OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS: 373 desirable. And I suppose this is that which is prin- cipally intended in the words of the apostle ; it is life, a cheerful, joyous life ; a life worth the living. In explication and confirmation whereof, it is added, that it is peace also. Peace is twofold ; (L) general and absolute ; that is, peace with God, through Jesus Christ, which is celebrated in the scripture; and which is the only orig- inal spring and fountain of all consolation to believ, ers, that which virtually contains in it every thing that is good, useful, or desirable to them: but it isnot here precisely intended. It is not so, (1.) As to the immediate ground and cause of it; which is our justification, not our sanctification, Rom. v. L Being justified by faith, we havé peace with God. So Christ alone is our peace, as he who hath made peace for us by the blood of the cross, Ephes. 14, 15. Hereof our being spiritually minded is no way the cause or reason, only it is an evidence or pledge of it, as we shall see. (2.) Not as to the formal nature of its Peace with God, through the blood of Christ; is one thing, and peace in our minds, through a holy frame in them, is another. The former is communicated to us by an immediate act of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us: Rom. v. 5. The latter is an effect on our minds, be- gun and gradually carried on, by the duties we have before at large declared. The immediate actings of the Holy Spirit, in sealing us, witnessing to our adop- tion, and being anearnest of glory, are required to the former: our own sedulousness and diligence in duties, and the exercise of all grace, are required to the latter (2.) Peace is taken for a peculiar fruit of theSpirit, consisting in a gracious quietness and composure of 32
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