The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

There can be nothing more uncouth, absurd, and shameful, nothing more opposite unto the Intimation of the Wisdom and Will of God in his dealings with those first and most honourable Dispensers of it, than for such Persons to seek and follow greedily after secular Advantages, in worldly Powers, Riches, Wealth, and Honour. Hence there hath been in former Ages, and Endeavour to separate such Persons as ⟨p. 186⟩were by any means dedicated unto the Ministry of the Gospel, from all Secular Dignities and Revenues. Yea, some maintained, that they were to enjoy nothing of their own, but were to live on Alms, or the free Contributions of the People. But this was quickly Condemned as Heresy in Wycliffe and others. Yet another sort set up, that would pretend thereunto, as unto themselves, though they would not oblige all others unto the same Rule. This produced some Swarms of begging Friars, whom they of the Church, who were in Possession of Wealth and Power, thought meet to laugh at and let alone; of late Years, this Contest is at an End. The Clergy have happily gotten the Victory, and esteem all due unto them, that they can by any ways obtain; nor is there any greater Crime, than for a Man to be otherwise minded. But these things are not our present Concernment. From the Beginning it was not so. And it is well if in such a way, Men are able to maintain the Frame of Mind enquired after, which is Life and Peace.

There can be nothing more uncouth, absurd, and shameful, nothing more opposite unto the Intimation of the Wisdom and Will of God in his dealings with those first and most honourable Dispensers of it, than for such Persons to seek and follow greedily after secular Advantages, in worldly Powers, Riches, Wealth, and Honour. Hence there hath been in former Ages, and Endeavour to seperate such Persons as ⟨p. 186⟩were by any means dedicated unto the Ministry of the Gospel, from all Secular Dignities and Revenues. Yea, some maintained, that they were to enjoy nothing of their own, but were to live on Alms, or the free Contributions of the People. But this was quickly Condemned as Heresy in Wickliff and others. Yet another sort set up, that would pretend thereunto, as unto themselves, though they would not obliege all others unto the same Rule. This produced some Swarms of begging Fryars, whom they of the Church, who were in Possession of Wealth and Power, thought meet to laugh at and let alone; of late Years, this Contest is at an End. The Clergy have happily gotten the Victory, and esteem all due unto them, that they can by any ways obtain; nor is there any greater Crime, than for a Man to be otherwise minded. But these things are not our present Concernment. From the Beginning it was not so. And it is well if in such a way, Men are able to maintaine the Frame of Mind enquired after, which is Life and Peace.