OP SPïRÍTUAI. MÍND.RDNRSS. 247 all actual sin in the world. Mat. xv. 19. The evil heart in the scripture, is the corrupt affections of it, with the imaginations of the minds, whereby they are excited and acted. Gen. vi. 5. These are theywhich at this time fill the whole world with wickedness, darkness, confusion, and terror. And we may learn what is their force and efficacy from these effects. So the nature of the plague is most evident, when we see thousands dying of it every week. Fourthly. They are the way and means whereby the soul applies itself to all sinful objects and actings. Hence are they called our members, our earthly mem- bers ; because, as the body applies itself to its opera. tions by its members, so doth the soul apply itself to what belongs to it, by its affections. Rom. vi. 13. Col. iii. 5. Fifthly. They will not be under-the conduct of the mind, its light, or convictions. Rebellion against the light of the mind, is the very formwhereby their cor- ruption acts itself. Job xxiv, 13. Let the apprehend sions of the mind, and its notions of good and evil, be what they will, they reject them, and lead the soul in pursuit of their inclinations. Hence no natural man whatsoever doth in any measure answer the light of his mind, or the convictions of his understanding ; but he sees and approves of better things, following those that are worse. And there is no greater spiritual judgment, than for men to be given up to themselves, and their own evil affections. Rom. i. 26. Many other instances might be given of the great; ness of that depravation which our affections are' fallen under by sin; these may suffice for our present purpose.
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