OF Sl.'IRITUAï MINDEDNESS. 237 about them, and the inordinate love of them, on the knowledge whereof our eternal condition depends, it is impossiblebut men must spend their time in solicit- ousanxiety of mind, as not knowing when they have aright discharged their duty.. Ans. (1.) I press these things at present no further, . but only to show how dangerous a thing it is for any to incline in his affections to the things of this world,, wherein an excess is ruinous, and hardly discoverable. Surely, no wise man will venture freely and frequent-. ly to the edge of such a precipice. He will be jealous of his measures, lest they will not hold by the rule of the word. And a due sense hereof is the best preserv- ative of the soul, from cleaving inordinately to these things below. And when God, in any instance, by afflictions, or otherwise, shows to believers their transgression herein, and how they have exceeded,. Job xxxviii. 8, 9, it makes them careful for the future. They will now or never be diligent, that they fall not, under that peremptory rule. 1 John ii: 14. Secondly. Where the soul is upright and sincere, . there is no need in this case of any more solicitous- ness or anxiety of mind, than there is to or about oth- er duties. But when it is biased and actuated by self love, and its more strong inclinations are to things present, it is impossible men should enjoy solid peace, . or be freed from severe reflectionson them by their own . consciences, in such seasons wherein they are awaken- ed to their duty, and the consideration of their state ; nor have I any thing to tender for their relief. With others it is not so ; and therefore I shall so far digress in this place, as to give some directions to those who in sincerity would be satisfied in this lawful use and
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