OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. 177 the prophet Habakkuk was exercised with thoughts about such a state of things as is at this day in the world, which he declares, chap. i. 6 -12, he lays the foundation of his consideration in the fresh exercise of faith on the being and properties of God, v. 12, 13. And David makes that his retreat on the like occasion. Ps. xi. 3 -5. In such a season as this is, upon both the accounts mentioned, those who are spiritually minded will much exercise their thoughts about the being and existence of God. They will say within themselves, ' verily there is a reward for the righteous; verily he is a God. who judgeth in the earth.' Hence will follow such ap- prehensions of the immensity of his nature, of his eternal power,: and infinite wisdom, of his absolute sovereignty, as will hold their souls firm and steadfast in the highest storms of temptation that may befall them. Yet thereare two things that the weaker sort of be- lievers may be exercised with, in their thoughts of the divine being and existence, which may occasion them . some trouble. 1. Satan, knowing the weakness of our minds in the immediate contemplation of things infinite and in- comprehensible, will sometimes take advantage to in- sinuate blasphemous imaginations, in opposition to what we would fix upon and relieve ourselves with. He will take that very time, trusting to our weakness, and his own methods of subtilty, to suggest his temp- tations of atheism, by ensnaring inquiries, when we go about to refresh our souls with thoughts of divine be- ing and excellencies. ' But is there a God indeed 1 How do you know that there is a God l and may it not be otherwise 1' will be his language to our minds; for,
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