There are yet other things accompanied with the same evidence of the difference between affections spiritually re- newed, and those which have only a general change wrought in them, by convictions and some outward occasions, which must in one or two instances more be insisted on, with the consideration of such cases as derive from them. For my desio-n herein, is not only to declare when our minds are spiritually renewed, but also what is the nature and opera- tion of our affections, whereby we are constituted and de- nominated spiritually minded, which is the subject of our whole inquiry. Herein then we shall proceed.
CHAP. XVI.
Assimilation unto things heavenly and spiritval in affections spirilualhj renewed. This assimilaticn the work of faith : how, and whereby. Reasons of the want of yrowth in our spiritual affections as unto this assimilation.
When affections are spiritually renewed in their exercise, or fixing of themselves on spiritual things ; there is an assi- milation wrought in them, and in the whole soul unto those
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spiritual and heavenly things by faith. But when there is a change in them only, from other causes and occasions, and not from renewing grace, there is an assimilation ef- fected of spiritual and heavenly things unto themselves, unto those affections, by imagination.
This must somewhat at large be spoken unto, as that which gives the most eminent distinction between the frames of mind, whose difference we inquire into. And to that end we shall cast our consideration of it into the en- suing observations.
1. Affections spiritually renewed are in all their actings, in their whole exercise, under the guidance and conduct of faith. It is faith which, in its spiritual light, hath the leading of the soul in the whole life of God : we live here by faith, as we shall do hereafter by sight. If our affections deviate or decline in the least from the guidance of the faith, they degenerate from their spirituality, and give up them- selves unto the service of superstition. Next unto corrupt secular interest in the management of crafty, selfish seducers, this hath been the great inlet of all superstition and false worship into the world. Blind affection groping in the dark after spiritual things, having not the saving light of faith to conduct them, have seduced the minds of men into all manner of superstitions, imaginations, and practices, con- tinuing to do so at this day. And wherever they will lead the way, when faith goeth not before them to discover both way and end, they that lead, and the mind that is led, must fall into one snare and pit or another.
Wherefore affections that are spiritually renewed, move not, act not, but as faith discovers their object, and directs them unto it. It is faith that works by love ; we can love nothing sincerely with divine love, but what we believe sav- ingly with divine faith. Let our affections unto any spi- ritual things be never so vehement, if they spring not from faith, if they are not guided by it, they are neither accepted with God, nor will promote the interest of spirituality and holiness in our own souls; Heb. xi. 6. Matt. vi. 22, 23. And this is the reason whence we ofttimes see great and plau- sible appearances of spiritual affections, which yet endure only for a season. They have been awakened, excited, acted by one means or another, outward oV inward ; but not having
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the light of faith to guide them unto their proper object, they either wither and die, as unto any appearing of spi- ritual motions, or else keep the mind tossed up and down in perpetual disquietment, without rest or peace. 'The foolish man wearieth himself, because he cannot find the way to the city.' So was it with them who on the account of their at- tendance unto the doctrine of Christ, are called his disciples ; John vi. Having preached unto them about the bread which came down from heaven, and giveth life unto them that feed, they were greatly affected with it, and cried out, ' Lord, ever- more give us of this bread ;' ver. 34. But when he pro- ceeded to declare the mystery of it, they having not faith to discern and apprehend it, their affections immediately decayed, and they forsook both him and his doctrine ; ver. 66.
We may consider one especial instance of this nature. Persons every day fall under great and effectual convictions of sin, and of their danger or certain misery thereby. This stirs up and acts all their affections, especially their fears, hopes, desires, sorrow, self-revenge, according as their con- dition calls for them. Hence sometimes they grow restless in their complaints, and turn themselves every way for re- lief, like men that are out of the way, and bewildered in the night. But in this state and condition tell them of the only proper way and means of their relief, which, let the world say what it will, is Christ and his righteousness alone, with the grace of God in him, and they quickly discover that they are strange things unto them, such as they do not un- derstand, nor indeed approve. They cannot see them, they cannot discern them, nor any beauty in them for which they should be desired.