected
             ,
             and
             ought
             diligently
             to
             be
             examined
             by
             them
             who
             take
             care
             of
             their
             own
             Souls
             and
             would
             not
             be
             eternally
             deceived
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             It
             is
             contrary
             unto
             the
             most
             excellent
             or
             invaluable
             
               Evangelical
               Promises
            
             recorded
             in
             the
             Old
             Testament
             
             and
             the
             New
             ;
             and
             which
             are
             amongst
             the
             principal
             Supportments
             of
             the
             Faith
             ,
             Hope
             ,
             and
             Comfort
             of
             Believers
             .
             God
             hath
             given
             them
             unto
             us
             ,
             to
             encourage
             us
             unto
             an
             Expectation
             of
             such
             Supplies
             of
             Grace
             ,
             as
             shall
             cause
             us
             to
             
               thrive
               and
               grow
            
             against
             all
             Opposition
             ,
             unto
             the
             utmost
             of
             our
             Continuance
             in
             this
             World.
             And
             they
             are
             so
             multiplyed
             as
             that
             there
             is
             no
             need
             to
             mention
             any
             of
             them
             in
             particular
             ;
             God
             evidencing
             thereby
             how
             great
             is
             the
             Grace
             ,
             and
             how
             pretious
             which
             he
             so
             often
             promiseth
             ,
             and
             of
             what
             Consideration
             it
             is
             of
             unto
             our selves
             ,
             see
             Psal.
             92.13
             ,
             14
             ,
             15.
             
             Isai.
             40.28
             ,
             29
             ,
             30
             ,
             31.
             
             Wherefore
             the
             Folly
             of
             taking
             up
             with
             present
             measures
             of
             Grace
             ,
             Holiness
             ,
             and
             Spirituality
             ,
             is
             attended
             with
             two
             unspeakable
             Evils
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             A
             
               Signal
               Contempt
            
             of
             the
             Love
             ,
             Grace
             ,
             Faithfulness
             ,
             and
             Wisdom
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             giving
             of
             us
             such
             Promises
             of
             Grace
             ,
             to
             make
             us
             to
             encrease
             ,
             thrive
             ,
             and
             grow
             .
             How
             can
             it
             be
             done
             more
             effectually
             ,
             than
             by
             such
             a
             neglect
             of
             his
             Promised
             Grace
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             An
             Evidence
             that
             such
             Persons
             love
             not
             ,
             care
             not
             for
             Grace
             or
             Holiness
             for
             their
             own
             Souls
             ,
             but
             meerly
             to
             serve
             their
             turn
             at
             present
             as
             they
             suppose
             ;
             nor
             do
             desire
             the
             least
             of
             Grace
             or
             Priviledge
             by
             Christ
             ,
             without
             which
             they
             can
             have
             any
             hopes
             to
             get
             to
             Heaven
             .
             This
             sufficiently
             discovers
             men
             to
             be
             wholly
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             Self-Love
             ,
             and
             to
             center
             therein
             ;
             for
             if
             they
             may
             have
             so
             much
             Grace
             and
             Mercy
             ,
             as
             may
             save
             them
             ,
             they
             care
             for
             no
             more
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             It
             is
             repugnant
             unto
             the
             
               Honour
               of
               Gospel
               Grace
            
             ,
             as
             though
             it
             would
             carry
             us
             so
             far
             ,
             and
             no
             farther
             in
             the
             way
             to
             Glory
             .
             For
             it
             must
             be
             known
             that
             this
             sort
             of
             Persons
             who
             sit
             down
             in
             their
             present
             Measures
             and
             Attainments
             either
             really
             have
             no
             true
             Grace
             at
             all
             ,
             or
             that
             which
             is
             of
             the
             lowest
             ,
             meanest
             ,
             and
             most
             imperceptible
             size
             and
             degree
             .
             For
             if
             any
             one
             hath
             attained
             any
             
               considerable
               Growth
            
             in
             Faith
             and
             Love
             ,
             in
             the
             Mortification
             of
             Sin
             ,
             in
             
             Heavenly-Mindedness
             ,
             it
             is
             utterly
             impossible
             but
             that
             ordinarily
             he
             will
             be
             pressing
             forward
             towards
             farther
             Attainments
             ,
             and
             farther
             Degrees
             of
             Spiritual
             Strength
             in
             the
             Life
             of
             God.
             So
             the
             Apostle
             declares
             it
             in
             his
             own
             Example
             ,
             Phil.
             3.10
             ,
             11
             ,
             12
             ,
             13
             ,
             14.
             
             What
             thoughts
             can
             these
             Persons
             have
             concerning
             the
             Glory
             ,
             Power
             ,
             and
             Efficacy
             of
             Gospel
             Grace
             ,
             which
             they
             suppose
             they
             have
             received
             .
             If
             they
             measure
             them
             by
             the
             Effects
             which
             they
             find
             in
             themselves
             ,
             either
             as
             unto
             the
             Mortification
             of
             Sin
             ,
             or
             Strength
             unto
             ,
             and
             Delight
             in
             Duties
             of
             Holiness
             ,
             or
             as
             unto
             Spiritual
             Consolation
             ,
             they
             can
             see
             no
             Excellency
             nor
             Beauty
             in
             them
             .
             For
             they
             do
             not
             manifest
             themselves
             but
             in
             their
             Success
             ,
             as
             they
             transform
             the
             Soul
             dayly
             into
             the
             Image
             of
             Christ.
             
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             
               It
               is
               that
               which
               hath
               lost
               the
               Reputation
               and
               Glory
               of
               the
               Religion
               in
               the
               World
               ,
            
             and
             therein
             the
             Honour
             of
             the
             Gospel
             it self
             .
             For
             the
             most
             of
             Professors
             do
             take
             up
             with
             such
             Measures
             as
             put
             no
             lustre
             upon
             it
             ,
             as
             give
             no
             Commendation
             unto
             the
             Religion
             they
             profess
             .
             For
             their
             measures
             allow
             them
             such
             a
             Conformity
             unto
             the
             World
             ,
             in
             their
             Wayes
             ,
             Words
             and
             Actions
             ,
             in
             their
             Gestures
             ,
             Apparrel
             ,
             and
             Attire
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             are
             no
             way
             visibly
             to
             be
             distinguished
             from
             it
             .
             Yea
             ,
             the
             Ground
             and
             Reason
             why
             the
             most
             do
             
               rest
               in
               their
               present
               measures
            
             ,
             is
             because
             they
             will
             not
             be
             further
             differenced
             from
             the
             World.
             This
             hath
             greatly
             lost
             the
             Glory
             ,
             Honour
             ,
             and
             Reputation
             of
             Religion
             amongst
             us
             .
             And
             on
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             if
             all
             visible
             Professors
             would
             endeavour
             continually
             to
             grow
             and
             thrive
             in
             Spirituality
             of
             Mind
             ,
             and
             Heavenlyness
             of
             Affections
             ,
             with
             Fruits
             suited
             thereunto
             ,
             it
             would
             bring
             a
             Conviction
             on
             the
             world
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             a
             
               Secret
               Invisible
               Power
            
             ,
             accompanying
             the
             Religion
             they
             profess
             ,
             transforming
             them
             dayly
             into
             the
             Image
             and
             Likeness
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             Fifthly
             ,
             Whatever
             is
             pretended
             unto
             the
             contrary
             ,
             it
             is
             inconsistent
             with
             all
             solid
             Peace
             of
             Conscience
             .
             For
             so
             
             such
             thing
             is
             promised
             unto
             any
             who
             live
             in
             such
             a
             Contempt
             of
             Divine
             Promises
             ;
             nor
             is
             it
             attainable
             but
             by
             the
             diligent
             Exercise
             of
             all
             those
             Graces
             which
             lye
             neglected
             under
             this
             Frame
             .
             Few
             men
             are
             able
             to
             judge
             whether
             they
             have
             real
             ,
             eternal
             ,
             abiding
             Peace
             or
             no
             ,
             unless
             it
             be
             in
             Case
             of
             Tryals
             and
             Temptations
             .
             At
             other
             Seasons
             ,
             general
             Hopes
             and
             Confidences
             do
             ,
             or
             may
             supply
             the
             want
             of
             it
             in
             their
             Minds
             .
             But
             when
             any
             Fear
             ,
             Danger
             ,
             Tryal
             ,
             or
             Word
             of
             Conviction
             befalls
             them
             ,
             they
             cannot
             but
             enquire
             and
             examine
             how
             it
             is
             with
             them
             .
             And
             if
             they
             find
             their
             Affections
             cold
             ,
             dead
             ,
             earthly
             ,
             carnal
             ,
             withering
             ,
             not
             spiritual
             or
             heavenly
             ,
             there
             will
             be
             an
             end
             of
             their
             supposed
             Peace
             ,
             and
             they
             will
             fall
             into
             woful
             Disquietments
             ,
             and
             they
             will
             then
             find
             that
             the
             Root
             of
             all
             this
             Evil
             lyes
             in
             this
             Frame
             and
             Disposition
             .
             They
             have
             been
             so
             far
             satisfyed
             with
             their
             present
             measures
             or
             attainments
             in
             Religion
             ,
             as
             that
             the
             utmost
             of
             their
             Endeavours
             have
             been
             ,
             but
             to
             preserve
             their
             Station
             ,
             or
             not
             to
             forfeit
             it
             by
             open
             Sins
             ,
             to
             keep
             their
             Souls
             alive
             from
             the
             severe
             Reflections
             of
             the
             Word
             and
             their
             Reputation
             fair
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             God.
             
               Spiritually
               to
               thrive
               ,
               to
               prosper
               in
               their
               Souls
               ,
            
             to
             
               wax
               fat
               and
               flourishing
            
             in
             the
             Inward
             Man
             ,
             to
             
               bring
               forth
               more
               fruit
            
             as
             Age
             increaseth
             ,
             to
             press
             towards
             Perfection
             ,
             are
             things
             they
             have
             not
             designed
             nor
             pursued
             .
          
           
             Hence
             it
             is
             that
             so
             many
             among
             us
             ,
             are
             visibly
             at
             an
             
               unthrifty
               stand
            
             in
             the
             World
             ;
             that
             where
             they
             were
             one
             Year
             ,
             there
             they
             are
             another
             ,
             like
             
               Shrubs
               in
               the
               Wilderness
            
             ,
             not
             like
             the
             Plants
             in
             the
             Garden
             of
             God
             ,
             not
             
               as
               Vines
               planted
               in
               a
               very
               fruitful
               Hill.
            
             Yea
             ,
             though
             many
             are
             sensible
             themselves
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             
               cold
               ,
               lifeless
            
             ,
             and
             fruitless
             ,
             Yet
             will
             they
             not
             be
             convinced
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             a
             necessity
             of
             making
             a
             dayly
             progress
             in
             Spirituality
             and
             Heavenly-Mindedness
             ,
             whereby
             the
             Inward
             man
             may
             be
             renewed
             day
             by
             day
             ,
             and
             Grace
             augmented
             with
             the
             Increase
             of
             God.
             This
             is
             a
             work
             as
             they
             suppose
             for
             them
             who
             have
             nothing
             else
             to
             do
             ;
             not
             consistent
             with
             their
             
               Business
               ,
               Callings
            
             ,
             and
             Occasions
             ;
             not
             
             necessary
             as
             they
             hope
             unto
             their
             Salvation
             ,
             nor
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             to
             be
             attained
             by
             them
             ,
             if
             they
             should
             set
             themselves
             about
             it
             .
             This
             Apprehension
             of
             Imagination
             ,
             upon
             the
             beginning
             of
             the
             Declension
             ,
             and
             decay
             of
             Christian
             Religion
             in
             the
             many
             ,
             Cast
             of
             all
             Holiness
             and
             Devotion
             unto
             a
             sort
             of
             men
             who
             undertook
             to
             retire
             themselves
             utterly
             out
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             amongst
             whom
             also
             the
             Substance
             of
             Religion
             was
             quickly
             lost
             ,
             and
             a
             Cloud
             ,
             or
             
               Meteor
               of
               Superstition
            
             embraced
             in
             the
             Room
             of
             it
             .
             But
             this
             Folly
             is
             ominous
             unto
             the
             Souls
             of
             men
             .
          
           
             Those
             who
             have
             made
             the
             
               greatest
               Progress
            
             in
             the
             Conformity
             of
             their
             Affections
             unto
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             ,
             know
             most
             of
             its
             Necessity
             ,
             Excellency
             ,
             and
             Desireableness
             ;
             yea
             ,
             without
             some
             Progress
             in
             it
             ,
             these
             things
             will
             not
             be
             known
             .
             Such
             will
             testify
             that
             the
             more
             they
             attain
             herein
             ,
             the
             more
             they
             see
             there
             is
             yet
             to
             be
             attained
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             they
             do
             desire
             to
             attain
             what
             is
             behind
             .
             
               Forgetting
               those
               things
               which
               are
               behind
               ,
               they
               reach
               forth
               unto
               the
               things
               that
               are
               yet
               before
               them
               ;
               like
               men
               running
               in
               a
               Race
               ,
               whose
               Prize
               and
               Reward
               is
               yet
               before
               them
               .
            
             Phil.
             3.13
             ,
             14.
             
             It
             is
             a
             comely
             thing
             to
             see
             a
             Christian
             weaned
             from
             the
             World
             ,
             minding
             Heavenly
             Things
             ,
             green
             and
             flourishing
             in
             Spiritual
             Affection
             .
             And
             it
             is
             the
             more
             lovely
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             so
             rare
             .
             The
             generality
             of
             them
             take
             up
             with
             those
             measures
             ,
             which
             neither
             glorifie
             God
             ,
             nor
             bring
             in
             durable
             Peace
             into
             their
             own
             Souls
             .
          
           
             That
             which
             men
             pretend
             ,
             and
             complain
             of
             herein
             ,
             is
             the
             
               difficulty
               of
               the
               Work.
            
             They
             can
             as
             they
             suppose
             preserve
             their
             present
             Station
             ,
             but
             to
             press
             forward
             to
             grow
             in
             Grace
             ,
             to
             thrive
             in
             their
             Affections
             ,
             this
             is
             too
             hard
             for
             them
             .
             But
             this
             Complaint
             is
             unequal
             
               and
               unjust
            
             and
             adds
             unto
             the
             guilt
             of
             their
             Sloth
             .
             It
             reflects
             upon
             the
             Words
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             that
             his
             
               Yoke
               is
               easy
               ,
               and
               his
               Burden
               Light
               ,
            
             that
             his
             Commandments
             are
             not
             grievious
             .
             It
             expersseth
             Unbelief
             in
             the
             Promises
             of
             God
             ,
             tendring
             such
             Supplies
             of
             Grace
             as
             
             to
             render
             all
             the
             wayes
             of
             Wisdom
             easy
             ,
             yea
             ,
             Mercy
             and
             Peace
             .
             It
             is
             contrary
             unto
             the
             Experience
             of
             all
             who
             have
             with
             any
             Sincerity
             and
             Diligence
             ingaged
             in
             the
             wayes
             of
             Gospel
             Obedience
             .
             And
             the
             whole
             cause
             of
             the
             pretended
             Difficulty
             lyes
             in
             themselves
             alone
             ;
             which
             may
             be
             reduced
             unto
             these
             two
             Heads
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             
               A
               Desire
               to
               retain
               some
               thing
               ,
               or
               things
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               or
               are
               inconsistent
               with
               such
               a
               Progress
               .
            
             For
             unless
             the
             Heart
             be
             ready
             on
             all
             Occasions
             ,
             to
             esteem
             every
             things
             as
             
               Loss
               and
               Dung
            
             ,
             so
             as
             we
             may
             win
             Christ
             ,
             the
             work
             will
             be
             accomcompanied
             with
             insuperable
             Difficulties
             .
             This
             is
             the
             first
             Principle
             of
             Religion
             ,
             of
             Gospel
             Obedience
             ,
             that
             all
             things
             are
             to
             be
             
               despised
               for
               Christ.
            
             But
             this
             Difficulty
             ariseth
             not
             from
             the
             thing
             it self
             ,
             but
             from
             our
             Indisposition
             unto
             it
             ,
             and
             unfitness
             for
             it
             .
             That
             which
             is
             an
             
               easy
               pleasant
               Walk
            
             unto
             a
             found
             and
             healthy
             Man
             ,
             is
             a
             toilsome
             Journey
             to
             him
             that
             is
             diseased
             and
             infirm
             .
             In
             particular
             ,
             whilst
             Men
             will
             retain
             an
             
               inordinate
               respect
            
             unto
             the
             World
             ,
             the
             Vanities
             ,
             the
             Pleasures
             ,
             the
             Profits
             ,
             the
             Contentments
             of
             it
             ;
             
               whil'st
               Self-Love
            
             ,
             putting
             an
             undue
             Valuation
             on
             our
             Persons
             ,
             our
             Relations
             ,
             our
             Enjoyments
             ,
             our
             Reputations
             ,
             doth
             cleave
             unto
             us
             ,
             we
             shall
             labour
             in
             the
             Fire
             when
             we
             ingage
             in
             this
             Duty
             ;
             or
             rather
             we
             shall
             not
             at
             all
             sincerely
             ingage
             in
             it
             ;
             wherefore
             the
             Apostle
             tells
             us
             ,
             that
             in
             this
             case
             ,
             we
             must
             
               cast
               off
               every
               weight
               ,
               and
               the
               Sin
               that
               doth
               so
               easily
               beset
               us
               ,
            
             if
             we
             intend
             to
             run
             with
             Joy
             the
             Race
             that
             is
             set
             before
             us
             ,
             Heb.
             12.1
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             
               It
               is
               because
               Men
               dwell
               continually
               upon
               the
               Entrances
               of
               Religion
               in
               the
               first
               and
               lowest
               Exercise
               of
               Grace
            
             ;
             some
             are
             alwayes
             beginning
             at
             Religion
             ,
             and
             the
             beginning
             of
             things
             are
             alwayes
             difficult
             .
             They
             design
             not
             to
             be
             
               Compleat
               in
               the
               whole
               Will
               of
               God
               ,
            
             nor
             to
             give
             all
             Graces
             their
             perfect
             Work.
             They
             do
             not
             with
             use
             ,
             habituate
             Grace
             unto
             a
             readiness
             in
             all
             the
             Actings
             of
             it
             ,
             which
             the
             Apostle
             commends
             in
             them
             that
             are
             perfect
             or
             compleat
             ,
             Heb.
             5.14
             .
             Hence
             he
             calls
             such
             Persons
             Babes
             ,
             and
             Carnal
             ,
             comparatively
             
             unto
             them
             that
             are
             strong
             men
             and
             Spiriual
             .
             Such
             Persons
             do
             not
             obliege
             themselves
             unto
             the
             whole
             Work
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Duties
             of
             Religion
             ,
             but
             only
             what
             they
             Judge
             
               necessary
               unto
               them
            
             in
             their
             present
             Circumstances
             .
             In
             particular
             ,
             they
             do
             not
             attempt
             a
             thorow-work
             in
             the
             Mortification
             of
             any
             Sin
             ,
             but
             are
             
               hewing
               and
               hacking
            
             at
             it
             ,
             as
             their
             Convictions
             are
             urgent
             ,
             or
             abate
             ,
             the
             Wounds
             whereof
             in
             the
             Body
             of
             Sin
             ,
             are
             quickly
             healed
             .
             They
             give
             not
             any
             Grace
             its
             
               perfect
               Work
            
             ,
             but
             are
             alwayes
             making
             Essayes
             ,
             and
             so
             give
             over
             .
          
           
             Whil'st
             it
             is
             thus
             with
             any
             ,
             they
             shall
             alwayes
             be
             deluded
             with
             the
             Apprehensions
             of
             insuperable
             Difficulties
             ,
             as
             to
             the
             Growth
             of
             their
             Affections
             in
             Spirituality
             and
             Heavenliness
             .
             Remove
             these
             things
             out
             of
             the
             way
             as
             the
             ought
             to
             be
             removed
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             find
             all
             the
             Paths
             wherein
             we
             are
             to
             walk
             towards
             God
             ,
             to
             be
             
               Pleasantness
               and
               Peace
            
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             the
             first
             Cause
             whence
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             there
             may
             be
             Affections
             truely
             Spiritual
             and
             gratiously
             renewed
             in
             some
             Persons
             ,
             who
             yet
             do
             not
             thrive
             
               in
               an
               Assimulation
               and
               Conformity
               unto
               Heavenly
               things
               .
            
             Men
             take
             up
             with
             their
             present
             measures
             ;
             and
             thereon
             pretend
             either
             necessary
             Occasion
             ,
             or
             Discouragements
             from
             Difficulties
             in
             attempting
             Spiritual
             Growth
             in
             the
             inward
             Man.
             But
             they
             may
             thank
             themselves
             ,
             if
             as
             they
             bring
             no
             honour
             unto
             Christ
             ,
             so
             they
             have
             no
             solid
             Peace
             in
             their
             own
             Souls
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             As
             the
             Evil
             proceedeth
             from
             Folly
             ,
             so
             it
             is
             alwayes
             the
             Consequent
             
               of
               Sin
            
             ,
             of
             
               many
               Sins
            
             ,
             of
             various
             sorts
             .
             Let
             us
             not
             dwell
             on
             heartless
             Complaints
             ,
             that
             we
             do
             not
             find
             our
             Affections
             lively
             and
             heavenly
             ;
             that
             we
             do
             not
             find
             the
             Inward
             Man
             to
             thrive
             or
             grow
             .
             Let
             us
             not
             hearken
             after
             this
             or
             that
             Relief
             or
             Comfort
             under
             this
             Consideration
             ,
             as
             many
             things
             are
             usually
             insisted
             on
             unto
             that
             purpose
             .
             They
             may
             be
             of
             use
             ,
             when
             Persons
             are
             under
             Temptations
             ,
             
             and
             not
             able
             to
             make
             a
             right
             Judgement
             of
             themselves
             .
             But
             in
             the
             Course
             of
             our
             
               ordinary
               walking
               with
               God
            
             ,
             they
             are
             not
             to
             be
             attended
             ,
             not
             retired
             unto
             .
             The
             general
             Reason
             of
             this
             evil
             State
             ,
             is
             our
             own
             sinful
             Carelesness
             ,
             Negligence
             and
             Sloth
             ,
             with
             perhaps
             an
             Indulgence
             unto
             some
             known
             Lust
             or
             Corruption
             .
             And
             we
             do
             in
             vain
             seek
             after
             
               refreshing
               Cordials
            
             ,
             as
             though
             we
             were
             only
             Spiritually
             faint
             ,
             when
             we
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             Launcings
             and
             Burnings
             ,
             as
             nigh
             unto
             a
             Lethargy
             .
             It
             would
             be
             too
             long
             to
             give
             Instances
             of
             these
             Sins
             ,
             which
             fail
             not
             effectually
             to
             obstruct
             the
             
               thriving
               of
               Spiritual
               Affections
            
             .
             But
             in
             general
             ,
             when
             men
             are
             careless
             as
             unto
             that
             continual
             Watch
             which
             they
             ought
             to
             keep
             over
             their
             Hearts
             ;
             whil'st
             they
             are
             negligent
             in
             holy
             Duties
             ,
             either
             as
             unto
             the
             seasons
             of
             them
             ,
             or
             the
             manner
             of
             their
             Performance
             ;
             when
             they
             are
             Strangers
             unto
             holy
             Meditation
             ,
             and
             self-Examination
             ;
             whil'st
             they
             
               inordinately
               pursue
            
             the
             things
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             or
             are
             so
             
               tender
               and
               delicate
            
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             will
             not
             undergo
             the
             hardship
             of
             an
             heavenly
             Life
             ,
             either
             as
             unto
             the
             Inward
             or
             Outward
             Man
             ;
             much
             more
             when
             they
             are
             vain
             in
             their
             Conversation
             ,
             corrupt
             in
             their
             Communication
             ,
             especially
             if
             under
             the
             
               Predominant
               Influence
            
             of
             any
             particular
             Lust
             ,
             it
             is
             vain
             to
             think
             of
             thriving
             in
             Spiritual
             Affections
             .
             And
             yet
             thus
             it
             is
             with
             all
             who
             ordinarily
             ,
             and
             in
             their
             constant
             Course
             are
             thriftless
             herein
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XVII
          
           
             
               
                 Decayes
                 in
                 Spiritual
                 Affections
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 Causes
                 and
                 Danger
                 of
                 them
                 .
                 Advice
                 unto
                 them
                 who
                 are
                 sensible
                 of
                 the
                 Evil
                 of
                 Spiritual
                 Decays
                 .
              
            
          
           
             IT
             must
             be
             acknowledged
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             yet
             that
             which
             is
             worse
             than
             what
             we
             have
             yet
             insisted
             on
             ,
             and
             more
             opposite
             unto
             the
             Growth
             of
             Affections
             in
             Conformity
             unto
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             proper
             Character
             of
             those
             that
             are
             Spiritually
             renewed
             .
             And
             this
             is
             their
             Spiritual
             Decay
             manifesting
             it self
             in
             sensible
             and
             visible
             Effects
             .
          
           
             Some
             there
             are
             ,
             yea
             many
             ,
             who
             upon
             the
             Beginning
             of
             a
             Profession
             of
             their
             Conversion
             unto
             God
             ,
             have
             made
             a
             great
             appearance
             of
             vigorous
             ,
             active
             ,
             Spiritual
             Affections
             ;
             yea
             ,
             it
             is
             so
             with
             most
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             all
             who
             are
             really
             so
             converted
             .
             
               God
               takes
               notice
               of
               the
               Love
               of
               the
               Youth
               in
               his
               People
               ,
            
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             their
             Espousals
             .
          
           
             In
             some
             ,
             this
             vigiour
             of
             Spiritual
             Affections
             is
             from
             the
             real
             Power
             of
             Grace
             ,
             exerting
             its
             Efficacy
             on
             their
             Hearts
             and
             in
             their
             Minds
             .
             In
             others
             ,
             it
             is
             from
             other
             Causes
             ,
             as
             for
             Instance
             ,
             Relief
             from
             Conviction
             by
             Spiritual
             Illumination
             ,
             will
             produce
             this
             Effect
             .
             And
             this
             falls
             out
             unto
             their
             Advantage
             of
             such
             Persons
             that
             generally
             a
             Change
             is
             wrought
             in
             their
             
               younger
               dayes
            
             .
             For
             then
             their
             Affections
             in
             their
             natural
             Powers
             are
             active
             ,
             and
             bear
             great
             sway
             in
             the
             whole
             Soul.
             Wherefore
             the
             Change
             that
             is
             made
             ,
             is
             
             most
             eminent
             in
             them
             ,
             be
             it
             what
             it
             will.
             But
             as
             men
             Increase
             in
             Age
             ,
             and
             thereon
             grow
             up
             in
             
               Carnal
               Wisdom
            
             ,
             and
             a
             great
             valuation
             of
             Earthly
             things
             ,
             with
             their
             Care
             about
             them
             and
             Converse
             in
             them
             ,
             they
             abate
             and
             decay
             in
             their
             Spiritual
             Affections
             every
             day
             .
             They
             will
             abide
             in
             their
             Profession
             ,
             but
             have
             
               lost
               their
               first
               Love.
            
             
          
           
             It
             is
             a
             shame
             and
             folly
             unutterable
             ,
             that
             it
             should
             be
             so
             with
             any
             who
             make
             Profession
             of
             that
             Religion
             ,
             wherein
             there
             are
             so
             many
             
               incomparable
               Excellencies
            
             to
             endear
             and
             ingage
             them
             to
             it
             more
             and
             more
             ;
             but
             why
             should
             we
             hide
             what
             Experience
             makes
             manifest
             in
             the
             Sight
             of
             the
             Sun
             ;
             and
             what
             multitudes
             proclaim
             concerning
             themselves
             ?
             Wherefore
             I
             look
             upon
             it
             as
             a
             great
             Evidence
             ,
             if
             not
             absolutely
             of
             the
             Sincerity
             of
             Grace
             ,
             yet
             of
             the
             Life
             and
             Growth
             of
             it
             ,
             when
             men
             as
             they
             grow
             up
             in
             age
             ,
             do
             grow
             in
             an
             Undervaluation
             of
             present
             things
             ,
             in
             contempt
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             in
             Duties
             of
             Charity
             and
             Bounty
             ,
             and
             decay
             not
             in
             any
             of
             them
             .
             But
             I
             say
             ,
             it
             is
             usual
             that
             the
             Entrances
             of
             Mens
             Profession
             of
             Religion
             and
             Conversation
             unto
             God
             ,
             are
             attended
             with
             
               vigorous
               active
               Affections
            
             towards
             Spiritual
             things
             .
             Of
             them
             who
             really
             and
             sincerely
             believed
             ,
             it
             is
             said
             that
             on
             
               their
               believing
               ,
               they
               rejoyced
               with
               Joy
               unspeakable
               ,
               and
               full
               of
               Glory
               .
            
             And
             of
             those
             who
             only
             had
             a
             work
             of
             Conviction
             on
             them
             ,
             improved
             by
             temporary
             Faith
             ,
             that
             they
             
               received
               the
               Word
               with
               Joy
            
             ,
             and
             did
             
               many
               things
               gladly
            
             .
          
