OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. 287 uncommanded duties in religion, which so abound in the papal church, as that, if not the whole, yet all the principal parts of their worship consist in them, are such as in whose discharge it is impossible faith should be in a due exercise. That which it hath comparative respect to, is the spiritual gifts of them to whom the administration of the ordinances of the gospel, in the public worship of the church, is committed. With re- spect to them, believers may have more delight and satisfaction in the ministry of one than of another, as was touched before. But this is not because one is more learned than another, or more elegant than ano- ther, hath more ability of speech than another, or fer- vency in utterance than another, is more fervent and earnest in his delivery ; but because they find the gifts of one more suited, and more effectual to stir up faith and love to a holy exercise in their minds and hearts, than what they find in some others. Hence they have a peculiar value for, and delight in, the ministry of such persons, especially when they can enjoy it in due order, and without the offence of others. And minis- ters that are wise, will, inholy administrations, neglect all other things, and attend to this alone, how they may be helpful to the faith, and love, and joy of be- lievers, so far as theyare the object of their ministry. This is the first reason and ground whereon affections spiritually renewed cleave to ordinances of divine wor- ship with delight and satisfaction ; namely, because they are the means appointed and blessed of God for the exercise and increase of faith and love, with an ex- perience of their efficacy to that end. Secondly. The second is, Because they are the means of the communication of a sensé of divine love, and supplies of divine grace, to the souls of them that
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=