OF SPIR13UAL MINDEDNESS. 185 ways upon them, theywill not be preserved from snares and sinful miscarriages. Yea, such thoughts are needful to the best of us all, and in the best of our societies, that we behave not ourselves indecently in them at any time. Again, to some privacy, secrecy, and opportunity, are occasions of temptation and sin. They are so to persons under convictions not wholly turned to God. Many a good beginning hath been utterly ruined by this occasion and temptation. Privacy and opportuni- ty have overthrown many suchpersons in the best of their resolutions. And they are so unto all persons not yet flagitiously wicked. Cursed fruits proceed every day from these occasions. We need no other demonstration of their power and efficacy in tempting unto sin, but the visible effects of them. And what they are to any, they may be to all, if not diligently watched against. So the apostle reflects on the shameful things that are done in the dark, in a. concurrence of secrecy and opportunity. This, there- fore, gives a just season to thoughts of the omnipre- sence and omniscience of God, and they will not be wanting in some measure in them that are spiritually minded. God is in this place ; the darkness is no darkness unto him, light and darkness are with him both alike,' are sufficient considerations to lay in the balance against any temptations springing out of secrecy and opportunity. One thought of the actual presence of the holy God, and the open view of his all-seeing eye; will do more to cool those affections, which lust may put into a tumult on such occasions, than any other consideration whatever. A speedy retreat here- unto, 'upon the first perplexing thoughts wherewith 16*
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