The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

True it is we can never be freed absolutely from all the ⟨p. 172⟩Effects of this Vanity and Instability of Mind in this world. Unchangeable cleaving unto God, always, in all the Powers and Affections of our Minds, is reserved for Heaven. But yet great degrees may be attained in the conquest and expulsion of it, such as I fear few have experience of; yet ought all to the labour after. If we apply our selves as we ought to the increase of Spiritual Light and Grace; if we labour diligently to abide and abound in Thoughts of spiritual things, and that in Love to them, and delight in them; if we watch against the entertainment and approbation of such Thoughts and things in our minds, as whereby this vain frame is pleased and confirmed; there is, though not an absolute perfection, yet a blessed degree of Heavenly Mindedness to be attained, and therein the nearest approach unto Glory, that in this world we are capable of. If a man cannot attain an Athletic Constitution of Health, or a strength like that of Sampson; yet if he be wise he will not omit the use of such means as may make him to be useful in the ordinary Duties of Life. And although we cannot attain Perfection in this matter, which yet is our Duty to be continually pressing after; yet if we are wise, will be endeavouring such a cure of this spiritual distemper, as we may be able to discharge all the duties of the Life of God. But if men in all other things, feed the Vanity of their own Minds, if they permit them to Rove continually after things foolish, sensual and earthly; if they wilfully supply them with Objects unto that End, and labour not by all means for the Mortification of this evil frame; in vain shall they desire or expect to bring them at any time, on any occasion, to be Steady in the Thoughts of Heavenly things. If it be thus with any, as it is to be feared it is with many, it is their duty to mind the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in the first place, Make the ⟨p. 173⟩Tree Good, and then the Fruit will be Good, and not before. When the power of Sanctifying Grace hath made the Mind habitually Spiritual and Heavenly, Thoughts of such things will be natural unto it, and accompanied with delight. But they will not be so until the God of Peace have Sanctified us in our whole Spirits, Souls and Bodies; whereby we may be preserved blameless unto the coming of Jesus Christ.

True it is we can never be freed absolutely from all the