The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

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. ⟨p. 101⟩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 truly 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.

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. ⟨p. 101⟩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.