OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. Qs And it is to be feared, that far the greatest number of them who satisfy themselves in this apprehension, willingly neglecting an endeavor after the further de- grees of this grace, and growth in this duty, which their light or convictions, and the means they enjoy, do suggest unto them, are indeed carnally minded, and every way obnoxious unto death. CHAPTER II. .f1 particular account of the nature of this grace and duty of being spiritually minded. How it is stated in, and evidenced by, our thoughts. HAVING stated the general concernments of that frame of mind which is here recommended unto us, we may proceed to inquire more particularly into the nature of it, according unto the description before given, in distinct propositions. And we shall carry on both these intentions together ; first, to show what it is, and wherein it doth consist ; and then how it doth evi- dence itself, so as that we may frame a right judgment whether it be in us or not. And we shall have no regard unto theta who either neglect or despise these things, on any pretence whatever. For this is the word according unto which we shall all shortly be judged: To be carnally minded is death ; but to be spiritually minded, is life and peace. Thoughts and meditations, as proceeding from spiritual affections, are the first things wherein this spiritual mindedness doth consist, and whereby it doth evidence itself. Our thoughts are like the blossoms on a tree in the spring. You may see a tree in the spring all covered with blossoms, that nothing else of it appears. Multitudes of them fall off and come to 3
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