point our thoughts lead us when they are wholly unconfined, that will shew the real disposition of our minds : if we are car- nal and worldly, our thoughts will be running out after things of a carnal and worldly nature ; if, on the contrary, we are spiritual, then will our thoughts, which are known to God only, be spiritual and heavenly.]
2. How to act when we are converted —
[What is spoken proverbially in reference to the expen- diture of money, may very fitly be applied to this subject ; * Take care of little things ; and great ones will take care of themselves.' Be attentive to your thoughts ; and we shall have no fear about your actions. There is not any thing done, but it has been previously transacted in the thoughts. The heart is the womb in which every thing is first conceived, whether it be good or evil'=. Out of the abundance that is there, will the mouth speak, and the members act^. Let us then attend to the advice of Solomon, " Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life^." Let us endeavour to train the thoughts for God. Let us not suffer them to roam without restraint; but frequently arrest them, and inquire into their nature and tendency. Then shall we become ornaments to our holy profession, and acquire an increasing meetness for heaven, where " every " thought will indeed be captivated to the obedience and enjoyment of Christ.]
c Jam. i. 15. ^ Matt. xii. 34, 35. ^ Prov. iv. 23.