358 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. This maybe granted ; look how mu h vile affections fixed on, and furiously pursuing things carnal and sen- sual, debase our nature beneath its rational constitu- tion, and make it degenerate into bestiality : so much spiritual affections fixed on, and cleaving to things spiritual and heavenly, exalt our nature above its mere natural capacity, making an approach to the state of angels, and of just men made perfect. And as brutish affections, when they have the reins, as they say, on their necks, and are pursued with delight and greedi- ness, darken the mind, and disturb all the rational powers of the soul, (for whoredom, and wine, and new wine, do take away the heart, as the prophet speaks, and wickedness altereth the understanding;) so holy affections fixed on spiritual things, elevate, enlarge and enlighten the mind with true wisdom and understand- ing. For the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and todepart from iniquity, that is understanding. And again, as the power of vile affections fills the soul and conscience with tumult, disorder, fear, and shame, where men are not utterly profligate, so as that the minds, thoughts, and consciences of persons under their power, is a very hell for confusion and troubles ; so spiritual affections, duly exercised on their proper objects, preserve all things in order in the whole soul, they are life and peace. All things are quiet and se- cure in the mind ; there is order and peace in the whole soul, in all its faculties, and all their operations ; whilst the affections are in a due prevailing manner fixed upon the things that are above. Hence many persons, after great turmoilings in the world, after theyhave endeavored by all means to come to rest and satisfaction therein, have utterly renounced all con- cernments in earthly things, and betaken themselves
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