360 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. ever temporary experience we have of them, they will not flourish in us, they will not abide with us in any constancy, unless we are thus spiritually minded. Fourthly. In the future enjoyment of the present object of our spiritual affections, our eternal blessed- ness consists. All men who are convinced of a future eternal condition, desire, when they depart hence, to enter into blessedness and glory,. Howbeit, 'what that blessedness, even as to the general nature of it is, they know nothing at all; and if they did, they would not know how to desire it. For heaven or blessedness is nothing but the full enjoyment of what we are here to love and delight in above all of that which is the object of our affections as spiritually renewed. Herein have they neither interest nor concern; but this is that which giveth life to the affections of believers ; they know that in the enjoyment of God in Christ their eternal blessedness doth consist. How this is their happiness and glory, how it will give them an everlast- ing overflowing satisfaction and rest, they understand in the first fruits of it which they here receive. And this is the ultimate object of their affections in this world, and they go forth to all other spiritual things in order thereto. The more, therefore, their affections are fixed on them, the more they are kept up to that due exercise, the nearer approaches they make to this blessed state. When their minds are possessed with this persuasion, when it is confirmed in them by daily experience of that sweetness, rest, and satisfaction, which they find in cleaving to God with fervent love and delight, in vain shall any other objects rise up in competition to draw them off to themselves. The more we love God, the more like we are to him, and the more near the enjoyment of him.
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