OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. $9 fear, trust, reverenceunto the soul, it draws forth all those graces into exercise. Wherefore, although the vigorous actings of spiritual thoughts be occasional from the word, be more under and after the preaching of it, than at other times, it is no more but what ari- seth from the nature and use of the ordinance, by God's own appointment; nor is it any evidence that those with whom it is so, are not spiritually minded; but on the contrary, that they are. Yet, where men have no other thoughts of this matter but what are occasioned by the outward dispensation of the word, such thoughts do not prove them to be spiritually minded. Their endeavors in them are like those of men in a dream. Under some oppression of their spirits, their imagination fixeth on something or other, that is most earnestly to be desired or avoided. Here- in they seem to themselves to strive with all their might, to endeavor to go, run, or contend, but all in vain ; every thing fails them, and they are not relieved until they are awaked. So such persons, in impres- sions they receive from the word, seem to strive and contend in their thoughts and resolutions to comply with what is proposed unto them; but their strength fails; they find no success, for _want of a principle of spiritual life; and after a time give over their en- deavors, until they are occasionally renewed again. Now the thoughts which in the dispensation of the word do proceed from an inward principle of grace excited unto its due exercise, are distinguishable from those which are only occasionally suggested unto the mind by the word outwardly preached. For, 1. They are especial actings of faith and love towards the things themselves that are preached. They belong unto our receiving the truth in the love thereof. And
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=