The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

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, whilst 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. ⟨p. 55⟩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.

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. ⟨p. 55⟩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.