N AUTHORS PREFACE. secondly, that it is sincerely intended. And if it have this only success, that it may occasion others, who have more ability and opportunity than I have, to bring in their assistance for an opposition to the vehe- ment and importunate insinuations of the world in these things, to have an entertainment in the minds of professors, this labor will not be lost. But things are come to that pass amongst us, that unless a more than ordinary vigorous exercise of the ministry of the word, with other means appointed to the same end, be engaged in, to recall professors to that strict mortifi- cation, that separation from the ways of' theworld, that heavenlymindedness, that delight in the contemplation of spiritual things, which the gospel, and the whole nature of the Christian religion do require; we shall lose the glory of our profession, and leave it very un- certain what will be our eternal condition. The same may be spoken concerning love of the world, as to the advantages and emoluments which men trust to attain to themselves thereby. This is that which ren- ders men earthly minded, and most remote from hav- ing their conversations above. In the pursuit of this corrupt affection do many professors of religion grow withering, useless, sapless; giving no evidence that the love of God abideth in them. On these and many other accounts, do many Christians evidence them- to be strangerlrto spiritual mindedness, from a life of meditation and holy contemplation on things above : yet unless we are found in, these things in some good measure, no grace will thrive or flourish in. us ; no duty will be rightly performed by us ; no condition sanctified or improved: nor are we prepared in a due manner, or made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light. Wherefore, as was said, to direct I
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=