64, OF SFIPITUAL MINDEDNESS. There is a double effect ascribed here to this frame of spirit ; first life, and then peace. The nature and being of this grace depends on the former considera- tion of it, namely, its procedure from an internal principle of grace, the e.Qect and consequence whereof is life. But that it is peace also, depends on the degree and measure of the actings of this part of it in our spiritual thoughts ; and this we must consider. It is the character of all men in the state of de- praved nature and apostacy from God, that every imagination of the thoughts of their hearts, is only evil continually,' Gen. vi. 5. All persons in that con- dition are not swearers, blasphemers, drunkards, adul- terers, idolaters, or the like. These are the vices of particular persons, the effects of particular constitu- tions and temptations. But thus it is with them, all and every one of them, ` all the imaginations of the thoughts of their hearts are evil, and that continu- ally.' Some as to the matter of them, some as unto their end, all as to their principle ; for out of the evil treasure of the heart can proceed nothing but what is evil. That infinite multitude of open sins which is in the world, gives a clear prospect or representation of the nature and effects of our apostacy from God. But he that can consider the. numberless number of thoughts which pass through the mind of every indi- vidual person every day, all evil and that continually, he will have a further comprehension of it. We can therefore have no greater evidence of a change in us from this state and condition, than a change wrought in the course of our thoughts. A relinquishment of this or that particular sin, is not an evidence of a translation from this state. For as was said, such particular sins proceed from particular
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