OF SPIRRt1'IIAL MINDEDNESS. 217 will be fixed and kept from wandering after variety of subjects, wherein it is apt to lose itself, and brings nothing to perfection. Lastly, be not discouraged with an apprehension, that all that you canattain to in the discharge of this duty, is so little, so contemptible, as that it is to no purpose to persist in it. Nor be wearied with the dif- ficulties you meet with in its performance. Youhave to do with him only in this matter, who will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax ; whose will it is that none should despise the day of small things. And if there be in this duty a ready mind, it is accepted, according to what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not. He that can bring into this treasury only the mites of broken desires and ejaculatory prayers, so they be his best, shall not come behind themwho cast into it out of their great abun- dance in ability and skill. To faint and give out, because we cannot arise to such a height as we aim at, is a fruit of pride and unbelief. He who finds himself to gain nothing by continual endeavors after holy, fixed meditations, but only a living, active sense ofhis own vileness and unworthiness, is a sufficient gainer by all his-pains, cost, and charge. But ordinari- ly it shall not be so ; constancy in the duty, will give ability for it. Those who conscientiously abide in its performance, shall increase in light, wisdom, and ex- perience, until they are able to manage it with great success. These few plain directions may possibly be of some use to the weaker sort of Christians, when they find a disability in themselves to the discharge of this duty, wherein those who are spiritually minded ought to be peculiarly exercised. 19
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