352 OP SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. dom in profession, that know neither what they do nor where they go. Secondly. As we must see a goodness and proba- bleness in spiritual things absolutely, so that we may fix our affections on them in a due manner, so we must see it comparatively with respect to all other things, which gives them a preference in our affections be- fore and above them all. The trial of love lies in the prevailing degree, on more or less. If we love other things, father, mother, houses, lands, possesions, more than Christ, we do not love him at all. Nor is there any equality allowed in this matter, that we may equally love temporal and spiritual things. If we love not Christ more than all these things, we love him not at all. Wherefore, that our affections may cleave to them in a due manner, we must see an excellency in things spiritual and heavenly, rendering them more desirable than all other things whatever. With what loving countenances do men look upon their temporal enjoyments ! with what tenacious em- braces do they cleave to them! They see that in them which is amiable, which is desirable and suitable to their affections. Let them pretend what they please, if they see not a greater goodness, that which is more amiable, more desirable in spiritual things, they love them not in a due manner ; it is temporal things that hath the rule of their affections. Our Psalmist prefers 'Jerusalem before his chiefest joy,' Ps. cxxxvii. 6. Another affirms, that the law of God's mouthwas better to him than thousands of gold and silver,' Ps. cxix. 72. More to be desired are the statutes of the Lord than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, or the honey comb,' Ps. xix. 10. For ' wisdom is better than rubies, and
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