OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. 91 relief that any false religion tenders to them. But to apply themselves in thoughts of faith unto Jesus Christ, whose grace alone is sufficient for all, that they will not be persuaded to. We are all of us liable to temptations. Those who are not sensible of it, are under the power of what the temptation leads to ; and they are of two sorts. First, such as are extraordinary, when the hand of God is on them in a peculiar manner for our rebuke. It is true, God tempts none, as temptation formally leads unto sin ; but he orders temptations, so far forth as they are afflictive and chastisements. Thus it is when he suffers an especial corruption within, to fall in con- junction with an especial temptation without, and to obtain a prevalency thereby. Of these there is no doubt but any man, not judicially hardened, may know both his disease and the remedy. But that ordinary course of temptations which we are exercised withal, needs a diligent attendance for their discovery, as well as for our deliverance from them ; and it is to be feared that many are kept in spiritual weakness, use- less, and in darkness all their days, through the power of their temptations, yet never knowwhat they are, . or wherein they consist ; these gray hairs are sprinkled on them, yet they know it not ; some approve them- selves in those very things and ways which are their temptations. Yet in the exercise of due watchfulness, diligence, and prudence, men may know both the plague of their own hearts, in their prevailing corrup- tions, and the ways whereby it is excited through temptation, with the occasions it makes use of, and the advantages it takes. For instance ; one may have an eminency in gifts, and usefulness or success in his labors, which gives him great acceptance with others;
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