           
             In
             this
             State
             do
             many
             abide
             and
             thrive
             ,
             until
             their
             Affections
             be
             wholly
             transformed
             into
             the
             Image
             and
             likeness
             of
             things
             above
             .
             But
             with
             many
             of
             all
             sorts
             it
             is
             not
             so
             ;
             they
             fall
             into
             woful
             Decayes
             as
             unto
             their
             Affections
             about
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             and
             consequently
             in
             their
             whole
             Profession
             and
             Conversation
             ,
             their
             Moisture
             becomes
             as
             the
             drought
             in
             Summer
             .
             They
             have
             no
             Experience
             of
             the
             Life
             and
             Actings
             of
             them
             in
             themselves
             ,
             nor
             any
             Comfort
             ,
             or
             Refreshment
             from
             them
             ;
             they
             honour
             not
             the
             Gospel
             with
             any
             Fruits
             of
             
             Love
             ,
             Zeal
             ,
             or
             Delight
             ,
             nor
             are
             useful
             any
             way
             unto
             others
             by
             their
             Example
             .
             Some
             of
             them
             have
             had
             
               seeming
               Recoveries
            
             ,
             and
             are
             yet
             again
             taken
             into
             a
             lifeless
             Frame
             :
             Warnings
             ,
             Aflictions
             ,
             Sicknesses
             ,
             the
             Word
             have
             awakened
             them
             ,
             but
             they
             are
             fallen
             again
             into
             a
             
               dead
               Sleep
            
             ;
             so
             as
             that
             they
             seem
             to
             be
             
               Trees
               whose
               Fruit
               withereth
               ,
               without
               Fruit
               ,
               twice
               dead
               ,
               plucked
               up
               by
               the
               Roots
               .
            
          
           
             Some
             things
             must
             be
             spoken
             unto
             this
             woful
             Condition
             in
             general
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             is
             directly
             opposite
             unto
             the
             Grace
             and
             Duty
             of
             being
             Spiritually
             Minded
             ;
             and
             contrary
             unto
             ,
             and
             obstructive
             of
             the
             
               Growth
               of
               Spiritual
               Affections
               in
               an
               Assimulation
               unto
               Heavenly
               things
               .
            
             And
             what
             shall
             be
             spoken
             may
             be
             applied
             unto
             all
             the
             Degrees
             of
             these
             Decayes
             ,
             though
             all
             of
             them
             are
             not
             alike
             dangerous
             or
             perillous
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             There
             may
             be
             
               a
               time
               of
               Temptation
            
             ,
             wherein
             a
             Soul
             may
             apprehend
             in
             it self
             not
             only
             a
             Decay
             in
             ,
             but
             an
             utter
             Loss
             of
             all
             Spiritual
             Affections
             ,
             when
             yet
             it
             is
             not
             so
             .
             As
             Believers
             may
             apprehend
             and
             Judge
             that
             the
             
               Lord
               hath
               forsaken
               and
               forgotten
               them
               when
               he
               hath
               not
               done
               so
               ,
            
             Isaiah
             49.14
             ,
             15.
             
             So
             they
             may
             under
             their
             Temptations
             apprehend
             ,
             that
             they
             have
             
               forsaken
               God
            
             ,
             when
             they
             have
             not
             done
             so
             :
             As
             a
             man
             in
             the
             Night
             may
             apprehend
             he
             hath
             lost
             his
             way
             ,
             and
             be
             in
             great
             Distress
             ,
             when
             he
             is
             in
             his
             proper
             Road.
             For
             Temptation
             brings
             Darkness
             and
             Amazement
             ,
             and
             leads
             into
             Mistakes
             and
             a
             false
             Judgement
             in
             all
             things
             .
             They
             find
             not
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             Grace
             working
             in
             Love
             ,
             Joy
             ,
             and
             Delight
             as
             formerly
             ,
             nor
             that
             Activity
             of
             Heart
             and
             Mind
             in
             Holy
             Duties
             which
             Spiritual
             Affections
             gave
             unto
             them
             .
             But
             yet
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             the
             same
             
               Grace
               works
               in
               Godly
               Sorrow
            
             ,
             by
             Mourning
             ,
             Humiliation
             ,
             and
             Self-Abasement
             ,
             no
             less
             effectually
             ,
             nor
             less
             acceptably
             unto
             God.
             Such
             as
             these
             I
             seperate
             from
             the
             present
             Consideration
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             There
             may
             be
             a
             
               Decay
               in
               Affections
               themselves
            
             as
             unto
             their
             actings
             towards
             any
             Objects
             whatever
             ;
             at
             
             least
             as
             unto
             the
             outward
             Symptoms
             and
             Effects
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             on
             this
             ground
             ,
             their
             Opperations
             towards
             Spiritual
             things
             may
             be
             less
             sensible
             .
             So
             men
             in
             their
             younger
             days
             may
             be
             more
             ready
             to
             express
             their
             Sorrow
             by
             tears
             ,
             and
             their
             Joy
             by
             sensible
             Exaltation
             and
             Motion
             of
             their
             Spirits
             ,
             than
             in
             riper
             Years
             .
             And
             this
             may
             be
             so
             ,
             when
             there
             is
             no
             Decay
             of
             Grace
             in
             the
             Affections
             as
             renewed
             .
             But
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             When
             it
             is
             so
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             Burthen
             unto
             them
             in
             whom
             it
             is
             .
             They
             cannot
             but
             mourn
             and
             have
             a
             Godly-Jealousy
             over
             themselves
             ,
             least
             the
             Decayes
             they
             find
             ,
             should
             not
             be
             in
             the
             Outward
             ,
             but
             the
             Inward
             ,
             not
             in
             the
             natural
             ,
             but
             the
             Spiritual
             Man.
             And
             they
             will
             labour
             that
             in
             all
             Duties
             ,
             and
             at
             all
             times
             it
             may
             be
             with
             them
             ,
             as
             in
             Dayes
             of
             old
             ,
             although
             they
             cannot
             attain
             Strength
             in
             them
             that
             vigour
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             that
             Life
             ,
             Joy
             ,
             Peace
             ,
             and
             Comfort
             which
             any
             have
             had
             Experience
             of
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             There
             will
             be
             in
             such
             Persons
             ,
             no
             
               Decayes
               in
               Holiness
            
             of
             Life
             ,
             nor
             as
             unto
             Diligence
             in
             all
             Religious
             Duties
             .
             If
             the
             Decay
             be
             really
             of
             Grace
             in
             the
             Affections
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             accompanied
             with
             a
             proportionable
             Decay
             in
             all
             other
             things
             ,
             wherein
             the
             Life
             of
             God
             is
             concerned
             .
             But
             if
             it
             be
             only
             as
             unto
             the
             sensible
             Actings
             of
             natural
             Affections
             ,
             no
             such
             Decay
             will
             ensue
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             Grace
             will
             in
             this
             case
             more
             vigorously
             act
             it self
             in
             the
             other
             Faculties
             and
             Powers
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             as
             the
             Judgment
             and
             the
             Will
             in
             their
             Approbation
             of
             ,
             and
             firm
             adherence
             unto
             Spiritual
             things
             .
             But
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             When
             men
             find
             ,
             or
             may
             find
             their
             Affections
             yet
             quick
             ,
             active
             ,
             and
             intent
             on
             other
             things
             ,
             as
             the
             lawful
             Enjoyments
             and
             Comforts
             of
             this
             Life
             ,
             it
             is
             in
             
               vain
               for
               them
            
             to
             relieve
             themselves
             ,
             that
             the
             Decayes
             they
             find
             ,
             are
             in
             their
             Affections
             as
             natural
             ,
             and
             not
             as
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             gratious
             .
             If
             we
             see
             a
             man
             in
             his
             old
             age
             grow
             more
             in
             Love
             with
             the
             things
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             and
             less
             in
             Love
             with
             the
             things
             of
             God
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             through
             the
             weakness
             of
             nature
             ,
             but
             through
             the
             strength
             of
             Sin.
             
          
           
           
             On
             these
             ,
             and
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             some
             other
             the
             like
             Occasions
             ,
             there
             may
             be
             an
             Apprehension
             of
             a
             Decay
             in
             Spiritual
             Affections
             ,
             when
             it
             may
             not
             be
             so
             ,
             at
             least
             not
             unto
             the
             Degree
             that
             is
             apprehended
             .
             But
             when
             it
             is
             so
             really
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             evidently
             with
             many
             ,
             I
             had
             almost
             said
             with
             the
             most
             in
             these
             Dayes
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             woful
             Frame
             of
             Heart
             ,
             and
             never
             enough
             to
             be
             lamented
             .
             It
             is
             that
             which
             lies
             in
             direct
             Contradiction
             unto
             that
             Spiritual-Mindedness
             which
             is
             Life
             and
             Peace
             .
             It
             is
             a
             Consumption
             of
             the
             Soul
             which
             threatens
             it
             with
             Death
             every
             day
             .
          
           
             It
             belongs
             not
             unto
             my
             Design
             to
             treat
             of
             it
             in
             particular
             ;
             yet
             I
             cannot
             let
             it
             pass
             without
             some
             remarks
             upon
             it
             ,
             it
             being
             an
             Evil
             almost
             epidemical
             among
             Professors
             ,
             and
             prevalent
             in
             some
             unto
             such
             a
             Degree
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             seem
             to
             be
             utterly
             forsaken
             of
             all
             Powers
             of
             Spiritual
             Life
             .
          
           
             Now
             besides
             all
             that
             
               Folly
               and
               Sin
            
             which
             we
             before
             discovered
             as
             the
             Causes
             of
             the
             
               want
               of
               the
               Growth
               of
               our
               Affections
            
             in
             Spirituality
             and
             Heavenliness
             ,
             which
             in
             this
             case
             of
             their
             Decay
             are
             more
             abominable
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             multiplication
             of
             Evils
             wherewith
             this
             State
             of
             Heart
             and
             Mind
             is
             accompanied
             .
             For
          
           
             First
             ,
             It
             is
             that
             which
             of
             all
             things
             ,
             the
             Lord
             Christ
             is
             most
             displeased
             with
             in
             Churches
             or
             Professors
             .
             He
             pitties
             them
             in
             their
             Temptations
             ,
             he
             suffers
             with
             them
             in
             their
             Persecution
             ,
             he
             interceeds
             for
             them
             on
             their
             Surprizal
             but
             threatens
             them
             under
             their
             
               Spiritual
               Decayes
            
             Rev.
             2.4
             ,
             5.
             
             Chap.
             3.2
             .
             This
             he
             cannot
             bear
             with
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             both
             reflects
             Dishonour
             upon
             himself
             ,
             and
             which
             he
             knows
             to
             be
             ruinous
             unto
             those
             in
             whom
             it
             is
             .
             He
             will
             longer
             bear
             with
             them
             who
             are
             utterly
             dead
             ,
             than
             with
             those
             who
             abide
             under
             these
             Decayes
             ,
             Rev.
             3.15
             ,
             16.
             
             This
             is
             the
             only
             Case
             wherein
             he
             threatens
             to
             reject
             and
             cast
             off
             a
             
               Professing
               Church
            
             ,
             to
             take
             away
             his
             Candlestick
             from
             it
             ,
             unless
             it
             be
             that
             of
             
               False
               Worship
               and
               Idolatry
            
             .
             He
             that
             spake
             thus
             unto
             the
             Churches
             of
             old
             ,
             speaks
             now
             the
             same
             unto
             us
             ;
             for
             he
             lives
             for
             ever
             ,
             
               and
               is
               alwayes
            
             the
             same
             ,
             and
             his
             
             Word
             is
             living
             and
             unchangeable
             .
             There
             is
             not
             one
             of
             us
             who
             are
             under
             this
             Frame
             ,
             but
             the
             Lord
             Christ
             by
             his
             Word
             and
             Spirit
             testifyeth
             his
             displeasure
             against
             us
             ;
             and
             if
             he
             be
             against
             us
             ,
             who
             shall
             plead
             for
             us
             .
             Consider
             what
             he
             says
             in
             this
             Case
             ,
             Revel
             .
             2.5
             .
             Chapter
             3.3
             .
             O
             who
             can
             stand
             before
             these
             dreadful
             Intimations
             of
             his
             Displeasure
             !
             The
             Lord
             help
             us
             to
             mind
             it
             ,
             least
             he
             in
             whom
             we
             profess
             to
             place
             our
             only
             trust
             ,
             be
             in
             our
             Tryal
             found
             our
             greatest
             Enemy
             .
             Take
             heed
             of
             such
             sins
             as
             Christ
             himself
             our
             only
             Advocate
             hath
             put
             a
             mark
             upon
             ,
             as
             those
             which
             he
             will
             not
             save
             us
             in
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             It
             is
             that
             wherewith
             above
             all
             things
             the
             
               Holy
               Spirit
               is
               grieved
            
             .
             His
             work
             it
             is
             to
             give
             Grace
             an
             Encrease
             and
             Progress
             in
             our
             Souls
             .
             He
             begins
             it
             ,
             and
             he
             carries
             it
             on
             .
             And
             there
             can
             be
             no
             greater
             grief
             unto
             a
             wise
             and
             gratious
             Worker
             ,
             than
             to
             have
             his
             work
             decay
             and
             go
             backward
             under
             his
             hand
             .
             This
             is
             the
             Occasion
             of
             those
             Complaints
             of
             God
             which
             we
             find
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             of
             the
             unprofitableness
             and
             backsliding
             of
             Men
             after
             the
             use
             of
             means
             and
             remedies
             for
             their
             Fruitfulness
             and
             Cure.
             What
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               could
               I
               have
               done
               more
               for
               my
               Vineyard
               than
               I
               have
               done
               ?
               Why
               then
               ,
               when
               I
               looked
               for
               Grapes
               ,
               did
               it
               bring
               forth
               wild
               Grapes
               .
            
             Can
             any
             thing
             be
             apprehended
             to
             be
             such
             a
             just
             matter
             of
             Grief
             and
             Complaint
             unto
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             ,
             to
             see
             and
             find
             those
             whom
             he
             had
             once
             raised
             up
             unto
             Holy
             and
             Heavenly
             Affections
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             their
             Delights
             were
             in
             ,
             and
             their
             Thoughts
             much
             upon
             the
             things
             that
             are
             above
             ,
             to
             become
             Earthly
             or
             sensual
             ,
             to
             have
             no
             sensible
             Actings
             of
             any
             of
             his
             Graces
             in
             them
             which
             is
             the
             State
             of
             them
             who
             are
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             Spiritual
             Decayes
             .
             And
             this
             is
             the
             only
             cause
             wherein
             God
             speaks
             unto
             men
             in
             the
             way
             of
             complaint
             and
             Expostulation
             ;
             and
             useth
             all
             sorts
             of
             Arguments
             to
             convince
             them
             of
             their
             Folly
             herein
             .
          
           
             When
             a
             wise
             ,
             tender
             ,
             and
             careful
             Parent
             ,
             hath
             been
             diligent
             in
             the
             use
             of
             all
             means
             for
             the
             
               Education
               of
               his
               Child
            
             ,
             
             and
             he
             for
             some
             time
             hath
             given
             
               good
               hopes
               of
               himself
            
             ,
             finds
             him
             to
             slacken
             in
             his
             diligence
             ,
             to
             be
             careless
             in
             his
             calling
             ,
             to
             delight
             in
             evil
             Company
             ,
             how
             solicitous
             is
             his
             heart
             about
             him
             ,
             how
             much
             is
             he
             grieved
             ,
             and
             affected
             with
             his
             miscarriage
             .
             The
             heart
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             is
             infinitely
             more
             tender
             towards
             us
             ,
             than
             that
             of
             the
             most
             affectionate
             Parent
             can
             be
             towards
             an
             only
             Child
             .
             And
             when
             he
             with
             Cost
             and
             Care
             hath
             nourished
             ,
             and
             brought
             us
             up
             unto
             some
             Growth
             and
             Progress
             in
             Spiritual
             Affections
             ,
             wherein
             all
             his
             Concerns
             in
             us
             do
             lye
             ,
             for
             us
             to
             grow
             cold
             ,
             dul
             ,
             earthly-Minded
             ,
             to
             cleave
             unto
             the
             Pleasures
             ,
             or
             Lusts
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             how
             is
             he
             grieved
             ,
             how
             is
             he
             provoked
             .
             It
             may
             be
             this
             Consideration
             of
             
               grieving
               the
               Holy
               Spirit
            
             ,
             is
             of
             no
             great
             weight
             with
             some
             ;
             they
             should
             have
             little
             Concernment
             herein
             ,
             if
             they
             could
             well
             free
             themselves
             in
             other
             Respects
             ;
             but
             let
             such
             Persons
             know
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             for
             them
             to
             give
             a
             greater
             Evidence
             of
             a
             profligate
             hardness
             in
             Sin.
             
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             This
             is
             that
             which
             in
             an
             especial
             manner
             provoketh
             the
             
               Judgements
               of
               God
               against
               any
               Church
               ,
            
             as
             
               was
               intimated
               before
            
             When
             in
             the
             Order
             of
             Profession
             and
             Worship
             ,
             any
             Church
             hath
             a
             
               Name
               to
               live
            
             ,
             but
             as
             to
             the
             Power
             of
             Grace
             acting
             
               in
               the
               Affections
               ,
               is
               dead
            
             :
             when
             it
             is
             not
             so
             cold
             as
             to
             forsake
             the
             
               external
               Institutions
            
             of
             Worship
             ,
             nor
             so
             hot
             as
             to
             enliven
             their
             Duties
             with
             Spiritual
             Affections
             ,
             the
             Lord
             Christ
             will
             not
             long
             bear
             with
             them
             ;
             yea
             ,
             Judgement
             ,
             will
             suddenly
             break
             out
             
               towards
               such
               an
               House
               of
               God.
               
            
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             It
             is
             absolutely
             inconsistent
             with
             all
             
               Comfortable
               Assurance
               of
               the
               Love
               of
               God.
            
             Whatever
             Persons
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             such
             a
             Frame
             ,
             pretend
             unto
             of
             that
             kind
             ,
             it
             is
             sinful
             Security
             ,
             not
             gracious
             Assurance
             or
             Peace
             .
             And
             constantly
             as
             Professors
             grow
             cold
             and
             decay
             in
             their
             Spiritual
             Affections
             ,
             Stupidity
             of
             Conscience
             ,
             and
             Security
             of
             Mind
             do
             grow
             also
             u●on
             them
             .
             It
             is
             so
             ,
             I
             say
             ,
             unless
             they
             are
             sometimes
             surprised
             or
             overtaken
             with
             some
             
               greater
               Sin
            
             ,
             which
             reflects
             severely
             on
             their
             Consciences
             ,
             and
             casts
             them
             for
             a
             
             time
             under
             Troubles
             and
             Distresses
             .
             But
             that
             
               Peace
               with
               God
            
             ,
             and
             a
             
               comfortable
               Assurance
               of
               Salvation
               ,
               should
               be
               consistent
            
             with
             an
             habitual
             Decay
             in
             Grace
             ,
             especially
             in
             those
             Graces
             which
             should
             act
             themselves
             in
             our
             Affections
             ,
             is
             contrary
             to
             the
             whole
             Tenour
             and
             Testimony
             of
             the
             Scripture
             ;
             and
             the
             Supposition
             of
             it
             would
             be
             the
             Bane
             and
             Poyson
             of
             Religion
             .
             I
             do
             not
             say
             that
             our
             Assurance
             and
             Peace
             with
             God
             ,
             do
             arise
             wholly
             from
             the
             Actings
             of
             Grace
             in
             us
             ;
             there
             are
             other
             Causes
             of
             them
             ,
             whereinto
             they
             are
             principally
             resolved
             :
             But
             this
             I
             say
             ,
             under
             an
             habitual
             Declension
             ,
             or
             Decay
             of
             Grace
             in
             the
             Spirituality
             of
             our
             Affections
             ,
             no
             man
             can
             keep
             or
             maintain
             a
             
               gracious
               Sense
               of
               the
               Love
               of
               God
               ,
            
             or
             of
             Peace
             with
             him
             .
             And
             therefore
             there
             is
             no
             Duty
             more
             severely
             to
             be
             pressed
             on
             all
             at
             this
             Day
             ,
             than
             a
             diligent
             Examination
             and
             Trial
             of
             the
             grounds
             of
             their
             Peace
             ;
             least
             it
             should
             be
             with
             any
             of
             them
             as
             it
             was
             with
             Luodicen
             ,
             who
             was
             satisfyed
             in
             her
             good
             State
             and
             Condition
             ,
             when
             it
             was
             most
             miserable
             ,
             and
             almost
             desperate
             .
             Yea
             ,
             I
             must
             say
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             impossible
             that
             many
             Professors
             ,
             whom
             we
             see
             and
             converse
             withal
             ,
             should
             have
             any
             solid
             Peace
             with
             God.
             Do
             men
             
               gather
               Figs
               from
               Thorns
               ,
               or
               Grapes
               from
               Thistles
            
             ?
             It
             is
             a
             Fruit
             that
             will
             not
             grow
             on
             a
             vain
             ,
             earthly
             ,
             selfish
             Frame
             of
             Mind
             and
             Conversation
             .
             And
             therefore
             such
             Persons
             whatever
             they
             pretend
             ,
             are
             either
             asleep
             in
             a
             sinful
             Security
             ,
             or
             live
             on
             most
             uncertain
             Hopes
             ,
             which
             probably
             may
             deceive
             them
             .
             Nothing
             can
             be
             so
             ruinous
             unto
             our
             Profession
             as
             once
             to
             suppose
             it
             is
             an
             easy
             Matter
             ,
             a
             thing
             of
             Course
             ,
             to
             maintain
             our
             Peace
             with
             God.
             God
             forbid
             but
             that
             our
             utmost
             Diligence
             ,
             and
             continued
             Endeavours
             to
             thrive
             in
             every
             Grace
             should
             be
             required
             thereunto
             .
             The
             whole
             Beauty
             and
             Glory
             of
             our
             Religion
             depends
             hereon
             .
             
               To
               be
               Spiritually-Minded
               is
               Life
               and
               Peace
               .
            
          
           
             5.
             
             Such
             a
             decay
             as
             that
             described
             ,
             is
             a
             dangerous
             Symtom
             of
             an
             
               Evil
               State
               and
               Condition
            
             ,
             and
             that
             those
             in
             whom
             it
             is
             ,
             will
             at
             last
             be
             found
             to
             be
             but
             Hypocrites
             .
             I
             know
             such
             Persons
             
             will
             ,
             or
             may
             have
             pretended
             Evidences
             unto
             the
             contrary
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             are
             well
             enough
             satisfyed
             of
             ,
             and
             with
             their
             own
             Sincerity
             in
             many
             things
             ;
             so
             as
             that
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             fix
             upon
             the
             the
             Sense
             and
             Conviction
             of
             being
             but
             Hypocrites
             .
             But
             this
             Apprehension
             ariseth
             from
             a
             false
             notion
             of
             Hypocrisy
             .
             No
             man
             they
             suppose
             is
             an
             Hypocrite
             ,
             but
             he
             that
             generally
             ,
             or
             universally
             pretends
             himself
             in
             Religion
             to
             be
             what
             he
             is
             not
             ,
             and
             what
             he
             knows
             himself
             not
             to
             be
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             ,
             might
             easily
             do
             so
             .
             And
             it
             is
             true
             ,
             that
             this
             is
             the
             broadest
             Notion
             of
             
               Pharisaical
               Hypocrisy
            
             .
             But
             take
             an
             Hypoerite
             for
             him
             ,
             who
             under
             Light
             ,
             Profession
             ,
             Gifts
             ,
             Duties
             ,
             doth
             habitually
             and
             willingly
             fail
             in
             any
             Point
             of
             sincerity
             ,
             he
             is
             no
             less
             a
             perishing
             Hypocrite
             than
             the
             former
             ,
             and
             it
             may
             alter
             the
             Case
             with
             them
             .
             I
             do
             not
             say
             that
             every
             one
             in
             whom
             there
             is
             this
             prevalent
             Decay
             in
             Spiritual
             Affections
             ,
             is
             an
             Hypocrite
             ;
             God
             forbid
             :
             I
             only
             say
             that
             where
             it
             continues
             without
             Remedy
             ,
             it
             is
             such
             a
             Symtome
             of
             Hypocrisy
             ,
             as
             that
             he
             who
             is
             wise
             ,
             and
             hath
             a
             care
             of
             his
             Soul
             ,
             will
             not
             rest
             until
             he
             hath
             searched
             it
             unto
             the
             bottom
             .
             For
             it
             seemes
             as
             if
             it
             were
             thus
             with
             such
             Persons
             ▪
             They
             have
             had
             a
             false
             or
             imperfect
             Work
             in
             that
             
               Conversion
               unto
               God
            
             which
             they
             have
             professed
             .
             Conviction
             of
             Sin
             ,
             Communication
             of
             Spiritual
             Light
             and
             Gifts
             ,
             Alteration
             upon
             the
             Affections
             ,
             Change
             of
             Socicty
             and
             Conversation
             ,
             have
             made
             it
             up
             .
             Now
             it
             is
             the
             nature
             of
             such
             a
             Work
             greatly
             to
             flourish
             for
             a
             Season
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             principal
             Parts
             and
             Duties
             of
             Profession
             .
             But
             it
             is
             in
             its
             Nature
             also
             
               gradually
               to
               decay
            
             ,
             until
             it
             be
             quite
             withered
             away
             .
             In
             some
             it
             is
             lost
             by
             the
             Power
             of
             some
             
               vigorous
               Temptations
            
             ,
             and
             particular
             Lusts
             indulged
             unto
             ,
             ending
             in
             Worldliness
             and
             Sensuality
             ;
             but
             in
             the
             most
             it
             
               decayes
               gradually
            
             ,
             until
             it
             hath
             lost
             all
             its
             Savour
             and
             Sap
             ,
             see
             Joh.
             15.3
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             whil'st
             men
             find
             this
             Decay
             in
             themselves
             ,
             unless
             they
             are
             fallen
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             a
             destructive
             Security
             ,
             unless
             thay
             are
             
               hardned
               through
               be
               
               Deceitfulness
               of
               Sin
               ,
            
             they
             cannot
             but
             think
             it
             their
             Duty
             to
             examine
             how
             things
             stand
             with
             them
             ,
             whether
             they
             ever
             effectually
             closed
             with
             Christ
             ,
             and
             had
             the
             Faith
             of
             Gods
             Elect
             ,
             which
             works
             by
             Love
             ;
             seeing
             it
             is
             with
             them
             ,
             as
             though
             they
             had
             only
             a
             work
             of
             another
             nature
             .
             For
             a
             Saving
             Work
             in
             its
             own
             nature
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             diligent
             use
             of
             Means
             ,
             Thrives
             ,
             and
             Groweth
             ,
             as
             the
             whole
             Scripture
             testifyeth
             :
             but
             it
             is
             this
             false
             and
             imperfect
             working
             ,
             that
             hath
             no
             Root
             ,
             and
             is
             thus
             subject
             to
             withering
             .
          
           
             Sixthly
             ,
             Persons
             in
             such
             an
             Estate
             are
             apt
             to
             deceive
             themselves
             with
             false
             
               Hopes
               and
               Notions
            
             ,
             whereby
             the
             
               Deceitfulness
               of
               Sin
            
             doth
             put
             forth
             its
             Power
             ,
             to
             harden
             them
             unto
             their
             Ruine
             .
             Two
             ways
             there
             are
             whereby
             this
             pernitious
             Effect
             is
             produced
             .
             The
             one
             by
             the
             prevalency
             of
             a
             particular
             Lust
             or
             Sin
             ,
             the
             other
             by
             a
             neglect
             of
             
               Spiritual
               Duties
            
             ,
             and
             a
             vain
             Conversation
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             under
             which
             the
             Soul
             pines
             away
             and
             consumes
             .
          
           
             As
             unto
             the
             first
             of
             these
             ,
             there
             are
             
               three
               false
               Notions
            
             ,
             whereby
             the
             
               Deceitfulness
               of
               Sin
            
             ,
             deludes
             the
             Souls
             of
             Men.
             
          
           
             The
             First
             is
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             that
             
               one
               Sin
               alone
            
             wherein
             they
             would
             be
             indulged
             .
             Let
             them
             be
             spared
             in
             this
             
               one
               thing
            
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             other
             they
             will
             be
             exact
             enough
             .
             This
             is
             the
             Composition
             that
             Naaman
             would
             have
             made
             in
             the
             Matters
             of
             Religion
             ,
             2
             Kings
             5.18
             .
             And
             it
             is
             that
             which
             many
             trust
             unto
             .
             Hence
             it
             hath
             by
             the
             Event
             been
             made
             to
             appear
             ,
             that
             some
             Persons
             have
             lived
             long
             in
             the
             Practice
             of
             some
             gross
             Sins
             ,
             and
             yet
             all
             the
             while
             used
             a
             
               Semblance
               of
               great
               diligence
            
             in
             other
             Duties
             of
             Religion
             .
             This
             is
             a
             false
             Notion
             whereby
             poor
             Sinners
             delude
             their
             own
             Souls
             .
             For
             suppose
             it
             possible
             that
             a
             man
             should
             give
             himself
             up
             unto
             any
             Lust
             ,
             or
             be
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             yet
             be
             observant
             of
             all
             other
             Duties
             ,
             yet
             this
             would
             give
             him
             
               no
               Relief
            
             as
             unto
             the
             Eternal
             Condition
             of
             his
             Soul.
             The
             Rule
             is
             peremptory
             unto
             this
             purpose
             ,
             Jam.
             2.10
             ,
             11.
             
