The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

It will appear so unto themselves, unless they are content to loose their Spiritual Affections, acting themselves ⟨p. 223⟩in Faith and Love, embracing in their stead a Carnal Imaginary Devotion. Hence, two Persons may at the same time attend unto the same Ordinances of Divine Worship, with equal delight on very distinct Principles; as if two men should come into the same Garden planted and adorned with all variety of Herbs and Flowers; one ignorant of the nature of them, the other a skilful Herbalist. Both may be equally delighted, the one with the colours and smell of the Flowers, the other with the consideration of their various natures, their uses in Physical Remedies, or the like. So it may be in the hearing of the Word. For Instance, one may be delighted with the outward Administration, another with its Spiritual Efficacy at the same time. Hence Austin tells us, that singing in the Church was laid aside by Athanasius at Alexandria; not the Peoples singing of Psalms, but a kind of singing in the reading of the Scripture and some Offices of Worship which began then to be introduced in the Church. And the reason he gave why he did it was, that the modulation of the Voice and musical June, might not divert the Minds of men from that Spiritual Affection which is required of them in Sacred Duties. What there is of real Order in the Worship of God, as there is that Order which is an Effect of Divine Wisdom, it is suited and useful unto Spiritual Affections, because proceeding from the same Spirit, whereby they are internally renewed. Beholding your Order, Col. 2.5. Every thing of Gods Appointment is both helpful and delightful unto them. None can say with higher raptures of Admiration, How amiable are thy Tabernacles O Lord! Psal. 84.1, 2. then they whose Affections are renewed. Yet is not their Delight terminated on them, as we shall see immediately.

It will appear so unto themselves, unless they are content to loose their Spiritual Affections, acting themselves ⟨p. 223⟩in Faith and Love, embracing in their stead a Carnal Imaginary Devotion. Hence, two Persons may at the same time attend unto the same Ordinances of Divine Worship, with equal delight on very distinct Principles; as if two men should come into the same Garden planted and adorned with all variety of Herbs and Flowers; one ignorant of the nature of them, the other a skilful Herbalist. Both may be equally delighted, the one with the colours and smell of the Flowers, the other with the consideration of their various natures, their uses in Pyhsical Remedies, or the like. So it may be in the hearing of the Word. For Instance, one may be delighted with the outward Administration, another with its Spiritual Efficacy at the same time. Hence Austin tells us, that singing in the Church was laid aside by Athanasius at Alexandria; not the Peoples singing of Psalms, but a kind of singing in the reading of the Scripture and some Offices of Worship which began then to be introduced in the Church. And the reason he gave why he did it was, that the modulation of the Voice and musical Iune, might not divert the Minds of men from that Spiritual Affection which is required of them in Sacred Duties. What there is of real Order in the Worship of God, as there is that Order which is an Effect of Divine Wisdom, it is suited and useful unto Spiritual Affections, because proceeding from the same Spirit, whereby they are internally renewed. Beholding your Order,