The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

First. Our Souls then have no way of approach unto God in Duties of Worship, but by Faith; no way of adherence or cleaving unto him, but by Love; no way of abiding in him, but by Fear, Reverence, and Delight. When ever these are not in Exercise, Outward Duties of Worship are so far from being a means of such an Approach unto him, as that they set us at a greater Distance from him, than we were before, at least are utterly useless and fruitless unto us. So indeed they are unto the most who come unto them, they know not why, and behave themselves under them, they care not how: Nor is there any evil in the Hearts and ways of Men whereof God complaineth more in his Word, as that which is accompanied with the highest Contempt of him. And because these Ordinances of Divine Worship are means which the Wisdom and Grace of God hath appointed unto this end, namely, the Exercise and Increase of Divine Faith and Love, and therefore doth Sanctify and Bless them thereunto. I do not believe that they have any Delight in the Exercise of these Graces, nor do design growth in them, by whom these great means of them are despised or neglected.

First. Our Souls then have no way of approach unto God in Duties of VVorship, but by Faith; no way of adherance or cleaving unto him, but by Love; no way of abiding in him, but by Fear, Reverence, and Delight. When ever these are not in Excercise, Outward Duties of Worship are so far from being a meanes of such an Approach unto him, as that they set us at a greater Distance from him, than we were before, at least are utterly useless and fruitless unto us. So indeed they are unto the most who come unto them, they know not why, and behave themselves under them, they care not how: Nor is there any evil in the Hearts and ways of Men whereof God complaineth more in his Word, as that which is accompanied with the highest Contempt of him. And because these Ordinances of Divine Worship are means which the VVisdom and Grace of God hath appointed unto this end, namely, the Exercise and Increase of Divine Faith and Love, and therefore doth Sanctify and Bless them thereunto. I do not believe that they have any Delight in the Exercise of these Graces, nor do design growth in them, by whom these great meanes of them are despised or neglected.