             One
             Sin
             willingly
             
             lived
             in
             ,
             is
             as
             able
             to
             
               destroy
               a
               Mans
               Soul
            
             ,
             as
             a
             thousand
             .
             Besides
             ,
             it
             is
             practically
             false
             .
             There
             is
             no
             man
             that
             lives
             in
             any
             one
             known
             Sin
             ,
             but
             he
             really
             lives
             in
             more
             ,
             though
             that
             only
             bears
             the
             chiefest
             Sway.
             With
             some
             such
             Persons
             ,
             these
             Sins
             appear
             unto
             others
             ,
             who
             observe
             their
             Frame
             and
             Spirit
             ,
             though
             they
             appear
             not
             to
             themselves
             ;
             In
             some
             they
             are
             manifest
             in
             themselves
             ,
             although
             they
             are
             hidden
             from
             others
             ,
             1
             Tim.
             5.24
             .
             But
             let
             no
             man
             
               relieve
               himself
            
             with
             thoughts
             that
             it
             is
             but
             
               one
               Sin
            
             ,
             whil'st
             that
             one
             Sin
             keeps
             him
             in
             a
             constant
             Neglect
             of
             God.
             Hence
             ,
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             They
             deceive
             themselves
             hereby
             ,
             for
             they
             Judge
             that
             although
             they
             cannot
             as
             yet
             
               shake
               off
               their
               Sin
            
             ,
             yet
             they
             will
             continue
             still
             to
             love
             God
             ,
             and
             abound
             in
             the
             Duties
             of
             his
             Worship
             .
             They
             will
             not
             become
             Haters
             of
             God
             and
             his
             Wayes
             ,
             and
             Persecutors
             for
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             therefore
             hope
             that
             notwithstanding
             this
             one
             Zoar
             ,
             this
             
               lesser
               Sin
            
             ,
             which
             their
             Constitution
             and
             their
             Circumstances
             
               ingage
               them
               in
            
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             be
             well
             with
             them
             at
             the
             last
             .
             This
             also
             is
             a
             
               false
               Notion
            
             ,
             a
             meer
             Instrument
             in
             the
             hand
             of
             Sin
             to
             act
             its
             Deceit
             by
             .
             For
             no
             man
             that
             
               willingly
               liveth
               in
               any
               Sin
               ,
               can
               love
               God
               at
               all
               ,
            
             as
             is
             evident
             in
             that
             Rule
             ,
             1
             Joh.
             2.15
             .
             It
             is
             but
             a
             false
             
               Pretence
               of
               Love
            
             to
             God
             ,
             that
             any
             man
             hath
             ,
             who
             liveth
             in
             any
             known
             Sin.
             Where
             God
             is
             not
             loved
             above
             all
             ,
             he
             is
             not
             loved
             at
             all
             :
             And
             he
             is
             not
             so
             where
             men
             will
             not
             part
             with
             one
             Cursed
             Lust
             for
             his
             Sake
             .
             Let
             not
             your
             Light
             deceive
             you
             ,
             nor
             your
             Gifts
             ,
             nor
             your
             Duties
             ,
             nor
             your
             Profession
             ;
             if
             you
             live
             in
             Sin
             ,
             you
             love
             not
             God.
             
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             They
             determine
             that
             at
             such
             
               or
               such
               a
               Season
            
             on
             time
             ,
             after
             such
             Satisfaction
             given
             unto
             their
             Lusts
             or
             Pleasures
             ,
             they
             will
             utterly
             give
             over
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             Iniquity
             shall
             not
             be
             their
             Ruine
             .
             But
             this
             is
             a
             false
             Notion
             also
             ,
             an
             effectual
             Instrument
             of
             the
             Deceitfulness
             of
             Sin.
             He
             that
             will
             not
             now
             give
             over
             ,
             who
             will
             not
             imediately
             upon
             the
             Discovery
             of
             the
             Prevalency
             of
             any
             Sin
             ,
             and
             warning
             
             about
             it
             ,
             endeavour
             sincerely
             and
             constantly
             its
             Relinquishment
             ,
             say
             what
             he
             will
             ,
             and
             pretend
             what
             he
             will
             ,
             he
             never
             intends
             to
             give
             over
             ;
             nor
             is
             it
             probable
             in
             an
             ordinary
             way
             ,
             that
             ever
             he
             will
             do
             so
             .
             When
             mens
             Decays
             are
             from
             the
             Prevalency
             of
             particular
             Sins
             ,
             by
             these
             and
             the
             like
             false
             Notions
             do
             they
             harden
             themselves
             unto
             Ruine
             .
          
           
             For
             those
             who
             are
             
               pining
               away
               under
               Hectical
               Consumption
               ,
               a
               general
               Decay
               of
               the
               vital
               Spirits
            
             of
             Religion
             ,
             they
             have
             also
             false
             Notions
             ,
             whereby
             they
             deceive
             themselves
             .
             As
          
           
             First
             ,
             that
             although
             they
             have
             some
             Cause
             to
             
               mistrust
               themselves
            
             ,
             yet
             indeed
             their
             Condition
             is
             not
             so
             bad
             as
             
               some
               may
               apprehend
               it
            
             ,
             or
             as
             they
             are
             warned
             it
             is
             .
             And
             this
             ariseth
             from
             hence
             ,
             that
             they
             have
             not
             as
             yet
             been
             overtaken
             with
             any
             
               enormous
               Sin
            
             ,
             which
             hath
             filled
             their
             Consciences
             with
             Terror
             and
             Disquietment
             .
             But
             this
             is
             a
             
               false
               Notion
               also
            
             ;
             for
             every
             Decay
             is
             dangerous
             ,
             especially
             ,
             such
             as
             the
             Mind
             is
             ready
             to
             plead
             for
             ,
             and
             to
             countenance
             it self
             in
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             They
             are
             prone
             to
             suppose
             that
             this
             Decay
             doth
             not
             arise
             from
             themselves
             ,
             and
             the
             Evil
             of
             their
             own
             Hearts
             ;
             but
             from
             their
             Circumstances
             ,
             Business
             ,
             present
             Occasion
             ,
             and
             State
             of
             Life
             ,
             which
             when
             they
             are
             freed
             from
             ,
             they
             will
             at
             least
             return
             unto
             their
             former
             Love
             ,
             and
             Delight
             in
             Spiritual
             things
             .
             But
             this
             is
             a
             false
             Notion
             also
             ,
             by
             vertue
             of
             that
             Rule
             ,
             Heb.
             3.12
             .
             Let
             mens
             Circumstances
             and
             Occasions
             of
             Life
             be
             what
             they
             will
             ,
             all
             their
             Departures
             from
             God
             ,
             are
             from
             an
             Evil
             Heart
             of
             Unbelief
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             They
             judge
             it
             no
             hard
             matter
             to
             retrive
             themselves
             out
             of
             this
             State
             ,
             but
             that
             which
             they
             can
             easily
             do
             ,
             when
             there
             is
             an
             absolute
             Necessity
             of
             it
             .
             But
             this
             is
             a
             
               false
               Notion
               also
               .
               Recovery
               from
               backsliding
            
             is
             the
             hardest
             
             task
             in
             Christian
             Religion
             ,
             and
             which
             few
             make
             either
             comfortable
             ,
             or
             honourable
             work
             of
             .
          
           
             In
             this
             State
             ,
             I
             say
             ,
             men
             are
             apt
             by
             such
             false
             reasonings
             to
             deceive
             themselves
             unto
             their
             eternal
             Ruine
             ;
             which
             makes
             the
             consideration
             of
             it
             the
             more
             necessary
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             ,
             I
             say
             ,
             lastly
             upon
             the
             whole
             ,
             that
             who
             so
             find
             themselves
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             this
             
               wretched
               Frame
            
             ,
             who
             are
             sensible
             in
             themselves
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             make
             it
             evident
             unto
             others
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             under
             a
             Decay
             in
             their
             Spiritual
             Condition
             ;
             if
             they
             rest
             in
             that
             State
             ,
             without
             groaning
             ,
             labouring
             ,
             endeavouring
             for
             deliverance
             from
             it
             ,
             they
             can
             have
             no
             well
             grounded
             hopes
             in
             themselves
             of
             Life
             and
             Immortality
             ;
             yea
             ,
             they
             are
             in
             those
             
               Paths
               which
               go
               down
               unto
               the
               Chambers
               of
               Death
               .
            
          
           
             I
             cannot
             let
             this
             pass
             without
             something
             of
             advice
             unto
             them
             who
             find
             themselves
             under
             such
             decayes
             ,
             are
             sensible
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             would
             be
             delivered
             from
             them
             ,
             and
             I
             shall
             give
             it
             in
             a
             few
             Words
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             
               Remember
               former
               things
            
             ,
             call
             to
             mind
             how
             it
             was
             with
             you
             in
             the
             Spring
             and
             
               vigour
               of
               your
               Affections
            
             ,
             and
             compare
             your
             present
             State
             ,
             Enjoyment
             ,
             Peace
             and
             Quiet
             with
             what
             they
             were
             then
             .
             This
             will
             be
             a
             great
             Principle
             of
             Return
             to
             God
             ,
             Hos.
             2.7
             .
             And
             to
             put
             a
             little
             weight
             upon
             it
             ,
             we
             may
             consider
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             God
             himself
             makes
             it
             
               on
               his
               part
            
             a
             ground
             and
             reason
             of
             his
             Return
             unto
             us
             ,
             in
             a
             way
             of
             Mercy
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             Continuance
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             Jer.
             2.2
             .
             Even
             when
             a
             People
             are
             under
             
               manifold
               Decays
            
             ,
             whil'st
             yet
             they
             are
             within
             the
             Bounds
             of
             Gods
             Covenant
             and
             Mercy
             ,
             he
             will
             remember
             their
             first
             Love
             with
             the
             Fruits
             and
             Actings
             of
             it
             in
             Tryals
             and
             Temptations
             ,
             which
             moves
             his
             Compassion
             towards
             them
             .
             And
             the
             way
             to
             have
             God
             thus
             remember
             it
             ,
             is
             for
             us
             to
             remember
             with
             Delight
             and
             longing
             of
             Soul
             that
             it
             
             were
             with
             us
             as
             in
             those
             Dayes
             of
             old
             ,
             when
             we
             had
             the
             
               Love
               of
               Espousals
               for
               God
               in
               Christ
               ,
            
             Jeremiah
             31.18
             ,
             19
             ,
             20.
             
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             It
             is
             the
             way
             whereby
             the
             Saints
             of
             old
             have
             refreshed
             and
             encouraged
             themselves
             under
             their
             greatest
             Despondencies
             .
             So
             doth
             the
             Psalmist
             in
             many
             places
             ,
             as
             for
             Instance
             ,
             Psal.
             42.6
             .
             
               O
               my
               God
               ,
               my
               Soul
               is
               cast
               down
               within
               me
               :
               therefore
               will
               I
               remember
               thee
               from
               the
               Land
               of
               Jordan
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               Hermonites
               ,
               from
               the
               Hill
               Missar
               .
               David
            
             in
             the
             time
             of
             his
             Persecution
             by
             Saul
             ,
             when
             he
             wandred
             up
             and
             down
             in
             Deserts
             ,
             Wildernesses
             ,
             and
             Solitudes
             ,
             had
             under
             his
             Fears
             ,
             Distresses
             ,
             and
             Exercise
             ,
             great
             ,
             holy
             ,
             Spiritual
             Communion
             with
             God
             ,
             as
             many
             of
             his
             Psalms
             composed
             on
             such
             Occasions
             do
             testify
             .
             And
             the
             greater
             his
             distresses
             were
             ,
             the
             more
             fervent
             were
             his
             Affections
             in
             all
             his
             Adresses
             unto
             God.
             And
             he
             was
             never
             in
             greater
             than
             when
             he
             escaped
             out
             of
             the
             Cave
             at
             Adullam
             ,
             and
             went
             thence
             unto
             Mizpheh
             of
             Moab
             ,
             to
             get
             shelter
             for
             his
             Parents
             ,
             1
             Sam.
             22.13
             .
             Then
             was
             he
             in
             the
             Land
             of
             the
             Hermonites
             ,
             the
             Hill
             Hermon
             ,
             being
             the
             boundary
             eastward
             of
             the
             Israelites
             Possession
             next
             to
             
               Moab
               ,
               Deut.
            
             3.8
             ,
             9.
             
             There
             no
             doubt
             David
             had
             a
             blessed
             Exercise
             of
             his
             Faith
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             his
             Affections
             towards
             God
             ,
             wherein
             his
             Soul
             found
             great
             Refreshment
             .
             Being
             now
             in
             great
             Distress
             and
             Disconsolation
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             among
             other
             things
             under
             a
             Sense
             that
             God
             had
             forgotten
             him
             ,
             vers
             .
             9.
             
             He
             calls
             to
             mind
             the
             blessed
             Experience
             he
             had
             of
             Communion
             with
             God
             in
             the
             Land
             of
             the
             Hermonites
             ,
             wherein
             he
             now
             found
             Support
             and
             Refreshment
             .
             So
             at
             other
             times
             ,
             he
             called
             to
             remembrance
             
               the
               Dayes
               of
               old
            
             ,
             and
             in
             them
             his
             
               Song
               in
               the
               Night
            
             ,
             or
             the
             sweet
             Refreshment
             he
             had
             in
             Spiritual
             Converse
             with
             God
             in
             former
             times
             .
             I
             have
             known
             one
             in
             the
             depth
             of
             distress
             and
             darkness
             of
             Mind
             ,
             who
             going
             through
             Temptation
             to
             destroy
             himself
             ,
             was
             re●●eved
             and
             delivered
             in
             the
             instant
             of
             Ruine
             ,
             by
             a
             sudden
             Remembrance
             that
             at
             such
             a
             time
             ,
             and
             in
             such
             a
             place
             ,
             he
             
             had
             prayed
             fervently
             with
             the
             ingagement
             of
             all
             his
             Affections
             unto
             God.
             
          
           
             Wherefore
             you
             that
             are
             sensible
             of
             these
             Decayes
             ,
             or
             ought
             so
             to
             be
             ,
             take
             the
             Advice
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             
               Remember
               whence
               you
               are
               fallen
            
             ;
             call
             to
             mind
             the
             former
             days
             ;
             consider
             if
             it
             were
             not
             better
             with
             you
             than
             now
             ;
             when
             in
             your
             lying
             down
             ,
             and
             your
             rising
             up
             ,
             you
             had
             many
             thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             things
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             they
             were
             sweet
             and
             pretious
             unto
             your
             Souls
             ?
             when
             you
             rejoyced
             at
             the
             
               Remembrance
               of
               his
               Holiness
            
             ?
             When
             you
             had
             Zeal
             for
             his
             Glory
             ,
             Delight
             in
             his
             Worship
             ,
             and
             were
             glad
             when
             they
             said
             ,
             
               Let
               us
               go
               to
               the
               House
               of
               God
               together
               ?
            
             When
             you
             poured
             forth
             your
             Soules
             with
             Freedom
             ,
             and
             enlarged
             Affections
             before
             him
             ,
             and
             were
             sensible
             of
             the
             Visits
             and
             Refreshments
             of
             his
             Love
             ?
             
               Remember
               what
               Peace
            
             ,
             what
             Tranquility
             of
             Mind
             ,
             what
             Joy
             you
             had
             whil'st
             it
             was
             so
             with
             you
             .
             And
             consider
             what
             you
             have
             gotten
             since
             you
             have
             forsaken
             God
             ,
             in
             any
             Measure
             or
             Degree
             .
             Dare
             to
             deal
             plainly
             with
             your selves
             .
             Is
             not
             all
             wherein
             you
             have
             now
             to
             do
             with
             God
             ,
             either
             Form
             ,
             Custom
             ,
             and
             Selfishness
             ,
             or
             attended
             with
             Trouble
             ,
             Disquietment
             ,
             and
             Fears
             ?
             Do
             you
             truely
             know
             ,
             either
             how
             to
             live
             ,
             or
             how
             to
             die
             ?
             Are
             you
             not
             sometimes
             a
             Terrour
             unto
             yourselves
             ?
             It
             must
             be
             so
             ,
             unless
             you
             are
             hardened
             through
             the
             Deceitfulness
             of
             Sin.
             What
             have
             all
             your
             Lovers
             done
             for
             you
             ,
             that
             you
             have
             entertained
             in
             the
             room
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             Spiritual
             things
             ?
             Speak
             plainly
             ,
             have
             they
             not
             defiled
             you
             ,
             wounded
             you
             ,
             weakened
             you
             ,
             and
             brought
             you
             into
             that
             Condition
             ,
             that
             you
             know
             not
             what
             you
             are
             ,
             nor
             
               to
               whom
               ye
               do
               belong
            
             ?
             What
             are
             your
             thoughts
             when
             you
             are
             most
             awake
             ,
             when
             you
             are
             most
             your selves
             ?
             Do
             you
             not
             sometimes
             part
             within
             your selves
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             O
             that
             
               it
               were
               with
               us
               as
               in
               former
               Dayes
               .
            
          
           
             And
             it
             you
             can
             be
             no
             way
             affected
             with
             
               the
               Remembrance
               of
               former
               things
            
             ;
             then
             one
             of
             these
             two
             great
             Evils
             ,
             you
             are
             certainly
             under
             .
             For
             either
             ,
             (
             1
             )
             you
             never
             had
             a
             true
             and
             
             
               real
               Work
               on
               your
               Souls
            
             ,
             whatever
             you
             professed
             ;
             and
             so
             never
             had
             true
             and
             real
             Communion
             with
             God
             in
             any
             Duties
             .
             You
             had
             only
             a
             temporary
             Work
             ,
             which
             excited
             your
             Affections
             for
             a
             season
             ,
             which
             now
             it
             is
             worn
             off
             ,
             leaves
             no
             sweet
             Remembrance
             of
             it self
             upon
             your
             Minds
             .
             Had
             
               your
               Faith
               and
               Love
            
             been
             sincere
             in
             what
             you
             did
             ,
             it
             were
             impossible
             but
             that
             the
             Remembrance
             of
             their
             Actings
             in
             some
             especial
             Instances
             ,
             should
             be
             sweet
             and
             refreshing
             unto
             you
             .
             Or
             else
             ,
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             You
             are
             
               hardened
               through
               the
               Deceitfulness
               of
               Sin
               ,
            
             and
             there
             is
             no
             way
             left
             to
             give
             a
             Sense
             or
             Impression
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             upon
             your
             Minds
             .
             You
             have
             truely
             nothing
             left
             in
             Religion
             ,
             but
             the
             Fear
             of
             Hell
             ,
             and
             trouble
             of
             Duties
             .
             I
             speak
             not
             to
             such
             at
             present
             .
          
           
             As
             unto
             those
             unto
             whom
             
               this
               Frame
               is
               a
               Burden
            
             ;
             there
             is
             no
             more
             effectual
             means
             to
             stir
             them
             unto
             Endeavours
             for
             Deliverance
             ,
             than
             a
             
               continual
               Remembrance
            
             of
             former
             things
             ,
             and
             Experiences
             they
             have
             had
             of
             holy
             Entercourse
             and
             Communion
             with
             God.
             This
             will
             revive
             ,
             quicken
             ,
             and
             strengthen
             the
             things
             
               that
               are
               ready
               to
               dye
            
             ,
             and
             beget
             a
             Self-Abhorrency
             in
             them
             ,
             in
             consideration
             of
             that
             woful
             Frame
             and
             temper
             of
             Mind
             ,
             which
             by
             their
             Sins
             and
             Negligence
             they
             have
             brought
             themselves
             into
             .
          
           
             2dly
             .
             Consider
             that
             as
             there
             are
             many
             things
             dreadfully
             pronounced
             in
             the
             Scripture
             against
             
               Backsliding
               and
               Backsliders
               in
               heart
            
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             with
             you
             ,
             yet
             also
             there
             are
             especial
             Calls
             and
             Promises
             given
             and
             proposed
             unto
             those
             in
             your
             Condition
             .
             And
             know
             assuredly
             ,
             that
             upon
             your
             Compliance
             or
             non-Compliance
             with
             them
             ,
             depends
             your
             everlasting
             Blessedness
             or
             Woe
             .
          
           
             Consider
             both
             Call
             and
             Promise
             in
             that
             Word
             of
             Gods
             Grace
             ,
             Jer.
             3.12
             ,
             13
             ,
             14.
             
             
               Go
               and
               proclaim
               these
               Words
               towards
               the
               North
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               Return
               thou
               Backsliding
               Israel
               ,
               saith
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               not
               cause
               mine
               Anger
               to
               fall
               upon
               you
               :
               for
               I
               am
               merciful
               ,
               faith
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               not
               keep
               anger
               for
               ever
               .
               Only
               acknowledge
               
               thine
               Iniquity
               that
               thou
               hast
               transgressed
               against
               the
               Lord
               thy
               God
               ,
               and
               hast
               scattered
               thy
               wayes
               to
               the
               Strangers
               under
               every
               green
               Tree
               ,
               and
               ye
               have
               not
               obeyed
               my
               Voice
               ,
               saith
               the
               Lord.
               Turn
               ,
               O
               backsliding
               Children
               ,
               saith
               the
               Lord
               ,
               for
               I
               am
               married
               unto
               you
               :
               and
               I
               will
               take
               you
               one
               of
               a
               City
               ,
               and
               two
               of
               a
               Family
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               bring
               you
               to
               Zion
               .
            
             Add
             thereunto
             this
             blessed
             Promise
             ,
             Hos.
             14.4
             .
             
               I
               will
               heal
               their
               backsliding
               ,
               I
               will
               love
               them
               freely
               :
               for
               mine
               anger
               is
               turned
               away
               from
               them
               .
            
             If
             you
             design
             to
             live
             and
             not
             die
             ,
             it
             must
             be
             by
             yielding
             Obedience
             unto
             this
             Call
             ,
             and
             pleading
             this
             
               Promise
               before
               God
            
             ,
             mixing
             it
             with
             Faith.
             Your
             Return
             must
             be
             by
             the
             Word
             ,
             Isai.
             57.18
             ,
             19.
             
             Here
             lies
             your
             great
             Encouragement
             and
             Direction
             ,
             herein
             lyeth
             your
             only
             Relief
             .
             As
             you
             value
             your
             Souls
             ,
             defer
             not
             the
             Duty
             you
             are
             called
             unto
             one
             moment
             .
             You
             know
             not
             how
             soon
             you
             may
             be
             without
             the
             
               reach
               of
               Calls
            
             and
             Promises
             .
             And
             he
             that
             can
             hear
             them
             without
             stirring
             up
             himself
             in
             Sincerity
             to
             comply
             with
             them
             ,
             hath
             made
             already
             a
             great
             Progress
             towards
             that
             length
             .
          
           
             (
             3
             )
             As
             unto
             those
             who
             on
             these
             and
             the
             like
             Considerations
             ,
             do
             not
             only
             desire
             ,
             but
             will
             endeavour
             also
             to
             retrieve
             themselves
             from
             this
             Condition
             ,
             I
             shall
             give
             no
             advice
             at
             present
             but
             this
             ;
             
               be
               in
               good
               earnest
            
             .
             As
             the
             Prophet
             speaks
             in
             another
             Case
             ;
             if
             you
             
               will
               return
               ,
               return
               and
               come
               ,
            
             make
             through
             work
             of
             it
             .
             You
             must
             do
             so
             at
             one
             time
             or
             another
             or
             you
             will
             perish
             .
             Why
             not
             now
             ?
             Why
             is
             not
             this
             the
             best
             Season
             ?
             Who
             knows
             but
             it
             may
             be
             the
             only
             time
             you
             will
             have
             for
             it
             ?
             It
             were
             easy
             to
             multiply
             all
             sorts
             of
             Arguments
             unto
             this
             purpose
             .
             Trifling
             Endeavours
             ,
             
               Occasional
               Resolutions
               and
               Attempts
            
             like
             the
             
               early
               Cloud
            
             ,
             and
             
               morning
               Dew
            
             ,
             shifting
             with
             Warnings
             and
             Convictions
             ,
             by
             renewed
             Duties
             until
             their
             Impressions
             are
             worn
             out
             ,
             will
             ruine
             your
             Souls
             .
             Unless
             there
             be
             universal
             Diligence
             and
             Permanency
             in
             your
             Endeavours
             ,
             you
             are
             undone
             .
             Then
             shall
             ye
             know
             the
             Lord
             ,
             if
             you
             follow
             on
             to
             know
             him
             .
          
           
             But
             now
             to
             return
             .
             These
             things
             I
             say
             ,
             through
             our
             Sloth
             ,
             Negligence
             ,
             and
             Sin
             may
             befal
             us
             ,
             as
             unto
             our
             Spiritually
             
             renewed
             Affections
             .
             Their
             Progress
             in
             Conformity
             unto
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             may
             be
             slow
             ,
             imperceptible
             ,
             yea
             ,
             totally
             obstructed
             for
             a
             season
             ;
             and
             not
             only
             so
             ,
             but
             they
             may
             fall
             
               under
               Decays
            
             ,
             and
             the
             Soul
             therein
             be
             guilty
             of
             backsliding
             from
             God.
             But
             this
             is
             that
             which
             they
             are
             capacitated
             for
             by
             their
             Renovation
             ;
             this
             is
             that
             whereby
             the
             Grace
             wherewith
             they
             are
             renewed
             doth
             lead
             unto
             ;
             this
             is
             that
             which
             in
             the
             diligent
             use
             of
             means
             ,
             they
             will
             grow
             up
             unto
             ,
             whereon
             our
             
               Comfort
               and
               Peace
            
             do
             depend
             ;
             namely
             ,
             an
             holy
             Assimulation
             unto
             those
             Spiritual
             and
             heavenly
             things
             which
             they
             are
             set
             and
             fixed
             on
             ,
             wherein
             they
             are
             renewed
             and
             made
             more
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             every
             day
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XVIII
             .
          
           
             IT
             remains
             only
             as
             unto
             this
             Head
             now
             spoken
             unto
             ,
             that
             we
             briefly
             consider
             what
             is
             the
             
               State
               of
               Spiritual
               Affections
            
             thus
             daily
             exercised
             and
             improved
             .
             And
             this
             we
             shall
             do
             by
             shewing
             ,
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             What
             is
             their
             Pattern
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             What
             is
             their
             Rule
             .
          
           
             (
             3
             )
             What
             is
             their
             Measure
             ,
             or
             whereunto
             they
             may
             attain
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             The
             Pattern
             which
             we
             ought
             continually
             to
             bear
             in
             our
             Eyes
             ,
             whereunto
             our
             Affections
             ought
             to
             be
             conformed
             is
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             Affections
             of
             his
             holy
             Soul.
             The
             Mind
             is
             the
             Seat
             of
             all
             our
             Affections
             ;
             and
             this
             is
             that
             we
             ought
             continually
             to
             design
             and
             endeavour
             ,
             namely
             ,
             that
             the
             
               same
               Mind
               be
               in
               us
               ,
               that
               was
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
            
             Phil.
             2.5
             .
             
               To
               have
               our
               Minds
               so
               affected
               with
               Spiritual
               things
               ,
            
             as
             was
             the
             Mind
             of
             Christ
             ,
             is
             the
             principal
             Part
             of
             our
             Duty
             and
             Grace
             .
             Nor
             do
             I
             think
             that
             any
             man
             can
             attain
             any
             considerable
             Degree
             in
             Spiritual
             Mindedness
             ,
             who
             is
             not
             much
             in
             the
             Contemplation
             of
             the
             
               same
               Mind
            
             in
             Christ
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             3.18
             .
             To
             this
             purpose
             ought
             we
             to
             furnish
             our
             Minds
             with
             Instances
             of
             the
             holy
             Affections
             that
             were
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             their
             blessed
             Exercise
             on
             all
             Occasions
             .
             The
             Scripture
             makes
             a
             full
             Representation
             of
             them
             unto
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             ought
             to
             be
             conversant
             in
             our
             Meditations
             on
             them
             .
             What
             glorious
             things
             are
             spoken
             of
             his
             Love
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             his
             Delight
             in
             him
             ,
             whence
             also
             he
             
               delighted
               to
               do
               his
               Will
            
             ,
             and
             
               his
               Law
               was
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               his
               Bowels
            
             ;
             Psal.
             40.8
             Seated
             in
             the
             throne
             of
             his
             Affections
             .
             What
             Pitty
             and
             Compassion
             had
             he
             for
             the
             Souls
             of
             
             men
             ,
             yea
             for
             whole
             humane
             Kind
             ,
             in
             all
             their
             Sufferings
             ,
             Pains
             ,
             and
             Distresses
             ?
             How
             were
             all
             his
             Affections
             alwayes
             in
             Perfection
             of
             Order
             under
             the
             
               Conduct
               of
               the
               Spirit
               of
               his
               Mind
            
             ?
             Thence
             was
             his
             Self-denial
             ,
             his
             
               Contempt
               of
               the
               World
            
             ,
             his
             Readiness
             for
             the
             Cross
             ,
             to
             do
             or
             suffer
             according
             to
             the
             Will
             of
             God.
             If
             this
             Pattern
             be
             continually
             before
             us
             ,
             it
             will
             put
             forth
             a
             transforming
             Efficacy
             ,
             to
             change
             us
             into
             the
             same
             Image
             .
             When
             we
             find
             our
             Minds
             liable
             unto
             any
             Disorders
             ,
             cleaving
             inordinately
             unto
             the
             things
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             moved
             with
             
               intemperate
               Passions
            
             ,
             vain
             and
             frothy
             in
             Conversation
             ,
             darkened
             ,
             or
             
               disturbed
               by
               the
               Fumes
               of
               distempered
               Lusts
               ,
            
             let
             us
             call
             things
             to
             an
             account
             ,
             and
             ask
             of
             our selves
             ,
             whether
             this
             be
             the
             Frame
             of
             Mind
             that
             was
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             ;
             This
             therefore
             is
             an
             Evidence
             that
             our
             Affections
             are
             Spiritually
             renewed
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             have
             received
             some
             Progress
             in
             an
             Assimulation
             unto
             heavenly
             things
             ;
             namely
             ,
             when
             the
             Soul
             is
             delighted
             in
             making
             Christ
             their
             Pattern
             in
             all
             things
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             The
             Rule
             of
             our
             Affections
             in
             their
             utmost
             Spiritual
             Improvement
             is
             the
             Scripture
             .
             And
             two
             things
             are
             respected
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             Their
             
               Internal
               Actings
            
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             Their
             
               Exercise
               in
               outward
               Wayes
               and
               Means
               whereby
               they
               are
               expressed
               .
            
