ret prayer and public worship.

3. We have need of special watchfulness when we have experienced any
comfortable manifestations of God's presence. It is then that Satan
tempts us to consider the conflict over, and relax our diligence. If we
give way to him, we shall bring leanness upon our souls.

4. We have need of double watchfulness when gloom and despondency come
over our souls; for then the adversary seeks to stir up all the perverse
passions of the heart.

5. Watch, also, when you feel remarkably cheerful. Satan will then, if
possible, persuade you to indulge in levity, to the wounding of your
soul, and the dishonor of religion.

6. We have need of special watchfulness in prosperity, that we forget
not God; and in adversity, that we murmur not at his dealings with us.

7. Set a watch over your tongue, especially in the presence of the
unconverted. "The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity." David says, "I
will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me." I do
not mean that you should ever engage in any sinful conversation in the
presence of Christians. I know some professors of religion will indulge
in senseless garrulity among themselves, and put on an air of
seriousness and solemnity before those whom they regard as unconverted.
This they pretend to do for the _honor of Christ_. But Christ says, "Out
of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." God hates lip
service. However, in the company of sinners and formal professors we are
peculiarly exposed to temptation, and have need therefore to set a
double guard upon our lips. A single unguarded expression from a
Christian may do great injury to an unconverted soul.

8. Watch over your heart when engaged in doing good to others. It is
then that Satan seeks to stir up pride and vain-glory.

9. Set a _double_ watch over your easily besetting sin. "Let us lay
aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us." Most
persons have some constitutional sin, which easily besets them. Satan
takes the advantage of this infirmity, to bring us into difficulty.

10. Finally, keep a constant watch over the _imagination_. Since this is
the medium through which temptation comes, never suffer your fancy to
rove without control. If you mortify this faculty of the soul, it may be
a great assistance to your devotion. But, if you let it run at random,
you will be led captive by Satan at his will. Strive, then, after a
sanctified imagination, tha