The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

Secondly, A suitableness therein unto our Condition, State, and Desires after Rest and Blessedness. The first of these is in God, from what he is in himself; the latter is from what he is unto us in Christ; from both he is the only suitable Object unto our Affections. Under this Apprehension do we love God for himself, or for his own sake; not exclusively unto our Advantage therein. For a desire of Union and Enjoyment, which is our only Advantage, is inseparable from this Love.

It may be some cannot say that a distinct Apprehension of these things, was the first Foundation and Cause of their Love to God; yet are they satisfied that they do love him in Sincerity with all their souls. And I say, it may be so. God sometimes calls the skirt of his own Love, over the heart of a poor sinner, and efficaciously draws it unto himself, without a distinct Apprehension of these things by a mere sense of the Love it hath received. So Elijah passed by Elisha, and cast his Mantle upon him as a transient Act. But there was such a Communication of Virtue thereby, that he ran after him, and would not be deferred, though Elijah said, go back again, for what have I done unto thee, 1 Kings 19.19, 20. When God hath so cast his Love on any soul, it follows after him with all its Affections. And whereas God may seem at some times to say, go back again, for what have I done unto thee; its Answer is, Lord, whether shall I go, I cannot leave thee, my Heart is given up unto thee, and shall never be taken from thee.

It may be some cannot say that a distinct Apprehension of these things, was the first Foundation and Cause of their Love to God; yet are they satisfyed that they do love him in Sincerity with all their souls. And I say, it may be so. God sometimes calls the skirt of his own Love, over the heart of a poor sinner, and efficaciously draws it unto himself, without a distinct Apprehension of these things by a meere sense of the Love it hath received. So Elijah passed by Elisha, and cast his Mantle upon him as a transient Act. But there was such a Communication of Virtue thereby, that he ran after him, and would not be deferred, though Elijah said, go back again, for what have I done unto thee,