OE SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. 1q5 with thoughtsof the goodness, the amiableness, the self - sufficiency, the all-sufficient satisfaetoriness of the infinite perfections of the Divine Nature. These things shine in themselves with such a glorious light, as that there is no more required to a perception of them, but that men do not wilfully shut their eyes against it, through bestial sensuality and love of sin. From reason also, they frame their conceptions con- cerning the capacity of the souls of men for the im- mediate enjoyment of God, and what is suited therein to their utmost blessedness. No more is required to these things, but a due consideration of the nature of God and man, with our relation to him and depend- ence on him. By the light of the Scripture they frame these things into that which they call the beati- fical vision, whereby they intend all the ways in which God, in the highest and immediate instances, can and doth communicate of himself to the soul's of men, and the utmost elevation of their intellectual ca- pacities to receive those communications. It is such an intellectual apprehension of the Divine Nature and perfections, with ineffable love, as gives the soul the utmost rest and blessedness which its capacities can extend to. These things are so ; and theyhave been by many both piously and elegantly illustrated; howbeit, they are above the capacities of ordinary Christians; they know not how they manage them in their minds, nor exercise their thoughts about them; they cannot re- duce them to present usefulness, nor make them sub- servient to the exercise and increase of grace : and the truth is, the Scripture gives us another notion of heaven and glory, not contrary to this, not inconsistent with it, but more suited to the faith and experience of be- 11
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=