OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. 35 clination of the mind lies another way ; and they will no longer tend towards spiritual things, than an im- pression is on them from their convictions, And it is an argument of very mean attainments, of a low and weak degree in this frame of heart, or in our being spiritually minded, when our thoughts of spirit- ual things do rise or fall, according to renewed Occa- sional convictions. If when we are under rebukes from God in our persons or relations, in fears of death, and the like, and withal, have some renewed convictions of sin, in commission, or omission of du- ties, and thereon do endeavor to more spiritually minded, in the constant exercise of our thoughts on spiritual things, which we fail "in; and these thoughts decay; as our convictions with the causes of then wear off, or are removed; we have attained a very low degree in this grace, if we have any interest in it at all.- Water that ariseth and floweth from a living spring, runne.th equallyand constantly, unless it be obstructed or diverted by some violent opposition ; but that which is from thunder-showers runs furiously for a sea- son, but is quickly dried up. So are those spirited thoughts whicharise from àprevalent internal principle of grace inthe heart ; they are even and constant, un- less an interruption be put upon them"for a season by temptations; but those which are excited by the thunder of convictions, however their streams may be filled for à season, quickly dry up, and utterly decay. 2. Such thoughts mayarise in the minds of men not spirituallyminded, from outwardmeans and occasions. Such I intend as are indeed useful yea, appointed of God for this end among others that they- mayen- generate and stir up holy thoughts and affections inus ;
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