             Of
             them
             both
             the
             Scripture
             is
             the
             
               entire
               Rule
            
             .
             And
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             former
             ,
             it
             gives
             us
             one
             general
             Law
             or
             Rule
             that
             is
             comprehensive
             of
             all
             others
             ;
             namely
             ,
             that
             
               we
               Love
               the
               Lord
               our
               God
               with
               all
               our
               hearts
               ,
            
             Souls
             ,
             Minds
             and
             Strength
             .
             The
             Actings
             of
             all
             our
             Affections
             towards
             God
             in
             the
             
               utmost
               Degree
            
             of
             Perfection
             is
             required
             of
             us
             ;
             that
             in
             all
             Instances
             we
             prefer
             and
             value
             him
             above
             all
             things
             ;
             that
             we
             inseperably
             cleave
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             do
             nothing
             whatever
             at
             any
             time
             ,
             that
             is
             not
             influenced
             and
             directed
             by
             the
             Love
             of
             God.
             This
             Perfection
             ,
             as
             we
             shall
             see
             immediately
             ,
             is
             not
             attainable
             absolutely
             in
             this
             Life
             ;
             But
             it
             is
             proposed
             unto
             us
             as
             that
             which
             the
             Excellency
             of
             
             Gods
             Nature
             requires
             ,
             and
             which
             the
             Faculties
             &
             Powers
             of
             our
             nature
             were
             creared
             for
             ,
             and
             which
             we
             ought
             in
             all
             things
             to
             design
             and
             aim
             at
             .
             But
             the
             indispensible
             Obligation
             of
             this
             Rule
             is
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             alwayes
             be
             in
             a
             sincere
             Endeavour
             to
             cleave
             unto
             God
             continually
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             to
             prefer
             him
             above
             all
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             him
             as
             our
             chiefest
             Good.
             When
             this
             Frame
             and
             Disposition
             is
             habitually
             fixed
             in
             our
             Minds
             ,
             it
             will
             declare
             and
             act
             it self
             in
             all
             Instances
             of
             Duties
             on
             all
             Occasions
             of
             Tryal
             ,
             when
             other
             things
             put
             in
             for
             a
             predominant
             Interest
             in
             our
             Affections
             ,
             as
             they
             do
             every
             day
             .
             And
             if
             it
             be
             not
             so
             with
             us
             ,
             we
             shall
             be
             at
             a
             continual
             Loss
             in
             all
             our
             Wayes
             .
             This
             is
             that
             which
             makes
             us
             lifeless
             and
             heartless
             in
             Duties
             ,
             careless
             in
             Temptations
             or
             Occasions
             of
             them
             ,
             forgetful
             of
             God
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             impossible
             we
             should
             be
             preserved
             from
             Sin
             without
             a
             due
             Remembrance
             of
             his
             Holiness
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             the
             want
             of
             a
             
               Predominant
               Love
               unto
               God
            
             ,
             kept
             in
             continual
             Exercise
             ,
             is
             the
             Spring
             of
             all
             that
             unprofitable
             Profession
             of
             Religion
             that
             the
             World
             is
             filled
             withal
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             There
             are
             
               Outward
               Wayes
               and
               Duties
            
             whereby
             our
             Spiritual
             Affections
             are
             expressed
             .
             The
             Rule
             of
             them
             also
             is
             the
             Scripture
             .
             The
             way
             marked
             out
             therein
             ,
             is
             the
             onely
             Channel
             wherein
             the
             
               Stream
               of
               our
               Spiritual
               Affections
            
             doth
             
               take
               its
               Course
               unto
               God.
            
             The
             Graces
             required
             therein
             ,
             are
             to
             act
             themselves
             by
             :
             the
             Duties
             it
             prescribes
             ,
             ar●
             those
             which
             they
             stir
             up
             and
             enliven
             ;
             the
             Religious
             Worship
             it
             appoints
             is
             that
             wherein
             they
             have
             their
             Exercise
             .
             Where
             this
             Rule
             hath
             been
             neglected
             ,
             mens
             Religious
             Affections
             have
             grown
             irregular
             ,
             yea
             wild
             and
             ungovernable
             .
             All
             the
             Superstitions
             that
             the
             World
             is
             fil'd
             withal
             ,
             owe
             their
             original
             principally
             unto
             mens
             Affections
             set
             at
             loose
             from
             the
             Rule
             of
             the
             word
             There
             is
             nothing
             so
             fond
             ,
             absurd
             ,
             and
             foolish
             ,
             but
             they
             have
             imbondaged
             the
             ●ouls
             of
             Men
             unto
             ,
             nothing
             so
             horrid
             and
             
             difficult
             but
             they
             have
             ingaged
             them
             in
             .
             And
             having
             once
             taken
             unto
             themselves
             this
             Liberty
             ,
             the
             corrupt
             Minds
             of
             men
             are
             a
             thousand
             times
             more
             satisfyed
             ,
             than
             in
             the
             regular
             exercise
             of
             them
             according
             to
             the
             Word
             of
             God.
             Hence
             they
             will
             rejoyce
             in
             such
             Penances
             as
             are
             not
             without
             their
             Austeritys
             ;
             in
             such
             outward
             Duties
             of
             Devotion
             ,
             as
             are
             troublesome
             and
             chargeable
             ;
             in
             every
             thing
             that
             hath
             
               a
               Shew
               of
               Wisdom
               in
               Will-Worship
               ,
               and
               humility
               ,
               and
               neglect
               of
               the
               Body
               .
            
             Hence
             will
             all
             their
             Affections
             be
             more
             sensibly
             moved
             by
             Images
             and
             Pictures
             ,
             and
             a
             melting
             Devotion
             be
             stirred
             up
             in
             them
             ,
             than
             by
             all
             the
             Motives
             and
             Incentives
             which
             God
             proposeth
             unto
             them
             to
             draw
             their
             Affections
             unto
             himself
             .
             Nothing
             is
             more
             extravagant
             than
             the
             Affections
             of
             Men
             ,
             tinctured
             with
             some
             Devotion
             ,
             if
             they
             forsake
             the
             Rule
             of
             the
             Scripture
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             There
             is
             considerable
             concerning
             them
             ,
             the
             measure
             of
             their
             Attainments
             ,
             or
             what
             through
             
               due
               Exercise
            
             and
             
               holy
               Diligence
            
             they
             may
             be
             raised
             unto
             .
             Now
             this
             is
             not
             absolute
             Perfection
             .
             
               Not
               as
               though
               I
               had
               already
               attain'd
               ,
               or
               were
               already
               perfect
               ,
               but
               I
               follow
               after
               ,
            
             as
             the
             Apostle
             speaks
             ,
             Phil.
             3.12
             .
             But
             there
             is
             that
             attainable
             ,
             which
             those
             who
             pretend
             highly
             unto
             Perfection
             ,
             seem
             to
             be
             Strangers
             unto
             .
             And
             the
             State
             of
             our
             Affections
             under
             a
             due
             Exercise
             on
             heavenly
             things
             ,
             and
             in
             their
             Assimulation
             unto
             them
             ,
             may
             be
             fixed
             in
             these
             three
             things
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             An
             
               habitual
               Suitableness
               unto
               Spiritual
               things
               ,
               upon
               the
               proposal
               of
               them
               .
            
             The
             wayes
             whereby
             Spiritual
             things
             are
             
               proposed
               unto
               our
               Minds
            
             are
             various
             .
             They
             are
             so
             directly
             in
             all
             Ordinances
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ;
             they
             are
             so
             indirectly
             and
             in
             just
             consequence
             ,
             by
             all
             the
             especial
             
               Providences
               wherein
            
             we
             are
             concern'd
             ,
             by
             our
             own
             thoughts
             and
             stated
             Meditations
             ;
             they
             are
             so
             by
             the
             motions
             of
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             ,
             when
             he
             causeth
             us
             to
             hear
             a
             
               ●ord
               behind
               us
               saying
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               Way
               ,
               walk
               in
               it
            
             ;
             by
             holy
             Converse
             with
             others
             ;
             by
             all
             sorts
             of
             occurrences
             .
             And
             as
             the
             ways
             of
             their
             Proposal
             are
             
             various
             ,
             so
             the
             Times
             and
             Seasons
             wherein
             a
             Representation
             of
             them
             is
             made
             unto
             us
             ,
             are
             comprehensive
             of
             all
             ,
             at
             least
             are
             not
             exclusive
             of
             any
             times
             and
             seasons
             of
             our
             Lives
             .
             Be
             the
             way
             of
             their
             Proposal
             what
             it
             will
             ,
             and
             when
             ever
             be
             the
             season
             of
             it
             ,
             if
             our
             affections
             are
             duely
             improved
             by
             Spiritual
             Exercises
             ,
             they
             are
             suited
             unto
             them
             ,
             and
             will
             be
             ready
             to
             give
             them
             Entertainment
             .
             Hence
             ,
             or
             for
             want
             hereof
             on
             the
             other
             hand
             are
             ●ergiversations
             and
             Shiftings
             in
             Duties
             ,
             Proneness
             to
             
               comply
               with
               Diversion
            
             ,
             all
             to
             keep
             off
             the
             Mind
             from
             closing
             with
             ,
             and
             receiving
             of
             those
             Spiritual
             things
             which
             it
             is
             not
             suited
             unto
             .
             Wherefore
             as
             unto
             the
             solemn
             way
             of
             proposing
             Spiritual
             things
             unto
             our
             Minds
             which
             is
             in
             and
             by
             the
             Ordinances
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             when
             men
             have
             a
             prevalent
             loathness
             to
             ingage
             in
             them
             ,
             or
             when
             they
             are
             satisfyed
             with
             an
             outward
             Attendance
             on
             them
             ,
             but
             not
             enabled
             unto
             a
             
               vigorous
               stirring
            
             up
             of
             the
             inward
             man
             unto
             an
             holy
             affectionate
             converse
             with
             Spiritual
             and
             heavenly
             things
             ,
             it
             is
             because
             they
             are
             carnal
             .
             When
             men
             can
             receive
             the
             fiery
             Darts
             of
             Satan
             in
             his
             Temptations
             into
             their
             Bosoms
             ,
             and
             suffer
             them
             to
             abide
             there
             ,
             yea
             ,
             foster
             and
             cherish
             them
             in
             thoughts
             of
             the
             Lusts
             that
             they
             kindle
             ,
             but
             quickly
             quench
             the
             Motions
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             stirring
             them
             up
             unto
             the
             embracing
             of
             heavenly
             things
             ;
             they
             are
             carnal
             ,
             and
             carnally-Minded
             .
             
               When
               Providences
            
             of
             Concernment
             in
             Afflictions
             ,
             Trials
             ,
             Deliverances
             ,
             do
             not
             ingage
             the
             Mind
             into
             thoughts
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             and
             excite
             the
             Affections
             unto
             the
             Entertainment
             of
             them
             ,
             Men
             
               are
               carnal
               and
               earthly
            
             ,
             When
             every
             Lust
             ,
             Corruption
             ,
             or
             Passion
             ,
             as
             Anger
             ,
             Envy
             ,
             Displeasure
             at
             this
             or
             that
             Person
             or
             thing
             ,
             can
             divert
             the
             Mind
             from
             compliance
             with
             the
             Proposal
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             that
             is
             made
             unto
             it
             ,
             we
             are
             carnal
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             otherwise
             when
             our
             Affections
             are
             conformed
             unto
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             .
             Upon
             every
             Proposal
             of
             this
             the
             Mind
             finds
             a
             suitableness
             unto
             it self
             ,
             like
             that
             which
             
             a
             well
             disposed
             Appetite
             finds
             unto
             savoury
             Meat
             .
             As
             the
             
               full
               Soul
               loaths
               the
               Hony-Comb
            
             ,
             so
             a
             Mind
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             Carnal
             Affections
             ,
             hath
             an
             Aversation
             unto
             all
             Spiritual
             Sweetness
             .
             But
             
               Spiritualized
               Affections
            
             desire
             them
             ,
             have
             an
             appetite
             unto
             them
             ,
             readily
             receive
             them
             on
             all
             Occasions
             ,
             as
             those
             which
             are
             natural
             unto
             them
             ,
             as
             
               milk
               is
               unto
               new-born
               Babes
            
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             Affections
             so
             disposed
             constantly
             ,
             find
             a
             
               Gust
               ,
               a
               pleasant
               Tast
               ,
               a
               Relish
            
             in
             Spiritual
             things
             .
             They
             do
             in
             them
             
               tast
               that
               the
               Lord
               is
               gracious
               ,
            
             1
             Pet.
             2.3
             .
             To
             tast
             of
             Gods
             Goodness
             ,
             is
             to
             have
             an
             Experience
             of
             a
             
               savoury
               Relish
               and
               Sweetness
            
             ,
             in
             Converse
             and
             Communion
             with
             him
             .
             And
             Persons
             whose
             Affections
             are
             thus
             renewed
             ,
             and
             thus
             improved
             
               do
               tast
               a
               sweet
               Savour
            
             in
             all
             Spiritual
             things
             Some
             of
             them
             ,
             as
             a
             sense
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             Christ
             ,
             are
             sometimes
             as
             it
             were
             too
             hard
             for
             them
             ,
             and
             overpower
             them
             ,
             untill
             they
             
               are
               sick
               of
               Love
            
             ,
             and
             do
             rejoyce
             with
             Joy
             unspeakable
             and
             full
             of
             Glory
             .
             Neither
             is
             there
             any
             of
             them
             however
             
               condited
               with
               Afflictions
            
             or
             Mortifications
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             sweet
             unto
             them
             ,
             Prov.
             27.7
             .
             Every
             thing
             that
             is
             wholsome
             Food
             ,
             that
             is
             good
             Nourishment
             ,
             though
             it
             be
             but
             
               bitter
               Herbs
            
             ,
             is
             sweet
             to
             him
             that
             is
             hungry
             And
             when
             by
             our
             Affections
             we
             have
             raised
             up
             in
             us
             a
             
               Spiritual
               Appetite
            
             unto
             heavenly
             things
             ,
             however
             any
             of
             them
             in
             their
             own
             nature
             ,
             or
             in
             their
             Dispensation
             may
             be
             
               bitter
               to
               Flesh
               and
               Blood
            
             ,
             as
             are
             all
             the
             Doctrines
             of
             the
             Cross
             ,
             they
             are
             all
             sweet
             unto
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             can
             tast
             how
             gracious
             the
             Lord
             is
             in
             them
             .
             When
             the
             Soul
             is
             filled
             with
             earthly
             things
             ,
             the
             
               Love
               of
               this
               World
            
             ,
             or
             when
             the
             Appetite
             is
             lost
             by
             
               Spiritual
               Sickness
            
             ,
             or
             vitiated
             and
             corrupted
             by
             any
             prevalent
             Sin
             ,
             heavenly
             things
             are
             unsavoury
             and
             sapless
             ,
             or
             as
             Job
             speaks
             ,
             
               like
               the
               white
               of
               an
               Egg
            
             wherein
             there
             is
             no
             tast
             .
             There
             may
             be
             in
             the
             Dispensation
             of
             the
             Word
             a
             
               Tast
               or
               pleasing
               Relish
            
             given
             unto
             the
             Fancy
             ;
             there
             may
             be
             so
             unto
             the
             notional
             Understanding
             ,
             when
             the
             Affections
             find
             no
             Complacency
             in
             the
             things
             themselves
             .
             But
             unto
             
             them
             who
             are
             Spiritually
             Minded
             unto
             the
             Degree
             intended
             ,
             they
             are
             all
             sweet
             ,
             savoury
             ,
             pleasant
             ;
             the
             Affections
             tast
             them
             immediately
             ,
             as
             the
             Palate
             doth
             Meat
             .
          
           
             (
             3
             )
             They
             are
             a
             
               just
               Repository
            
             of
             all
             Graces
             ,
             and
             therein
             the
             Treasury
             of
             the
             Soul.
             There
             are
             
               Graces
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             whose
             formal
             
               direct
               Residence
            
             is
             in
             the
             Understanding
             and
             the
             Will
             ,
             as
             faith
             it self
             .
             And
             therein
             are
             all
             other
             Graces
             radically
             comprized
             ,
             they
             grow
             from
             the
             Root
             .
             Howbeit
             the
             most
             of
             them
             have
             their
             
               principal
               Residence
            
             in
             the
             Affections
             .
             In
             them
             are
             they
             preserved
             secure
             and
             ready
             for
             Exercise
             on
             all
             Occasions
             .
             And
             when
             they
             are
             duely
             Spiritual
             ,
             there
             is
             nothing
             that
             tends
             to
             their
             
               Growth
               or
               Improvement
            
             ,
             to
             their
             cherishing
             or
             quickening
             ,
             which
             they
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             continually
             ,
             and
             which
             God
             hath
             made
             Provision
             for
             in
             his
             Word
             ,
             but
             they
             
               reaedily
               receive
               it
            
             ,
             lay
             it
             up
             ,
             keep
             and
             preserve
             it
             .
             Hereby
             they
             come
             to
             be
             filled
             with
             Grace
             ,
             with
             
               all
               Graces
            
             ;
             for
             there
             is
             room
             in
             them
             
               for
               all
               the
               Graces
            
             of
             the
             Spirit
             to
             inhabit
             ;
             and
             do
             readily
             comply
             with
             the
             Light
             and
             Direction
             of
             Faith
             unto
             their
             Exercise
             .
             When
             Faith
             discerns
             and
             determines
             that
             there
             is
             any
             thing
             to
             be
             done
             or
             suffered
             in
             a
             way
             of
             Duty
             unto
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             Affections
             thus
             disposed
             ,
             do
             not
             shut
             up
             or
             stifle
             the
             Graces
             that
             are
             in
             them
             ,
             but
             chcarefully
             offer
             them
             unto
             their
             proper
             Exercise
             .
          
           
             There
             are
             some
             of
             those
             things
             ,
             which
             our
             Affections
             conformed
             unto
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             will
             attain
             unto
             .
             And
             thus
             it
             is
             with
             
               Affections
               Spiritually
               renewed
            
             ,
             by
             being
             fixed
             on
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             ,
             they
             are
             more
             and
             more
             conformed
             unto
             them
             ,
             made
             like
             them
             ,
             and
             become
             more
             spiritual
             and
             heavenly
             themselves
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             not
             thus
             with
             them
             
               whose
               Affections
               have
               only
               an
               Occasional
               Change
               wrought
               upon
               them
               by
               the
               meanes
               before
               described
               ,
               but
               are
               not
               Spiritually
               renewed
               .
            
             Yea
             ,
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             such
             Persons
             do
             design
             to
             
               debate
               Spiritual
               things
            
             ,
             to
             bring
             down
             heavenly
             things
             into
             a
             Conformity
             with
             their
             Affections
             ,
             
             which
             however
             changed
             ,
             are
             not
             Spiritual
             ,
             but
             Carnal
             .
             To
             evince
             this
             ,
             we
             may
             observe
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             These
             Affections
             are
             
               under
               the
               Light
               and
               Conduct
               of
               such
               Notions
               in
               the
               Mind
               and
               Understanding
               ,
            
             as
             do
             not
             give
             a
             clear
             distinct
             Representation
             of
             them
             in
             their
             own
             nature
             unto
             them
             .
             For
             where
             they
             are
             not
             themselves
             
               Spiritually
               renewed
            
             ,
             there
             the
             Mind
             it self
             is
             Carnal
             and
             unrenewed
             .
             And
             such
             a
             Mind
             
               discerneth
               not
               the
               things
               of
               God
               ,
            
             nor
             can
             do
             so
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             spiritually
             discerned
             .
             They
             cannot
             be
             discerned
             aright
             in
             their
             own
             Beauty
             and
             Glory
             ,
             but
             in
             and
             by
             a
             spiritual
             saving
             Light
             which
             the
             Mind
             is
             devoid
             of
             .
             And
             where
             they
             are
             not
             
               thus
               represented
            
             ,
             the
             Affections
             cannot
             receive
             ,
             or
             cleave
             unto
             them
             as
             they
             ought
             ,
             nor
             will
             ever
             be
             conformed
             unto
             them
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             Those
             Notions
             in
             such
             Persons
             are
             oft-times
             
               variously
               influenced
               and
               corrupted
               by
               Fancy
               and
               Imagination
               .
            
             They
             are
             meerly
             
               puffed
               up
               in
               their
               Fleshly
               Minds
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             they
             are
             filled
             with
             vain
             ,
             foolish
             ,
             proud
             Imaginations
             about
             spiritual
             things
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             declares
             ,
             Col.
             2.18
             ,
             19.
             
             And
             the
             work
             of
             Fancy
             in
             a
             fleshly
             mind
             ,
             is
             to
             raise
             up
             such
             
               Images
               of
               Spiritual
               things
            
             as
             may
             render
             them
             suitable
             unto
             natural
             unrenewed
             Affections
             .
          
           
             (
             3
             )
             This
             in
             the
             Progress
             of
             it
             produceth
             Superstition
             ,
             False
             Worship
             ,
             and
             Idolatry
             .
             For
             they
             are
             all
             of
             them
             an
             Attempt
             to
             
               represent
               Spiritual
               things
            
             in
             a
             way
             suited
             unto
             carnal
             unrenewed
             Affections
             ;
             hence
             men
             suppose
             themselves
             to
             be
             excited
             by
             them
             unto
             
               Love
               ,
               Joy
               ▪
               Fear
               ,
               Delight
               ,
            
             in
             the
             things
             themselves
             ,
             when
             they
             all
             respect
             that
             false
             Representation
             of
             them
             ,
             whereby
             they
             are
             suited
             unto
             them
             as
             Carnal
             .
             These
             have
             been
             the
             Spring
             of
             all
             false
             Worship
             and
             Idolatry
             in
             the
             Christian
             World.
             
          
           
             First
             ,
             The
             Mind
             and
             Affections
             have
             been
             changed
             and
             tinctured
             with
             Devotion
             by
             some
             of
             the
             meanes
             we
             have
             before
             insisted
             on
             .
             Herein
             they
             will
             one
             way
             or
             other
             be
             exercised
             about
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             and
             are
             ready
             to
             receive
             
             impressions
             from
             any
             thing
             that
             Superstition
             can
             impose
             upon
             them
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             They
             are
             by
             Errour
             and
             false
             Information
             ,
             set
             at
             liberty
             from
             the
             
               onely
               Rule
            
             of
             their
             Actings
             and
             Exercise
             ,
             that
             is
             the
             Word
             of
             God.
             Men
             satisfyed
             themselves
             ,
             that
             so
             their
             
               Affections
               were
               ingaged
            
             about
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             ,
             it
             was
             no
             matter
             at
             all
             ,
             whether
             the
             way
             of
             their
             Exercise
             was
             directed
             by
             the
             Scripture
             or
             no.
             Having
             thus
             lost
             their
             Guide
             and
             their
             Way
             every
             
               Ig●u
               Fatuus
            
             ,
             every
             wandring
             Meteor
             ,
             allures
             them
             to
             follow
             its
             Conduct
             into
             Foolish
             Superstitions
             .
             Nothing
             almost
             is
             so
             ridiculous
             ,
             nothing
             so
             Horrid
             and
             difficult
             ,
             that
             they
             will
             not
             embrace
             under
             the
             notion
             of
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             The
             carnal
             Minds
             of
             men
             ,
             having
             no
             
               Proper
               Distinct
            
             apprehensions
             and
             notions
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             in
             their
             own
             Nature
             ,
             do
             Endeavour
             to
             present
             them
             under
             
               such
               ●otions
               and
               Images
            
             as
             may
             suit
             them
             unto
             their
             carnal
             unrenewed
             Affections
             .
             For
             it
             is
             implanted
             a
             most
             indel●bly
             upon
             them
             ,
             that
             the
             end
             of
             all
             Knowledge
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             is
             to
             
               propose
               them
               unto
               the
               Embraces
               of
               the
               Affections
               .
            
             It
             were
             easy
             to
             manifest
             that
             from
             these
             three
             corrupt
             Springs
             ,
             arose
             that
             Flood
             of
             Idolatry
             and
             False-Worship
             which
             spread
             it self
             over
             the
             Church
             of
             Rome
             ,
             and
             with
             whose
             Machinations
             the
             Minds
             of
             men
             are
             yet
             too
             much
             replenished
             .
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             Where
             it
             is
             not
             thus
             ,
             yet
             carnal
             Affections
             do
             variously
             
               debase
               Spiritual
               things
            
             ,
             to
             bring
             them
             into
             a
             Conformity
             with
             themselves
             .
             And
             this
             may
             proceed
             so
             far
             ,
             until
             men
             
               think
               wickedly
               ,
               that
               God
               is
               altogether
            
             like
             unto
             them
             .
             But
             I
             shall
             not
             insist
             on
             these
             things
             any
             farther
             .
          
           
             Lastly
             ,
             Where
             Affections
             are
             
               Spiritually
               renewed
            
             ,
             the
             
               Person
               o●
               Christ
               is
               the
               Center
               of
               them
               ,
            
             but
             where
             they
             are
             changed
             only
             ,
             they
             tend
             unto
             an
             End
             in
             Self
             .
             Where
             the
             new
             man
             as
             ●ut
             on
             ,
             
               Christ
               is
               all
               in
               all
            
             ,
             Col.
             3.10
             ,
             11.
             
             He
             is
             the
             Spring
             ,
             by
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             that
             gives
             them
             Life
             ,
             Light
             ,
             and
             Being
             ;
             and
             he
             is
             the
             Ocean
             that
             receives
             all
             their
             S●●eg●●●
             .
             God
             ,
             
             even
             the
             Father
             presents
             not
             himself
             in
             his
             Beauty
             and
             Amiableness
             as
             the
             Object
             of
             our
             Affections
             ,
             but
             as
             he
             is
             in
             Christ
             ,
             acting
             his
             Love
             in
             him
             ,
             1
             Joh.
             4.8
             ,
             9.
             
             And
             as
             unto
             all
             other
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             renewed
             Affections
             cleave
             unto
             them
             ,
             according
             as
             they
             derive
             from
             Christ
             ,
             and
             lead
             unto
             him
             ;
             for
             he
             is
             unto
             them
             
               all
               and
               in
               all
            
             .
             It
             is
             he
             whom
             the
             Souls
             of
             his
             Saints
             do
             love
             for
             himself
             ,
             for
             his
             own
             Sake
             ,
             and
             all
             other
             things
             of
             Religion
             in
             and
             for
             him
             .
             The
             Air
             is
             pleasant
             and
             useful
             ,
             that
             without
             which
             we
             cannot
             live
             or
             breath
             .
             But
             if
             the
             Sun
             did
             not
             enlighten
             it
             ,
             and
             warm
             it
             with
             its
             Beams
             ,
             if
             it
             were
             alwayes
             one
             perpetual
             Night
             ,
             and
             cold
             ,
             what
             Refreshment
             could
             be
             received
             by
             it
             ?
             Christ
             is
             
               the
               Sun
               of
               Righteousness
            
             ,
             and
             if
             his
             Beams
             do
             not
             quicken
             ,
             animate
             and
             enlighten
             the
             best
             ,
             the
             most
             necessary
             Duties
             of
             Religion
             ,
             nothing
             desirable
             would
             remain
             in
             them
             .
             This
             is
             the
             most
             certain
             Character
             of
             Affections
             Spiritually
             renewed
             .
             They
             can
             rest
             in
             nothing
             but
             in
             Christ
             :
             they
             fix
             on
             nothing
             but
             what
             is
             amiable
             by
             a
             Participation
             of
             his
             Beauty
             ,
             and
             in
             whatever
             he
             is
             ,
             therein
             do
             they
             find
             Complacency
             .
             It
             is
             otherwise
             with
             them
             whose
             Affections
             may
             be
             changed
             ,
             but
             are
             not
             renewed
             .
             That
             Truth
             is
             ,
             and
             it
             may
             be
             made
             good
             by
             all
             sorts
             of
             Instances
             ,
             that
             
               Christ
               in
               the
               Mystery
               of
               his
               Person
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               Glory
               of
               his
               Mediation
               ,
            
             are
             the
             only
             things
             that
             they
             dislike
             in
             Religion
             .
             False
             Representations
             of
             him
             by
             Images
             and
             Pictures
             they
             may
             embrace
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             false
             Notions
             of
             his
             present
             Glory
             ;
             Greatness
             and
             Power
             ,
             may
             affect
             them
             ;
             a
             Worship
             of
             their
             own
             devising
             they
             may
             give
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             please
             themselves
             in
             it
             .
             Corrupt
             Opinions
             concerning
             his
             Office
             and
             Grace
             ,
             may
             possess
             their
             Minds
             ,
             and
             they
             may
             contend
             for
             them
             ▪
             but
             those
             who
             are
             not
             Spiritually
             renewed
             ,
             cannot
             
               love
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               in
               Sincerity
            
             :
             yea
             ,
             they
             have
             an
             inward
             Secret
             Aversation
             from
             the
             Mystery
             of
             his
             Person
             and
             his
             Grace
             .
             It
             is
             Self
             which
             all
             their
             Affections
             center
             in
             ,
             the
             wayes
             whereof
             are
             too
             long
             here
             to
             be
             declared
             .
          
