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the indispensable necessity of that frame of mind, here declared and enjoined.

Earthly mindedness may be considered two ways; as ABSOLUTE, when the love of earthly things is wholly predominant in the mind; this is a branch from the root, an operation of the carnal mind in one especial way, and is as exclusive of salvation as carnal mindedness. When there is in any a predominant love of earthly things, that person may be truly styled earthly minded, and he hath no interest in the frame of spirit intended in the text: but, alas! is not this evidently the case of the greatest part of nominal Christians, let them pretend what they will to the contrary?

Again, earthly mindedness consists in an INORDINATE AFFECTION to the things of this world: this is sinful and ought to be mortified, but it is not absolutely inconsistent with the substance or essence of the grace inquired after. Some who are truly spiritually minded, yet may (for a time at least) have such inordinate affections to, and care about, earthly things, that, compared with what they

ought to be, and might be, they may be justly denominated earthly minded: they are so in respect of those degrees of spiritual mindedness which they should aim at, and might attain; and they do not consider, that where this inordinate affection is, the other can never flourish; spirtual mindedness can never advance to any eminent degree. And yet this is the Zoar of many professors, that little one in which they would be spared. They would avoid that species of earthly mindedness which is wholly inconsistent with being spiritually minded; such a frame they know is inconsistent with salvation, and absolutely exclusive of life and peace but there is a degree in being earthly minded, which they persuade themselves, their interest, advantages, relations and occasions of life do call for, and in which they would be a little indulged; flattering themselves that this will by no means disparage their profession, and is very consistent with being spiritually minded; though it may be short of that height, or contrary to those degrees in that grace, which are recom¬ mended to them. And the truth is, they

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have too many companions to fear any reproach or severe reflection upon themselves the multitude of the guilty takes away the sense and shame of the guilt. Professors cannot but esteem spiritual mindedness in its most eminent and exalted degrees, as excellent and desirable, and in general think well of those who attain it; but it is for them who are more at leisure than they are: their circumstances and connexions require them to satisfy themselves with an inferior mea

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As it is to be feared, that far the greatest number of those who satisfy themselves in this apprehension, and who willingly neglect endeavours after further degrees of grace, which their light, convictions, and the means they enjoy, do suggest them as reasonable, and of the utmost importance, are indeed carnally minded; so, to obviate such pretences, I shall insist on nothing in the declaration of this duty, but what is incumbent on all that believe in Christ, and without which they have no grounds to assure their conscience before God.

CHAP. II.

"The grace and duty of spiritual mindedness, stated in and evidenced by our thoughts."

HAVING, in a general way, explained that frame of mind recommended by the apostle in the text, we proceed to inquire more particularly into its nature, according to the former description and method. It will be my great concern to show you what it is, and how it evidences itself: so as that we may form a right judgment whether it is in us or not; and woe be to them who neglect or despise these things on any pretence whatever; for this is the word, by which we shall soon be judged, "To be carnally minded, is death; but to be spiritually minded, is life and phace."

Although the foundation of the whole duty lies in the affections, and their immediate adherence to spiritual things;

yet as the THOUGHTS are the first genuine actings of the mind, according to the prevalence of the affections, and as they make the best discovery of what nature is the spring from which they arise, I shall begin with them.

I. Thoughts, as proceeding from spiritual affections, are the first things which characterize spiritual mindedness, and whereby it evidences itself: our thoughts are like the blossoms on a tree in the spring. In the spring we see trees covered with blossoms, but multitudes of them fall off and come to nothing; yea often, where there are most blossoms, there is least fruit: however, there is no fruit, of whatever kind or sort, whether good or bad, but comes from some of those blossoms. Thus the mind of man is covered with thoughts, as a tree with blossoms; most of them fall off, come to nothing, end in vanity; and sometimes, where the mind most abounds with them, there is the least fruit. The sap of the mind is wasted and consumed in them; but still there is no fruit we bring forth, be it good or bad, but proceeds from some of these thoughts. They give the

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