ÒP SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. 147 (1.) To have our minds filled and possessed with thoughts thereof, will giveus analacrity in our entrance into sufferings in a way of duty. Other considerations will offer themselves to our relief, which will quickly fade and disappear. They are like a cordial 'water, which gives a little relief for a season, and then leaves the spirits to sink beneath what theywere before it was taken. Some relieve themselves from the consideration of the nature of their sufferings ; they are not so great but that they may conflict with them, and come offwith safety. But there is nothing of that kind so small, but it will prove too hard and strong for us, unless we have especial assistance. Some do the same front their duration; they are but for ten days or six months, and then they shall be free. Some from the compas- sion and esteem of men. These and the like conside. rations are apt to occur to the minds of all sorts of per- sons, whether they are spiritually minded or not. But when our minds are accustomed to thoughts of the glory that shall be revealed, we shall cheerfully enter= tain everyway and path that leads thereunto, as suffer- ing for the truthdoth in a peculiar manner. Through this medium we may look cheerfully and comfortably on the loss of name, reputation, goods, liberty, life itself, as "knowing in ourselves that we have better and more abiding comforts" to betake ourselves to. And we can no other way glorify God by our alacrity in the entrance on sufferings, thanwhen it ariseth from a prospect into, and valuation of those invisible things which he hath promised, as an abundant recompense for all we can lose in, this world. (2.) The great aggravation of sufferings is their long continuance, without any rational appearance or hopes of relief. Many who have entered into sufferingswith
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