ther [The husbandman does not regard inclemencies of wea Much less would he be deterred from his work by the advice or ridicule of the ignorant and supine Shall we then be discouraged, whose seed-time is so precae rious, and whose harvest is so important?— Let all go forward, "sowing in tears that they may reap in joy"-} XLIV. THE CARNAL AND SPIRITUAL MIND CONTRASTED. Rom. viii. 6. To be carnally-minded is death; but to be spiritually-minded is life and peace. THE world in general are much mistaken with respect to the means of solid happiness They seek the vanities of time and sense in hopes of finding satisfaction And they shun religion under the idea that it would make them melancholy But the "way of transgressors is hard"" On the contrary, the ways of religion afford both peace and pleasure— The testimony of St. Paul respecting this is clear and decisive His words naturally lead us to consider the difference between the carnal and the spiritual mind I. In their operations By "the carnal mind" we understand that principle of our fallen nature which affects and idolizes carnal things The spiritual mind imports that principle which leads the soul to spiritual objects, and is implanted by the holy Spirit in the hearts of the regenerate The difference between these two principles is discoverable in our thoughts— * Prov. xiii. 15. Prov. iii. 17. [The thoughts will naturally be fixed on the objects that are best suited to the reigning principle To these objects they will recur with frequency, fervour, and complacency If we be under the dominion of a carnal principle, we shall be thinking of some pleasure, profit, honour, or other worldly vanity If we be led by a spiritual principle, God, and Christ, and the concerns of the soul, will occupy the mind-] The principles will also operate on the affections [Whatever we most esteem, we desire it when absent, hope for it if it be attainable, love the means of attaining it, and rejoice in it when secured— If there be danger of losing it, we fear; we hate the means that would deprive us of it; and if it be lost, we grieveThe carnal mind is thus exercised about carnal objects— The spiritual mind is thus exercised about spiritual objects— Hence that caution given us with respect to the affections"-] The principles will yet further influence our aims and ends of action [A carnal man can only act from carnal motives He will have carnal aims even in spiritual employmentsA spiritual man, on the contrary, will act from spiritual motives He will act with spiritual views even in his temporal con cerns The one will seek his own interest or honour, and the other God's gloryf-] This difference in the operation of the two principles, causes a corresponding difference II. In their effects The effect of the carnal principle is beyond measure awful [This principle reigning in us proves us destitute of lifeYea, rather, the reign of it is itself a state of spiritual "death" It must moreover terminate in everlasting death— Our occupations in life indeed will give a direction to our minds: a carnal mind may from necessity be conversant about spiritual hings, and a spiritual mind about carnal things. Particular occasions also may fix the attention much either on spiritual or carnal objects. But we speak of those seasons only, when the mind is free from pressing engagements, and can fix on the things which it most affects. d Col. iii. 2. e Zech. vii. 5, 6. f 1 Cor. x. 31. This is irreversibly decreed by God0— And it must be so in the very nature of things-] The effect of the spiritual principle is inexpressibly glorious [Wherever it prevails, it is a proof of spiritual “life”— It is also invariably the means of filling the soul with "peace" Nor can it issue otherwise than in eternal life and peaceThis also is according to the express constitution of GodAnd it must be so in the very nature of things-] ADDRESS 1. The carnal-minded [In what a lamentable state are they whose consciences testify that their thoughts, affections, and aims, are altogether carnal! Let it be remembered that it is God who declares thisWho would dare to continue in such a state another day?— Let those who feel their misery plead that promise1There is the same grace for them as has been effectual for others-] 2. The spiritual-minded [Happy they who are of this description!— Let such adore the grace that has caused them to differ from others Let them endeavour to improve in spirituality of mind— Let them guard against relapses, which will destroy their peace And let their eyes be fixed upon the eternal state, where their present bliss shall be consummated in glory-] g Gal. vi. 7. What comfort could a carnal person have in heaven? there are no objects there suited to his inclination; nor has he any delight in the employments of the celestial spirits. i Gal. vi. 8. Spiritual-mindedness constitutes our meetness for heaven, while it is also an anticipation and foretaste of heaven. 1 Ezek. xxxvi. 26. XLV. THE LIGHT IN WHICH CHRIST REGARDS HIS FOLLOWERS. John xv. 15. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father, I have made known unto you. KNOWLEDGE of every kind is excellent and usefulBut that of religion far transcends all other Hence we are commanded to pay a peculiar respect to those who labour in the word and doctrine Hence also our Lord himself, having revealed to his disciples the whole will of God, adduces his fidelity in this respect as one of the strongest tokens of his affection for them I. In what light Christ regards his followers The state of believers under the gospel differs widely from that of those under the Mosaic dispensation They were in the condition of servants, but we of friends Christ assures us that from "henceforth" his people should be regarded by him in that light He has taken away from us the yoke of the ceremonial law [This was an exceedingly heavy burthenb But Christ has delivered his people from it— He has imposed only two rites, and those easy and instructived_ His service is perfect freedom-] He has delivered us from a sense of guilt [The offerings of a Jew afforded no assurance that God had accepted him They were rather so many remembrances of his sing But Christ has freed us from the pains of a guilty conscienceb-1 He has set us at liberty also from a servile spirit [The Jews could not enter into the most holy place— None could go there but the high priest; and he only on one day in the year; and then not without bloodi But now all believers are priests The vail which separated the most holy place was rent at the death of Christ It was rent in twain from the top to the bottom at the very time of the evening sacrifice, by means of which it was opened to the view of all the worshippers in the temple. All therefore may enter thither without fear"] [Believers under the law were like minors, or children under age" But we are brought to the full possession of our privileges-] Our Lord proceeds to prove his assertion II. What evidence we have that he does so regard us He still carries on the comparison between servant and friends - He points out one particular wherein he has eminently distinguished us, and exalted us above all the Jewish saints He has revealed to us the perfections of God He has shewn us the way of acceptance with him. 1 He has expressly told us that we have acceptance through his bloods-] He has unfolded to us the privileges of God's people [The Jews were encouraged by temporal promises But "life and immortality are brought to light by the gospel❞— Christ has fully opened to us our present privileges, and our future prospects"] He has "made known all which he himself had heard of the Father" [At that time he had not absolutely revealed all But he had declared all which he had been commissioned to reveal, or was necessary for them to know And he completed his revelation soon afterwards-] This was a most undeniable evidence of his friendship Heb. x. 19-22. P John i. 18. n Gal. iv. 1-3, q Heb. i. 3. • Matt. xx. 28. & xxvi. 28. "John xvii. 24. • Gal. iv. 6, 7. |