OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. 297 possesseth the same time and outward form with the ,other, it is no great evidence that their souls prosper. It is therefore those alone, who, having a sense of the efficacy of the word on their souls and consciences to all the holy ends of it, who cleave to it with spiritual love and delight. They continually remember what holy impressions it hath made on them, what engage- ments it hath brought their souls into, what encourage- ments to faith and obedience it hath furnished them with, and long after a renewed sense of its enjoyments. When we do not find in ourselves this foundation of spiritual delight in the dispensation of the gospel, we can have no great evidence that our affections are re- newed,. So also it is in the duties of prayer and meditation. When the soul of a believer hath had experience of the communion which it hathhad with God in them, or either of them ; of the spiritual refreshment which it hath had from them ; of the benefits and mercies which are obtained by them, in recovery from tempt- ations, snares, despondencies, in victory over sin and Satan, in spiritual impressions, working it to a holy watchful frame, which hath abode with it in other ways and occasions, with the like advantages where- with fervent and effectual prayer, and sincere heaven- ly meditation are accompanied, it cannot but have love to them, and delight in them; but if indeed, we have no experienceof these things, if we find not these ad- vantages in and by these duties, they cannot but be a burden to us, nor do serve to any other end but to satisfy convictions. He whohad the benefit of a se- rene and wholesome air in a recovery from many dis- eases and distempers, with the preservation of his health so obtained, will love it and prize it; and so
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=