           
           
             This
             is
             the
             first
             thing
             that
             is
             required
             to
             render
             our
             Affections
             in
             such
             a
             State
             and
             Condition
             ,
             as
             that
             from
             and
             by
             them
             we
             may
             be
             Spiritually-Minded
             ,
             namely
             ,
             
               That
               they
               themselves
               are
               Spiritually
               and
               savingly
               renewed
               .
            
          
           
             The
             things
             that
             remain
             will
             admit
             of
             a
             speedy
             dispatch
             as
             I
             suppose
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIX
             .
          
           
             THE
             Second
             thing
             required
             that
             we
             may
             be
             Spiritually
             Minded
             ,
             as
             unto
             the
             Interest
             of
             our
             Affections
             therein
             ,
             
               is
               the
               Object
               of
               them
               about
               which
               they
               are
               conversant
               ,
               and
               whereunto
               they
               do
               adhere
               .
            
             What
             this
             is
             materially
             ,
             or
             what
             
               are
               the
               Spiritual
               things
            
             which
             our
             Affections
             are
             to
             be
             set
             upon
             ,
             hath
             been
             declared
             already
             under
             the
             Consideration
             of
             
               the
               Object
               of
               our
               Thoughts
               and
               Meditations
               ,
            
             for
             they
             are
             the
             same
             .
             Yea
             ,
             as
             hath
             been
             intimated
             ,
             the
             fixing
             of
             our
             Affections
             upon
             them
             ,
             is
             the
             Spring
             and
             cause
             of
             our
             Thoughts
             about
             them
             .
             But
             that
             which
             we
             shall
             now
             enquire
             into
             ,
             is
             the
             
               true
               Notion
               and
               Consideration
            
             of
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             which
             renders
             them
             the
             formal
             proper
             Object
             of
             
               Spiritual
               Affections
            
             ,
             and
             is
             the
             reason
             of
             their
             Adherance
             unto
             them
             .
             For
             as
             was
             intimated
             before
             ,
             men
             may
             have
             
               false
               Notions
               of
               Spiritual
               things
            
             ,
             under
             which
             they
             may
             like
             them
             and
             embrace
             them
             with
             unrenewed
             Affections
             .
             Wherefore
             we
             shall
             enquire
             into
             some
             of
             those
             Considerations
             of
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             under
             which
             
               Affections
               Spiritually
               renewed
            
             do
             satisfactorily
             cleave
             unto
             them
             with
             
               Delight
               and
               Complacency
            
             .
          
           
             (
             1.
             )
             And
             the
             First
             is
             ,
             that
             as
             they
             comprehend
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             all
             other
             things
             ,
             as
             deriving
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             tending
             unto
             him
             ,
             they
             have
             an
             
               infinite
               Beauty
               ,
               Goodness
               ,
               and
               
               Amiableness
               in
               them
               ,
               which
               are
               powerfully
               attractive
               of
               Spiritual
               Affections
               ,
            
             and
             which
             alone
             are
             able
             to
             fill
             to
             them
             ,
             to
             satisfy
             them
             ,
             to
             give
             them
             Rest
             and
             Acquiescency
             .
             Love
             is
             the
             most
             ruling
             and
             prevalent
             Affection
             in
             the
             whole
             Soul
             ▪
             But
             it
             cannot
             be
             fixed
             on
             any
             Object
             ,
             without
             an
             Apprehension
             true
             or
             false
             ,
             of
             an
             Amiableness
             and
             Desirableness
             in
             it
             from
             a
             suitable
             Goodness
             unto
             all
             its
             Desires
             .
          
           
             And
             our
             Fear
             so
             far
             as
             it
             is
             Spiritual
             ,
             hath
             divine
             Goodness
             for
             its
             Object
             ,
             Hos.
             3.5
             .
             Unless
             this
             be
             that
             which
             draws
             our
             Hearts
             unto
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             things
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             all
             Pretence
             of
             Love
             unto
             him
             ,
             men
             do
             but
             Frame
             Idols
             to
             themselves
             according
             to
             their
             own
             Understanding
             ,
             as
             the
             Prophet
             speaks
             ,
             Hos.
             13.2
             .
             Wherefore
             that
             our
             Affections
             may
             cleave
             unto
             Spiritual
             things
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             three
             things
             are
             required
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             That
             we
             apprehend
             ,
             and
             do
             find
             a
             
               Goodness
               ,
               a
               Beauty
            
             ,
             and
             thence
             an
             Amiableness
             ,
             and
             Desirableness
             in
             them
             ▪
             ●●ech
             .
             ●
             .
             17
             .
             Many
             pretend
             to
             love
             God
             and
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             but
             they
             know
             not
             why
             .
             Why
             they
             love
             
               other
               things
            
             they
             know
             well
             enough
             but
             why
             they
             
               love
               God
            
             they
             cannot
             tell
             .
             Many
             are
             afraid
             of
             him
             ,
             &
             suppose
             they
             
               ought
               to
               love
               him
            
             ,
             and
             therefore
             pretend
             so
             to
             do
             though
             indeed
             they
             know
             they
             do
             not
             ,
             they
             do
             but
             
               flatter
               him
               with
               their
               lips
            
             when
             their
             hearts
             are
             far
             from
             him
             .
             Some
             are
             much
             affected
             with
             the
             Benefits
             and
             Mercies
             they
             receive
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             suppose
             that
             they
             love
             him
             on
             that
             account
             .
             But
             this
             love
             is
             no
             other
             but
             what
             the
             Devil
             falsely
             charged
             Job
             withal
             ,
             Chap.
             1.8
             ,
             9
             ,
             10
             ,
             11.
             
             Some
             have
             Delight
             in
             the
             outward
             Modes
             and
             Rites
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             wherewith
             they
             satisfy
             themselves
             that
             they
             love
             God
             and
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             when
             they
             only
             please
             their
             own
             Imaginations
             and
             Carnal
             Minds
             .
             Many
             have
             a
             
               Traditional
               Apprehension
            
             that
             they
             ought
             to
             love
             God
             ,
             they
             know
             no
             reason
             why
             they
             should
             not
             ,
             they
             know
             it
             will
             be
             ill
             for
             them
             if
             they
             do
             not
             ,
             and
             these
             take
             it
             for
             granted
             that
             they
             do
             .
             How
             few
             are
             there
             ,
             who
             have
             that
             Spiritual
             discerning
             
             and
             apprehension
             of
             the
             divine
             Excellencies
             ,
             that
             view
             of
             the
             Excellency
             of
             the
             Goodness
             and
             Love
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             as
             thereby
             alone
             to
             be
             drawn
             after
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             delight
             in
             him
             ,
             yet
             is
             this
             the
             ground
             of
             all
             sincere
             real
             love
             unto
             God.
             Two
             things
             are
             required
             that
             we
             may
             apprehend
             an
             amiable
             Goodness
             in
             any
             thing
             ,
             and
             cleave
             unto
             it
             with
             sincere
             Affection
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             
               A
               real
               Worth
               or
               Excellency
               in
               it self
               .
            
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             
               A
               suitableness
               therein
               unto
               our
               Condition
               ,
            
             State
             ,
             and
             Desires
             after
             Rest
             and
             Blessedness
             .
             The
             first
             of
             these
             is
             in
             God
             ,
             from
             what
             he
             is
             in
             himself
             ;
             the
             latter
             is
             from
             what
             he
             is
             unto
             us
             in
             Christ
             ;
             from
             both
             he
             is
             the
             only
             suitable
             Object
             unto
             our
             Affections
             .
             Under
             this
             Apprehension
             do
             we
             love
             God
             for
             himself
             ,
             or
             for
             his
             own
             sake
             ;
             not
             exclusively
             unto
             our
             Advantage
             therein
             .
             For
             a
             desire
             of
             Union
             and
             Enjoyment
             ,
             which
             is
             our
             only
             Advantage
             ,
             is
             inseparable
             from
             this
             Love.
             
          
           
             It
             may
             be
             some
             cannot
             say
             that
             a
             
               distinct
               Apprehension
            
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             was
             the
             first
             Foundation
             and
             Cause
             of
             their
             Love
             to
             God
             ;
             yet
             are
             they
             satisfyed
             that
             they
             do
             love
             him
             in
             Sincerity
             with
             all
             their
             souls
             .
             And
             I
             say
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             so
             .
             God
             sometimes
             calls
             the
             skirt
             of
             his
             own
             Love
             ,
             over
             the
             heart
             of
             a
             poor
             sinner
             ,
             and
             efficaciously
             draws
             it
             unto
             himself
             ,
             without
             a
             distinct
             Apprehension
             of
             these
             things
             by
             a
             meere
             sense
             of
             the
             Love
             it
             hath
             received
             .
             So
             Elijah
             passed
             by
             Elisha
             ,
             and
             cast
             his
             Mantle
             upon
             him
             as
             a
             transient
             Act.
             But
             there
             was
             such
             a
             
               Communication
               of
               Virtue
            
             thereby
             ,
             that
             he
             ran
             after
             him
             ,
             and
             would
             not
             be
             deferred
             ,
             though
             Elijah
             said
             ,
             
               go
               back
               again
               ,
               for
               what
               have
               I
               done
               unto
               thee
               ,
            
             1
             Kings
             19.19
             ,
             20.
             
             When
             God
             hath
             so
             cast
             his
             Love
             on
             any
             soul
             ,
             it
             follows
             after
             him
             with
             all
             its
             Affections
             .
             And
             whereas
             God
             may
             seem
             at
             some
             times
             to
             say
             ,
             
               go
               back
               again
            
             ,
             for
             what
             have
             I
             done
             unto
             thee
             ;
             its
             Answer
             is
             ,
             
               Lord
               ,
               whether
               shall
               I
               go
               ,
            
             I
             cannot
             leave
             thee
             ,
             my
             Heart
             is
             given
             up
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             shall
             never
             be
             taken
             from
             thee
             .
          
           
           
             But
             I
             say
             unto
             such
             and
             to
             all
             others
             ,
             that
             if
             we
             would
             have
             refreshing
             Evidences
             of
             our
             
               Love
               unto
               God
            
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             sincere
             ,
             if
             we
             would
             have
             it
             thrive
             and
             flourish
             ,
             befervent
             and
             constant
             ,
             we
             are
             to
             exercise
             our selves
             unto
             the
             Contemplation
             of
             the
             Divine
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             the
             Suitableness
             of
             it
             unto
             our
             souls
             in
             and
             by
             Jesus
             Christ.
             Nor
             can
             we
             cleave
             unto
             any
             spiritual
             things
             whatever
             ,
             with
             sincere
             Affections
             ,
             but
             under
             these
             Notions
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             That
             it
             hath
             a
             
               real
               Worth
               or
               Excellency
            
             in
             it self
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             That
             it
             is
             
               suitable
               and
               desirable
            
             unto
             us
             .
             And
             it
             is
             to
             be
             bewailed
             to
             see
             how
             many
             walk
             at
             random
             in
             Profession
             ,
             that
             know
             neither
             what
             they
             do
             ,
             nor
             where
             they
             go
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             As
             we
             must
             see
             a
             
               Goodness
               and
               Probableness
            
             in
             Spiritual
             things
             absolutely
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             we
             may
             fix
             our
             Affections
             on
             them
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             ,
             so
             we
             must
             see
             it
             comparatively
             with
             respect
             unto
             all
             other
             things
             ,
             which
             gives
             them
             a
             preference
             in
             our
             Affections
             before
             and
             above
             them
             all
             .
             The
             
               Tryal
               of
               Love
            
             lyes
             in
             the
             
               prevailing
               Degree
            
             ;
             on
             more
             or
             less
             .
             If
             we
             love
             other
             things
             ,
             
               Father
               ,
               Mother
               ,
               Houses
               ,
               Lands
               ,
               Possessions
            
             more
             than
             Christ
             ,
             we
             do
             not
             love
             him
             at
             all
             .
             Nor
             is
             there
             any
             
               Equality
               allowed
               in
               this
               matter
            
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             equally
             love
             temporal
             and
             Spiritual
             things
             .
             If
             we
             love
             not
             Christ
             
               more
               than
               all
               those
               things
            
             ,
             we
             love
             him
             not
             at
             all
             .
             Wherefore
             that
             our
             Affections
             may
             cleave
             unto
             them
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             ,
             we
             must
             see
             an
             Excellency
             in
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             heavenly
             ,
             rendring
             them
             more
             desirable
             than
             all
             other
             things
             whatever
             .
          
           
             With
             what
             
               loving
               Countenances
            
             do
             men
             look
             upon
             their
             temporal
             Enjoyments
             ;
             with
             what
             tenacious
             Embraces
             do
             they
             cleave
             unto
             them
             ?
             They
             see
             that
             in
             them
             which
             is
             amiable
             ,
             which
             is
             desirable
             and
             suitable
             unto
             their
             Affections
             .
             Let
             them
             pretend
             what
             they
             please
             ,
             if
             they
             see
             not
             a
             
               greater
               Goodness
            
             ,
             that
             which
             is
             more
             amiable
             ,
             more
             desirable
             in
             Spiritual
             
             things
             ,
             they
             
               love
               them
            
             not
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             ;
             it
             is
             temporal
             things
             that
             hath
             the
             Rule
             of
             their
             Affections
             .
             Our
             Psalmist
             preferrs
             
               Jerusalem
               before
               his
               chiefest
               Joy
            
             ,
             Psal.
             137.6
             .
             Another
             affirms
             that
             the
             
               Law
               of
               Gods
               Mouth
               was
               better
               to
               him
               than
               Thousands
               of
               Gold
               and
               Silver
               ,
            
             Psal.
             119.72
             .
             More
             to
             be
             desired
             are
             the
             
               Statutes
               of
               the
               Lord
               than
               Gold
               ,
               yea
               ,
               than
               much
               fine
               Gold
               ,
               sweeter
               also
               than
               Honey
               ,
               or
               the
               Honey-comb
               ,
            
             Psal.
             19.1
             .
             For
             
               Wisdom
               is
               better
               than
               Rubies
               ,
               and
               all
               things
               that
               may
               be
               desired
               are
               not
               to
               be
               compared
               unto
               it
               ,
            
             Prov.
             8.11
             .
             This
             is
             the
             only
             stable
             Foundation
             of
             all
             divine
             Affections
             .
             A
             spiritual
             view
             and
             Judgement
             of
             a
             Goodness
             ,
             an
             Excellency
             in
             them
             ,
             incomparably
             above
             whatever
             is
             in
             the
             most
             desirable
             things
             of
             this
             World
             are
             required
             thereunto
             .
             And
             if
             the
             Affections
             of
             many
             pretending
             highly
             to
             them
             ,
             should
             come
             to
             be
             weighed
             in
             this
             Ballance
             ,
             I
             fear
             they
             would
             be
             found
             light
             and
             wanting
             .
             However
             it
             is
             the
             Duty
             of
             them
             who
             would
             not
             be
             deceived
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             which
             is
             of
             Eternal
             importance
             ,
             to
             examine
             what
             is
             that
             Goodness
             and
             Excellency
             which
             is
             in
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             which
             they
             desire
             in
             them
             ,
             upon
             the
             account
             whereof
             they
             do
             sincerely
             value
             and
             esteem
             them
             above
             all
             things
             in
             this
             World
             whatever
             .
             And
             let
             not
             any
             deceive
             themselves
             with
             vain
             Words
             and
             Pretences
             whil'st
             their
             Esteem
             and
             Valuation
             of
             present
             Enjoyments
             ,
             doth
             evidently
             ingage
             all
             their
             Affections
             ,
             their
             Care
             ,
             their
             Diligence
             ,
             their
             Industry
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             a
             man
             of
             a
             discerning
             Spirit
             may
             even
             feel
             them
             turned
             into
             self
             ,
             whil'st
             they
             are
             cold
             ,
             formal
             ,
             negligent
             about
             spiritual
             things
             ,
             we
             must
             say
             ,
             
               How
               dwelleth
               the
               Love
               of
               God
               in
               them
            
             ?
             Much
             more
             when
             we
             see
             men
             not
             only
             giving
             up
             the
             whole
             of
             their
             time
             and
             strength
             ,
             with
             the
             vigour
             of
             their
             Spirits
             ,
             but
             sacrificing
             their
             Consciences
             also
             unto
             the
             attaining
             of
             Dignities
             ,
             Honours
             ,
             Preferments
             ,
             Wealth
             ,
             and
             Ease
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             who
             know
             in
             their
             own
             Hearts
             that
             they
             perform
             Religious
             Duties
             with
             respect
             unto
             temporal
             Advantages
             ,
             I
             cannot
             conceive
             how
             it
             is
             possible
             they
             should
             discern
             and
             approve
             of
             a
             Goodness
             and
             
             Excellency
             in
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             above
             all
             others
             .
          
           
             A
             due
             Consideration
             is
             required
             hereunto
             ,
             that
             all
             
               Spiritual
               things
               do
               proceed
               from
               ,
               and
               are
               resolved
               into
               an
               infinite
               Fountain
               of
               Goodness
               ,
            
             so
             as
             that
             our
             Affections
             may
             absolutely
             come
             unto
             Rest
             and
             Complacency
             ,
             and
             find
             full
             assured
             Satisfaction
             in
             them
             .
             It
             is
             otherwise
             as
             unto
             all
             temporal
             things
             .
             Men
             would
             very
             fain
             have
             them
             to
             be
             such
             ,
             as
             might
             give
             
               absolute
               Rest
               and
               Satisfaction
               unto
               all
               their
               Affections
               .
            
             But
             they
             are
             every
             one
             of
             them
             so
             far
             from
             it
             ,
             that
             all
             of
             them
             together
             cannot
             compose
             their
             Minds
             in
             Rest
             and
             Peace
             for
             one
             hour
             .
             They
             gain
             sometimes
             a
             Transport
             of
             Affections
             ,
             and
             seem
             for
             a
             season
             to
             have
             
               filled
               the
               whole
               Soul
            
             ,
             so
             as
             it
             hath
             no
             leasure
             to
             consider
             their
             Emptiness
             and
             Vanity
             .
             But
             a
             little
             Composure
             of
             Mens
             thoughts
             ,
             shew
             that
             they
             are
             but
             a
             Diversion
             in
             a
             Journey
             or
             Labour
             ,
             they
             are
             no
             Rest.
             Hence
             are
             they
             called
             
               broken
               Cisterns
            
             that
             will
             hold
             no
             Water
             .
             Let
             a
             man
             prize
             them
             at
             the
             highest
             rate
             that
             it
             is
             possible
             for
             a
             rational
             Creature
             to
             be
             reduced
             into
             the
             thoughts
             of
             ,
             whereof
             there
             have
             been
             prodigious
             Instances
             ;
             let
             him
             possess
             them
             in
             abundance
             beyond
             whatever
             any
             man
             enjoyed
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             or
             his
             own
             Imagination
             could
             before
             hand
             reach
             unto
             ;
             let
             him
             be
             assured
             of
             the
             utmost
             peaceable
             Continuance
             in
             the
             Enjoyment
             of
             them
             ;
             ●hat
             his
             and
             their
             natures
             are
             capable
             of
             ;
             yet
             would
             he
             not
             dare
             to
             pretend
             ,
             that
             
               all
               his
               Affections
            
             were
             filled
             and
             Satisfyed
             with
             them
             ,
             that
             they
             afforded
             him
             perfect
             Rest
             and
             Peace
             .
             Should
             he
             do
             so
             ,
             the
             working
             of
             his
             Mind
             every
             Day
             would
             convince
             him
             of
             his
             Falsehood
             and
             his
             Folly.
             
          
           
             But
             all
             
               Spiritual
               things
            
             derive
             from
             ,
             and
             lead
             unto
             that
             which
             is
             infinite
             ,
             which
             is
             th●refore
             able
             to
             fill
             all
             our
             Affections
             ,
             and
             to
             give
             them
             full
             Satisfaction
             with
             Rest
             and
             Peace
             .
             They
             all
             lead
             us
             to
             the
             Fountain
             of
             living
             Waters
             ,
             the
             Eternal
             Spring
             of
             Goodness
             and
             Blessedness
             .
          
           
             I
             do
             not
             say
             that
             our
             Affections
             do
             attain
             unto
             this
             
               f●ll
               Rest
            
             and
             Satisfaction
             in
             this
             Life
             .
             But
             what
             they
             come
             short
             
             of
             therein
             ,
             ariseth
             not
             from
             any
             
               defect
               in
               the
               things
               themselves
            
             to
             give
             this
             Rest
             and
             Satisfaction
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             with
             the
             whole
             World
             ;
             but
             from
             the
             weakness
             of
             our
             Affections
             themselves
             which
             are
             in
             part
             only
             renewed
             ,
             and
             cannot
             take
             in
             the
             full
             measures
             of
             Divine
             Goodness
             ,
             which
             in
             another
             World
             they
             will
             receive
             .
             But
             whil'st
             we
             are
             here
             ,
             the
             more
             we
             receive
             them
             into
             our
             Minds
             and
             Souls
             ,
             the
             more
             firmly
             we
             adhere
             unto
             them
             ,
             the
             nearer
             Approaches
             we
             make
             unto
             our
             Rest
             and
             Center
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             Spiritual
             things
             are
             to
             be
             considered
             as
             they
             
               are
               filled
               with
               Divine
               Wisdom
            
             .
             I
             speak
             not
             of
             himself
             whose
             Essential
             Wisdom
             is
             one
             of
             the
             most
             
               amiable
               Excellencies
            
             of
             his
             holy
             nature
             ;
             but
             of
             all
             the
             Effects
             of
             his
             Will
             and
             Grace
             by
             Jesus
             Christ.
             All
             Spiritual
             Truths
             ,
             all
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             things
             whereby
             God
             reveales
             and
             communicates
             himself
             unto
             the
             Souls
             of
             Men
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             wayes
             and
             means
             of
             our
             approach
             unto
             him
             in
             Faith
             and
             Obedience
             through
             Christ
             Jesus
             ,
             I
             now
             intend
             .
             All
             these
             are
             filled
             with
             
               Divine
               Wisdom
            
             ,
             see
             1
             Cor.
             2.7
             .
             Eph.
             3.10
             .
             Chap.
             1.8
             ,
             9.
             
             Now
             Wisdom
             in
             it self
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             the
             Effects
             of
             it
             ,
             is
             attractive
             of
             rational
             Affections
             .
             Most
             men
             are
             brutish
             in
             them
             and
             their
             Actings
             ,
             for
             the
             most
             part
             ,
             pouring
             them
             out
             on
             things
             fleshly
             ,
             sensual
             and
             carnal
             .
             But
             where
             they
             are
             at
             all
             reduced
             under
             the
             Conduct
             of
             Reason
             ,
             nothing
             is
             so
             attractive
             of
             them
             ,
             so
             suited
             unto
             them
             ,
             which
             they
             delight
             in
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             hath
             at
             least
             an
             appearance
             
               of
               Wisdom
               .
               A
               wise
               and
               good
               man
            
             doth
             command
             the
             Affections
             of
             others
             ,
             unless
             it
             be
             their
             Interest
             to
             hate
             and
             oppose
             him
             ,
             as
             commonly
             it
             is
             .
             And
             where
             there
             is
             true
             Wisdom
             in
             the
             Conduct
             of
             civil
             Affairs
             ,
             sober
             Men
             cannot
             but
             approve
             of
             it
             ,
             like
             it
             ,
             delight
             in
             it
             ,
             &
             men
             of
             Understanding
             do
             bewail
             the
             Loss
             of
             it
             ,
             since
             Craft
             ,
             Falsehood
             ,
             Treachery
             ,
             and
             all
             sorts
             of
             Villany
             have
             driven
             it
             out
             of
             the
             world
             .
             So
             is
             
               Divine
               Wisdom
            
             attractive
             of
             divine
             gracious
             Affections
             .
             The
             Psalmist
             declares
             his
             Admiration
             of
             ,
             and
             Delight
             in
             the
             VVorks
             of
             God
             ,
             because
             
               he
               hath
               made
               them
               
               all
               in
               Wisdom
               ,
            
             Psal.
             104.24
             .
             Those
             Characters
             of
             divine
             VVisdom
             which
             are
             upon
             them
             ,
             which
             they
             are
             filled
             with
             ,
             draw
             the
             Souls
             of
             Men
             into
             a
             delightful
             Contemplation
             of
             them
             .
             But
             all
             the
             Treasures
             ,
             all
             the
             Glory
             of
             
               this
               Wisdom
            
             ,
             are
             laid
             up
             ,
             &
             laid
             forth
             ,
             in
             the
             great
             Spiritual
             things
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             in
             the
             Mystery
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             Dispensation
             of
             his
             Grace
             and
             Goodness
             unto
             us
             by
             him
             .
             The
             Consideration
             hereof
             fills
             the
             Souls
             of
             Believers
             with
             holy
             Admiration
             and
             Delight
             ,
             and
             thereon
             they
             
               cleave
               unto
               them
            
             with
             all
             their
             Affections
             .
             VVhen
             we
             see
             there
             is
             Light
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             all
             other
             things
             are
             in
             Darkness
             ,
             that
             Wisdom
             is
             in
             them
             ,
             in
             them
             alone
             ,
             and
             all
             other
             things
             are
             filled
             with
             Vanity
             and
             Folly
             ,
             then
             are
             our
             Souls
             truely
             affected
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             do
             rejoyce
             in
             them
             with
             Joy
             unspeakable
             and
             full
             of
             Glory
             .
          
           
             Unto
             the
             most
             ,
             
               this
               Wisdom
               of
               God
               is
               Foolishness
               .
            
             It
             was
             so
             of
             old
             as
             the
             Apostle
             testifieth
             ,
             1
             Cor.
             1.
             
             And
             so
             it
             continues
             yet
             to
             be
             .
             And
             therefore
             is
             the
             Mystery
             of
             the
             Gospel
             despised
             by
             them
             ;
             they
             can
             see
             neither
             Form
             nor
             Comliness
             in
             it
             for
             which
             it
             should
             be
             desired
             .
             Nor
             will
             ever
             any
             man
             have
             sincere
             Spiritual
             Affections
             unto
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             who
             hath
             not
             a
             Spiritual
             View
             of
             the
             VVisdom
             of
             God
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             that
             which
             attracts
             our
             Souls
             by
             holy
             Admiration
             unto
             unspeakable
             Delight
             .
             And
             the
             Reason
             why
             Men
             do
             so
             generally
             decline
             from
             any
             Love
             unto
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             lose
             all
             Satisfaction
             in
             the
             Mystery
             of
             it
             ,
             is
             because
             they
             are
             not
             able
             to
             discern
             that
             
               infinite
               Wisdom
            
             which
             is
             the
             Spring
             ,
             Life
             ,
             and
             Soul
             of
             it
             .
             VVhen
             our
             Minds
             are
             raised
             unto
             the
             admiration
             of
             this
             VVisdom
             in
             
               Divine
               Revelations
            
             ,
             then
             will
             our
             affections
             cleave
             unto
             the
             things
             
               that
               are
               revealed
            
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             The
             acting
             of
             our
             affections
             in
             their
             adherence
             unto
             spiritual
             things
             is
             
               perfective
               of
               our
               present
               State
               and
               Condition
               .
            
             That
             which
             of
             all
             other
             things
             doth
             most
             debase
             the
             nature
             of
             Man
             ,
             wherein
             it
             makes
             the
             nearest
             approaches
             unto
             Brutality
             ,
             yea
             ,
             whereby
             it
             becomes
             in
             some
             Respects
             
             more
             vile
             than
             the
             nature
             of
             Beasts
             ,
             is
             the
             giving
             up
             of
             the
             Affections
             unto
             things
             sensual
             ,
             unclean
             ,
             base
             ,
             and
             unworthy
             of
             its
             more
             noble
             Principles
             .
             Hence
             are
             men
             said
             to
             
               debase
               themselves
               unto
               Hell
            
             ,
             Isai.
             57.9
             .
             And
             their
             Affections
             do
             become
             vile
             ;
             so
             as
             that
             their
             being
             under
             the
             Power
             of
             them
             ,
             is
             an
             Effect
             of
             
               Revenging
               Justice
            
             punishing
             men
             for
             the
             worst
             of
             Sins
             ,
             Rom.
             1.26
             .
             There
             is
             nothing
             more
             vile
             ,
             nothing
             more
             contemptible
             ,
             nothing
             more
             like
             to
             Beasts
             in
             Baseness
             ,
             and
             to
             Hell
             in
             Punishment
             ,
             then
             is
             the
             Condition
             of
             them
             who
             have
             enslaved
             their
             nature
             unto
             brutish
             sensual
             Affections
             .
             I
             say
             
               vile
               Affections
            
             fixed
             on
             ,
             and
             cleaving
             unto
             sensual
             Objects
             ,
             do
             debase
             the
             nature
             of
             man
             ,
             and
             do
             both
             corrupt
             and
             enslave
             all
             the
             more
             noble
             Faculties
             of
             it
             ;
             the
             very
             Consciences
             and
             Minds
             of
             Men
             are
             defiled
             by
             them
             .
             If
             you
             see
             a
             Man
             whose
             Affections
             are
             set
             inordinately
             on
             any
             thing
             here
             below
             ,
             it
             is
             easy
             to
             discern
             how
             he
             goes
             off
             from
             his
             native
             Worth
             ,
             and
             debaseth
             himself
             therein
             .
          
