Christianity apparent, to be as diligent, earnest and serious in the use
of the means, as if they could effectuate the matter we were seeking;
and yet to be as much abstracted from them, in our hopes and
expectation, and to be as much leaning on the Lord alone, and depending
on him for the blessing, as if we were using no means at all.

6. They should beware of slighting and neglecting the motions of the
Spirit; for thereby they may lose the best opportunity. They should be
always on the wing, ready to embrace the least motion; and they should
stand always ready, waiting for the breathings of his Spirit, and open
at his call; lest afterward, they be put to call and seek, and not
attain what they would be at, as we see in the spouse, Cant. v. 2, 3, 4,
&c.

7. They should also guard against the quenching of the Spirit, 1 Thess.
v. 12; or grieving of the Spirit, Eph. iv. 30, by their unchristian and
unsuitable carriage; for this will much mar their sanctification. It is
by the Spirit that the work of sanctification is carried on in the soul;
and when this Spirit is disturbed, and put from his work, how can the
work go on? When the motions of this indwelling Spirit are extinguished,
his work is marred and retarded; and when he is grieved, he is hindered
in his work. Therefore souls must guard against unbelief, despondency,
unsuitable and unchristian carriage.

8. Especially they should beware of wasting sins, Psal. li. 10. Sins
against light and conscience, such as David called presumptuous sins,
Psal. xix. 13. They should beware also of savouring any unknown
corruption, or any thing of that kind, that may hinder the work of
sanctification.