It must be observed, that the best of men, the most holy ⟨p. 24⟩and spiritually minded, may have, nay ought to have their Thoughts of spiritual things excited, multiplied, and confirmed by the preaching of the Word. It is one end of its Dispensation, one principal use of it in them by whom it is received. And it hath this effect two ways. (1.) As it is the spiritual food of the Soul, whereby its Principle of Life and Grace is maintained and strengthened. The more this is done, the more shall we thrive in being spiritually minded. (2.) As it administereth occasion unto the Exercise of Grace. For proposing the proper Object of Faith, Love, Fear, Trust, Reverence unto the Soul, it draws forth all those Graces into Exercise. Wherefore, although the Vigorous actings of spiritual thoughts be occasional from the Word, be more under and after the preaching of it, than at other times, it is no more but what ariseth from the nature and use of the Ordinance, by Gods own appointment, nor is it any Evidence that those with whom it is so, are not spiritually minded; but on the contrary that they are. Yet where men have no other thoughts of this matter but what are occasioned by the outward dispensation of the Word, such thoughts do not prove them to be spiritually minded. Their Endeavours in them are like those of men in a dream. Under some oppression of their spirits, their Imagination fixeth on something or other, that is most earnestly to be desired or avoided. Herein they seem to themselves to strive with all their might, to endeavour to go, run or contend, but all in vain; every thing fails them, and they are not relieved until they are awaked. So such Persons in Impressions they receive from the Word, seem to strive and contend in their thoughts and resolutions to comply with what is proposed unto them; but their strength fails, they find no success, for want of a Principle of Spiritual Life, and after a time give over their Endeavours until they are occasionally renewed again. Now the Thoughts which in the Dispensation of the Word do proceed from an inward Principle ⟨p. 25⟩of Grace excited unto its due exercise, are distinguishable from them which are only occasionally suggested unto the mind by the Word outwardly Preached. For (1.) They are especial actings of Faith and Love towards the things themselves that are Preached.
It must be observed, that the best of men, the most holy ⟨p. 24⟩and spiritually minded, may have, nay ought to have their Thoughts of spiritual things excited, multiplyed, and confirmed by the preaching of the Word. It is one end of its Dispensation, one principal use of it in them by whom it is received. And it hath this effect two wayes. (1.) As it is the spiritual food of the Soul, whereby its Principle of Life and Grace is maintained and strengthened. The more this is done, the more shall we thrive in being spiritually minded. (2.) As it administreth occasion unto the Exercise of Grace. For proposing the proper Object of Faith, Love, Fear, Trust, Reverence unto the Soul, it draws forth all those Graces into Exercise. Wherefore, although the Vigorous actings of spiritual thoughts be occasional from the Word, be more under and after the preaching of it, than at other times, it is no more but what ariseth from the nature and use of the Ordinance, by Gods own appointment, nor is it any Evidence that those with whom it is so, are not spiritually minded; but on the contrary that they are. Yet where men have no other thoughts of this matter but what are occasioned by the outward dispensation of the Word, such thoughts do not prove them to be spiritually minded. Their Endeavours in them are like those of men in a dream. Under some oppression of their spirits, their Imagination fixeth on something or other, that is most earnestly to be desired or avoided. Herein they seem to themselves to strive with all their might, to endeavour to goe, run or contend, but all in vain; every thing fails them, and they are not relieved untill they are awaked. So such Persons in Impressions they receive from the Word, seem to strive and contend in their thoughts and resolutions to comply with what is proposed unto them; but their strength fails, they find no success, for want of a Principle of Spiritual Life, and after a time give over their Endeavours untill they are occasionally renewed again. Now the Thoughts which in the Dispensation of the Word do proceed from an inward Principle ⟨p. 25⟩of Grace excited unto its due exercise, are distinguishable from them which are only occasionally suggested unto the mind by the Word outwardly Preached. For (1.) They are especial actings of Faith and Love towards the things themselves that are Preached.
