204 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. to give them entertainment, if they are wont to lodge within; in vain shall we hope or desire to be spiritual- ly minded. Herein consists a principal part of that duty which our Saviour so frequently, so emphatically chargeth on us all; namely, to watch, Mark iii. 37. Unless we keep a strict watch herein, we shall be be trayed into the hands of our spiritual enemies ; for all such thoughts are but making provision for the flesh, to fulfil its desires in the lust thereof, however they may be disappointed as to actual sin. This is the substance of the advice given us in charge, Prov. iv. 23. `Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the is- sues of life.' 2. Careful avoidance of all societies and businesses of this life, which are apt, under various pretences, to draw and seduce the mind to an earthly or sensual frame. If men will venture on those things which they have found by experience, or may find by obser- vation, seduce and draw off their minds from a hea- venly frame to that which is contrary thereto, and will not watch to their avoidance, they will be filled with the fruit of their ownways. Indeed, the common con- verse of professors among themselves and others, walking, talking, and behaving themselves like other men, being as full of the world as the world is of it- self, have lost the grace of being spiritually minded within, and stained the glory of profession without. The rule observed by David will manifest how careful we ought to be herein, Psal. xxxix. 1 -3. ' I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue; I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me. I was dumb with silence ; I held my peace even from good, and my sorrow was stirred. My heart was hot within me ; while I was musing, the
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