OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. CHAPTER V. 79 The objects of spiritual thoughts, or what they are con versant about, evidencing them in whom they are, to be spiritually minded. Rules directing unto steadi- ness in the contemplationofheavenly things. Motives tofix our thoughts with steadiness in them. BEFORE I proceed to the next general head, and which is the principal thing, the foundation of the grace and duty inquired after, some things must be spoken, to render what hath been already insisted on, yet more particularly useful. And this is, to inquire what are, or what ought to be, the special objects of those thoughts, which, under the qualifications laid down, are the evidences of our being spiritually minded. And it may be, we may be usefultomany herein; byhelpingthem to fix their minds which are apt to rove into all uncer- tainty. For this is befallen us through the disorder and weakness of the faculties of our souls, that some- times what the mind guides, leads, and directs unto, in things spiritual and heavenly, our wills and affections, through their depravity and corruption, will not com- ply withal, and so the good designings of the mind are lost. Sometimes what the will and affections are in- clined to and ready for, the mind, through its weakness and inconstancy, cannot lead them to the accomplish- ment of; so to will is present with us, but how to per- form that will we know not. So, many are barren in this duty, because they know not what to fix upon, nor how to exercise their thoughts, when they have chosen subject for their meditations. Hence they spend their time in fruitless desires that they could use their thoughts to more purpose, rather than making any
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