The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

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 persuaded 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. Understand 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 Colleges, 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 Bellies of multitudes of poor and needy Servants of Christ have been warmed and refreshed by them, blessing God for them. Thank's ⟨p. 94⟩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 Duties of Charity beyond what they did in the days of their fullness 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.

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,