DP SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. 353 ail things that may be desired are not to be compared unto it,' Prov. viii. 11. This is the only stable foun- dation of all divine affections. A spiritual view and judgment of a . goodness, an excellency in them, in- comparably above whatever is in the most desirable things in this world, are required thereto. And if the affections of many pretending highly to them, should come to be weighed in this balance, I fear they would be found light and wanting. However, it is the duty of themwho would not be deceived in this matter, which is of eternal importance, to examine what is that goodness and excellency which is in spiritual things, which they desire in them, upon the account whereof they sincerely value and esteem them above all things in this world whatever. And let not any deceive themselves with vain words and pretences, whilst their esteem and valuation of present enjoy- ments doth evidently engage all their affections, their care, their diligence, their industry, so as that a man of a discerning spirit may even feel them turned into self, whilst they are cold, formal, negligent, about spir- itual things, we must say, how dwelleth the love of God in them I Much more, when we see men not only giving up the whole of their time and strength, with the vigor of their spirits, but sacrificing their consciences also, to the attaining of dignities, honors, preferments, wealth, and ease in the world, who know in their own hearts that they perform religious duties with respect to temporal advantages, I cannot con- ceive how it is possible they should discern and ap- prove of a goodness and excellency in spiritual things above all others. A due consideration is required hereto, that all spir- itual things proceed from, and arc resolved into, an 30*
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