OE SI'IIIITII®L 161INDEDNESS. 203 It was showed at the entrance of this discourse, that there is a difference in this grace, between the essence, substance, or reality of it, which we would not exclude men from, under many failings or infirmi- ties ; and the useful degrees of it, wherein it hath its principal exercise. As there is a difference in life natural, and its actings, in a weak, diseased, sickly body, and in that which is of a good constitution, and in a vigorous health. Supposing the first, the reality of this grace, be wrought in us, or implanted in our minds by the Holy Ghost, as a principal part of that new n'.ture which is the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus to good works; yet to the growth and improvement of it, as of all other graces, our own dili- gent care, watchfuluess, and spiritual striving in all holy duties are required. Unless the most fruitful ground be manured, it will not bring forth, a useful crop. Let not any think that this frame of a spiritual mind, wherein there is a disposition to and readiness for, all holy thoughts of God, of Christ, of spiritual and heavenly things, at all times and on all occasions, will befall him, and continue withhim, he knows not how. As good it is for a poor man to expect to be rich in this world, without industry, or a weak man to be strong and healthy, without food and exercise ; as to be spiritually minded without an earnest endeavor .after it. It may be inquired, what is requisite thereto ? And we may name some of those things, without which such an holy frame will not be attained. As, 1. A continual watch is to be kept in and on the soul against the incursions of vain thoughts and imaginations, especially in such seasons wherein they are apt to obtain advantage. If they are suffered to make an inroad into themind, if we accustom ourselves
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