           
             But
             the
             fixing
             of
             Spiritual
             Affections
             on
             Spiritual
             Objects
             is
             
               perfective
               of
               our
               present
               State
            
             and
             Condition
             .
             Not
             that
             we
             can
             attain
             Perfection
             by
             it
             ;
             but
             that
             therein
             our
             Souls
             are
             in
             a
             Progress
             towards
             Perfection
             .
             This
             may
             be
             granted
             ;
             look
             how
             much
             
               vile
               Affections
            
             fixed
             on
             ,
             and
             furiously
             pursuing
             things
             carnal
             and
             sensual
             ,
             do
             debase
             our
             Natures
             beneath
             its
             rational
             Constitution
             ,
             and
             make
             it
             degenerate
             into
             Bestiality
             ;
             so
             much
             Spiritual
             Affections
             fixed
             on
             ,
             and
             cleaving
             unto
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             ,
             do
             
               exalt
               our
               Nature
            
             above
             its
             mere
             natural
             Capacity
             ,
             making
             an
             approach
             unto
             the
             State
             of
             Angels
             ,
             and
             of
             Just
             men
             made
             perfect
             .
             And
             as
             brutish
             Affections
             when
             they
             have
             the
             Reins
             ,
             as
             they
             say
             ,
             on
             their
             Necks
             ,
             and
             are
             pursued
             with
             Delight
             and
             Greediness
             ,
             do
             darken
             the
             Mind
             ,
             and
             disturb
             all
             the
             rational
             Powers
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             (
             
               for
               Whordom
               ,
               and
               Wine
               ,
               and
               new-Wine
               do
               take
               away
               the
               Heart
               ,
            
             as
             the
             Prophet
             speaks
             and
             Wickedness
             altereth
             the
             Understanding
             )
             So
             holy
             Affections
             
             fixed
             on
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             do
             elevate
             ,
             raise
             ,
             and
             enlighten
             the
             Mind
             with
             true
             Wisdom
             and
             Understanding
             .
             For
             the
             
               Fear
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               that
               is
               Wisdom
               ,
               and
               to
               depart
               from
               Iniquity
               ,
               that
               is
               Understanding
               .
            
             And
             again
             ,
             as
             the
             Power
             of
             vile
             Affections
             fill
             the
             Soul
             and
             Conscience
             with
             tumult
             ,
             disorder
             ,
             Fear
             ,
             and
             Shame
             where
             Men
             are
             not
             utterly
             Profligate
             so
             as
             that
             the
             Minds
             ,
             Thoughts
             ,
             and
             Consciences
             of
             Persons
             under
             their
             Power
             ,
             is
             a
             very
             Hell
             for
             Confusion
             and
             Troubles
             ;
             so
             Spiritual
             Affections
             duely
             Exercised
             on
             their
             proper
             Objects
             ,
             do
             preserve
             all
             things
             in
             order
             in
             the
             whole
             Soul
             ,
             
               they
               are
               Life
               and
               Peace
            
             .
             All
             things
             are
             quiet
             and
             secure
             in
             the
             Mind
             ,
             there
             is
             Order
             and
             Peace
             in
             the
             whole
             Soul
             ,
             in
             all
             its
             Faculties
             ,
             and
             all
             their
             Operations
             ,
             whil'st
             the
             affections
             are
             in
             a
             due
             prevailing
             manner
             fixed
             upon
             the
             things
             that
             are
             above
             .
             Hence
             many
             Persons
             after
             great
             turmoilings
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             after
             they
             have
             endeavoured
             by
             all
             means
             to
             come
             to
             rest
             and
             satisfaction
             therein
             ,
             have
             utterly
             renounced
             all
             Concernments
             in
             Earthly
             things
             ,
             and
             betaken
             themselves
             unto
             the
             Contemplation
             of
             things
             above
             ,
             and
             that
             only
             .
             Many
             I
             confess
             of
             them
             were
             mistaken
             as
             to
             the
             practical
             part
             of
             their
             Devotions
             ,
             having
             various
             Superstitions
             imposed
             on
             their
             Minds
             by
             the
             craft
             of
             others
             ;
             but
             they
             missed
             it
             not
             in
             the
             Principle
             ,
             that
             Tranquillity
             of
             Mind
             was
             attainable
             only
             in
             setting
             our
             affections
             upon
             things
             above
             .
             Jam.
             4.1
             .
             
               From
               whence
               come
               Wars
               and
               Fightings
               among
               you
               ,
               come
               they
               not
               hence
               ,
               even
               of
               your
               Lusts
               that
               were
               in
               your
               Members
               .
               Whence
               are
               all
               the
            
             Disorders
             in
             your
             Minds
             ,
             your
             Vexations
             and
             Disquietments
             ,
             your
             Passions
             breaking
             forth
             sometimes
             into
             unseemly
             Brawlings
             ?
             are
             they
             not
             from
             hence
             ?
             The
             Question
             is
             put
             unto
             your selves
             ,
             and
             your
             own
             Consciences
             ,
             namely
             ,
             
               from
               your
               Lusts
            
             ,
             that
             is
             the
             disorderly
             affections
             that
             tumultuate
             in
             you
             .
             Do
             but
             search
             your selves
             ,
             and
             you
             will
             quickly
             see
             whence
             all
             your
             Troubles
             and
             Disquietments
             do
             arise
             .
             Your
             Lusts
             ,
             or
             corrupt
             and
             inordinate
             affections
             
               do
               war
               in
               you
            
             ,
             continually
             inclining
             you
             to
             things
             earthly
             or
             sensual
             .
             Hence
             many
             
             are
             best
             and
             most
             at
             quiet
             when
             they
             are
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             worst
             when
             at
             home
             in
             their
             Families
             ;
             but
             never
             are
             they
             in
             such
             Confusion
             ,
             as
             when
             they
             are
             forced
             to
             retire
             into
             themselves
             .
          
           
             The
             due
             Exercise
             of
             our
             Affections
             on
             heavenly
             things
             ,
             hath
             quite
             another
             Tendency
             and
             Effect
             .
             
               It
               so
               unites
               the
               Mind
            
             unto
             them
             ,
             it
             so
             bringeth
             them
             unto
             it
             ,
             and
             gives
             them
             such
             a
             Subsistance
             in
             it
             ,
             as
             that
             all
             the
             Powers
             and
             Faculties
             of
             it
             are
             in
             a
             progress
             towards
             their
             Perfection
             ,
             see
             2
             Cor.
             7.1
             .
             True
             Wisdom
             and
             Understanding
             with
             soundness
             of
             Judgement
             ,
             in
             eternal
             things
             ,
             in
             the
             Mind
             ,
             Holiness
             in
             the
             Affections
             themselves
             ,
             Liberty
             in
             the
             Will
             ,
             Power
             in
             the
             Heart
             ,
             and
             Peace
             in
             the
             Conscience
             ,
             do
             in
             their
             measures
             all
             ensue
             hereon
             .
             Whatever
             tasts
             we
             may
             have
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             whatever
             temporary
             Experience
             we
             have
             of
             them
             ,
             they
             will
             not
             flourish
             in
             us
             ,
             they
             will
             not
             abide
             with
             us
             in
             any
             Constancy
             ,
             unless
             we
             are
             thus
             Spiritually
             Minded
             .
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             In
             the
             
               future
               Enjoyment
            
             of
             the
             present
             Object
             of
             our
             Spiritual
             Affections
             ,
             doth
             our
             
               Eternal
               Blessedness
            
             consist
             .
             All
             men
             who
             are
             convinced
             of
             a
             future
             eternal
             Condition
             ,
             do
             desire
             when
             they
             depart
             hence
             to
             enter
             in
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             .
             Howbeit
             what
             that
             Blessedness
             ,
             even
             as
             unto
             the
             general
             nature
             of
             it
             is
             ,
             they
             know
             nothing
             at
             all
             ;
             and
             if
             they
             did
             ,
             they
             would
             not
             know
             how
             to
             desire
             it
             .
             For
             
               Heaven
               or
               Blessedness
            
             is
             nothing
             but
             the
             full
             Enjoyment
             of
             what
             we
             are
             here
             to
             love
             and
             delight
             in
             above
             all
             ,
             of
             that
             which
             is
             the
             Object
             of
             our
             Affections
             as
             Spiritually
             renewed
             .
             Herein
             have
             they
             neither
             Interest
             nor
             Concern
             .
             But
             this
             is
             that
             which
             giveth
             Life
             unto
             the
             Affections
             of
             Believers
             ;
             they
             know
             that
             in
             the
             Enjoyment
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             their
             eternal
             Blessedness
             doth
             consist
             .
             How
             this
             is
             their
             Happiness
             and
             Glory
             ,
             how
             it
             will
             give
             them
             an
             everlasting
             overflowing
             Satisfaction
             and
             Rest
             ,
             they
             understand
             in
             the
             first
             Fruits
             of
             it
             
             which
             they
             here
             receive
             .
             And
             this
             is
             the
             ultimate
             Object
             of
             their
             Affections
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             and
             they
             go
             forth
             unto
             all
             other
             Spiritual
             things
             in
             order
             thereunto
             .
             The
             more
             therefore
             their
             affections
             are
             fixed
             on
             them
             ,
             the
             more
             they
             are
             kept
             up
             unto
             that
             due
             Exercise
             ,
             the
             
               nearer
               Approaches
            
             they
             make
             unto
             this
             blessed
             State.
             When
             their
             Minds
             are
             Possessed
             with
             this
             Perswasion
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             confirmed
             in
             them
             by
             dayly
             Experience
             of
             that
             
               Sweetness
               ,
               Rest
               and
               Satisfaction
            
             which
             they
             find
             in
             cleaving
             unto
             God
             with
             fervent
             Love
             and
             Delight
             ,
             in
             vain
             shall
             any
             other
             Objects
             rise
             up
             in
             Competition
             to
             draw
             them
             off
             unto
             themselves
             .
             The
             more
             we
             love
             God
             ,
             the
             more
             like
             we
             are
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             near
             the
             Enjoyment
             of
             him
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XX.
             
          
           
             HAving
             considered
             the
             nature
             of
             Spiritual
             Affections
             as
             renewed
             by
             Grace
             ,
             and
             those
             Notions
             of
             their
             Objects
             under
             which
             they
             cleave
             unto
             them
             ,
             it
             remains
             only
             that
             we
             enquire
             into
             
               the
               way
               of
               the
               Souls
               Application
               of
               it self
               unto
               those
               Objects
            
             by
             its
             Affections
             ,
             which
             belong
             also
             unto
             our
             being
             Spiritually-Minded
             .
             And
             I
             shall
             give
             an
             account
             hereof
             in
             some
             few
             particulars
             ,
             with
             brief
             Observations
             on
             them
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             It
             is
             required
             that
             our
             adherence
             unto
             all
             Spiritual
             things
             with
             
               Love
               and
               Delight
               be
               firm
               and
               stable
               .
            
             The
             
               Affections
               are
               the
               Powers
               and
               Instruments
            
             of
             the
             Soul
             whereby
             it
             makes
             Application
             unto
             any
             thing
             without
             it self
             ,
             and
             cleaves
             unto
             it
             .
             This
             is
             their
             nature
             and
             use
             with
             reference
             unto
             things
             Spiritual
             .
             
               Transient
               Thoughts
            
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             with
             vanishing
             Desires
             ,
             may
             rise
             out
             of
             present
             Convictions
             ,
             as
             they
             did
             with
             them
             who
             cryed
             out
             unto
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             
               Lord
               give
               us
               evermore
               of
               this
               Bread
               ,
            
             and
             immediately
             left
             him
             .
             Such
             Occasional
             Thoughts
             and
             Desires
             are
             common
             unto
             all
             sorts
             of
             Men
             ,
             yea
             ,
             the
             worst
             of
             them
             ,
             
               let
               me
               die
               the
               Death
               of
               the
               Righteous
               ,
               and
               let
               my
               End
               be
               as
               his
               .
            
             Fading
             Satisfaction
             with
             joy
             and
             delight
             ,
             do
             often
             befall
             men
             in
             their
             Attendance
             on
             the
             Word
             ,
             who
             yet
             never
             come
             to
             have
             it
             rooted
             in
             their
             Hearts
             .
          
           
             There
             are
             sundry
             things
             wanting
             unto
             the
             sincerity
             of
             these
             Affections
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             Those
             in
             whom
             they
             are
             ,
             never
             had
             a
             
               clear
               Spiritual
               view
               of
               the
               things
               themselves
               ,
            
             in
             their
             own
             Nature
             which
             they
             pretend
             to
             be
             affected
             withal
             .
          
           
           
             (
             2
             )
             They
             have
             not
             a
             
               sincere
               Love
            
             unto
             them
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             them
             ,
             for
             their
             own
             sakes
             ,
             but
             are
             only
             affected
             with
             some
             outward
             Circumstances
             and
             Concernments
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             (
             3
             )
             They
             find
             not
             a
             suitableness
             in
             them
             unto
             the
             ruling
             Principles
             of
             their
             Minds
             .
             They
             do
             not
             practically
             ,
             they
             cannot
             truely
             say
             ,
             
               the
               Yoke
               of
               Christ
               is
               easy
               ,
               and
               his
               Burden
               is
               light
            
             ;
             his
             Commandments
             are
             not
             grievous
             ;
             or
             with
             the
             Psalmist
             ,
             
               Oh!
               how
               do
               I
               love
               thy
               Law.
               
            
          
           
             (
             4
             )
             Their
             Affections
             are
             transient
             ,
             unstable
             ,
             vanishing
             ,
             as
             unto
             their
             Exercise
             and
             Operations
             .
             They
             are
             on
             and
             off
             ,
             now
             pleased
             ,
             and
             anon
             displeased
             ;
             earnest
             for
             a
             little
             while
             ,
             and
             then
             cold
             and
             indifferent
             .
             Hence
             the
             things
             which
             they
             seem
             to
             effect
             ,
             have
             no
             
               transforming
               Efficacy
            
             upon
             their
             Souls
             ;
             they
             dwell
             not
             in
             them
             ,
             in
             their
             Power
             .
          
           
             But
             where
             our
             Affections
             unto
             Spiritual
             things
             are
             sincere
             ,
             where
             they
             are
             the
             true
             genuine
             Application
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             adherence
             unto
             them
             ,
             they
             are
             
               firm
               and
               stable
            
             ;
             Love
             and
             Delight
             are
             kept
             up
             unto
             such
             a
             constant
             Exercise
             ,
             as
             renders
             them
             immoveable
             ,
             this
             is
             that
             which
             we
             are
             exhorted
             unto
             ,
             1
             Cor.
             15
             ,
             58.
             
             
               Therefore
               my
               beloved
               Brethren
               ,
               be
               ye
               stedfast
               ,
               unmoveable
               ,
               alwayes
               abounding
               in
               the
               Work
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               forasmuch
               as
               you
               know
               that
               your
               Labour
               is
               not
               in
               vain
               in
               the
               Lord.
               Transient
               Affections
            
             with
             their
             occasional
             Operations
             ,
             deceive
             Multitudes
             ,
             oft
             times
             they
             are
             pregnant
             in
             their
             Actings
             ,
             as
             those
             that
             are
             most
             sincere
             :
             and
             many
             Effects
             in
             Joys
             ,
             in
             Mournings
             ,
             in
             Complaints
             ,
             they
             will
             produce
             ,
             especially
             when
             excited
             by
             any
             outward
             Affliction
             ,
             Sickness
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             .
             But
             their
             Goodness
             is
             like
             
               the
               early
               Cloud
               ,
               or
               morning
               Dew
               .
            
             Let
             none
             therefore
             please
             themselves
             with
             the
             Operations
             of
             transient
             Affections
             with
             respect
             unto
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             be
             they
             never
             so
             urgent
             ,
             or
             so
             pleasant
             ,
             or
             so
             frequent
             in
             their
             returns
             ;
             those
             that
             are
             sincere
             ,
             are
             at
             all
             times
             
               firm
               and
               stable
            
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             That
             the
             Soul
             do
             
               find
               a
               Spiritual
               Relish
               and
               Savour
               in
               the
               things
            
             which
             it
             so
             adheres
             unto
             .
             The
             Affections
             are
             the
             
             Palate
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             whereby
             it
             tasts
             of
             all
             things
             which
             it
             receiveth
             or
             refuseth
             ;
             and
             it
             will
             not
             long
             cleave
             unto
             any
             thing
             which
             they
             find
             not
             a
             Savour
             and
             Relish
             in
             .
             Something
             was
             spoken
             before
             of
             that
             Sweetness
             which
             is
             in
             Spiritual
             things
             ;
             and
             the
             tast
             of
             them
             consists
             in
             a
             gracious
             Sense
             of
             their
             Suitableness
             unto
             the
             Affections
             ,
             Inclinations
             and
             Dispositions
             of
             the
             Mind
             .
             Hence
             they
             have
             
               no
               Relish
            
             unto
             Men
             of
             Carnal
             Minds
             .
             Whoever
             therefore
             would
             know
             whether
             his
             Affections
             do
             sincerely
             adhere
             unto
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             let
             him
             examine
             what
             Relish
             ,
             what
             Sweetness
             ,
             what
             Savour
             he
             findeth
             in
             them
             .
             When
             he
             is
             pleased
             with
             them
             as
             the
             Palate
             with
             suitable
             and
             proper
             Food
             ,
             when
             he
             finds
             that
             he
             receives
             Nourishment
             by
             them
             in
             the
             inward
             man
             ;
             then
             doth
             he
             adhere
             unto
             them
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             .
          
           
             This
             
               Spiritual
               Tast
            
             is
             the
             Ground
             of
             all
             Experience
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             what
             we
             have
             heard
             or
             understood
             only
             ,
             but
             what
             we
             have
             
               tryed
               and
               tasted
            
             ,
             whereof
             we
             have
             Experience
             .
             This
             makes
             us
             long
             for
             what
             we
             have
             formerly
             enjoyed
             ,
             and
             strengthens
             Faith
             ,
             as
             unto
             what
             we
             pray
             for
             and
             expect
             .
          
           
             In
             every
             darkness
             ,
             in
             every
             damp
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             under
             every
             apprehension
             of
             Dreadness
             ,
             or
             the
             withdrawing
             of
             the
             sense
             of
             Divine
             Love
             ,
             the
             Soul
             knoweth
             what
             it
             wants
             ,
             and
             what
             it
             doth
             desire
             .
             Oh!
             saith
             such
             an
             one
             ,
             that
             it
             were
             now
             with
             me
             as
             in
             former
             dayes
             ;
             I
             know
             he
             who
             then
             gave
             me
             such
             
               refreshing
               Tasts
               of
               his
               own
               Goodness
               ,
            
             who
             made
             every
             thing
             of
             himself
             sweet
             and
             pleasant
             unto
             me
             ,
             can
             renew
             this
             work
             of
             his
             Grace
             towards
             me
             ;
             he
             can
             give
             me
             a
             new
             Spiritual
             Appetite
             and
             Relish
             ,
             and
             he
             can
             make
             all
             Spiritual
             things
             Savoury
             unto
             me
             again
             .
          
           
             As
             a
             man
             under
             a
             
               Languishing
               Sickness
            
             ,
             or
             when
             he
             is
             chastened
             with
             strong
             pain
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             his
             
               Soul
               abhorreth
               Bread
            
             ,
             and
             his
             dayly
             Meat
             ;
             can
             remember
             what
             Appetite
             he
             had
             ,
             with
             what
             Gust
             and
             Relish
             he
             was
             wont
             to
             take
             in
             
             his
             Food
             in
             the
             dayes
             of
             his
             Health
             ,
             which
             makes
             him
             to
             know
             that
             there
             is
             such
             a
             Condition
             ,
             and
             to
             desire
             a
             return
             unto
             it
             :
             So
             is
             it
             with
             a
             Sin
             sick
             Soul
             ;
             It
             can
             find
             no
             relish
             ,
             no
             gust
             ,
             no
             sweetness
             in
             Spiritual
             things
             ;
             He
             finds
             no
             Savour
             in
             the
             Bread
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             nor
             any
             refreshment
             in
             the
             Ordinances
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             which
             yet
             in
             themselves
             are
             dayly
             Meat
             ,
             a
             
               Feast
               of
               fat
               things
               ,
               and
               of
               Wine
               well
               refined
               .
            
             Yet
             doth
             it
             
               remember
               former
               Days
            
             ,
             when
             all
             these
             things
             were
             sweet
             unto
             him
             .
             And
             if
             he
             have
             any
             spark
             of
             Spiritual
             Life
             yet
             remaining
             ,
             it
             will
             stir
             him
             up
             to
             seek
             with
             all
             diligence
             after
             a
             Recovery
             .
             How
             is
             it
             with
             you
             who
             are
             now
             under
             
               Spiritual
               Decays
            
             ;
             who
             find
             no
             Tast
             nor
             Relish
             in
             Spiritual
             things
             ;
             unto
             whom
             the
             Word
             is
             not
             savoury
             ,
             nor
             other
             Ordinances
             powerful
             ?
             call
             to
             mind
             how
             it
             hath
             been
             with
             you
             in
             former
             dayes
             ;
             and
             what
             ye
             found
             in
             these
             things
             ;
             
               if
               so
               be
            
             ,
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               that
               you
               have
               tasted
               that
               the
               Lord
               is
               gracious
               .
            
             If
             you
             have
             not
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             be
             feared
             that
             you
             have
             never
             yet
             had
             the
             least
             sincere
             Love
             unto
             Spiritual
             things
             ;
             for
             where
             that
             is
             ,
             it
             will
             give
             a
             Spiritual
             Relish
             of
             them
             .
             If
             you
             have
             ,
             how
             is
             it
             you
             can
             give
             your selves
             Rest
             one
             Moment
             ,
             without
             an
             Endeavour
             after
             the
             healing
             of
             your
             backsliding
             .
          
           
             (
             3
             )
             It
             is
             required
             that
             our
             Affections
             be
             so
             set
             on
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             be
             a
             continual
             Spring
             of
             Spiritual
             thoughts
             and
             Meditations
             .
             No
             man
             can
             be
             so
             forsaken
             of
             Reason
             ,
             as
             to
             suppose
             that
             he
             hath
             any
             sincere
             affections
             for
             what
             he
             thinks
             little
             on
             ,
             or
             not
             at
             all
             ;
             or
             that
             he
             can
             have
             a
             true
             Affection
             for
             any
             thing
             which
             will
             not
             stir
             up
             ,
             and
             ingenerate
             in
             him
             continual
             Thoughts
             about
             it
             .
             Let
             men
             try
             themselves
             as
             unto
             their
             Relations
             ,
             or
             their
             Enjoyments
             ,
             or
             the
             Objects
             of
             their
             predominant
             Lusts
             ,
             and
             they
             will
             find
             how
             things
             are
             stated
             in
             their
             own
             Minds
             .
             And
             therefore
             whereas
             all
             men
             pretend
             to
             love
             
               God
               and
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             the
             wayes
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             yet
             know
             in
             their
             own
             Hearts
             ,
             that
             they
             little
             think
             of
             them
             ,
             or
             meditate
             upon
             them
             ,
             both
             
             their
             Pretence
             and
             Religion
             is
             vain
             .
             Where
             our
             Affections
             are
             duely
             placed
             on
             Heavenly
             things
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             we
             are
             indeed
             Spiritually
             Minded
             ,
             they
             will
             be
             a
             constant
             Spring
             of
             Spiritual
             Thoughts
             and
             Meditation
             .
             But
             this
             also
             hath
             been
             before
             spoken
             unto
             .
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             When
             our
             Affections
             are
             thus
             applyed
             unto
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             they
             will
             be
             
               prevalent
               and
               victorious
            
             against
             Solicitations
             unto
             the
             contrary
             ,
             or
             Allurements
             to
             draw
             them
             off
             unto
             any
             other
             Objects
             .
             The
             work
             of
             all
             our
             Spiritual
             Adversaries
             ,
             is
             to
             sollicite
             and
             tempt
             our
             Affections
             ,
             to
             divert
             them
             from
             their
             proper
             Object
             .
             There
             are
             some
             Temptations
             of
             Satan
             that
             make
             an
             immediate
             Impression
             on
             the
             Mind
             and
             Conscience
             .
             Such
             are
             his
             Injection
             of
             diabolical
             Blasphemous
             Thoughts
             concerning
             God
             ,
             his
             Being
             ,
             Nature
             ,
             and
             Will
             ;
             and
             the
             Distresses
             which
             he
             reduceth
             men
             unto
             in
             their
             Consciences
             ,
             through
             Darkness
             ,
             and
             Misrepresentations
             of
             God
             and
             his
             Goodness
             .
             But
             the
             high
             Road
             and
             constant
             Practice
             of
             all
             our
             Spiritual
             Adversaries
             ,
             is
             by
             the
             
               Solicitation
               of
               our
               Affections
            
             unto
             Objects
             that
             are
             in
             themselves
             ,
             or
             in
             the
             Degree
             of
             our
             Affections
             towards
             them
             ,
             evil
             and
             sinful
             .
             Of
             the
             first
             ,
             are
             all
             sensual
             Pleasures
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             
               in
               Drunkenness
               ,
               Uncleanness
               ,
               Gluttony
               ,
               Chambering
               ,
            
             and
             Wantonness
             ,
             with
             all
             sorts
             of
             Sensual
             Pleasures
             .
             Of
             the
             latter
             is
             all
             our
             
               inordinate
               Love
            
             unto
             Self
             ,
             our
             Families
             ,
             and
             the
             whole
             World
             ,
             or
             the
             things
             of
             it
             .
             Unto
             this
             end
             ,
             every
             thing
             in
             the
             whole
             World
             ,
             that
             may
             make
             Provision
             for
             Lust
             ,
             is
             made
             use
             of
             .
             Herein
             consists
             the
             nature
             and
             efficacy
             of
             most
             of
             those
             Temptations
             which
             we
             have
             to
             conflict
             withal
             .
             Solicitations
             they
             are
             of
             our
             Affections
             to
             draw
             them
             off
             from
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             ,
             and
             to
             divert
             them
             unto
             other
             things
             .
             Hereby
             do
             our
             Enemies
             endeavour
             to
             beguile
             us
             ,
             as
             the
             Serpent
             beguiled
             Eve
             ;
             with
             fair
             and
             false
             Representations
             of
             other
             Beloveds
             ,
             that
             our
             hearts
             be
             not
             preserved
             ,
             as
             a
             chast
             Virgin
             ,
             in
             all
             their
             Affections
             for
             Christ.
             
          
           
           
             And
             it
             is
             almost
             incredible
             how
             apt
             we
             are
             to
             be
             beguiled
             by
             the
             specious
             Pretences
             wherewith
             we
             are
             sollicited
             .
          
           
             That
             our
             Affections
             in
             the
             Degree
             treated
             about
             ,
             suppose
             of
             Love
             unto
             the
             World
             and
             the
             things
             of
             it
             ,
             are
             lawful
             and
             allowable
             ,
             is
             one
             of
             the
             Sophismes
             and
             Artifices
             wherewith
             many
             are
             deluded
             .
             Hereon
             ,
             provided
             they
             run
             not
             out
             into
             scandalous
             Excesses
             ,
             they
             approve
             of
             themselves
             in
             such
             a
             Worldly
             Frame
             of
             Mind
             ,
             and
             acting
             according
             unto
             it
             ,
             as
             renders
             them
             fruitless
             ,
             useless
             ,
             senseless
             ,
             and
             is
             inconsistent
             with
             that
             prevailing
             adherence
             of
             Affections
             unto
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             that
             ought
             to
             be
             in
             us
             .
             Others
             are
             deluded
             by
             a
             pretence
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             
               in
               one
               Instance
               only
               they
               would
               be
               spared
               ,
            
             it
             is
             but
             this
             or
             that
             Object
             ,
             they
             would
             give
             out
             the
             Embraces
             of
             thier
             Affections
             unto
             ,
             in
             all
             other
             things
             they
             will
             be
             entire
             for
             God
             ;
             the
             Vanity
             of
             which
             Pretence
             we
             have
             spoken
             unto
             before
             .
             Others
             are
             ruined
             by
             giving
             place
             unto
             their
             Solicitations
             ,
             with
             respect
             unto
             any
             
               one
               Affection
            
             whatever
             .
             As
             suppose
             it
             be
             that
             of
             Fear
             .
             In
             times
             of
             danger
             for
             Profession
             ,
             multitudes
             have
             lost
             all
             thier
             Affections
             unto
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             through
             a
             Fear
             of
             losing
             that
             which
             is
             temporal
             ,
             as
             their
             Lives
             ,
             their
             Liberties
             ,
             thier
             Goods
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             .
             When
             ,
             once
             Satan
             or
             the
             World
             have
             gotten
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             the
             mastery
             of
             this
             Affection
             ,
             or
             a
             prevalent
             Interest
             in
             it
             ,
             they
             will
             not
             fail
             to
             draw
             all
             others
             into
             a
             defection
             from
             Christ
             and
             the
             Gospel
             .
             He
             that
             loves
             his
             Life
             shall
             lose
             it
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             ,
             it
             is
             no
             ordinary
             nor
             easy
             thing
             to
             preserve
             our
             Affections
             
               pure
               ,
               entire
            
             ,
             and
             steady
             ,
             in
             their
             vigorous
             adherence
             unto
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             against
             all
             these
             Solicitations
             .
             Watchfulness
             ,
             Prayer
             ,
             Faith
             in
             Exercise
             ,
             and
             a
             dayly
             Examination
             of
             our Selves
             are
             required
             hereunto
             .
             For
             want
             of
             a
             due
             attendance
             unto
             the
             these
             things
             ,
             and
             that
             with
             respect
             unto
             this
             end
             ,
             namely
             ,
             the
             Preservation
             of
             our
             Spiritual
             Affections
             in
             their
             Integrity
             ,
             many
             ,
             even
             before
             they
             are
             
             aware
             die
             away
             as
             to
             all
             Power
             and
             vigour
             of
             Spiritual
             Life
             .
          
