The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

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 the mind, if we accustom our selves to give them entertainment, if they are wont to lodge within, in vain shall we hope or desire to be spiritually minded. Herein consists a principal part of that duty which our Saviour so frequently, so emphatically chargeth on us all; namely to Watch, Mark 3.37. Unless we keep a strict watch herein, we shall be betrayed into the hands of our spiritual enemies; for all such Thoughts are but making provision for the flesh to fulfil its desires in the lusts thereof, however they may be disappointed as unto actual sin. This is the substance of the advice given us in charge, Prov. 4.23. Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the Issues of Life.

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 suffer'd to make an inroad into the mind, if we accustom our selves to give them entertainment, if they are wont to lodge within, in vain shall we hope or desire to be spiritually minded. Herein consists a principal part of that duty which our Saviour so frequently, so emphatically chargeth on us all; namely to Watch, Mark 3.37. Unless we keep a strict watch herein, we shall be betray'd into the hands of our spiritual enemies; for all such Thoughts are but making provision for the flesh to fullfill its desires in the lusts thereof, however they may be disappointed as unto actual sin. This is the substance of the advice given us in charge, Prov. 4.23. Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the Issues 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 unto an earthly or sensual frame. If men will venture on those things which they have found by Experience, or may find by Observation, that they seduce and draw off their Minds from an Heavenly frame unto that which is contrary thereunto, and will not watch unto their avoidance, they will be filled with the fruit of their own ways. Indeed the Common Converses of Professors among themselves and others, walking, talking