Owen - BV4501 O84 1844

62, OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. of their duty. Some I say there are, who embrace all occasions of spiritual communication. Those with whom they converse, if they are not profligate, if they have any spiritual light, cannot but so far comply with what they say, as to think of the things spoken which are spiritual. Oft-times the track and course of men's thoughts lie so out of the way, are so contrary unto such things, that they seem strange to them; they give them no entertaiment. You do but cross their way with such discourses, whereon they stand still a little, and so pass on. Even the countenances of some men will change hereon, and they betake themselves to an unsatisfied silence, until they can divert unto other things. Some will make such replies of empty words, as shall evidence their hearts to be far enough estranged from the things proposed unto them. But with others, such occasional discourses' will make such impressions on their minds, as to stir up present thoughts of spiritual things. But though frequent occasions hereof may be renewed, yet will such thoughts give no evidence that any man is spiritually minded. For they are not genuine, from an internal spring of grace. From these causes it is, that the thoughts of spiri- tual things are with many, as guests that come into an inn, and not like children that dwell in the house. They enter occasionally, and then there is a great stir about them, to provide meet entertainment for them. In a while they are disposed of, and so depart, being neither looked nor inquired- after any more. Things of another nature are attended to; new occasions bring in new guests, for a season. Children are owned in the house, are missed if they are out of the way, and have their daily provision constantly made for

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