106 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. but to have our minds exercised in the contemplation of heavenly things, of things that are invisible and eternal. He who is thus spiritual, minded, who hath his thoughts and affections set on things above, will have always in a readiness what to oppose unto any circumstance of his sufferings. Thoseviews which such an one hath had by faith, of the untreated glories above, of the things in hea- venly places, where Christ sits at the right hand of God, of the - glory within the vail, whereby theyhave been realised and made present to his soul, will now visit him every moment, abide with him continually, . and put forth their efficacy to his support and re- freshment. Alas ! what will become of many of us, who are grovelling continually on the earth, whose bellies cleave to the dust, who are strangers to the thoughts of heavenly things, when distressing troubles shall befal us'? Why, shall we think that refreshing thoughts of things above will then visit our souls, when we resisted th3iradmittance in days of peace i Do you come to me .inyour distress, saith Jeptha, when in the time of your peace you drove me from you l When we would thus think of heavenly things to our refreshment, we shall hardly get them to make an abode with us. I know God can come in by the mighty power of his spirit and grace, to support and comfort the souls of them who are called, and even surprised into the greatest of sufferings. Yet do I know also, that it is our duty not to tempt him, in the neglect of the ways and means which he hath ap- pointed for the communication of his grace to us. Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, as the author and finisher of our faith, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross and despised the shame. Heb.
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