The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

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 show 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 showed, 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 administered 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 rendered their Graces illustrious.

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.