OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. 29 of the inward frame and state of the mind. For if it be so on the one side as unto the carnal mind, it is so on the other as unto the spiritual. Wherefore, to be spirit- ually minded in the first place is, to have the course and stream of those thoughts which we ordinarily retreat unto, we approve of as suited unto our affections, to be about spiritual things. Therein consists the minding of the spirit. But, because all men, unless horriblyprofligate, have thoughts about spiritual, things, yet we know, that all men are not spiritually minded, we must consider, what is required unto such thoughts, to render them a certain,indication of the state of our minds. And there are these three things required hereunto. 1. That they be natural, arising from ourselves, and not from outward occasions. The Psalmist mentions the inward thoughts of men. Psal. 49, 11, and 64, 6. But, whereas all thoughts are the inward acts of the mind, it should seem that this expression makes no dis- tinction of, the especial kind of thoughts intended, from those of another sort. But the difference is not in the formal nature of them, but in the causes, springs, and occasions. Inward thoughts are such as arise merely and solely from men's inward principles, dispo- sitions, and inclinations, that are not suggested or exci- ted by any outward objects. Such, in wicked men, are those actings of their lusts, whereby they ' entice and seduce themselves. Jam. 1, 14. Their lusts stir up thoughts, leading and encouraging them to make provision for the flesh. _.These are their inward thoughts. Of the same nature are those thoughts which are the minding of the spirit. They are the first natural egress, and genuine acting of the habitual disposition of the mind and soul. 3
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