92 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. such an one shall hardly avoid a double temptation : first of spiritual pride, and self - exaltation. Hence the apostle will not admit a novice, one inexperienced in the ways of grace, and deceits of sin, into the office of the ministry, lest he should be lifted up with pride, and fall into the condemnation of the Devil. 1 'rim. iii. 6. He himself was not without danger hereof. 2 Cor. xii. 17. The best of men can hardly fortify their minds against the secret workings of pride, up- on successes and applause, unless they keep them constantly balanced with thoughts of their own vile- ness in the sight of God. And, secondly, remissness unto exact universal mortification, which they counte- nance themselves against, by their acceptance and success above others in the ministry. It were much to be desired, that all who are ministers, would be careful in these things; for although some of us may not much please others, yet we may so far please our- selves, as to expose our souls to these snares ; and the effects of negligence herein do openly appear unto the disadvantage of the gospel. Others are much conversant in the world and the affairs of it. Negli- gence, as to a spiritual watch, vanity in converse, love of earthly things, with conformity to the world, will on all occasions impose themselves upon them. If they understand not their temptations herein, spiritual mindedness will be impaired in them continually. Those that are rich, have their especial temptations, which, for the most part, are many, plausible, and ef- fectual: and those that are poor, have their's also. The snares of some lie in their constitutions, of others, in their society, of most, in the various circumstances of life. Those who are upon their watch in any due measure, who exercise any wisdom or observation
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