0. 312 OP SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. grace, as though it would carry us so far`, and no fur- ther, in the way to glory. For it must be known, that this sort of persons who sit down in their present measuresand attainments, either reallyhave no grace at all, or that which is of the lowest, meanest, and most imperceptible size and degree. For if any one bath 'attained any considerable growth in faith and love, 'in -the mortification of sin, in heavenly minded- . ness, it is utterly impossible but that ordinarily he will be pressing forward towards further attainments, and further degrees of spiritual strength in the life of God. So the apostle declares it in his own example. Phil. iii. 10 -14. What thoughts can these persons have concerning the glory, power, and efficacy of gos- pel grace which they suppose they have received ? If they measure them by the effects which they find in themselves, either as to the mortification of sin, or strength to, and delight in, duties of holiness, or as to spiritual consolation, they can see no excellency nor beauty in them: for they do not manifest themselves but in their success, as they transform the soul daily into the image of Christ. Fourthly. It is that which hath lost the reputation and gloryof religion in the world, and therein the ho- nor of the gospel itself; for the most part of profes- sors do take up with such lustre upon it, as gives no commendation to the religion they profess ; for their measures allow them such a conformity to the world, in their ways, words, and actions, in their gestures, ap- parel, and attire, as that they are no way visibly to be distinguished from it. Yea, the ground and reason why the most do rest in their present measures is, because they will not be further differenced from the world. This hath greatly lost the glory,
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