30 or SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. Thus in covetous men there are two sorts of thoughts, whereby their covetousness acts itself. First, such as are occasioned by outward objects and opportunities. So it was with Achan, Josh. vii. 21. When, saith he, `I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of sil- ver, and a wedge of gold, then I coveted them. His sight of them, with an opportunity of possessing him- self of them, excited covetous thoughts and desires in him. So it is with others every day, whose occasions call them to converse with the objects of their lusts. And some by such objects may be surprised into thoughts, that their minds are not habitually inclined unto. And therefore when they are known, it is our duty to avoid them. But the same sort of persons have thoughts of this nature arising from themselves only, their own dispositions and inclinations, without any 'outward provocations. 'The vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, Isa. xxxii. 6.' 4 And this he doth as the liberal deviseth liberal things,' v. 8, from his own disposition and inclination, he is contriving in his thoughts how to act according to them. So the unclean person hath two sorts of thoughts with respect ,. unto the satisfaction of his lusts. First, such as are occasioned in his mind by the exter- nal objects of it. Hereunto stage-plays, revellings, dancings, with the society of bold persons, persons of corrupt communication, do contribute their wicked service. For the avoidance of this snare, Job made a covenant with his eyes, chap. xxx. 1. Andour Saviour gives that holy declaration of the evil of it, Mat. v. 28. But he hath an habitual spring of these thoughts in himself constantly inclining and disposing him there. unto. Hence the apostle Peter tells us, that such per-
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