238 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. enjoyment of earthly things; so as not to adhere to themwith inordinate affections. First. Remember always that you are not proprie- tors, nor absolute possessors of these things, but only stewards of them. With respect to men, you are, or may be, just proprietors of what you enjoy; with re- spect to himwho is the great possessor of heaven and earth, you are but stewards. This stewardship we are to give an account of, as we are taught in the parable, Luke xvi. 1, 2. This rule always attended to, will be a blessed guide in all instances and occasions of duty. But if a man be left in trust with houses and large possessions, as a steward for the right lord, owner, and proprietor of them ; if he fall into a pleasing dream, that they are all his own, and use them accordingly, it will be a woful surprisal to him, whenhe shall be called to account for all he hath received and laid out, whe- ther he will or not ; and when indeed he hath nothing to pay. It will scarce be otherwise with them at the great day, who forget the trust which is committed to them, and suppose they may do what they will, with what they call their own. Secondly. There is nothing in the ways of getting, enjoying, or using of these things, but giveth its own evidence to spiritual wisdom, whether it be within the bounds of duty or not. Men are not lightly deceived herein, but when they are evidently under the power of corrupt affections, or will not at all attend to them- selves, and the language of their own consciences. It is a manos own fault alone, if he know not wherein he cloth exceed. A due examination of ourselves in the sight of God, with respect to these things, the frame and actings of our minds in them, will greatly give check to our cor-
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