The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

CHAP. X.

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 ⟨p. 168⟩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 befalls 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.