The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

CHAP. XX.

Having considered the nature of Spiritual Affections as renewed by Grace, and those Notions of their Objects under which they cleave unto them, it remains only that we enquire into the way of the Souls Application of it self unto those Objects by its Affections, which belong also unto our being Spiritually-Minded. And I shall give an account hereof in some few particulars, with brief Observations on them.

HAving considered the nature of Spiritual Affections as renewed by Grace, and those Notions of their Objects under which they cleave unto them, it remains only that we enquire into the way of the Souls Application of it self unto those Objects by its Affections, which belong also unto our being Spiritually-Minded. And I shall give an account hereof in some few particulars, with brief Observations on them.

First, It is required that our adherence unto all Spiritual things with Love and Delight be firm and stable. The Affections are the Powers and Instruments of the Soul whereby it makes Application unto any thing without it self, and cleaves unto it. This is their nature and use with reference unto things Spiritual. Transient Thoughts of Spiritual things, with vanishing Desires, may rise out of present Convictions, as they did with them who cried out unto our Saviour, Lord give us evermore of this Bread, and immediately left him. Such Occasional Thoughts and Desires are common unto all sorts of Men, yea, the worst of them, let me die the Death of the Righteous, and let my End be as his. Fading Satisfaction with joy and delight, do often befall men in their Attendance on the Word, who yet never come to have it rooted in their Hearts.

First, It is required that our adherence unto all Spiritual things with Love and Delight be firm and stable. The Affections are the Powers and Instruments of the Soul whereby it makes Application unto any thing without it self, and cleaves unto it. This is their nature and use with reference unto things Spiritual. Transient Thoughts of Spiritual things, with vanishing Desires, may rise out of present Convictions, as they did with them who cryed out unto our Saviour, Lord give us evermore of this Bread, and immediately left him. Such Occasional Thoughts and Desires are common unto all sorts of Men, yea, the worst of them, let me die the Death of the Righteous, and let my End be as his. Fading Satisfaction with joy and delight, do often befall men in their Attendance on the Word, who yet never come to have it rooted in their Hearts.