OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. 23 who are really and truly spiritually minded, may yet, for a time at least, be under such an inordinate affec- tion unto, and care about, earthly things, that if not absolutely, yet comparatively, as unto what they ought to be and might be, they may be justly said to be earthly minded. They are so in respect of those de- grees in being spiritually minded, which they ought to aim at, and may attain unto. And where it is thus, this grace can never thrive or flourish, it can never ad- vance unto any eminent degree. This is the Zoar of many professors; that little one wherein they would be spared. Such an earthly mindedness as is wholly inconsistent with being spiritually minded, as unto the state and condition, which depends theron, they would avoid. For this they know would be absolutely exclusive of life and peace : they cannot but know that such a frame is as inconsistent with salvation, as living in the vilest sin that any man cancontract the guilt of. There are more ways of spiritual and eternal death than one, as well as of natural. All that die, have not the plague ; and all that perish eternally, are not guilty of the same profli- gate sins. The covetous are excluded from the king- dom of God, no less severely than fornicators, idola- ters, adulterers, and thieves,' 1 Cor. 6, 9, 10. But there is a degree in being earthly minded, which they suppose their interest, advantages, relations, and oc- casions of life, do call for, which they would be a lit- tle indulged in : they may abide in such a frame with- out a disparagement of their profession; and the truth, is, they have too many companions to fear an especial reflection on themselves. The multitude of the guilty takes away the sense and shame of the guilt. But besides, they hope that it is not inconsistent absolutely
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