           
             Fifthly
             ,
             Affections
             thus
             fixed
             upon
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             ,
             will
             give
             great
             
               Relief
               against
               the
               remainders
               of
               that
               Vanity
               of
               Mind
            
             which
             Believers
             themselves
             are
             oft
             times
             perplexed
             withal
             .
             Yea
             ,
             I
             do
             not
             know
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             a
             greater
             Burden
             unto
             them
             ,
             nor
             which
             they
             more
             groan
             for
             Deliverance
             from
             .
             The
             Instability
             of
             the
             Mind
             ,
             its
             readiness
             to
             receive
             Impressions
             from
             things
             vain
             and
             useless
             ,
             the
             irregularity
             of
             their
             Thoughts
             ,
             are
             a
             continual
             Burden
             unto
             many
             .
             Nothing
             can
             give
             the
             Soul
             any
             relief
             herein
             ,
             nothing
             can
             give
             bounds
             unto
             the
             endless
             vanity
             of
             foolish
             Imaginations
             ,
             nothing
             can
             dry
             up
             the
             Springs
             from
             whence
             they
             arise
             ,
             or
             render
             the
             Soyl
             wherein
             they
             grow
             ,
             barren
             as
             unto
             their
             Production
             and
             maintainance
             ,
             but
             only
             the
             Growth
             of
             
               Spiritual
               Affections
            
             ,
             with
             their
             continual
             vigorous
             Actings
             on
             Heavenly
             things
             .
             For
             hereby
             the
             Heart
             and
             Mind
             will
             be
             so
             united
             unto
             them
             ,
             (
             that
             which
             the
             Psalmist
             prayers
             for
             ,
             Psal.
             86.11
             .
             )
             as
             that
             they
             will
             not
             be
             ready
             to
             depart
             from
             them
             ,
             and
             give
             Entertainment
             unto
             vain
             ,
             empty
             ,
             foolish
             Imaginations
             .
             Thoughts
             of
             other
             things
             ,
             greater
             and
             better
             than
             what
             this
             World
             can
             contain
             ,
             will
             be
             continually
             arising
             in
             the
             Mind
             ,
             not
             to
             be
             laid
             aside
             by
             any
             solicitations
             of
             Vanity
             .
             For
             he
             that
             is
             wise
             cannot
             but
             know
             and
             consider
             ,
             that
             the
             spiritual
             things
             which
             it
             exerciseth
             its
             Thoughts
             about
             ,
             have
             Substance
             in
             them
             ,
             are
             durable
             ,
             profitable
             ,
             alwayes
             the
             same
             ,
             that
             the
             Advantage
             ,
             Peace
             ,
             Rest
             ,
             Riches
             ,
             and
             Reward
             of
             the
             Soul
             lyeth
             in
             them
             ;
             but
             other
             Imaginations
             which
             the
             foolish
             Mind
             is
             apt
             to
             give
             Entertainment
             unto
             ,
             are
             vain
             ,
             empty
             ,
             fruitless
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             end
             in
             Shame
             and
             Trouble
             .
          
           
             Again
             ,
             the
             
               Vanity
               of
               the
               Mind
            
             in
             an
             Indulgence
             unto
             foolish
             Imaginations
             ariseth
             from
             ,
             or
             is
             animated
             and
             encreased
             by
             that
             
               Gust
               and
               Relish
            
             which
             it
             finds
             in
             earthly
             
             things
             ,
             and
             Enjoyments
             of
             them
             ,
             whether
             lawful
             or
             unlawful
             .
             Hence
             on
             all
             Occasions
             ,
             yea
             ,
             in
             holy
             duties
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             ready
             to
             turn
             aside
             ,
             and
             take
             a
             tast
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             to
             take
             up
             with
             them
             ;
             like
             a
             tippling
             Traveller
             ,
             who
             though
             he
             be
             ingaged
             in
             a
             Journey
             on
             the
             most
             earnest
             Occasion
             ,
             yet
             he
             cannot
             but
             be
             bibbing
             here
             and
             there
             as
             he
             passes
             by
             ,
             and
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             at
             length
             ,
             before
             he
             comes
             to
             his
             Journeys
             end
             ,
             lodgeth
             himself
             in
             a
             nasty
             Ale-house
             .
             When
             men
             are
             ingaged
             in
             important
             Duties
             ,
             yet
             if
             they
             alwayes
             carry
             about
             them
             ,
             a
             
               strong
               Gust
               and
               Relish
            
             of
             earthly
             things
             ,
             they
             will
             ever
             and
             anon
             in
             their
             thoughts
             divert
             unto
             them
             ,
             either
             as
             unto
             such
             real
             Objects
             as
             they
             are
             accustomed
             unto
             ,
             or
             as
             unto
             what
             present
             Circumstances
             do
             administer
             unto
             Corrupt
             Affections
             ,
             or
             as
             to
             what
             they
             fancy
             and
             create
             in
             their
             own
             Minds
             .
             And
             sometimes
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             after
             they
             have
             made
             them
             a
             few
             shorter
             visits
             ,
             they
             take
             up
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             lose
             wholly
             the
             Work
             they
             were
             ingaged
             in
             .
             Nothing
             ,
             as
             was
             said
             ,
             will
             give
             relief
             herein
             ,
             but
             the
             
               vigorous
               and
               constant
               Exercise
            
             of
             our
             Affections
             on
             Heavenly
             things
             .
             For
             this
             will
             insensibly
             take
             off
             that
             Gust
             and
             Relish
             which
             the
             Mind
             hath
             found
             in
             things
             present
             ,
             earthly
             and
             sensual
             ,
             and
             make
             them
             as
             a
             
               sapless
               thing
            
             unto
             the
             whole
             Soul.
             They
             will
             so
             place
             the
             Cross
             of
             Christ
             in
             particular
             on
             the
             Heart
             ,
             as
             that
             the
             World
             shall
             be
             crucifyed
             unto
             it
             ,
             losing
             all
             that
             brightness
             ,
             beauty
             and
             Savour
             ,
             which
             it
             made
             use
             of
             to
             solicite
             our
             Minds
             unto
             Thoughts
             and
             Desires
             about
             it
             .
          
           
             Moreover
             ,
             this
             Frame
             of
             Spirit
             alone
             will
             keep
             us
             on
             our
             Watch
             against
             all
             those
             wayes
             and
             meanes
             whereby
             the
             Vanity
             of
             the
             mind
             is
             excited
             and
             maintained
             .
             Such
             are
             the
             
               wandring
               and
               roving
               of
               the
               outward
               Senses
               .
            
             The
             Senses
             ,
             especially
             that
             of
             the
             Eye
             ,
             are
             ready
             to
             become
             purveyors
             to
             make
             Provisions
             for
             the
             Vanity
             and
             Lusts
             of
             the
             Mind
             .
             Hence
             the
             Psalmist
             prays
             ,
             
               Turn
               away
               mine
               Eyes
               from
               beholding
               Vanity
               .
            
             If
             the
             Eyes
             rove
             after
             vain
             Objects
             ,
             
             the
             mind
             will
             ruminate
             upon
             them
             ;
             and
             another
             affirms
             that
             he
             had
             
               made
               a
               Covenant
               with
               his
               Eyes
               ,
            
             to
             preserve
             them
             from
             fixing
             on
             such
             Objects
             ,
             as
             might
             solicite
             Lust
             or
             corrupt
             Affections
             .
             And
             it
             were
             an
             useful
             labour
             ,
             would
             this
             place
             admit
             of
             it
             ,
             to
             discover
             the
             ready
             serviceableness
             of
             the
             outward
             Senses
             and
             Members
             of
             the
             Body
             ,
             unto
             Sin
             and
             Folly
             ,
             if
             not
             watched
             against
             ,
             Rom.
             6.13
             ,
             19.
             
             Of
             the
             same
             nature
             is
             the
             incessant
             Working
             of
             the
             
               Fancy
               and
               Imagination
            
             ,
             which
             of
             it self
             is
             evil
             continually
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             day
             long
             .
             This
             is
             the
             Food
             of
             a
             vain
             Mind
             ,
             and
             the
             vehicle
             or
             meanes
             of
             conveyance
             for
             all
             Temptations
             from
             Satan
             and
             the
             World.
             Besides
             ,
             sundry
             Occasions
             of
             Life
             and
             Conversation
             ,
             are
             usually
             turned
             ,
             or
             abused
             unto
             the
             same
             end
             ,
             exciting
             and
             exercising
             of
             the
             Vanity
             of
             the
             Mind
             .
             Wherever
             our
             Affections
             are
             fixed
             on
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             our
             Minds
             will
             constantly
             be
             under
             a
             Warning
             or
             Charge
             to
             keep
             diligent
             watch
             against
             all
             these
             things
             ,
             whereby
             that
             Vanity
             ,
             which
             it
             so
             abhorreth
             ,
             which
             it
             is
             so
             burdened
             withal
             ,
             is
             maintained
             and
             excited
             .
             Nor
             without
             this
             Prevalency
             in
             the
             Mind
             ,
             will
             ever
             a
             Work
             of
             Mortification
             be
             carried
             on
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             Col.
             3.2
             ,
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXI
             .
          
           
             HAving
             declared
             wherein
             this
             Duty
             of
             being
             Spiritually-Minded
             doth
             consist
             ,
             that
             which
             remains
             in
             compliance
             with
             the
             Text
             ,
             from
             whence
             the
             whole
             is
             educed
             ,
             is
             to
             manifest
             
               how
               it
               is
               Life
               and
               Peace
               ,
            
             which
             is
             affirmed
             by
             the
             Apostle
             .
             This
             shall
             be
             done
             with
             all
             brevity
             ,
             as
             having
             passed
             through
             that
             which
             was
             principally
             designed
             .
          
           
             And
             two
             things
             are
             we
             to
             enquire
             into
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             
               What
               is
               meant
               by
               Life
               and
               Peace
               .
            
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             In
             
               what
               Sense
               to
               be
               Spiritually
               Minded
               ,
               is
               both
               of
               them
               .
            
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             That
             
               Spiritual
               Life
            
             whereof
             we
             are
             made
             Partakers
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             is
             threefold
             ,
             or
             there
             are
             three
             Gospel
             Priviledges
             or
             Graces
             so
             expressed
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             There
             is
             the
             
               Life
               of
               Justification
            
             .
             Therein
             the
             Just
             by
             Faith
             do
             live
             ;
             as
             freed
             from
             the
             Condemnatory
             Sentence
             of
             the
             Law.
             So
             the
             
               Righteousness
               of
               one
               comes
               on
               all
               that
               believe
               unto
               the
               Justification
               of
               Life
               ,
               Rom.
            
             5.18
             .
             It
             gives
             unto
             Believers
             a
             Right
             and
             Title
             to
             Life
             ;
             for
             they
             that
             
               receive
               the
               abundance
               of
               Grace
               ,
               and
               the
               Gift
               of
               Righteousness
               shall
               reign
               in
               Life
               by
               one
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
            
             vers
             .
             17.
             
             This
             is
             not
             the
             Life
             here
             intended
             ,
             for
             this
             Life
             depends
             solely
             on
             the
             Soveraign
             Grace
             of
             God
             ,
             by
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             Imputation
             of
             his
             Righteousness
             unto
             us
             ,
             unto
             Pardon
             ,
             Right
             to
             Life
             and
             Salvation
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             There
             
               is
               a
               Life
               of
               Sanctification
            
             .
             As
             Life
             in
             the
             foregoing
             sense
             in
             opposed
             unto
             Death
             spiritual
             as
             unto
             the
             the
             Guilt
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             condemnatory
             Sentence
             of
             Death
             
             wherewith
             it
             was
             accompanied
             ;
             so
             in
             this
             it
             is
             opposed
             unto
             it
             ,
             as
             unto
             its
             internal
             Power
             on
             ,
             and
             Efficacy
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             to
             keep
             it
             under
             an
             Impotency
             unto
             all
             Acts
             of
             Spiritual
             Life
             ,
             yea
             ,
             an
             Enmity
             against
             them
             .
             This
             is
             that
             Life
             wherewith
             we
             are
             
               quickned
               by
               Christ
               Jesus
            
             ,
             when
             before
             we
             were
             
               dead
               in
               Trespasses
               and
               Sins
            
             ,
             Ephes.
             2.1
             ,
             5.
             
             Of
             this
             Life
             ,
             the
             Apostle
             treats
             directly
             in
             this
             place
             ;
             for
             having
             in
             the
             first
             four
             verses
             of
             the
             Chapter
             declared
             the
             
               Life
               of
               Justification
            
             in
             the
             nature
             and
             Causes
             of
             it
             ;
             in
             the
             following
             ,
             he
             treats
             of
             Death
             spiritual
             in
             Sin
             ,
             with
             the
             Life
             of
             Sanctification
             ,
             whereby
             we
             are
             freed
             from
             it
             .
          
           
             And
             to
             be
             
               Spiritually-Minded
               is
               this
               Life
               in
            
             a
             double
             Sense
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             In
             that
             it
             is
             the
             principal
             
               Effect
               and
               Fruit
               of
               that
               Life
               .
            
             The
             Life
             it self
             consists
             in
             the
             Infusion
             and
             Communication
             of
             a
             Principle
             of
             Life
             ,
             that
             is
             of
             Faith
             and
             Obedience
             ,
             unto
             all
             the
             Faculties
             and
             Powers
             of
             our
             Soul
             ,
             enabling
             us
             to
             live
             unto
             God.
             To
             be
             Spiritually-Minded
             ,
             which
             is
             a
             Grace
             whereunto
             many
             Duties
             do
             concur
             ,
             and
             that
             not
             only
             as
             to
             the
             Actings
             of
             all
             Grace
             in
             them
             ,
             but
             as
             unto
             the
             Degrees
             of
             their
             Exercise
             ,
             cannot
             be
             this
             Life
             formally
             .
             But
             it
             is
             that
             wherein
             the
             Power
             of
             this
             
               Principle
               of
               Life
            
             ,
             doth
             in
             the
             first
             and
             chiefest
             place
             put
             forth
             it self
             .
             All
             Actings
             of
             Grace
             ,
             all
             Duties
             of
             Obedience
             internal
             and
             external
             ,
             do
             proceed
             from
             this
             Spring
             and
             Fountain
             .
             Nothing
             of
             that
             kind
             is
             acceptable
             unto
             God
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             influenced
             by
             it
             ,
             and
             is
             an
             Effect
             of
             it
             ,
             but
             it
             principally
             puts
             forth
             its
             Vertue
             and
             Efficacy
             ,
             in
             rendring
             our
             
               Minds
               Spiritual
            
             ,
             which
             if
             it
             effect
             not
             ,
             it
             works
             not
             at
             all
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             we
             are
             utterly
             destitute
             of
             it
             .
             The
             next
             and
             immediate
             Work
             of
             the
             Principle
             of
             Life
             in
             our
             Sanctification
             ,
             is
             to
             renew
             the
             Mind
             ,
             to
             make
             it
             Spiritual
             ;
             and
             thereon
             gradually
             to
             carry
             it
             on
             unto
             that
             Degree
             which
             is
             here
             called
             ,
             being
             Spiritually-Minded
             .
          
           
           
             (
             2
             )
             It
             is
             the
             proper
             
               Adjunct
               and
               Evidence
               of
               it
            
             .
             Would
             any
             one
             know
             whether
             he
             be
             
               Spiritually
               alive
               unto
               God
            
             ,
             with
             the
             Life
             of
             Sanctification
             and
             Holiness
             ?
             The
             Communication
             of
             it
             unto
             him
             ,
             being
             by
             an
             Almighty
             Act
             of
             creating
             Power
             ,
             Ephes
             2.10
             .
             It
             is
             not
             easily
             discernable
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             help
             us
             to
             make
             a
             right
             Judgement
             of
             it
             ,
             from
             its
             Essence
             or
             Form.
             But
             where
             things
             are
             in
             themselves
             indiscernable
             ,
             we
             may
             know
             them
             from
             their
             proper
             and
             inseperable
             Adjuncts
             ,
             which
             are
             therefore
             called
             by
             the
             Names
             of
             the
             Essence
             or
             the
             Form
             it self
             .
             Such
             is
             this
             being
             Spiritually-Minded
             with
             respect
             unto
             the
             
               Life
               of
               Sanctification
            
             ;
             it
             is
             an
             inseperable
             Property
             and
             Adjunct
             of
             it
             ,
             whereby
             it
             infallibly
             evidenceth
             if
             self
             unto
             them
             in
             whom
             it
             is
             .
             In
             these
             two
             respects
             it
             is
             the
             Life
             of
             Sanctification
             .
          
           
             (
             3
             )
             Life
             is
             taken
             for
             the
             
               Comforts
               and
               Refreshments
               of
               Life
            
             ;
             So
             speaks
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             1
             Thes.
             3.8
             .
             
               Now
               we
               live
               ,
               if
               you
               stand
               fast
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             now
             our
             Life
             will
             do
             us
             good
             ,
             we
             have
             the
             Comforts
             ,
             the
             Refreshments
             ,
             and
             the
             Joyes
             of
             it
             .
             
               Non
               est
               vivere
               ,
               Sed
               valere
               vita
               .
            
             The
             Comforts
             and
             Satisfactions
             of
             Life
             ,
             are
             more
             Life
             than
             Life
             it self
             .
             It
             is
             Life
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             that
             which
             makes
             Life
             to
             be
             so
             ,
             bringing
             in
             that
             Satisfaction
             ,
             those
             Refreshments
             unto
             it
             ,
             which
             make
             it
             pleasant
             and
             desirable
             .
             And
             I
             do
             suppose
             this
             is
             that
             which
             is
             principally
             intended
             in
             the
             Words
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ;
             it
             is
             Life
             ,
             a
             
               chearful
               joyous
               Life
            
             ,
             a
             Life
             worth
             the
             living
             .
             In
             Explication
             and
             Confirmation
             whereof
             ,
             it
             is
             added
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             Peace
             also
             .
          
           
             Peace
             is
             twofold
             ,
             (
             1
             )
             General
             and
             absolute
             ,
             that
             is
             Peace
             with
             God
             through
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             which
             is
             celebrated
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             the
             only
             Original
             Spring
             and
             Fountain
             of
             all
             Consolation
             unto
             Believers
             ;
             that
             which
             virtually
             containes
             in
             it
             every
             thing
             that
             is
             good
             ,
             Useful
             ,
             or
             desirable
             unto
             them
             .
             But
             it
             is
             not
             here
             precisely
             intended
             .
             It
             is
             not
             so
             .
          
           
           
             (
             1
             )
             As
             to
             the
             
               immediate
               ground
               and
               Cause
            
             of
             it
             ,
             which
             is
             our
             Justification
             ,
             not
             our
             Sanctification
             ,
             Rom.
             5.1
             .
             
               Being
               justifyed
               by
               Faith
               ,
               we
               have
               Peace
               with
               God.
            
             So
             Christ
             alone
             is
             
               our
               Peace
            
             ,
             as
             he
             who
             hath
             made
             
               Peace
               for
               us
               by
               the
               Blood
               of
               the
               Cross
               ,
               Ephes.
            
             2.14
             ,
             15.
             
             Hereof
             our
             being
             Spiritually-Minded
             is
             no
             way
             the
             cause
             or
             reason
             ,
             only
             it
             is
             an
             Evidence
             and
             Pledge
             of
             it
             ,
             as
             we
             shall
             see
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             Not
             as
             unto
             the
             
               formal
               nature
               of
               it
               .
               Peace
               with
               God
            
             through
             the
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             ,
             is
             one
             thing
             ;
             and
             
               Peace
               in
               our
               Minds
            
             through
             an
             holy
             Frame
             in
             them
             ,
             is
             another
             .
             The
             former
             is
             communicated
             unto
             us
             by
             an
             immediate
             Act
             of
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             dwelling
             in
             us
             ,
             Rom.
             5.5
             .
             The
             latter
             is
             an
             Effect
             on
             our
             Minds
             begun
             ,
             and
             gradually
             carryed
             on
             ,
             by
             the
             Duties
             we
             have
             before
             at
             large
             declared
             .
             The
             immediate
             Actings
             of
             the
             holy
             Spirit
             ,
             in
             sealing
             us
             ,
             witnessing
             unto
             our
             Adoption
             ,
             and
             being
             an
             Earnest
             of
             Glory
             ,
             are
             required
             unto
             the
             former
             ;
             Our
             own
             
               Sedulity
               and
               Diligence
            
             in
             Duties
             and
             the
             Exercise
             of
             all
             Grace
             ,
             are
             required
             unto
             the
             latter
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             Peace
             is
             taken
             for
             a
             
               peculiar
               Fruit
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             ,
             consisting
             in
             a
             gracious
             Quietness
             and
             Composure
             of
             Mind
             ,
             in
             the
             mid'st
             of
             Difficulties
             ,
             Temptations
             ,
             Troubles
             ,
             and
             such
             other
             things
             as
             are
             apt
             to
             fill
             us
             with
             Fears
             ,
             Despondencies
             ,
             and
             Disquietments
             .
             This
             is
             that
             which
             keeps
             the
             
               Soul
               in
               its
               own
               Power
            
             ,
             free
             from
             Transports
             by
             Fears
             or
             Passions
             ,
             on
             all
             the
             abiding
             Grounds
             of
             Gospel
             Consolation
             .
             For
             although
             this
             be
             a
             peculiar
             especial
             Grace
             ,
             yet
             it
             it
             that
             which
             is
             influenced
             and
             kept
             alive
             by
             the
             Consideration
             of
             
               all
               the
               Love
               of
               God
               in
               Christ
               ,
            
             and
             all
             the
             Fruits
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             And
             whereas
             Peace
             includes
             in
             the
             first
             Notion
             of
             it
             ,
             an
             inward
             Freedom
             from
             Oppositions
             and
             Troubles
             ,
             which
             those
             in
             whom
             it
             is
             are
             outwardly
             exposed
             unto
             ,
             there
             are
             two
             things
             from
             which
             we
             are
             secured
             by
             this
             
               Peace
               which
            
             is
             an
             Effect
             of
             being
             Spiritually
             Minded
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             is
             Offences
             .
             There
             is
             nothing
             of
             whose
             Danger
             
             we
             are
             more
             warned
             in
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             than
             of
             Offences
             .
             
               Wo
               to
               the
               World
            
             ,
             saith
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             
               because
               of
               Offences
            
             .
             All
             Ages
             ,
             all
             Times
             and
             Seasons
             ,
             are
             filled
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             they
             p●ove
             pernitious
             and
             destructive
             to
             the
             Souls
             of
             many
             .
             Such
             are
             the
             
               Scandalous
               Divisions
            
             that
             are
             among
             Christians
             ;
             the
             endless
             Differences
             of
             Opinions
             ,
             and
             diversity
             of
             practices
             in
             Religion
             and
             the
             Worship
             of
             God
             ;
             the
             Falls
             and
             Sins
             of
             Professors
             ,
             the
             fearful
             ends
             of
             some
             of
             them
             ;
             the
             Reproaches
             that
             are
             cast
             on
             all
             that
             ingage
             into
             any
             
               peculiar
               way
               of
               Holiness
            
             and
             strictness
             of
             Life
             ,
             with
             other
             things
             of
             the
             like
             nature
             ,
             whereby
             the
             souls
             of
             innumerable
             Persons
             are
             disquieted
             ,
             subverted
             ,
             or
             infected
             ,
             are
             to
             be
             reckoned
             unto
             this
             Head.
             Against
             any
             hurtful
             or
             noxious
             Influence
             on
             our
             Minds
             from
             these
             things
             ,
             against
             Disquietments
             ,
             Dejections
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             Disconsolations
             ,
             are
             we
             secured
             by
             this
             Peace
             .
             So
             the
             Psalmist
             assures
             us
             ,
             Psal.
             119.165
             .
             
               Great
               Peace
               have
               they
               that
               love
               thy
               Law
               ,
               and
               nothing
               shall
               offend
               them
               .
            
             The
             Law
             ,
             or
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             the
             only
             way
             of
             the
             Revelation
             of
             God
             and
             his
             Will
             unto
             us
             ;
             and
             the
             only
             outward
             Way
             and
             Rule
             of
             our
             Converse
             and
             Communion
             with
             him
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             to
             love
             the
             Law
             ,
             is
             the
             principal
             part
             of
             our
             being
             heavenly
             Minded
             ,
             yea
             virtually
             that
             which
             comprehends
             the
             whole
             .
             For
             such
             as
             do
             so
             ,
             nothing
             ,
             none
             of
             the
             things
             before
             mentioned
             ,
             nor
             any
             other
             of
             the
             like
             nature
             ,
             shall
             be
             an
             Offence
             ,
             a
             stumbling
             Block
             ,
             or
             cause
             of
             falling
             into
             sin
             .
             And
             the
             reason
             is
             ,
             because
             they
             have
             such
             an
             Experience
             in
             themselves
             of
             the
             Truth
             ,
             Power
             ,
             Efficacy
             and
             Holiness
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             as
             that
             the
             Miscarriages
             of
             Men
             ,
             under
             a
             Profession
             of
             it
             ,
             shall
             never
             be
             unto
             them
             an
             
               Occasion
               of
               falling
            
             ,
             or
             being
             offended
             at
             Christ.
             And
             I
             look
             upon
             it
             as
             a
             sign
             of
             a
             very
             evil
             Frame
             of
             Heart
             ,
             when
             men
             are
             concerned
             in
             the
             Miscarriages
             of
             some
             that
             have
             made
             Profession
             ,
             whereby
             they
             are
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             damaged
             in
             their
             Outward
             Concerns
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             they
             are
             
             surprized
             into
             Reflections
             on
             that
             Religion
             which
             they
             profess
             ,
             professing
             the
             same
             themselves
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             The
             second
             is
             
               Afflictions
               ,
               Persecutions
            
             and
             Sufferings
             of
             all
             Sorts
             .
             It
             is
             known
             by
             all
             (
             It
             were
             well
             ,
             if
             it
             were
             not
             so
             well
             known
             )
             what
             Disquietments
             ,
             Dejections
             and
             Disconsolations
             these
             things
             are
             apt
             to
             fill
             the
             Minds
             of
             Men
             withal
             ;
             What
             
               Fears
               ,
               Troubles
               ,
               Sorrows
            
             ,
             they
             reflect
             upon
             them
             .
             Against
             all
             these
             Effects
             of
             them
             ,
             this
             Peace
             intended
             ,
             gives
             us
             Security
             .
             It
             makes
             us
             to
             preserve
             a
             peaceable
             ,
             yea
             ,
             a
             joyous
             Life
             in
             our
             Conflict
             with
             them
             ,
             see
             Joh.
             16.33
             .
          
           
             Both
             these
             ,
             as
             here
             joyned
             together
             ,
             
               Life
               and
               Peace
            
             ,
             do
             comprize
             an
             
               holy
               Frame
               of
               Heart
               and
               Mind
               ,
               wherein
               the
               Souls
               of
               Believers
               do
               find
               Rest
               ,
               Quietness
               ,
               Refreshment
               and
               Satisfaction
               in
               God
               ,
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               Temptations
               ,
               Afflictions
               ,
               Offen●es
               and
               Sufferings
               .
            
             It
             is
             the
             Souls
             Composure
             of
             it self
             in
             God
             ,
             in
             his
             Love
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             ,
             so
             as
             not
             greatly
             to
             be
             put
             out
             of
             Order
             ,
             to
             be
             cast
             down
             with
             any
             thing
             that
             may
             befall
             it
             ,
             but
             affords
             men
             Chearfulness
             and
             Satisfaction
             in
             themselves
             ,
             though
             they
             walk
             sometimes
             in
             the
             
               Valley
               of
               the
               Shadow
               of
               Death
               .
            
             Such
             Persons
             have
             that
             in
             them
             ,
             abiding
             with
             them
             ,
             as
             will
             give
             them
             Life
             and
             Peace
             under
             all
             Occurrences
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             Our
             next
             enquiry
             is
             ,
             how
             this
             
               Spiritual
               Mindedness
               is
               Life
               and
               Peace
               ,
            
             or
             what
             it
             contributes
             unto
             them
             ,
             how
             it
             produceth
             the
             Frame
             of
             Heart
             and
             Mind
             so
             expressed
             .
             And
             this
             it
             doth
             several
             wayes
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             It
             is
             the
             only
             meanes
             on
             our
             part
             ,
             
               of
               retaining
               a
               Sense
               of
               Divine
               Love.
            
             The
             Love
             of
             God
             in
             a
             gracious
             Sense
             of
             it
             ,
             as
             shed
             abroad
             in
             our
             Hearts
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             is
             the
             first
             and
             only
             Foundation
             of
             all
             durable
             Comforts
             ;
             Such
             as
             will
             support
             and
             refresh
             us
             under
             all
             Oppositions
             and
             Distresses
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             of
             
               Life
               and
               Peace
            
             in
             our
             Souls
             in
             any
             Condition
             .
             This
             God
             communicates
             by
             an
             Act
             of
             Soveraign
             Grace
             ,
             for
             the
             most
             part
             without
             any
             Preparation
             for
             it
             in
             
             our selves
             .
             
               He
               creates
               the
               Fruit
               of
               the
               Lips
               ,
               Peace
               ,
               Peace
               .
            
