72 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. limitation. As first, that we take no such thought about them, as should carry along with it a disquiet - ment of mind, through a distrust of the fatherly care and providence of God. This is the design of the context. Secondly, no thought that for constancy and intenseness of spirit, should be like unto those which we ought to have about spiritual things. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Let that be the chief and principal thing in your thoughts and consciences. We may therefore conclude, that at least they must hold an exceeding proportion with them. Let a man, industriously engaged in the way of his calling, try himself by this rule every evening. Let him consider what have been his thoughts about his earthly occasions, and what about spiritual things; and thereon ask of himself whether he be spiritually min- ded or not. Be not deceived ; as a man thinketh, so is he. And if we account it a strange thing, that our thoughts should be more exercised about spiritual things, than about the affairs of our callings, we must not think it strange, if, when we come to the trial, we cannot find that we have either life or peace. ,Moreover, it is known, how often, when we are en- gaged in spiritual duties, other thoughts will interpose, and impose themselves on our minds. Those which are aboutmen's secular concernments will do so. The world will frequently make an inroad on the ways to heaven, to disturb the passengers and wayfaring men. There is nothing more frequently complained of, by such as are awake unto their duty, and sensible oftheir weakness. Call to mind, therefore, how often, on the other hand, spiritual thoughts do interpose, and as it were impose themselves on your minds, whilst you are
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