not spiritual but carnal. And the carnal mind discerneth not the things of God, because they are spiritually discerned; it is destitute, as we have seen, of that divine light, by which they are discovered in their native beauty and glory; and where they are not thus viewed, the affections cannot cleave to them as they ought, nor will ever be conformed unto them. Filled with vain, foolish, proud imaginations about spiritual things, such persons may be, but these terminate in presumption, superstition, wickedness, and destruction.

CHAP. IX.

Assigns some reasons why the affections are not more spiritual, with instructions to such as are declining in this part of the divine life.

THERE are many, who have made a great appearance of vigorous, active, spiritual affections. In some, this vigour of spiritual affections is from the real power of grace exerting its efficacy on their hearts. In others, it is from other causes; as for instance, relief from conviction by spiritual illumination will produce this effect. And if the change is wrought in youth, then it is most eminent, be it of whatever kind it will; for then the affections in their natural powers are active, and bear great sway in the soul But as men in

crease in age, and grow up in carnal wisdom, as earthly things are more valued by them, and their care about them enlarges, so spiritual affections abate and

decay every day. It is a shame, and folly unutterable, that it should be so with any who profess to embrace that religion, in which there are so many incomparable excellencies to endear and engage them to it more and more; but why should we hide what experience makes manifest in the sight of the sun; and what multitudes openly proclaim concerning themselves? Whilst some have vigorous, active affections towards spiritual things, and cherish them until they are assimilated and transformed into the image and likeness of these things above, many experience no growth, vigour, or assimilation of affections; and others fall into a woeful decline; their moisture becomes as the drought in summer. They have no experience of the life and operations of the affections respecting these things spiritual, nor any comfort or refreshment from them; they honour not the Gospel with any fruits of faith, love, zeal, or delight; nor are they any way useful to others, by their example. To consider these cases, I hope will be of advantage to us. And, 1. Let us attend to the slowness and imperceptibility of the growth of our affec

tions, in an assimilation unto heavenly things, with the causes thereof. It cannot be denied, that the progress of our affections in spirituality, and their conformity to the things they are, or ought to be set upon, is too often very slow, and sometimes imperceptible. Yea, for the most part it is a hard thing to find it satisfactorily in ourselves, or others. Our affections stand like shrubs in the wilderness; not like plants in an inclosed garden which are watered every day. But yet this is our folly, and our sin. What keeps many in this condition, is,

(1.) The generality of Christians are contented with their present measures, and design little more than not to lose the ground they think they have gained. This is a pernicious folly, that both ruins the glory of religion, and deprives the souls of men of peace and consolation. But so it is, professors have some grounds of persuasion, or at least they hope, that "they are passed from death unto life," and are in a state of favour with God. This state they will endeavour to preserve, by a diligent performance of the duties it requireth, and by avoiding such sins where

by they might forfeit it; but as for diligence and endeavours to thrive in this state, to grow in grace, to be changed into the image of Christ from glory to glory, to press forwards towards the mark of their high calling, to be more holy, humble, righteous, and spiritually minded, to have their affections more and more transformed into the likeness of things above; there are but FEW that sincerely apply themselves hereunto, or even to the means of these things. The measures, to which any professors have attained, satisfy the church to which they belong, and secure their reputation in the world; and here they rest, speaking peace to their souls. Such persons are like unto men who live in a country in which they are not only pressed with poverty, and all sorts of misery, but also are obnoxious to punishment and death, if taken in it; well, they are told of another country, where, as soon as they arrive, they shall be freed from all fear of punishment; and if they travel farther into it, they shall obtain plenty, riches, honours, and a vast inheritance. On this they prepare themselves for the voyage or