             But
             although
             Divine
             Love
             be
             in
             it self
             unchangeable
             ,
             and
             alwayes
             the
             same
             ;
             yet
             this
             
               Sense
               of
               it
            
             may
             be
             lost
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             in
             David
             ,
             when
             he
             prayed
             that
             
               God
               would
               restore
               unto
               him
               the
               Joys
               of
               his
               Salvation
               ,
            
             Psal.
             51.12
             .
             And
             so
             many
             others
             have
             found
             it
             by
             woful
             Experience
             .
             To
             insist
             upon
             all
             that
             is
             required
             on
             our
             parts
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             retain
             a
             gratious
             refreshing
             Sense
             of
             Divine
             Love
             ,
             after
             it
             is
             once
             granted
             unto
             us
             ,
             belongs
             not
             unto
             my
             present
             purpose
             .
             But
             this
             I
             say
             ,
             there
             is
             not
             any
             thing
             wherein
             we
             are
             more
             concerned
             ,
             for
             to
             be
             careful
             and
             diligent
             in
             ,
             than
             as
             unto
             what
             belongs
             to
             that
             end
             .
             For
             men
             who
             by
             a
             
               meer
               Act
               of
               Soveraign
               Grace
            
             ,
             have
             tasted
             herein
             of
             the
             Goodness
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             have
             had
             the
             Consolation
             and
             Joys
             of
             it
             ,
             to
             be
             negligent
             in
             the
             keeping
             and
             preserving
             it
             in
             their
             Souls
             ,
             is
             a
             Provocation
             that
             they
             will
             at
             one
             time
             or
             other
             be
             sensible
             of
             .
             There
             is
             nothing
             doth
             more
             grieve
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             ,
             than
             to
             have
             his
             especial
             Work
             ,
             whereby
             he
             
               Seales
               us
               unto
               the
               Day
               of
               Redemption
               ,
            
             neglected
             or
             despised
             .
             And
             it
             argues
             a
             mighty
             Prevalency
             of
             some
             Corruption
             or
             Temptation
             ,
             that
             shall
             cause
             men
             willingly
             ,
             and
             by
             their
             own
             Sloth
             ,
             to
             forfeit
             so
             inestimable
             a
             Grace
             ,
             Mercy
             and
             Priviledge
             .
             And
             it
             is
             that
             which
             there
             are
             but
             few
             of
             us
             ,
             who
             have
             not
             reason
             to
             bewail
             our
             Folly
             in
             .
             Every
             
               Intimation
               of
               Divine
               Love
            
             ,
             is
             an
             inestimable
             Jewel
             ,
             which
             if
             safely
             treasured
             up
             in
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             adds
             unto
             our
             Spiritual
             Riches
             ;
             and
             being
             lost
             ,
             will
             at
             one
             time
             or
             another
             affect
             us
             with
             Sorrow
             .
          
           
             And
             I
             am
             afraid
             that
             many
             of
             us
             are
             very
             negligent
             herein
             ,
             unto
             the
             great
             prejudice
             of
             our
             Souls
             and
             Spiritual
             State.
             Many
             such
             Intimations
             are
             given
             us
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             through
             the
             Word
             ,
             which
             we
             take
             little
             notice
             of
             ,
             either
             we
             know
             not
             the
             
               Voice
               of
               Christ
            
             in
             them
             ,
             or
             do
             not
             hearken
             unto
             him
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             ,
             or
             refuse
             a
             Compliance
             with
             him
             ,
             when
             we
             cannot
             but
             know
             that
             he
             speaks
             unto
             us
             ,
             
             see
             Cant.
             5.2
             ,
             3.
             
             Or
             if
             we
             recieve
             any
             Impressions
             of
             a
             gratious
             Sense
             of
             Divine
             Love
             in
             them
             ,
             we
             quickly
             lose
             them
             ,
             not
             knowing
             how
             much
             the
             Life
             of
             our
             Souls
             is
             concerned
             therein
             ;
             and
             what
             use
             of
             them
             we
             may
             have
             in
             our
             following
             Temptations
             ,
             Tryals
             ,
             and
             Duties
             .
          
           
             Now
             the
             great
             means
             of
             retaining
             a
             Sense
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             only
             spring
             of
             Life
             and
             Peace
             unto
             our
             Souls
             ,
             is
             this
             
               Grace
               and
               Duty
               of
               being
               Spiritually-Minded
               .
            
             This
             is
             evident
             from
             the
             very
             nature
             of
             the
             Duty
             .
             For
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             It
             is
             the
             Souls
             preserving
             of
             it self
             in
             a
             Frame
             meet
             to
             receive
             and
             retain
             this
             sense
             of
             Gods
             Love.
             What
             other
             way
             can
             there
             be
             on
             our
             part
             ,
             but
             that
             our
             Minds
             which
             are
             so
             to
             receive
             it
             and
             retain
             it
             ,
             are
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             ,
             alwayes
             prepared
             for
             that
             holy
             Converse
             and
             Communion
             with
             himself
             ,
             which
             he
             is
             pleased
             to
             grant
             us
             through
             Jesus
             Christ.
             And
             ,
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             It
             will
             fix
             
               our
               Thoughts
               and
               Affections
            
             upon
             the
             Grace
             and
             Love
             of
             God
             ,
             communicating
             such
             an
             inestimable
             Mercy
             unto
             us
             ,
             as
             is
             a
             Sense
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             only
             meanes
             for
             the
             Preservation
             of
             a
             Relish
             of
             it
             in
             our
             Hearts
             .
             He
             who
             is
             in
             this
             Frame
             of
             Mind
             ,
             will
             remember
             ,
             call
             over
             ,
             and
             ruminate
             upon
             all
             such
             gracious
             Pledges
             of
             divine
             Favour
             ;
             as
             David
             is
             often
             remembring
             and
             calling
             over
             what
             he
             received
             in
             such
             Places
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             
               Land
               of
               the
               Hermonites
               ,
               and
               at
               the
               Hill
               Missar
               ,
            
             Psal.
             42.
             
             This
             is
             the
             great
             way
             whereby
             this
             Treasure
             may
             be
             preserved
             .
          
           
             (
             3
             )
             A
             Person
             so
             minded
             ,
             and
             he
             alone
             ,
             will
             have
             a
             
               due
               Valuation
            
             of
             such
             Intimations
             and
             Pledges
             of
             Divine
             Love.
             Those
             who
             are
             
               full
               of
               other
               things
            
             ,
             whose
             Affections
             cleave
             unto
             them
             ,
             do
             never
             esteem
             Heavenly
             Mercies
             and
             Priviledges
             ,
             as
             they
             ought
             ▪
             The
             
               full
               Soul
               loatheth
               the
               Honey-Comb
            
             .
             And
             God
             is
             well
             pleased
             ,
             when
             an
             high
             Valuation
             is
             put
             upon
             his
             kindness
             ;
             as
             he
             is
             greatly
             provoked
             by
             the
             contrary
             Frame
             ;
             which
             indeed
             nothing
             but
             infinite
             Patience
             
             could
             bear
             withal
             .
             It
             is
             an
             high
             Provocation
             of
             God
             ,
             when
             men
             are
             regardless
             of
             ,
             and
             unthankful
             for
             Outward
             temporal
             Mercies
             ;
             when
             they
             receive
             them
             and
             use
             them
             as
             if
             they
             were
             their
             own
             ,
             that
             they
             were
             Lords
             of
             them
             ,
             at
             least
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             
               due
               unto
               them
            
             .
             Much
             more
             is
             he
             provoked
             with
             our
             regardlesness
             of
             the
             least
             of
             those
             Mercies
             ,
             which
             are
             the
             peculiar
             purchase
             of
             the
             Blood
             of
             his
             Son
             ,
             and
             the
             Effects
             of
             his
             Eternal
             Love
             and
             Grace
             .
             He
             alone
             who
             is
             spiritually-Minded
             ,
             valueth
             ,
             prizeth
             ,
             and
             layes
             up
             these
             ininestimable
             Jewels
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             .
          
           
             (
             4
             )
             Such
             Persons
             only
             know
             how
             to
             use
             and
             improve
             all
             Communications
             of
             a
             sense
             of
             Divine
             Love.
             These
             things
             are
             not
             granted
             unto
             us
             to
             lye
             by
             us
             ,
             without
             any
             use
             of
             them
             .
             They
             are
             gratious
             Provisions
             wherewith
             we
             are
             furnished
             to
             enable
             us
             unto
             all
             other
             Duties
             ,
             Conflicts
             ,
             and
             Tryals
             .
             On
             all
             Occasions
             are
             they
             to
             be
             called
             over
             for
             our
             Spiritual
             Relief
             and
             Encouragement
             .
             Hereby
             are
             they
             safely
             retained
             .
             For
             in
             the
             due
             improvement
             of
             them
             ,
             they
             grow
             more
             bright
             in
             our
             Minds
             every
             day
             ,
             and
             are
             ready
             for
             use
             ,
             in
             which
             posture
             they
             are
             safely
             preserved
             .
             But
             these
             things
             will
             yet
             be
             farther
             manifest
             in
             the
             Instances
             that
             ensue
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             This
             Frame
             of
             Mind
             
               casts
               out
               all
               Principles
            
             ,
             and
             Causes
             of
             Trouble
             and
             Disquietment
             ,
             which
             are
             inconsistent
             with
             Life
             and
             Peace
             .
             There
             are
             in
             us
             by
             nature
             Principles
             of
             Contrariety
             and
             Opposition
             unto
             Spiritual
             Life
             and
             Peace
             ,
             with
             sundry
             things
             ,
             whose
             Abode
             and
             Prevalency
             in
             us
             ,
             is
             inconsistent
             with
             them
             .
             I
             shall
             give
             only
             one
             or
             two
             Instances
             hereof
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             It
             will
             cast
             out
             all
             
               Filthiness
               and
               Superfluity
               of
               naughtiness
            
             from
             our
             Minds
             .
             Without
             this
             ,
             we
             can
             receive
             no
             Benefit
             by
             the
             meanes
             of
             Grace
             ,
             nor
             perform
             any
             Duty
             in
             a
             right
             manner
             ,
             Jam.
             1.27
             .
             This
             is
             that
             which
             stands
             in
             direct
             immediate
             Opposition
             and
             Contrariety
             unto
             our
             being
             spiritually
             Minded
             ,
             so
             as
             they
             can
             have
             no
             Consistency
             in
             the
             
             same
             Person
             .
             And
             they
             Expel
             on
             another
             like
             heat
             and
             Cold.
             And
             where
             there
             is
             this
             
               Filthyness
               and
               Superfluity
               of
               Naughtiness
            
             ,
             there
             is
             neither
             Life
             nor
             Peace
             .
             Unclean
             Lusts
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             working
             ,
             tumultuating
             ,
             acting
             themselves
             in
             the
             Minds
             of
             Men
             ,
             will
             not
             suffer
             either
             the
             Life
             of
             Holiness
             to
             flourish
             in
             them
             ,
             or
             any
             solid
             Peace
             to
             abide
             with
             them
             .
             The
             Soul
             is
             weakned
             by
             them
             as
             unto
             all
             Spiritual
             Actings
             ,
             and
             made
             like
             a
             
               troubled
               Sea
               that
               cannot
               rest
            
             ,
             whose
             Waters
             cast
             up
             mire
             and
             dirt
             .
             Where
             they
             are
             absolutely
             predominant
             ,
             there
             is
             an
             
               Hell
               within
            
             ,
             of
             Darkness
             ,
             Confusion
             and
             Enmity
             against
             God
             ,
             preparing
             men
             for
             an
             Hell
             of
             Punishment
             without
             unto
             Eternity
             .
             And
             according
             as
             they
             remain
             ,
             or
             have
             any
             Prevalency
             in
             us
             ,
             so
             are
             Spiritual
             
               Life
               and
               Peace
            
             impaired
             and
             obstructed
             by
             them
             .
             Now
             the
             very
             nature
             of
             this
             Grace
             and
             its
             universal
             Exercise
             is
             suited
             to
             the
             casting
             out
             of
             all
             the
             Relicks
             of
             this
             
               Filthiness
               and
               Supersfluity
               of
               Naughtiness
            
             .
             It
             brings
             in
             a
             Principle
             into
             the
             Mind
             directly
             contrary
             unto
             that
             from
             whence
             they
             do
             proceed
             .
             All
             the
             Actings
             of
             it
             ,
             which
             we
             have
             described
             ,
             lie
             in
             direct
             tendency
             unto
             the
             Extirpation
             of
             these
             Causes
             of
             Filthiness
             which
             ruine
             Life
             and
             Peace
             ;
             nor
             will
             they
             by
             any
             other
             way
             be
             cast
             out
             .
             If
             the
             Mind
             be
             not
             Spiritual
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             carnal
             ;
             if
             it
             mind
             not
             
               Things
               above
            
             ,
             it
             will
             not
             fix
             it self
             inordinately
             on
             
               things
               below
            
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             That
             Disorder
             which
             is
             by
             nature
             in
             the
             Affections
             and
             Passions
             of
             the
             Mind
             ,
             which
             is
             directly
             opposite
             unto
             spiritual
             Life
             and
             Peace
             ,
             is
             cast
             out
             ,
             or
             cured
             hereby
             .
             It
             is
             a
             blessed
             Promise
             of
             the
             times
             of
             the
             New
             Testament
             ,
             of
             the
             Kingdom
             and
             Rule
             of
             Christ
             ,
             that
             through
             the
             Efficacy
             of
             Gospel
             Grace
             ,
             
               The
               Lion
               shall
               lye
               down
               with
               the
               Lamb
               ,
               and
               the
               Leopard
               with
               the
               Kid
               ,
            
             Isaiah
             11.6
             .
             Persons
             of
             the
             most
             intemperate
             and
             outragious
             Passions
             ,
             shall
             be
             made
             meek
             and
             lovely
             .
             Where
             this
             is
             not
             in
             some
             measure
             effected
             ,
             
             according
             unto
             the
             Degrees
             of
             the
             Prevalency
             of
             such
             Passions
             in
             us
             ,
             we
             have
             not
             been
             made
             Partakers
             of
             Evangelical
             Grace
             .
             It
             were
             an
             easy
             Task
             to
             demonstrate
             how
             the
             
               Disorder
               of
               our
               Affections
               and
               Passions
            
             is
             destructive
             of
             Spiritual
             Life
             and
             Peace
             .
             The
             Contrariety
             that
             is
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             Contradiction
             unto
             one
             another
             ,
             their
             Violence
             ,
             Impetuousness
             ,
             and
             Restlesness
             ,
             their
             readiness
             to
             receive
             and
             take
             in
             Provocations
             on
             all
             Occasions
             ,
             and
             frequently
             on
             none
             at
             all
             ,
             but
             what
             Imagination
             presents
             unto
             them
             ,
             are
             sufficient
             Evidences
             hereof
             .
             Can
             we
             think
             that
             Life
             and
             Peace
             do
             inhabit
             that
             Soul
             ,
             wherein
             
               Anger
               ,
               Wrath
               ,
               Envy
            
             ,
             Excess
             in
             Love
             unto
             earthly
             things
             ,
             no
             dwell
             ?
             and
             on
             all
             Occasions
             exert
             themselves
             ;
             there
             ,
             where
             there
             is
             a
             
               continual
               Tumult
               ,
               Fighting
               and
               Rebellion
               ,
            
             as
             there
             is
             where
             the
             Passions
             of
             the
             Mind
             are
             not
             under
             the
             Conduct
             of
             Reason
             ,
             nor
             of
             Grace
             ?
          
           
             The
             Nature
             and
             principal
             Effect
             of
             this
             spiritual
             Mindedness
             ,
             is
             to
             bring
             all
             the
             
               Affections
               and
               Passions
               of
               our
               Minds
            
             into
             that
             holy
             Order
             wherein
             they
             were
             created
             .
             This
             was
             that
             uprightness
             wherein
             God
             made
             us
             ;
             namely
             the
             whole
             blessed
             Order
             of
             all
             the
             Powers
             ,
             Faculties
             ,
             and
             Affections
             of
             our
             Souls
             ,
             in
             all
             their
             Operations
             ,
             in
             order
             unto
             our
             living
             unto
             God.
             And
             this
             is
             restored
             unto
             us
             by
             this
             Grace
             ,
             this
             Duty
             of
             being
             Spiritually
             Minded
             .
             And
             wherein
             it
             falls
             short
             of
             that
             Perfection
             which
             we
             had
             originally
             ;
             (
             for
             the
             remainders
             of
             that
             Disorder
             which
             befell
             us
             by
             Sin
             ,
             will
             still
             in
             part
             continue
             )
             it
             is
             recompenced
             by
             the
             Actings
             of
             that
             new
             Principle
             of
             Gospel
             Grace
             which
             is
             exercised
             in
             it
             .
             For
             every
             Act
             of
             of
             our
             Affections
             towards
             God
             ,
             in
             the
             Power
             of
             Grace
             ,
             exceeds
             ,
             and
             is
             of
             another
             nature
             ,
             above
             that
             we
             could
             do
             ,
             or
             attain
             unto
             ,
             in
             the
             
               State
               of
               nature
            
             uncorrupted
             .
             Hereby
             are
             Life
             and
             Peace
             brought
             into
             our
             Souls
             ,
             and
             preserved
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             (
             3
             )
             It
             is
             that
             whereby
             our
             
               Hearts
               and
               Minds
               are
               taken
               off
               from
               the
               World
               ,
            
             and
             all
             inordinate
             Love
             thereunto
             .
             
             Where
             this
             is
             in
             prevalent
             Degree
             ,
             there
             is
             neither
             
               Life
               ,
               nor
               Peace
            
             .
             And
             every
             excess
             in
             it
             ,
             both
             weakens
             Spiritual
             Life
             ,
             and
             disturbs
             ,
             yea
             ,
             destroys
             all
             solid
             Spiritual
             Peace
             .
             I
             have
             occasionally
             spoken
             unto
             it
             before
             ,
             as
             also
             the
             way
             whereby
             our
             minding
             of
             the
             things
             that
             are
             above
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             ,
             doth
             deliver
             and
             preserve
             our
             Souls
             from
             the
             Snares
             of
             it
             .
             And
             if
             we
             diligently
             examine
             our selves
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             ,
             that
             in
             our
             inordinate
             Affections
             ,
             and
             cleaving
             unto
             these
             things
             ,
             the
             principal
             Causes
             why
             we
             thrive
             no
             more
             in
             the
             power
             of
             Spiritual
             Life
             ,
             and
             whence
             we
             meet
             with
             so
             many
             Disquietments
             and
             Dejections
             of
             Spirit
             unto
             the
             disturbance
             of
             our
             Prace
             and
             Rest
             in
             God
             ,
             is
             from
             hence
             .
             For
             there
             is
             no
             Grace
             which
             is
             not
             impaired
             by
             it
             in
             its
             nature
             ,
             or
             not
             obstructed
             by
             it
             in
             its
             Exercise
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             to
             be
             Spiritually
             Minded
             is
             
               Life
               and
               Peace
            
             ,
             because
             it
             subdues
             and
             expells
             that
             inordinate
             Love
             unto
             present
             things
             ,
             which
             is
             destructive
             of
             them
             both
             ,
             and
             inconsistent
             with
             them
             .
          
           
             (
             4
             )
             It
             preserves
             the
             Mind
             in
             
               a
               due
               and
               holy
               Frame
               in
               the
               Performance
               of
               all
               other
               Duties
               .
            
             This
             also
             is
             indispensibly
             required
             ,
             unto
             the
             Preservation
             of
             Life
             and
             Peace
             ,
             especially
             unto
             the
             improvement
             of
             them
             .
             They
             will
             not
             abide
             much
             less
             thrive
             and
             flourish
             in
             any
             Persons
             who
             are
             negligent
             in
             holy
             Duties
             ,
             or
             do
             not
             perform
             them
             in
             a
             due
             manner
             .
             And
             there
             are
             four
             things
             which
             impede
             or
             hinder
             us
             from
             such
             an
             attendance
             unto
             Holy
             Duties
             ,
             as
             may
             be
             advantagious
             unto
             our
             Souls
             ;
             against
             all
             which
             we
             have
             relief
             by
             being
             Spiritually
             Minded
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             Distractions
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             Despondencies
             .
          
           
             (
             3
             )
             Weariness
             .
          
           
             (
             4
             )
             
               Unreadiness
               of
               Grace
               for
               Exercise
            
             .
          
           
             (
             1
             )
             
               Distraction
               of
               Mind
               and
               Thoughts
            
             ,
             hath
             this
             evil
             Effect
             ,
             which
             many
             complain
             of
             ,
             few
             take
             the
             right
             way
             of
             Deliverance
             from
             .
             For
             this
             Evil
             will
             not
             be
             cured
             by
             
             attendance
             unto
             any
             
               particular
               Directions
            
             ,
             without
             a
             change
             of
             the
             
               whole
               Frame
            
             of
             our
             Minds
             .
             Nothing
             can
             give
             us
             Relief
             herein
             ,
             but
             a
             prevalent
             Delight
             in
             being
             exercised
             about
             things
             Spiritual
             and
             Heavenly
             .
             For
             hence
             arise
             all
             our
             Distractions
             ;
             the
             want
             of
             fixing
             our
             minds
             on
             Spiritual
             things
             with
             Delight
             ,
             makes
             them
             obnoxious
             to
             be
             diverted
             from
             them
             on
             all
             occasions
             ,
             yea
             to
             seek
             occasions
             for
             such
             Diversions
             .
             It
             is
             this
             frame
             alone
             ,
             namely
             ,
             of
             
               Spiritual
               Mindedness
            
             ,
             that
             will
             give
             us
             this
             Delight
             .
             For
             thereby
             the
             Soul
             is
             transformed
             into
             the
             likness
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             ;
             so
             as
             that
             they
             are
             suited
             unto
             it
             ,
             and
             pleasant
             unto
             our
             Affections
             .
             The
             mind
             and
             the
             things
             themselves
             are
             thereby
             so
             fitted
             unto
             each
             other
             ,
             that
             on
             every
             occasion
             they
             are
             ready
             for
             mutual
             Embraces
             ,
             and
             not
             easily
             drawn
             off
             by
             any
             cause
             or
             means
             Of
             the
             Distractions
             so
             complained
             of
             ,
             yea
             ,
             they
             will
             all
             be
             prevented
             hereby
             .
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             
               Despondencys
               in
               Duties
            
             arise
             from
             the
             frequent
             Incursions
             of
             the
             
               Guilt
               of
               Sin.
            
             The
             remembrance
             hereof
             frequently
             sollicites
             the
             Minds
             of
             Persons
             in
             their
             first
             entrances
             into
             Duty
             ,
             unless
             they
             are
             under
             especial
             actings
             of
             Grace
             ,
             stirring
             them
             up
             unto
             earnestness
             and
             fervency
             in
             what
             they
             undertake
             .
             At
             other
             seasons
             it
             renders
             men
             
               Lifeless
               and
               Heartless
            
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             they
             know
             not
             whether
             they
             had
             best
             Pray
             or
             no
             ,
             when
             Duty
             and
             Opportunity
             call
             them
             thereunto
             .
             To
             be
             Spiritually
             Minded
             ▪
             we
             have
             manifested
             in
             many
             Instances
             is
             the
             great
             Preservative
             against
             these
             disheartening
             incursions
             of
             sin
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Souls
             
               watch
               and
               guard
            
             against
             them
             ,
             whence
             ever
             they
             arise
             or
             proceed
             .
             No
             lust
             or
             corruption
             can
             be
             Prevalent
             in
             a
             Spiritual
             mind
             .
             And
             this
             is
             the
             Principal
             cause
             of
             such
             Incursions
             of
             Sin
             ,
             as
             affect
             the
             Soul
             with
             a
             disheartening
             sense
             of
             Guilt
             .
             No
             Affections
             can
             abide
             in
             any
             sinful
             Disorder
             ,
             where
             the
             Mind
             is
             so
             affected
             .
             This
             also
             gives
             sin
             an
             entrance
             unto
             a
             distracting
             sense
             of
             Guilt
             .
             But
             the
             fole
             Cure
             hereof
             lyes
             in
             this
             Grace
             and
             Duty
             .
             The
             
             like
             may
             be
             said
             of
             all
             other
             wayes
             ,
             meanes
             ,
             and
             Occasions
             of
             such
             Incursions
             of
             Sin.
             
          
           
             (
             3
             )
             
               Weariness
               in
               ,
               and
               of
               Spiritual
               Duties
               ,
            
             abate
             their
             tendency
             unto
             the
             Improvement
             of
             Life
             and
             Peace
             in
             us
             .
             This
             Evil
             ariseth
             from
             the
             same
             Cause
             with
             that
             or
             Distraction
             before
             mentioned
             .
             And
             it
             is
             oft-times
             encreased
             by
             the
             Weakness
             and
             Indispositions
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             outward
             man.
             Sometimes
             the
             
               Spirit
               is
               willing
            
             ,
             but
             through
             the
             weakness
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             it
             is
             disappointed
             .
             The
             principal
             cure
             hereof
             lyes
             in
             that
             Delight
             which
             spiritual
             Mindedness
             gives
             unto
             the
             Soul
             in
             Spiritual
             things
             .
             For
             where
             there
             is
             
               constant
               Delight
            
             in
             any
             thing
             ,
             there
             will
             be
             no
             weariness
             ,
             at
             least
             ,
             not
             such
             as
             shall
             hinder
             any
             from
             cleaving
             firmly
             unto
             the
             things
             wherein
             he
             doth
             delight
             .
             Whil'st
             therefore
             we
             are
             exercised
             in
             a
             delight
             in
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             weariness
             cannot
             prevalently
             assault
             the
             Mind
             .
             And
             it
             is
             the
             only
             Relief
             against
             that
             Weariness
             which
             proceeds
             from
             the
             Indispositions
             of
             the
             outward
             man.
             For
             as
             it
             will
             preserve
             the
             Mind
             from
             attending
             too
             much
             unto
             their
             Solicitations
             ,
             
               crying
               spare
               thy self
            
             ,
             by
             filling
             and
             possessing
             the
             Thoughts
             with
             other
             things
             ;
             so
             it
             will
             offer
             an
             holy
             Violence
             unto
             the
             Complaints
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             silencing
             them
             with
             a
             sense
             of
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             holy
             Duties
             -
          
           
             (
             4
             )
             The
             
               Unreadiness
               of
               Grace
               for
               its
               due
               and
               proper
               Excercise
               ,
            
             is
             another
             thing
             which
             defeats
             us
             of
             the
             Benefit
             of
             holy
             Duties
             .
             The
             Seasons
             of
             them
             are
             come
             ,
             sense
             of
             Duty
             carries
             men
             unto
             an
             Attendance
             unto
             them
             ,
             and
             the
             performance
             of
             them
             .
             But
             when
             they
             should
             enter
             upon
             them
             ,
             those
             Graces
             of
             Faith
             ,
             Love
             ,
             Fear
             ,
             and
             Delight
             ,
             wherein
             the
             Soul
             and
             Being
             of
             them
             do
             consist
             ,
             are
             out
             of
             the
             way
             ,
             unready
             for
             a
             due
             Exercise
             ;
             so
             as
             that
             men
             take
             up
             and
             satisfy
             themselves
             with
             the
             
               meer
               outward
               Performance
            
             of
             them
             The
             Heart
             and
             Mind
             have
             been
             taken
             up
             with
             other
             things
             ,
             due
             Preparation
             hath
             been
             wanting
             ;
             men
             come
             unto
             them
             
             with
             reaking
             Thoughts
             of
             
               earthly
               Occasions
            
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             no
             easy
             matter
             in
             ,
             or
             immediately
             out
             of
             ,
             such
             a
             Frame
             ,
             to
             stir
             up
             Grace
             unto
             a
             due
             Exercise
             .
             But
             herein
             lyeth
             the
             very
             Life
             of
             being
             Spiritually
             Minded
             .
             The
             nature
             of
             it
             consists
             in
             the
             keeping
             and
             preserving
             all
             Grace
             in
             a
             Readiness
             for
             its
             Exercise
             as
             our
             Occasions
             require
             .
          
           
             And
             this
             is
             an
             effectual
             way
             whereby
             this
             Grace
             come
             to
             be
             
               Life
               and
               Peace
            
             .
             For
             they
             cannot
             be
             attained
             ,
             they
             cannot
             be
             preserved
             ,
             without
             such
             a
             constancy
             and
             Spirituality
             in
             all
             holy
             Duties
             ,
             as
             we
             shall
             never
             arive
             at
             ,
             unless
             we
             are
             Spiritually
             Minded
             .
          
           
             Lastly
             ;
             this
             frame
             of
             mind
             brings
             the
             Soul
             unto
             ,
             and
             keeps
             it
             at
             its
             nearest
             
               approaches
               ,
               unto
               Heaven
               and
               Blessedness
               ,
            
             wherein
             lye
             the
             eternal
             springs
             of
             life
             and
             Peace
             .
             According
             unto
             the
             Degrees
             of
             this
             Grace
             in
             us
             ,
             such
             are
             those
             of
             our
             approaches
             unto
             God.
             Nearness
             unto
             him
             ,
             gives
             us
             our
             initial
             conformity
             unto
             him
             ,
             by
             the
             Renovation
             of
             his
             Image
             in
             us
             ,
             as
             our
             Presence
             with
             him
             ,
             will
             give
             us
             Perfection
             therein
             ;
             for
             
               when
               we
               see
               him
               we
               shall
               be
               like
               unto
               him
               .
            
             He
             therefore
             alone
             as
             he
             is
             in
             Christ
             being
             the
             fountain
             of
             
               Life
               and
               Peace
            
             ,
             by
             our
             drawing
             nigh
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             by
             our
             Likeness
             of
             him
             ,
             will
             they
             thrive
             and
             flourish
             in
             our
             Souls
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .