OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. 313 honor, and reputation of religion amongst us : and, on the other side, if all visible professors would endeavor continually tó grow and thrive in spirituality of mind, and heavenliness of affections, with fruits suitable thereto, it would bring a conviction on the world, that there is a secret invisible power accompanying the re- ligion they profess, transforming them daily into the image and likeness of God. Fifthly. Whatever is pretended to the contrary, it is inconsistent with all solid peace of conscience ; for no such thing is promised to any who live in such a contempt of divine promises ; nor is it attainable, but by the diligent exercise of all those graces which lie neglected under this frame. Few men are able to judge whether they have real, eternal, abiding peaces or not, unless it be in case of trials and temptations. At other seasons, general hopes and confidences do or may supply the want of it in their minds but when any fear, danger, trial, or word of conviction befalls them, they cannot but inquire and examine how it is with them. And if they find their affections cold, dead, earthly, carnal, withering, not spiritual or hea- venly, there will be an end of their supposed peace, and they will fall into woful disquietments ; and they will then, find that the root of all this evil lies in this frame and disposition. They have been so far satis- fied with their present measures or attainments in re- ligion, as that the utmost of their endeavors have been but to preserve their station, or not to forfeit it by open sins, to keep their souls alive from the severe reflections of the word, and their reputation fair in the church of God. Spiritually to thrive, to prosper in their souls, to wax fat and flourishing in the inward man, tobrim forth more fruit as age increaseth, to 27
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=