382 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. thereto. Where this is in prevalent degree, there is neither life nor peace ; and every excess in it both weakens spiritual life and disturbs, yea, destroys, all solid spiritual peace. I have occasionally spoken to it before, as also the way whereby our minding of the things that are above in a due manner, doth deliver and preserve our souls from the snares of it ; and if we diligently examine ourselves, we shall find, that in our inordinate affections, and cleaving to these things, the principal causes why we thrive no more in the power of spiritual life, and whence we meet with so many disquietments and dejections of spirit, to the disturb- ance of our praise and rest in God, is from hence : for there is no grace which is not impaired by it in its nature, or not obstructed by it in its exercise. Where- fore, to be spiritually minded is life and peace, because it subdues and expels that inordinate love to present things, which is destructive of them both, and incon- sistent with them. (4.) It preserves the mind in a due and holy frame in the performance of all other duties. This also is indispensably required to the preservation of life and peace, especially to the improvement of them. They will not abide, much less thrive and flourish, in any persons who are negligent in holy duties, or do not perform them in a due manner. And there are four things which impede or hinder us from such an attend- ance to holy duties, as may be advantageous to our souls ; against all which we have relief by being spirit- ually minded. (1.) Distractions. (2.) Despondencies. (3.) Weari- ness. (4.) Unreadiness of grace for exercise. (1.) Distraction of mind and thoughts, hath this evil effect, which manycomplain of, few take the right way
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